Research on measurable signals of health and disease. Covers ultrasound imaging pipelines, fetal-distress detection, cancer monitoring, and fatigue biology.
A new highly sensitive troponin assay has been shown to be superior in diagnosing heart attacks, allowing for earlier and more accurate treatment. The study found that using this test on admission and measuring changes after 3 hours can rule out or confirm a diagnosis of heart attack with high accuracy.
Researchers identified two distinct biomarker patterns that continue to improve with time, even after partial weight regain. These improvements suggest long-term effects of healthier dietary habits on cardiovascular health and organ function.
A new study provides clear procedures for collecting and analyzing microRNAs, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy. Researchers developed measures to overcome interfering activities and improved the sensitivity of miRNA detection by up to 30-fold, enabling faithful quantitation of miRNA abundance in body fluids.
Researchers at MU College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a biomarker that can indicate infection in dogs, which may also be applicable to humans. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a portable bedside test for quick diagnosis and targeted treatment, reducing antibiotic use and promoting better health outcomes.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 300,000 US citizens, causing skin thickening and internal organ damage. Researchers at Northwestern will identify biomarkers using proteomics to develop targeted therapies.
A randomized double-blind clinical trial found that regular consumption of vitamin D-fortified yoghurt drink improved endothelial biomarkers in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D levels were also elevated in most patients, leading to reduced cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.
A systematic review of delirium biomarkers found that clinicians are not using these chemical indicators to diagnose or treat patients with delirium. Biomarkers linked to delirium provide a window into the disease process, enabling better recognition and management of the condition.
A new mathematical model developed by Stanford University scientists can help guide attempts to improve blood-based tumor detection methods. The model predicts that tumors can grow for 10 years or longer before detection using current blood tests, but may allow early detection within a shorter timeframe with the right biomarker.
The BBVA Foundation-funded Tumor Biomarkers Research Program aims to develop targeted therapies for various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. The program will utilize biomarkers to identify unique molecular characteristics in each patient's tumor.
A Virginia Tech research team has created a microelectromechanical system to detect trace amounts of toxins in breath on the parts per billion scale. The study aims to monitor patient exhaled breath to identify and quantify environmental exposure risks, providing valuable data for limiting harmful contaminant exposure.
The Arizona State University-led initiative aims to identify molecular markers for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, with the goal of predicting heart attack risk and assessing potential new treatments. The project will use proteomics and mass spectrometry technology to discover and validate biomarkers.
Researchers have discovered a panel of proteins shed by breast cancer that can distinguish between real cancer and benign lumps. The biomarker panel outperforms mammograms and single biomarkers in distinguishing between breast cancer and benign lumps, with some panels ranking above 0.95.
Researchers have found a biomarker that can rapidly identify severe graft-versus-host disease of the intestine in hematopoietic cell transplant patients with leukemia, lymphoma or other blood disorders. The biomarker, REG3-alpha, helps doctors ensure patients receive appropriate treatment as early as possible.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a transcriptional biomarker that may assist in the monitoring of Huntington's disease activity and the evaluation of new medications. The biomarker, H2AFY, is overexpressed in the blood of individuals with Huntington's disease.
A study aims to utilize Galectin-3 and HBME-1 proteins as biomarkers for thyroid cancer diagnosis, enabling earlier detection and reducing surgical interventions. The research has the potential to improve patient outcomes by accurately identifying patients at risk of cancer.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a genetic variant associated with lower five-year survival rates after coronary artery bypass graft. The thrombomodulin (THBD) gene was independently linked to increased long-term mortality risk following CABG procedure.
Researchers found high serum BDNF levels among alcohol-dependent individuals, which may predict relapse. Abstinence and non-abstinence conditions showed increased BDNF levels over time, indicating neurological transformations reflected by peripheral BDNF levels.
Researchers discovered a DNA biomarker, GSTP1, in bodily fluids that can complement the PSA test to increase prostate cancer diagnosis accuracy. The new blood test may reduce unnecessary biopsies and provide physicians with reassurance about biopsy recommendations.
Researchers are studying biomarkers in the blood of TBI patients to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study aims to validate biomarkers as predictors of clinical outcome and evaluate the relationship between progesterone treatment and biomarker levels.
Advances in nanotechnology are driving innovation in mass spectrometry instrumentation, enabling faster and more precise biomarker validation. Researchers have developed novel nanoflow separation methodologies that ramp up the speed and precision of validating biomarkers.
The search for biomarkers has made significant strides in disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring, with some tests already incorporated into everyday medicine. However, recent studies have shown that promising cancer biomarkers are no better than existing ones, highlighting the need for new approaches.
Scientists have identified molecular differences between disease-indicating proteins and those that exist naturally, enabling the development of reliable diagnostic tests. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of fatal diseases, such as cancer.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.
A new study found that a protein called soluble amyloid precursor protein beta (sAPPβ) may be a more accurate predictor of Alzheimer's disease than existing biomarkers. The researchers discovered that sAPPβ levels were significantly higher in participants who developed the disease, with an average of 1,200 nanograms per milliliter.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) biomarker was a poor method for detecting unhealthy drinking among HIV-infected adults. The study suggests that CDT is not sufficiently sensitive for use in screening for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV infection.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center demonstrate a staged, targeted pipeline approach using mass spectrometry to prioritize and validate protein biomarkers in mice. This method enables the testing of a larger number of biomarker candidates than conventional technologies, improving the efficiency of biomarker evaluation. The stu...
A study found that a low-saturated fat and low-glycemic index diet decreased certain biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults, while also improving memory performance. However, the diet had the opposite effect on individuals with mild cognitive impairment, potentially due to its short duration.
A study published in JAMA found that highly cited studies on biomarkers often reported larger effect size estimates than subsequent meta-analyses, suggesting potential for false-positive results. This can lead to wasted resources and inaccurate risk appraisal if not addressed by conducting more evidence.
Researchers analyzed 35 highly-cited studies and found that fewer than half of biomarkers had statistically significant associations with disease risk in larger follow-up studies. Only one in five original studies increased a patient's relative risk for a condition by more than 1.37.
A study found that elderly patients with heart failure symptoms who have high levels of biomarkers copeptin and NT-proBNP in their blood have an increased risk of all-cause death. The combination of these biomarkers provides greater prognostic information, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a biomarker Stat5 in breast cancer that predicts patient response to anti-estrogen therapy tamoxifen. Women with active Stat5 have an increased likelihood of responding to the treatment, while those without it are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer.
Researchers use a genetically re-engineered herpes virus that selectively infects cancer cells, prompting them to secrete a biomarker that can be detected. The technology has the potential to improve cancer diagnosis and monitoring, especially in less developed parts of the world.
GEN reports on innovative approaches to detect cancer at an early stage, with potential benefits of reduced invasive biopsies and imaging studies. Researchers are validating biomarkers like CA125 and matrix metalloproteases in urine for ovarian cancer detection.
Researchers at Goethe University and Harvard Medical School develop screening method for active ingredients to treat Batten disease, a devastating disorder affecting vision and motor abilities. The breakthrough uses innovative microscopy technology and identifies biomarkers for potential drug intervention.
The National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer's Association Diagnostic Guidelines for Alzheimer's Disease outline new approaches for clinicians and researchers. The guidelines cover the full spectrum of the disease, including preclinical stages, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia due to Alzheimer's pathology.
A study of 26,643 U.S. adults found that combining creatinine, cystatin C, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio improved prediction of end-stage renal disease and all-cause death. The researchers identified a 3-fold risk of death and 4-fold risk of end-stage renal disease associated with the combined markers.
Researchers validated three salivary mRNA biomarkers (B2M, GIP2, MNDA) and three protein biomarkers (B2M, SSA, SSB) for detecting Sjogren's syndrome in the US population, expanding clinical utility of existing biomarkers.
Researchers identified four novel biomarkers that can discriminate between healthy controls, asthmatics, and individuals with COPD. These anti-inflammatory proteins may help diagnose respiratory diseases earlier, allowing for more effective treatment.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers have identified a new biomarker for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a degenerative brain disease with no cure. The biomarker, transferrin, shows promise in early diagnosis and potential therapy development.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can accurately diagnose the condition in patients while they are still alive. The biomarker, transferrin, is significantly decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sCJD before the end stage of the disease.
A nearly $2 million NIH grant will help Nationwide Children's Hospital investigate biomarkers linked to hemangioma development and outcome. The study aims to understand the role of oxidant production in hemangioma formation.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered protein markers that could predict ectopic pregnancies. A panel of biomarkers, weighing individual proteins' relative importance, may create a more sensitive and reliable test for detecting ectopic pregnancies.
A newly discovered biomarker could help doctors diagnose meniscal tears with high accuracy, avoiding unnecessary surgery and medical scans. The biomarker, a fibronectin-aggrecan complex, was found in the knee fluid of patients with painful meniscal tears but not in asymptomatic individuals.
Researchers have developed a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples before symptoms appear, identifying two potential biomarkers with 90% accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers create microsponges that capture biomarkers, enabling rapid disease diagnosis with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic methods at a lower cost.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a blood-clotting agent that can diagnose and monitor treatment for childhood genetic diseases. The biomarker, heparan cofactor II/thrombin (HCII/T) complex, accurately distinguishes between untreated patients with various MPS conditions.
A team of researchers has identified a potential biomarker for predicting future metastasis in patients with the most common form of liver cancer. Quantification of the mRNA template for a truncated version of the protein carboxypeptidase E (CPE) was found to predict intrahepatic metastasis with high sensitivity and specificity.
A new study found that traditional dietary surveys, relying on self-reported data, are inconsistent and can be influenced by memory impairment and digestive issues. Using nutrient biomarkers through blood tests, researchers aim to improve the accuracy of nutritional assessments and develop more effective therapies for cognitive health.
A study found that lower levels of beta-amyloid protein fragments, combined with less education, are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline over nine years. Cognitive reserve measures modified the association, with those having higher reserves showing less decline.
The top biotech acquisitions in 2010 that exceeded $1 billion included a $41 billion purchase of Alcon by Novartis, followed by a $18.5 billion bid for Genzyme from sanofi-aventis. Merck's $5.2 billion acquisition of Millipore and Teva's €3.625 billion purchase of ratiopharm also made the list.
Researchers identify potential antibody biomarkers for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis using synthetic compounds. Synthetic peptoids capture immunoglobulin antibodies from blood samples with high accuracy.
Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that can rapidly detect biomarkers in real time, enabling an inexpensive and quick way to collect diagnostic information about patients. The technology has the potential to diagnose cancer and other diseases by detecting specific compounds in a person's breath.
Researchers found that patients who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting HIV therapy had specific biomarker patterns in their blood. The study suggests that prediction of IRIS or death may be possible with measurement of pre-antiretroviral therapy serum biomarkers.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a broad panel of 28 early predictors, or biomarkers, that may aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The biomarkers were specific to breast cancer patients and not found in healthy women or those with benign breast disease.
A new study found that cardiac troponin T levels detected with a highly sensitive assay are associated with structural heart disease, cardiovascular mortality, and increased all-cause death in the general population. The prevalence of detectable cTnT varied by sex, race, age, and comorbidities.
Researchers at SomaLogic describe a breakthrough technology that detects biomarkers for lung cancer in its early stages, revealing the presence of a panel of 12 proteins. The SOMAmer technology enables accurate detection and measurement of proteins in just a few drops of blood.
A new study has identified promising biomarkers for Huntington's disease that could be used to track disease progression and test potential disease-modifying treatments. Biomarkers were found in brain imaging techniques, including whole-brain and striatal atrophy, which increased at a higher rate in individuals with the disease.
Researchers identified placental growth factor as a promising diagnostic biomarker for ectopic pregnancies. The study found that PIGF levels were reduced in samples from tubal ectopic pregnancies compared to intrauterine pregnancies.
A study funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association has identified a common signature of nerve damage in MND patients' brains, using advanced MRI techniques. This finding holds promise for a biomarker that could improve diagnosis speed and accuracy, as well as assess future treatments.
Researchers have discovered haptoglobin as a reliable serum biomarker for predicting the onset of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. The findings suggest that sustained elevations of serum haptoglobin are predictive of ensuing diabetes, with early detection potentially allowing for timely intervention.