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'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2019

Sexual-orientation study

A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Telomere length unaffected by smoking

A new meta-analysis of 18 studies found that smoking does not accelerate telomere shortening, challenging the long-held assumption that smoking affects telomere length. Adult telomere length is now considered a static biomarker rather than a dynamic indicator of ageing.

Attitudes toward physician-assisted death among adults with elevated level of biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease

Cognitively normal adults with elevated levels of amyloid-β exhibited mixed attitudes toward physician-assisted death, reflecting complex emotions and values surrounding end-of-life care. The study highlights the need for nuanced discussions about dying wishes and advance care planning in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 29, 2019

Promise of liquid biopsy in cancer biomarker detection and prenatal screening

The article discusses the potential of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnosis, focusing on targeted disease diagnosis and detection of cancer biomarkers. Researchers have successfully detected specific genetic mutations using digital PCR, identifying promising biomarkers for various cancers, including melanoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateApr 22, 2019

A biosynthetic dual-core cell computer

Researchers have developed a biosynthetic dual-core cell computer using CRISPR-Cas9 components, enabling scalable and flexible computing. This biological system can process up to 100,000 different metabolic molecules per second, far surpassing previous cell computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019

Detecting cyanide exposure

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, ATOEA, that accurately detects cyanide exposure and persists in the body longer than the toxic compound. This breakthrough enables faster diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateFeb 27, 2019

The scientific tooth fairies of San Francisco

Research by Thomas Boyce, a CIFAR Fellow, shows that children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have higher levels of cortisol in their saliva and more cavity-causing bacteria around their gums. His study aims to understand why some children struggle and how all can thrive, as explored in his new book The Orchid and the Dandelion.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 15, 2019

New diagnostic technique reveals a protein biomarker that accurately differentiates bladder cancer from benign inflammation

A new diagnostic technique using infrared imaging and proteomics has identified a protein biomarker called AHNAK2 that can accurately distinguish between bladder cancer and benign inflammation. The technique has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between various stages of bladder cancer.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 12, 2019

New study shows smoking accelerates aging

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that smokers demonstrate a higher aging ratio and are predicted to be twice as old as their chronological age compared to nonsmokers. The study used blood biochemistry and artificial intelligence to analyze the impact of smoking on biological age.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2019

Racial differences in Alzheimer's disease unveiled

Researchers identified racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression among African-American participants, who had lower levels of brain protein tau. This may lead to under-recognition of the disease in African-Americans, as they often have lower tau levels than Caucasians, according to a new study.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 7, 2019

MON 810 and NK603 GM Maize: No effects detected on rat health or metabolism

Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.