Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Monitoring lactate and bio-ADM levels helps identify high-risk sepsis patients. Bio-ADM measures blood vessel leakage, which can detect fatal outcomes despite low or decreasing lactate levels.
A new study published in Experimental Results journal found that a commonly used autism screening tool, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) questionnaire, lacks reliability in measuring autistic personality traits. The researchers suggest that new systems are needed to better capture the range of autistic traits across the population.
A new study by researchers from the University of Michigan found that several commercially available arsenic test kits performed poorly, with some underestimating arsenic levels by a factor of two. The most accurate kits returned field-test values closest to lab-tested arsenic values, while others produced lighter color test strips tha...
A smartphone app detecting jaundice in newborns may prevent deaths and disabilities due to its accuracy and low cost. The app uses images captured on a smartphone camera to quantify the yellowness of the eye, similar to expensive hand-held devices.
Scientists at UCF created functional nanomaterials for highly sensitive biomarker detection. The new method could enable high-performance technologies in various areas, including better diagnostic tools and test strip technology.
A wireless sweat sensor developed by Caltech researcher Wei Gao accurately detects cortisol levels in near real-time, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of stress and mental health conditions. The sensor has been tested on healthy individuals and patients with depression and PTSD, showing promising results.
A new paper-based device has been developed to enable quick diagnosis of bacterial infections at the point of care. The test uses lasers to identify the presence of bacteria and determine which antibiotic is most effective in treating it.
A portable 'electronic nose' device detected Barrett's oesophagus with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 74%, comparable to breast and bowel cancer screening methods. The non-invasive technique shows high acceptability and low costs, making it a promising approach for primary care screening.
A new study by West Virginia University found that 8.10% of newborns in the state had PETH levels consistent with late-pregnancy alcohol use, associated with developmental problems and cognitive deficits. The prevalence varied across the state, with higher rates in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.
A new study from Michigan State University finds that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) helps arteries relax and expel muscular tension when stretched. This structural benefit assists in reducing energy expenditure and stress on the vessels.
Two studies demonstrate that penKid is the most accurate surrogate for assessing true GFR and predicting AKI in critically ill patients with severe burns. It can complement current diagnostic standard methods to provide timely diagnosis of impaired renal function.
Parents receiving prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis face complex decision-making, with most choosing to continue pregnancy despite low prenatal screening uptake. Key factors influencing their decisions include perceived welcome of a child with DS, quality of screening test, and information provided.
A simple portable test can detect deadly mushroom toxins in minutes, aiding doctors in diagnosing amatoxin poisoning. The test's sensitivity allows for detection of the toxin in urine, potentially improving patient outcomes and increasing safe mushroom foraging.
A study found that paying for low-value vitamin D tests was stopped in Ontario, leading to a nearly 93% drop in testing. In contrast, US patients covered by Veterans Health benefits or commercial insurance saw only an 14% reduction after Choosing Wisely guidelines were issued.
Hospital patients with low folate levels are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders, sepsis, and kidney disease. The study recommends evaluating these patients for malnutrition, regardless of weight status.
A new study suggests that lengthening the time between prostate cancer screenings can significantly reduce overdiagnosis and improve outcomes. The research found that discontinuing screening at age 60 would greatly reduce overdiagnoses by 79-82%, but save fewer lives compared to screening until age 69.
Researchers from Duke University have conducted field trials of their off-grid sanitation system, finding that critical components lasted longer than expected. However, the system still requires improvement in nutrient removal processes and addressing cultural practices to ensure sustainability.
Researchers have developed a novel formulation that reduces the toxicity of crotoxin, a toxin from rattlesnake venom, and enhances its analgesic effect. In an animal model of neuropathic pain, the formulation demonstrated promising results, with longer-lasting analgesic effects compared to traditional treatments.
Doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are up to three times more likely to fail exams than their white peers. Improved learning experiences and inclusive curriculums can help address this institutional problem. Strong leadership and tackling prejudice are key to creating a more equitable healthcare system.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict dementia onset using electronic medical records, showing similar accuracy to invasive tests. The method could help identify patients at risk earlier, allowing for prevention and better quality of life.
A handheld spectrometer has been developed to determine THC levels in cannabis plants, enabling farmers and law enforcement to quickly identify whether a plant is hemp or marijuana. The test distinguishes between various hemp and marijuana varieties with high accuracy.
Researchers developed an algorithm using deep convolutional neural networks to analyze myoclonus severity from video footage. The method successfully quantified myoclonic jerks in EPM1 patients, correlating well with clinical evaluations and detecting small-amplitude and high-frequency jerks.
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed an experimental fingerprint detection approach that can identify traces of cocaine on human skin even after washing hands. The test distinguishes between individuals who have consumed and those who have handled cocaine, utilizing a molecule produced in the body when cocaine is ingested.
A Japanese study found increased traffic injuries among older drivers who lost their licenses after undergoing cognitive tests, as they became unprotected road users. The research suggests that the policy may not adequately consider the dangers facing those who lose a main mode of transport.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a new method for classifying pituitary tumors, which could improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment options. The test measures the levels of betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) in blood samples, indicating the presence of certain tumor subtypes.
A team of doctors and engineers developed a noninvasive device that measures brain metabolism using an infrared laser, enabling faster and more certain concussion diagnoses. The technology could guide treatment for serious brain injuries and other conditions, improving patient outcomes.
A team of engineers at MIT has developed a bionic 'heart' to test prosthetic valves and other cardiac devices, reducing the need for animal testing and increasing design efficiency. The device combines real heart tissue with soft artificial muscles to mimic the natural beating motion of a human heart.
Researchers developed a comprehensive multi-Organ-on-a-Chip platform to bridge the gap in current limitations in drug development. The system enabled accurate modeling of human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for tested drugs, mimicking real-world human responses.
A low-cost test screening for excess protein in the urine accurately identifies patients at higher risk for progressive kidney disease after being hospitalized for acute kidney injury. Targeting treatment to these high-risk patients could reduce future need for dialysis or kidney transplants and save billions of dollars.
Researchers found that measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict when a woman's final menstrual period will occur. AMH serves as an indicator of remaining egg supply, decreasing with age. This new test allows for more accurate predictions within 12 to 24 months in women's late 40s and early 50s.
Primary care physicians should discuss 'virginity' testing as part of comprehensive sexual education, building trust and assessing knowledge, attitudes and practice in at-risk patients.
A new study uses an eye movement test to investigate inhibitory control in healthy older adults, confirming a decline in this ability with age. The results show that older participants were more likely to look at the dot when it appeared and slower compared to younger participants.
A new computer algorithm can predict in early pregnancy or before pregnancy which women are at high risk of gestational diabetes. The study analyzed data on nearly 600,000 pregnancies and identified nine parameters that accurately predicted the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
A Danish study found that low lymphocyte counts are associated with a 60% increase in death from any cause. Participants with lymphopenia were at high risk of dying from all-cause mortality, including age-related risks.
A new smartphone camera-based test can identify urinary tract infections in just 25 minutes, potentially making accurate testing more widely available in developing nations. The test uses a smartphone camera and reagents to detect the presence of E. coli bacteria, which is present in 80% of bacterial UTIs.
A new blood test has been developed to measure microRNAs in children's blood, which can indicate sufficient or inadequate sleep. This test may provide a more reliable metric for assessing sleep hygiene and predicting susceptibility to various health conditions.
A new study by UCSF and CDC estimates that millions of young women in the US are undergoing medically unnecessary pelvic exams and Pap tests. The exams can lead to false positives, over-treatment, anxiety, and unnecessary cost.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that direct-to-consumer hormone-based fertility tests for women are both empowering and confusing. The tests, which estimate egg supply or 'ovarian reserve,' are marketed as an accessible option for investigating fertility status but do not predict natural conception.
A study found that nitroglycerin infusion triggers abnormal cardiovascular responses in migraine patients, including higher heart rates and reduced stroke volume. The findings suggest a systemic susceptibility to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, possibly due to enhanced sensitivity to nitric oxide.
Researchers propose a new computational analysis method that uses keystroke time series data to detect early stages of Parkinson's disease. The method, based on fuzzy recurrence plots, is less physically demanding than traditional testing methods and shows encouraging results.
A new study found that current boxers and MMA fighters experience brain volume loss in areas related to head trauma, while retired fighters show loss in areas linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The researchers found a different pattern of brain changes between younger and older athletes.
The penKid biomarker accurately predicted acute kidney injury (AKI), multiorgan failure, and mortality in unselected sepsis patients at presentation to the emergency department. Increasing penKid levels indicated worsening kidney function, enabling timely treatment decisions that improve outcomes.
A new study published by sphingotec demonstrates that biomarker bio-ADM identifies high-risk patients for septic shock and those requiring immediate life-saving therapeutic intervention. Elevated bio-ADM levels are associated with prolonged ICU stays, fatal outcomes, and distortions in endothelial function.
A new study by a Canadian research team found that office workers who spend long hours on the job are more likely to have high blood pressure, including masked hypertension. The study of over 3,500 white-collar employees revealed a link between long working hours and sustained hypertension.
Combining two rapid diagnostic tests effectively diagnoses chronic Chagas disease in the field, showing a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 96.1%. High prevalence of infection was also observed in the region, highlighting the potential for these tests to detect infected individuals.
Researchers report that two commercially-available rapid diagnostic tests can be combined for conclusive diagnosis of Chagas disease. The tests provided a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 96.1%, outperforming the conventional serological method.
Researchers have developed a handheld, paper-based device to diagnose Lyme disease soon after infection. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 96.3%, making it more sensitive than existing tests and requiring only 15 minutes to complete.
A new screening method developed by MIT biological engineers can detect DNA damage in cells, which can predict cancer development. The test uses human liver-like cells and has enhanced sensitivity, detecting all nine chemicals tested.
A new study found that over 24 routine blood tests are affected by childhood obesity, including liver function tests and inflammation markers. This discovery could help doctors better interpret test results and provide more accurate diagnoses.
The Physicians Committee awarded Mihael H. Polymeropoulos the Trailblazer Award for his efforts to replace animal tests with human-relevant science. He challenged the FDA's utility of dog studies in drug development and advocated for modern, human-based scientific methods to advance human drug safety.
Researchers at UMSOM are testing a combined Shigella-ETEC vaccine to offer protection against diarrheal diseases, which cause millions of deaths worldwide. The vaccine has been developed with $4.5 million funding from Emergent BioSolutions.
Researchers developed a computer betting game to predict opioid reuse in addiction patients. The game measures comfort with risk-taking and finds sharp increases in scores are associated with high likelihood of reuse within the next week.
A 25-fold increase in UK children's vitamin D supplement prescriptions has been recorded, with high doses and no prior testing common. Most GPs fail to follow nationally set recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that nearly 3,400 patients experienced avoidable delays in their cancer diagnosis. The reasons for these delays are complex and can include long waiting times for tests, vague symptoms, and pre-existing conditions.
A University of Calgary study reveals that short-term radon test kits can be inaccurate up to 99% of the time, highlighting the need for long-term testing kits. The research also sheds light on factors influencing radon levels in Canadian homes, with implications for reducing environmentally-caused cancer.
A new study suggests that standardizing lab test turnaround times could improve patient care by reducing unnecessary STAT orders and increasing efficiency through automation. By cutting usual STAT time in half for most tests, facilities can reduce demand and provide faster results for critical tests.
A study found that only a fifth of UK shoppers know their intraocular pressure, a major risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma. Advertising the eye health check alongside blood pressure testing increased participation.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine that protects against bovine tuberculosis (TB) without interfering with the tuberculin skin test. The new vaccine allows for simultaneous protection and accurate diagnosis of TB in cattle.
Researchers developed a rapid diagnostic method for detecting celiac disease antibodies, offering a promising solution to overcome the vast underdiagnosis of this condition. The new method, called RFS, can provide results in less than half an hour, significantly reducing the time and complexity of current testing procedures.