Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A simple plasma-based biomarker could predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity

Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

A new biomarker helps detect kidney fibrosis in transplant patients without invasive procedures

Researchers have identified a simpler and more accessible alternative to diagnosing kidney fibrosis in transplant patients: measuring vitronectin levels in urine. The study found that vitronectin levels were significantly higher in patients with fibrosis, and combining this measurement with traditional urine tests improved accuracy.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024

World’s most common heart valve disease linked to insulin resistance in large national study

Researchers found a novel link between aortic stenosis and insulin resistance, with certain biomarkers increasing the risk of the disease. The study's findings suggest that managing metabolic health could be a new approach to reduce the risk of AS and improve cardiovascular health in aging populations.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2024

Paving the way for diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a method to functionalise graphene without interference, allowing for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers. This breakthrough enables rapid, cost-effective diagnostics using graphene-based field-effect transistors.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2024

Phenotypic and epigenetic clocks for aging and mortality

This systematic review analyzes 33 biological clocks used for aging and mortality quantification, categorizing them into epigenetic and phenotypic clocks. Epigenetic clocks demonstrate precision in estimating chronological age through DNA methylation, while phenotypic clocks predict mortality using easily measurable clinical variables.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 20, 2024

Combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy may improve response prediction to immunotherapy

Researchers have found that combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy analysis improves response prediction to immunotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study analyzed tumor samples and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by liquid biopsy, showing that the VIGex-Hot subgroup was associated with higher o...

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateNov 7, 2024

Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women

Research highlights correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women, identifying biomarkers for differential diagnosis. The review article emphasizes the pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, including shared pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 7, 2024

Closing in on Parkinson’s Disease proteins in extracellular vesicles in the blood

Researchers have developed a new protocol to exclusively access and quantify proteins carried by extracellular vesicles in the blood. This breakthrough may lead to early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders, providing treatment opportunities before symptoms appear.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Cardiovascular risk biomarkers in inflammaging

Researchers propose a comprehensive biomarker-based approach to assess cardiovascular risk by combining markers of chronic inflammation with cardiac health indicators. This approach reveals the significant impact of aging-related inflammation, or 'inflammaging,' on heart health and opens new avenues for targeted interventions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 29, 2024

Bowel cancer breakthrough

Researchers identified three long noncoding RNAs associated with worse outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, potentially serving as prognostic markers. The study's findings could enable doctors to separate high-risk patients from those at low risk of disease recurrence, leading to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Otago·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateOct 29, 2024

myeloMATCH precision medicine trials in myeloid leukemias open to patient enrollment across US and Canada

The myeloMATCH program offers a portfolio of biomarker-driven treatment trials to accelerate precision medicine in myeloid malignancies. Patients can enroll in clinical trials throughout their cancer treatment journey, with test results returned quickly to assign them to the most appropriate trial.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 23, 2024

Researchers develop new tool for improved diagnosis of common tropical disease

Researchers have created a new diagnostic tool using machine learning to detect schistosomiasis, a persistent parasitic infection affecting an estimated 250 million people. The tool can identify low levels of the infection and distinguish between active and past infections, leading to earlier treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

New device to ID biomarkers of breastfeeding complications developed by UMass Amherst-led team

A UMass Amherst-led team has developed a sensor to detect sodium ions in breastmilk, a biomarker of elevated mammary permeability and potential milk supply issues. The device provides highly sensitive readings inexpensively and quickly, with results delivered in three minutes and costs just $1 per test.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSensors and Actuators·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Study finds more than 80% of women iron deficient by third trimester

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that over 80% of women are iron deficient by the third trimester of pregnancy. Despite being considered a high-resource setting, the study revealed alarming rates of iron deficiency among healthy pregnant women. This finding emphasizes the importance of routin...

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Digital biomarkers shedding light on seasonality in mood disorders

A new study published in PLOS Mental Health found a relationship between daily sunlight exposure, physical activity, and depressed state. The research used wrist-based activity sensors to collect data from individuals with depression and those without, revealing that more depressed states were associated with lower daytime activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

A simple blood test warns of possible cardiometabolic complications for children with obesity

A study from the University of Copenhagen detected lipid biomarkers in obese children that indicate a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, liver, and heart disease later in life. A one-year lifestyle intervention lowered these biomarkers, demonstrating the importance of early intervention for children with obesity.