Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
A nationwide study evaluates a targeted intervention aimed at transforming e-cigarettes from a maintenance product to a tool for smoking cessation. The research shows that the intervention produced smoking abstinence rates about 5-10 percentage points higher than those who received no intervention.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that cancer survivors' tongues are significantly less sensitive to bitter, salty, or sweet tastes due to damage caused by radiation therapy. The team discovered that taste dysfunction persists for years after treatment ends, affecting the quality of life for these individuals.
Researchers found racial disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing and COVID-19 hospitalization rates among children in England. The study suggests that these disparities persist even after adjusting for clinical and sociodemographic factors.
A distinctive inflammatory signature has been found in C90RF72 ALS patients, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This finding informs the development of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for this subgroup of ALS patients.
A systematic review of 501 chatbot apps found that none performed well on all testing criteria, with linguistic biases and usability challenges. The apps' limited program content made it hard to have extended or varied conversations between users and chatbots.
Researchers at Shinshu University Hospital developed a novel method to detect untreated osteoporosis through a low-cost, physical function test during routine health checks. The test measures two-step distance and body height to identify high risk individuals. Proper treatment can help avoid serious fractures and reduce mobility issues.
Researchers identified disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation by sociodemographic characteristics, including race and language, within a safety-net health system. Black, Native American, and non-English-speaking patients were more likely to receive testing through emergency departments rather than telehealth visits compared to wh...
New national screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that regular screenings begin at age 45 for Americans without symptoms or high-risk factors. The updated guideline aims to detect colorectal cancer earlier and improve treatment outcomes, particularly among younger adults.
Researchers at UNIGE create 3D spheroidal tumor models incorporating tumor cells and patient-specific immune cells to test treatment efficacy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment options, potentially reducing reliance on animal experiments.
A new simulation platform, Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM), has been developed to realistically simulate multiple trauma scenarios, providing physiologic responses and feedback. Trauma team members preferred the integrated AMM platform for its realism and feedback, leading to higher team experience ratings.
A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.
Researchers at Duke University and Stanford University School of Medicine found that long-term wearable device data can quickly indicate illness, dehydration, and abnormalities in a patient's red blood cell count. Machine learning algorithms applied to the data enabled identification of previously unknown relations between smartwatch s...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a brain-computer interface that uses brain stimulation to evoke tactile sensations, improving control of a robotic arm. The study found that supplementing vision with artificial tactile perception cut the time spent grasping and transferring objects in half.
The GEM ExTra test uses whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing to detect actionable mutations in patients with advanced solid tumors. It has been validated through clinical utilization and provides clinically actionable information to guide patient management decisions.
Researchers Farrokh Alemi and Amira Roess received funding to evaluate the effectiveness of symptom screening with predictive algorithm combined with at-home testing, finding it more accurate than alone.
Research shows that removing 'race correction' from pulmonary function test results reveals a higher prevalence and severity of lung disease among Black patients. The study found an increase in the percentage of patients with any pulmonary defect from 59.5% to 81.7%, indicating a significant difference.
A simulation study examined the impact of frequent testing and immunity-based staffing on COVID-19 transmission in nursing homes. The results showed that these interventions can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, making them effective strategies for preventing outbreaks.
A portable, rapid testing platform can detect gonorrhea infections and determine antibiotic resistance in under 15 minutes. The platform's speed and low cost could combat the spread of drug-resistant strains and improve timely diagnoses for patients with gonorrhea or other STIs.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smartphone breath alcohol testing devices have varying levels of accuracy. Some devices failed to detect users over the legal driving limit more than half the time, highlighting concerns about their reliability and potential impact on road safety.
A new Strep A human challenge model has been successfully developed, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. The model, which deliberately infected healthy adult volunteers with the bacteria in a controlled environment, was found to be safe and effective.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sphingobacterium phlebotomi, in sand fly rearing substrates that attracts pregnant females, offering a potential tool for reducing sand fly populations and preventing diseases like Leishmaniasis. The bacterium's volatile chemicals can be used to create ecologically safe baits or traps.
Individuals from long-lived families demonstrate improved baseline cognitive performance compared to their spouses. The study also found a slower rate of cognitive decline in younger generations within these families, particularly on the symbol coding test.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that US adults with fever are often not tested for coronavirus, contributing to community transmission. The research suggests that increased access and timely testing could reduce the spread of the virus.
Researchers develop a robotic-medical device and procedure to safely induce presence hallucinations in Parkinson's patients, providing a new diagnostic tool for the disease. The study findings suggest that the test may help predict the severity of the disease's progression.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
Researchers found that breastfed children scored higher on neurocognitive tests, with the strongest association seen in those breastfed for more than 12 months. The study, which analyzed over 9,000 participants, suggests that any amount of breastfeeding has a positive cognitive impact.
In a survey of 1,062 adults aged 45-75, most preferred fecal immunochemical tests (FIT/FOBT) or multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) over colonoscopy. The preference for mt-sDNA was higher among younger age groups and non-Hispanic white individuals, while older adults and minority groups preferred colonoscopy.
Researchers used engineering tools to investigate the pelvic floor hypothesis, which states that trade-offs exist between supporting childbirth and protecting organs. A larger pelvic floor would facilitate easier childbirth but risk deforming under weight, causing organs to fall downward.
The University of Queensland's technology uses lasers to track microscale particles with world-record precision, measuring viscosity a thousand times faster than ever before. This breakthrough may lead to a fundamental revision of scientists' understanding of cells, enabling faster and more accurate pharmaceutical testing.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers finds that a proposed law to regulate high-risk diagnostic tests could increase US healthcare costs by $565 million to $1.1 billion over a three-year period, depending on stringency of enforcement.
A Dartmouth startup has received funding to create a remote-sensing resistance band exercise system that can monitor patient progress and guide healthcare providers in at-home rehabilitation programs. The device aims to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, increasing compliance rates and reducing unnecessary interventions.
Researchers have created low-cost, next-generation screening tools for 'lazy eye' in children using computer gaming technology. The devices use webcams or virtual reality headsets to detect visual targets and analyze video streams.
A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in people under 30. The infections are treatable with antibiotics but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, and infertility if left untreated.
Researchers developed a fluorescence-based sensor for continuous cortisol detection, overcoming existing laboratory methods. The new sensor showed low levels of detection and reversible response in vitro, paving the way for an implantable sensor for real-time monitoring.
A small clinical trial found that cloth face coverings reduce exercise performance and increase shortness of breath and claustrophobia at higher intensities. The researchers suggest modifying exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type to compensate for the discomfort associated with mask-wearing.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of HDL cholesterol with improved anti-inflammatory capacity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that adding this measure to risk scores may improve heart disease prediction and patient protection.
A modeling study estimates COVID-19-related changes in colorectal cancer screenings and associated outcomes. Expanded fecal immunochemical testing may help mitigate these outcomes during the pandemic.
Incorporating HIV screening into COVID-19 testing at an urban emergency department improved patient outcomes, according to a recent study. The study found that this integrated approach led to higher rates of HIV diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the spread of both diseases.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
A new test has been developed to evaluate expressive language skills in individuals with Down syndrome, offering a more effective approach than current methods. The test was found to be reliable and consistent across different versions, making it suitable for most individuals between the ages of 6 and 23.
Soft microfluidic 'sweat stickers' can easily gather and analyze sweat from infants and children, matching performance with cumbersome devices. The stickers' multilayered design avoids repeated tests and skin indentations, enabling early diagnosis critical for good treatment outcomes.
A novel skin-mounted sticker has been developed to diagnose cystic fibrosis within minutes by changing color in response to chloride levels in sweat. The device is softer and more comfortable than traditional diagnostic tools, allowing for easier collection of sweat samples and faster diagnosis.
A new radon gas measurement system will measure radon continuously in DeKalb County, helping builders plan mitigation efforts ahead of time. The system could be deployed globally to assess risk and determine hazard in underground mining operations.
Researchers have proposed a new standard to measure moisture leaks into bionic devices, aiming to increase confidence in their operation. The improved moisture-testing regime could also be applied to the renewable energy industry.
A new diagnostic tool uses DPP3 to predict sepsis outcomes and guide early management. High DPP3 levels indicate severe sepsis and predict organ failure.
Researchers tested 17 supplements containing deterenol and found nine experimental stimulants, linked to nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrest. Consumers are urged to avoid these products and report any adverse effects to medical authorities.
A study by the University of Florida found that male patients with a single general physician were more likely to receive a prostate cancer screening test during a period when it was not recommended. The trust between doctor and patient is strong, but physicians must practice evidence-based care.
Asymptomatic and presymptomatic COVID-19 cases pose significant risk of transmission due to unknown minimum infectious dose and limited data. Focusing on additive risk reduction through community-based infection prevention measures is crucial to combat pandemic spread.
Research has identified two stevia varieties that can withstand freezing temperatures, making them suitable for growth in temperate climates. The study aims to improve the yield and taste of stevia while reducing production costs.
Research in simulated weightlessness found cognitive speed initially declined but remained unchanged, while emotion recognition worsened over time. Astronauts' ability to read emotional expressions may be impaired in long space missions, impacting teamwork and mission success.
A new algorithm developed by USC engineers can think and learn like a doctor, suggesting the best diagnostic strategies by mining electronic healthcare records. This could lead to faster, better, and more efficient diagnoses and treatments, complementing human doctors' judgment.
Researchers found Gazelle Malaria test to be highly sensitive and specific, missing only 4 cases of P. vivax infection per 100 people compared to RDTs which missed 16 cases. The test's portability, battery operation, and cold chain-free design make it a promising alternative for field conditions.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a retinal implant that uses electrodes to stimulate retinal cells, allowing blind individuals to see simplified images in black-and-white. The system has been tested virtually using virtual reality simulations and has demonstrated promising results, paving the way for potential human trials.
A low-cost intervention using small prizes and incentives successfully reduced alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Participants who received contingency management interventions were 70% more likely to abstain from alcohol than control participants.
Research found that obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder among people with cognitive impairment, affecting concentration, decision-making, and learning. The study suggests that treating this disorder with CPAP therapy may improve thinking and memory skills as well as overall quality of life.
The E-Morph test uses artificial intelligence to identify substances that can have oestrogen-like effects on breast cells. This method has the potential to replace animal experiments currently required for detecting hormone-like effects.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 antibody status and subsequent nucleic acid amplification test results to understand serostatus as a predictor of reinfection. The study found that seropositive individuals had a lower risk of future infection compared to those who were not seropositive.
Researchers identified two distinct pathways leading to septic shock, involving bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) and Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3). Early diagnosis with biomarker-guided approaches shows promising results in personalized medicine for sepsis treatment. New diagnostics are available for rapid detection of these biomarkers.
A new test has been developed to detect the magnetic properties of malaria-infected blood, which could help eliminate the disease. The test, called rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD), was field-tested on nearly 1000 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea and showed promising results.