Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Researchers at Imperial College London have designed a low-cost external fixator for broken bones, made from stainless steel and aluminium, which can be manufactured locally. The device has shown similar stiffness to commercial devices in cadaver leg bones and is being tested in Gaza, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.
A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.
Researchers found that impaired olfactory identification and sensitivity functions are associated with frailty, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting frailty and unhealthy aging. The study's findings suggest screening older adults' ability to smell various scents could be as important as testing hearing and vision.
Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
Researchers discovered a new CRISPR protein that can degrade single-stranded RNA, DNA, and double-stranded DNA, enabling the development of inexpensive and highly sensitive diagnostic tests for various infectious diseases. The test could combine high sensitivity and accuracy with rapid at-home diagnostic features.
Researchers found that white matter hyperintensities are independently associated with premature brain aging, leading to progressive age-like brain atrophy. The study used machine-learning algorithms to estimate brain age and analyzed the relationship between WMH load and BrainGAP scores.
A randomized trial shows that patients undergoing partial knee arthroplasty (UKA) experience faster functional recovery in walking speed and mobility tests compared to those who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA). UKA also resulted in shorter operative times, reduced blood loss, and improved functional outcomes.
A UMass Amherst study reveals that 61% of wellness visits for reproductive-age women (15-49) were with OB-GYNs, while chronic condition patients also relied heavily on these specialists. Key preventive services like pap tests and pelvic exams were more common in OB-GYN settings, whereas lipid testing was rare.
A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.
Researchers found that plasma GH levels are a potential biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes in patients with advanced HCC treated with Atezo/Bev. The study showed significantly superior overall survival and non-significant trend in favor of GH-low patients compared to GH-high patients.
A recent study by BMJ Group found that oat biscuits are the best option for healthcare workers during tea breaks. The research ranked biscuit varieties based on nutritional content, crunchiness, and durability after dunking, with oat biscuits emerging as the top choice.
A recent study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya reveals that Spanish citizens have lower vitamin D levels compared to Northern European nations. Despite the importance of this hormone for overall health, supplementation is not commonly practiced in Spain.
The E1910 trial found that adding blinatumomab to standard front-line consolidation chemotherapy improved overall survival and kept most patients in remission. The treatment, which targets malignant B cells, demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with a good prognosis after an initial round of chemotherapy.
A review of over 100 scientific articles suggests that the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy is endorsed by science, but their effects on fetal neurodevelopment are poorly understood. Brazilian researchers propose using lab-grown mini-brains to investigate this impact and identify potential alterations.
A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.
A pilot study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a low-cost computer vision system was feasible and well-received by employees. The system accurately detected mask adherence 100% of the time, with most participants experiencing a positive interaction.
The study analyzed 23,000 symptomatic individuals in King County, Washington, from June 2020 to July 2022. It found shifts in reported symptoms between SARS-CoV-2 variants and persistent racial and sociodemographic disparities in rhinovirus infection.
A new, non-invasive malaria detection tool developed by a University of Queensland-led team can quickly identify entire villages or towns suffering from the disease. The device uses infrared-light and is chemical-free, needle-free, and detects malaria through the skin.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that alternatives to menthol cigarettes pose significant addiction and health risks. Mentholated pipe tobacco and tubes were the most appealing and addictive options, suggesting they should be included in the proposed ban.
The use of smartwatches to screen for faulty heart rhythms needs more evaluation, according to a cardiologist. Smartwatch detection of AF can often point to cases of the disorder, but substantial work is needed to integrate this consumer-received information into optimized care. Recent studies have reported low rates of irregular heart...
A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.
Research reveals that individuals with autism have normal pain thresholds but increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. This study's findings suggest the need for increased awareness and early treatment to improve quality of life for autistic individuals.
A study by North Carolina State University found that two common veterinary drugs, Fluralaner and Ivermectin, are effective in killing bed bugs on poultry farms. Fluralaner was highly effective against bed bugs with resistance to common insecticides.
A nationwide questionnaire in Dutch colorectal cancer screening found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of provider discussion, and personal risk perceptions are common reasons for not following up. Personalized screening counseling and family practitioner involvement may help increase follow-up rates.
A California study of 99,000 pregnancies found that prenatal cannabis use was more common in areas with greater retail availability of cannabis. The study suggests a larger absolute increase in prenatal cannabis use among those living closer to storefront retailers during the pandemic.
A collaborative research team led by Dr Philip Li from HKUMed has pioneered a new nurse-led penicillin allergy triage and testing strategy, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety compared to traditional allergy testing. The study found that 90% of penicillin allergy labels in Hong Kong are incorrect, leading to potential letha...
A new study explores the value of 'trash data' from cancer genome sequencing, identifying new strategies to uncover previously unexplored information. The researchers found that genomic and transcriptomic data contain relevant information that can help elucidate carcinogenesis and discover putative biomarkers with clinical applications.
A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.
Researchers at UNIST developed a subcutaneously implantable electromagnetic biosensor system for continuous glucose monitoring. The new technology eliminates the need for frequent finger pricking, providing more accurate blood glucose level tracking and improved patient care.
A UK Biobank study found that screening all adults aged 40-70 years for type 2 diabetes using HbA1c could detect up to 250,000 undiagnosed cases, bringing diagnoses forward by 2.2 years on average.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that patients with severe epilepsy who undergo surgical tissue analysis are at risk for rare secondary diseases, including inflammation and incipient Alzheimer's dementia-like. These conditions can lead to unexpected cognitive decline months or years after surgery.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will launch onboard a Falcon 9 rocket with critical research and supplies for the International Space Station. ISS National Laboratory-sponsored projects aim to bring value through space-based research and technology development.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.
A study found that NFL fan attendance was associated with increased COVID-19 incidence in the host county and surrounding areas. The findings suggest that large events require extra precautions when vaccines, testing, and countermeasures are not readily available.
Researchers used wearable activity trackers to derive health metrics, including heart rate distribution and walking frequency, that correlated with clinically measured parameters. These findings suggest that activity-tracker data can identify surrogate markers of disease severity, enabling remote monitoring and potential personalized t...
A nationwide study found that hundreds of residents in neurological surgery trained on a first-of-its-kind simulator, mirroring real-life catastrophe scenarios. The simulation model was deemed feasible and cost-effective, similar to pre-flight simulators used by pilots.
A study in Japan reveals that universal screening methods for biliary atresia, a rare and severe lung condition in infants, are cost-effective. The research found that stool color card screening and direct bilirubin testing gained significant clinical benefits and saved lives.
A large South Korean cohort study found a five-fold increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for adults with persistent hematuria. Associations were stronger in men compared to women.
A recent meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update reveals a significant worldwide decline in sperm counts of over 50% in the past 46 years. The study also shows an accelerated post-2000 decline in sperm counts globally.
A three-year research project led by Aston University aims to prevent epileptic seizures in children. The team will explore how epilepsy becomes established in the brain and test new drugs using living tissue samples.
A study of over 111,000 veterans found that prescription of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies was underused, particularly among those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and minority groups. Veterans with limited outpatient access to these treatments were also less likely to receive them.
A new study from the University of Bath has found that clinical trials on heated tobacco products (HTPs) are often biased, with many being funded or affiliated with the tobacco industry. This raises concerns about the validity of HTPs as a safer alternative to cigarettes.
A new technique analyzing urine extracellular vesicles can detect changes in the kidneys earlier than conventional methods and predict renal function decline. This method has the potential to develop new urine tests that can catch the disease earlier, as well as similar tests for other diseases.
A higher urine-to-plasma urea ratio is associated with faster decline in eGFR and development of kidney failure in patients with common forms of CKD. This biomarker may improve risk prediction, particularly in low-cost, easily measurable assays.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a sensor device that determines cholesterol levels without using enzymes. The system uses copper chloride, making the process cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional methods.
A team of experts recommends adopting the Choosing Wisely campaign's principles to optimize administrative management practices, improving workforce satisfaction and retention. By applying these same principles, healthcare professionals can enhance their well-being and improve the value of clinical care.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.
Researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method to detect amphiphiles, a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds used in disease diagnosis and toxin detection. The new test uses rolling droplets on microstructured surfaces to detect levels of pathogenic endotoxins in water at ultralow concentrations.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
A specialized triage algorithm, ROCA test, enables earlier stage diagnosis in women deferring preventive surgery, saving NHS costs. The approach results in fewer major surgical interventions and lower risk of wider disease spread.
A new troponin test has been developed to help diagnose heart attacks more accurately. By detecting only large troponin molecules, the test can distinguish between heart attacks and other conditions such as renal insufficiency.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new hearing screening system using low-cost earbuds and smartphones, which performed as well as commercial devices and correctly identified patients with hearing loss. The tool can be used in countries where screening is not accessible due to high device costs.
A new exercise-testing approach detects asymptomatic cardiovascular abnormalities in pediatric cancer survivors, highlighting the need for routine monitoring before symptoms appear. The method assesses exercise data through a combination of peak and submaximal parameters simultaneously.
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals dozens of UK companies offering private blood tests with misleading claims, contradicting official medical guidance and potentially harming individuals. Experts argue for regulation to protect consumers and prevent unnecessary costs for the NHS.
A novel oxytocin derivative, PAS-CPPs-oxytocin, has been shown to improve cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The derivative is delivered via intranasal administration and shows increased brain penetration compared to traditional intracerebroventricular delivery.
A new study has identified a specialized and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in the ischemia/reperfusion injured brain, linked to stroke. The presence of Peroxiredoxin-1 protects against acute I/R injury, reducing microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel treatment that combines internal radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors in 80% of mice with pancreatic cancer. The approach uses a gel-like depot implanted with radioactive iodine-131, which deposits beta radiation directly into the tumor without affecting surrounding tissue.