Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Research funded by the British Heart Foundation has challenged a long-held medical myth that women experience unusual heart attack symptoms. According to the study, both men and women present with similar key symptoms, such as chest pain and nausea, highlighting the need for awareness of common warning signs.
A new DNA test can diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas within 30 minutes, providing on-the-spot results and allowing for quicker treatment decisions. The test, developed using the LAMP method, targets a specific sequence of DNA in the bacteria and has been successfully trialled at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
A novel quality improvement toolkit, IRON MOM, has shown to enhance early detection and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. The implementation resulted in a nearly 10 times increase in ferritin testing rates and a significant decrease in anemia risk.
A team of scientists developed a technique to coat low-cost paper with a liquid-infused polymer layer, creating a portable lab for field laboratory tests. The coated paper performed significantly better than uncoated paper in terms of fluid delivery and accuracy.
A €4.5 million project, ARREST-TB aims to develop affordable, accurate diagnosis of TB in resource-limited settings. The technology will enable precise treatments and limit disease propagation.
A three-site study in the Blue Marsh watershed found seasonal differences in microbial populations, with increases in warmer months and higher levels of nitrate and phosphate. The researchers used Biolog Ecoplates to test water samples, revealing changes in bacterial counts and chemical profiles linked to human activities.
Researchers at Rutgers University highlight the need for individualized vitamin D guidelines, as optimal levels may vary across ethnic and racial groups. Current tests have limitations, and more standardization efforts are being made to improve accuracy.
A 72-year-old man experienced considerable pain, bleeding, and swallowing difficulties after his dentures got stuck in his throat during surgery. Despite multiple hospital visits and surgeries, he eventually recovered without further complications. The case highlights the importance of removing false teeth before general anesthetic.
A new study found that nearly half of patients with UTIs were not tested for the infection, leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of antibiotic resistance. The researchers argue that doctors need access to rapid diagnostics tests to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs.
A new blood test for coeliac disease has been developed, detecting inflammatory markers in the blood within hours of gluten consumption. This potential diagnostic test could improve upon current methods requiring patients to consume gluten for weeks or months.
Researchers have developed an artificial human eye replica, the blinking eye-on-a-chip, to model dry eye disease (DED). The device mimics the complex pathophysiology of DED, allowing scientists and drug developers to test experimental treatments.
A new DNA methylation test has been shown to accurately predict which cases of precancerous cervical disease will become more serious, helping women decide on treatment options. Most women with moderate dysplasia can be safely followed without surgery until their disease resolves.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a simple pressure pump made from balloons and nylon stockings that can be used to test water contaminants and blood samples. The low-cost device has been tested in various experiments, including detecting aquatic parasites and cancer cells.
A study of nearly 3,400 second-year resident physicians in the US found that 45% experienced burnout symptoms, which may contribute to care disparities and racial bias towards black people. The observed association was small to medium and cannot be determined as causal.
The American College of Emergency Physicians warns that generic mobile phone chargers can cause serious injuries, including burns and electrocutions. Teens and adolescents are particularly at risk due to their frequent mobile device use.
A study by North Carolina State University found that drivers tend to overlook low-salience targets when high-salience hazards are present in traffic images, with low-salience targets being up to 40% less likely to be detected in two-hazard scenes.
A study of over 900,000 VA patients found that routine blood tests with random plasma glucose levels below 200 mg/dL can accurately predict the development of diabetes. Patients with high glucose levels are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the future, making this test a valuable tool for early intervention and prevention.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that people with diabetes taking gliflozin medications are at risk of ketoacidosis during surgery. Euglycaemic ketoacidosis can be deceiving, presenting with normal blood sugar levels, and may be missed easily by clinicians.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that pregnancies among women taking isotretinoin continue to occur despite a special restricted distribution program, iPLEDGE. The study reported a range of 218-310 pregnancies per year after 2011, highlighting the need for further regulations to reduce this number.
Researchers created a comprehensive test using machine learning algorithms to better guide patient management for pancreatic cysts, a precursor of pancreatic cancer. The test, called CompCyst, outperformed the current standard-of-care in an international study, avoiding surgery in 60% of patients who underwent unnecessary removal.
A large retrospective study found that statins are significantly underutilized in patients with and at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite known benefits, only two-thirds of these patients were receiving moderate/high-intensity statins.
Researchers found that young athletes who fail to achieve a 90 percent score on quadricep strength tests are at increased risk for second knee injuries. Those who failed individual return-to-sport criteria were three times more likely to suffer contralateral ACL tears.
A study of over 150 youth tackle football players found minimal changes in neurocognitive outcomes after two seasons, with no correlation between head impacts and cognitive function. Other factors like ADHD and younger age were more predictive of worsening scores on pre- and post-season tests.
A new optical sensor developed at Berkeley Lab can provide reliable information on building damage immediately after an earthquake. The Discrete Diode Position Sensor (DDPS) measures interstory drift and will speed up efforts to safely assess, repair, and reoccupy buildings post-quake.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that female Anopheles mosquitoes bite more often and have varied diets than previously assumed. The study also found that certain species of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically considered less important for malaria transmission, are infected with the Plasmodium parasite.
A new blood test has shown potential to diagnose human tuberculosis and identify those at most risk of developing the disease. The test, Actiphage, was found to be highly sensitive in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with 73% of participants testing positive for the bacteria.
A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.
A Kumamoto University study found that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety by activating dopamine D1 and serotonin receptors. The anxiolytic effects were stronger with extracts derived using 80% ethanol than those using hot water.
A new epidemic forecast model developed by Texas A&M researchers can accurately predict disease trajectories by taking into account human behavior. This allows for more effective resource allocation during outbreaks, reducing the risk of over-preparation and public mistrust.
A new ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based method has been developed to rapidly detect Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This test can be carried out in the field and requires no containment laboratory, significantly faster than conventional methods.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, will be tested in North Carolina and Kentucky clinics to increase colorectal cancer screenings. The project aims to determine the optimal way to implement technology-based programs to improve medical care delivery.
A review of 117 efforts to reduce low-value care found that most measured only the reduction of test and treatment use, while few assessed intended patient benefits or unintended consequences. Only half of ongoing studies aim to measure patient-reported outcomes, highlighting a need for more comprehensive evaluation.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
A new study proposes a novel, non-invasive test for assessing gut function that may help screen and monitor treatment of gut diseases. The test measures the concentration of gut bacterial products in patient's blood and stool, detecting gut leakage and its potential impact on IBD and other intestinal diseases.
Researchers at Penn State's Sensory Evaluation Center found that milk significantly reduces capsaicin burn, with whole milk and skim milk showing the largest reductions. Milk's effectiveness is attributed to its protein content, which may play a more relevant role than fat content.
Researchers found that levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood contribute to stroke risk in diabetic patients. The study discovered a strong association between NfL levels and stroke occurrence, suggesting that adding this protein to existing stroke risk scores can increase accuracy.
A new intelligent liver function test has been developed to detect liver disease decades before it can become fatal. The test has shown a 44% increase in diagnosis of liver disease, giving patients earlier access to treatment.
A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Uppsala University and Sahlgrenska Academy can detect women without cancer, reducing unnecessary surgery. The test has a high accuracy rate of one in three cases, increasing the detection of early stages and borderline cases.
A human-on-a-chip model developed by Hesperos, Inc. realistically replicates the responses of cancer treatments, enabling more accurate and efficient preclinical testing. The model demonstrated efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs on various cell lines, informing treatment decisions for individual patients.
A Texas Biomed Associate Professor has received a $100,000 grant to test an FDA-approved drug for reversing age-related cognitive decline and memory deficits in aged baboons. The study aims to develop a therapeutic intervention to enhance brain cell function and improve overall health.
A study of 5,704 patients with MS found that those with pediatric-onset disease had lower test scores and faster declining cognitive abilities. Patients with pediatric-onset MS were also more likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to those with adult-onset MS.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a test for early detection of diseases, including different types of cancer, using sensory nanoparticles. The test can identify unique
Scientists have developed a method to transport individual droplets using transverse surface waves, enabling more efficient applications in lab-on-a-chip systems and self-cleaning surfaces. This technology also opens up possibilities for harvesting moisture from the air and improving blood tests.
A new approach is needed for clinical trials in dialysis patients to address high morbidity and mortality. Innovative RCT designs, such as pragmatic clinical trials and adaptive platform designs, can improve the success of testing interventions in ESRD.
Researchers found almost 60% of patients were over 65, and nearly a third lived in socio-economically deprived areas. The study also revealed high rates of the disease in regions with previously low numbers of cases, including Canterbury and Hawkes Bay.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a low-cost, smartphone-based diagnostic system using nanoscale porous silicon to detect various bodily fluids. The system accurately detects proteins in urine and bacteria in water with accuracy comparable to commercial benchtop measurement systems.
Researchers used exosomes to detect microRNAs targeting carbohydrate metabolism in obese teens. The study found a link between altered adipocyte-derived exosomal microRNAs and progression from obese normoglycemia to hyperglycemia/diabetes.
A new analysis of 997 twin pregnancies reveals that cell-free DNA testing for Down syndrome is just as accurate as in singleton pregnancies, with a detection rate of 98% and only 0.05% misdiagnosis rate. The study provides compelling evidence to recommend cfDNA testing for mothers carrying twins.
A new blood test that measures multiple proteins could provide a more accurate diagnosis of heart failure, allowing for earlier treatment and improved outcomes. Researchers are now collecting further samples to confirm the accuracy of this protein-based test.
Research reveals two distinct brain regions involved in recognizing raw and processed foods, highlighting the importance of semantic memory in identifying key characteristics. The study's findings have significant clinical implications, particularly for understanding eating disorders related to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nonfasting lipid levels were similar to fasting lipid levels in the same individuals, predicting cardiovascular risk just as well. The results suggest it may be unnecessary for most patients to fast before having bloodwork done to measure lipid levels.
Researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, providing an easy-to-interpret result. The device can be used to monitor health and detect potential health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
A new study found that middle-aged individuals' health can predict their brain function later in life. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, and a history of head injury were associated with increased risk of brain aging.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that virtual reality can spot navigation problems in early Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting over 525,000 people in the UK. The research highlights the potential of new technologies to help diagnose and monitor conditions like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found similar patterns of diagnostic laboratory tests across five countries, despite differences in poverty levels and disease prevalence. The top 25 most common tests were common everywhere, with biochemical tests being the lowest priced.
The Johns Hopkins researchers advocate for a 'digital health scorecard' to provide objective validation and ratings for health technology solutions. They aim to address the lack of rigor in evaluating health care technology, which often prioritizes speed over safety and clinical effectiveness.
Researchers used cognitive dysfunction tests and analysis of drug use patterns to identify patients at high risk of relapse after treatment. The study suggests that a revised classification system may be needed to better predict vulnerability to relapse.
A new CDC study cautions that sports whistles used by referees, coaches, and others are a risk factor for hearing loss. The study measured the acoustic signature of 13 whistle brands, finding sound levels between 100-120 decibels, which can exceed safe daily exposure within just a few seconds.
Scientists have developed a new test to examine a drug's embryotoxicity in cell cultures instead of animals. The test uses human liver tissue and embryoid bodies, allowing for early detection of substances harmful to embryos.
A joint report from AMP and CAP provides evidence-based recommendations for designing and validating clinical CYP2C9 assays, promoting standardization and improving patient care. The report defines a minimum set of alleles and their variants that should be included in all clinical CYP2C9 genotyping tests.