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University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely eliminate thousands of unnecessary CT scans

A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalWestern Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 18, 2026

Who benefits from a heart calcium scan?

A new study from Northwestern University found that coronary calcium scans are most valuable for patients with borderline cardiovascular risk. The scans added relatively little to risk prediction from existing risk calculators, but provided a clearer picture for those at intermediate risk. The study suggests that not everyone needs a c...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 2026

One of the world's only two complete dodo skulls reveals new clues about the extinct bird

Researchers digitally reconstructed a dodo brain cavity to understand its sensory abilities, finding it may have had a flexible daily activity pattern and enhanced sense of smell. The study provides new clues on how the dodo foraged and interacted with its environment before disappearing in the late 17th century.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 5, 2026

FireANTs brings AI speed and geometric precision to medical imaging

FireANTs, an open-source algorithm, combines AI optimization and geometry to quickly match complex medical images. The new method can accomplish what took weeks in minutes, detecting subtle changes that signal disease or cognitive decline, making it practical for clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Bringing diabetes treatment into focus

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a PET tracer to quantify beta cell mass in type 1 diabetes patients, revealing lower uptake in those with the disease. This measurement was inversely related to hemoglobin A1c and total daily insulin dose, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive readout of residual beta cell mass.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDiabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

NUH and NUS launch new Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Centre to strengthen patient care and research

The new Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Centre at NUH and NUS Medicine enables faster, safer and more precise diagnoses, while researchers can observe real-time tracer movement throughout the body. This opens possibilities for validating next-generation diagnostics and therapies, advancing theranostics.

FAU/Baptist Health AI spine model could transform lower back pain treatment

Researchers developed a fully automated finite element analysis pipeline to transform spine diagnostics and personalized treatment planning. The new approach enables rapid, patient-specific simulations that support preoperative planning, spinal implant optimization, and early detection of degenerative spine conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2025

Study assesses cancers in children exposed to medical imaging

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that nearly 4 million children and adolescents were at higher risk of developing blood cancers due to radiation exposure from medical imaging. The researchers estimated that up to 10% of pediatric blood and bone marrow cancers may be attributable to radiation exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2025

Pre-conception radiation exposure from CT scans increases risk for miscarriage and birth defects

A population-based study found that CT radiation exposure before conception may increase the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss and congenital anomalies. Women with prior CT scans were more likely to experience miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, or stillbirths, as well as birth defects in their offspring.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 8, 2025

Exploring and verifying key thin-section computed tomography features for accurately differentiating granulomas and peripheral lung cancers

Researchers developed a classification system to accurately distinguish granulomas from peripheral lung cancers based on thin-section computed tomography (TSCT) features. Satellite lesions, halo sign, and calcification are indicative of granulomas, while well-defined solid nodules with lobulation raise suspicion for PLCs.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2025

Researchers solve ultrasound imaging problem using seismology technique

A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...

SourceColorado State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 11, 2025

Drought-resilient plant holds promise for future food production, study finds

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Australia’s oldest prehistoric tree frog hops 22 million years back in time

A new species of ancient tree frog, Litoria tylerantiqua, has been discovered in Australia, challenging previous estimates of when Australian and South American tree frogs separated. The fossil record indicates that the separation occurred approximately 22 million years ago, rather than 33 million years ago as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

Krebs von den Lungen-6 as a biomarker for distinguishing between interstitial lung disease and interstitial lung abnormalities based on computed tomography findings

Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels are significantly elevated in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), suggesting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. The study also highlights the relationship between KL-6 levels and pulmonary function, specifically forced vital capacity.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2025

With CCTA poised to transform PCI planning, SCAI/SCCT publish expert opinion document

The SCAI/SCCT expert opinion document presents a comprehensive framework for using CCTA to guide PCI. It outlines current evidence and future opportunities, providing practical guidance on image acquisition, interpretation, and procedural strategy. The document aims to bridge the gap between imaging and intervention, emphasizing educat...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 1, 2025

‘Some pterosaurs would flap, others would soar’ – new study further confirms the flight capability of these giants of the skies

Scientists have discovered that some pterosaurs flew by flapping their wings while others soared like vultures. The new findings were made possible by the discovery of remarkably well-preserved fossils in Jordan, including a species with a five-meter wingspan and unique internal structures.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 6, 2024

New imaging software improves lung diagnosis for 30% of patients who can't tolerate contrast dye; has added diagnostic benefits for all patients

Researchers developed CT-Derived Functional Imaging, a software program that calculates lung volume changes and blood mass without contrast dye. The technology has improved diagnoses for up to 30% of patients who couldn't tolerate contrast dye, and also benefits all patients with lung issues such as COPD and cancer.

Validated rules help prevent overuse of CT scans for diagnosing traumatic head and abdominal injuries in kids

Researchers validated pediatric emergency department guidelines promoting safer CT scan use, finding both predictive rules safe and effective in minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure. The study enrolled thousands of children and adolescents nationwide, showing high accuracy in identifying cases requiring immediate intervention.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

These giant, prehistoric salmon had tusk-like teeth

A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Multinational study confirms association between CT scans in young people and increased risk of cancer

A multinational study of almost one million individuals found a strong association between exposure to radiation from CT scans in young people and an increased risk of blood cancers. The study confirms that the benefits of computed tomography outweigh the risks, but emphasizes the need for strict radiological protection measures, parti...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Immune system ageing can be revealed by CT scan

A new study from Linköping University has found that the appearance of the thymus gland in chest CT scans is linked to immune system ageing. The researchers examined over 1,000 Swedish individuals aged 50-64 and found that fatty degeneration of the thymus was more common in men and those with abdominal obesity. Lifestyle factors such a...

SourceLinköping University·JournalImmunity & Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

‘Concerning’ CT scans may cause unnecessary hospitalization for some pulmonary embolism patients

Researchers found that 'concerning' CT imaging results were associated with lower clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays in low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. This suggests that emergency physicians may be managing these patients differently, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Even with insurance, many patients with diabetes turn to GoFundMe to offset high cost of care

A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023