Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Drug development stakeholders advocate for predictive, human-based nonclinical tests to prioritize safety and effectiveness. They propose increased funding, improved guidelines, and regulation to reduce waste, cost, and animal use.
A 20-year study found that men who consumed more fruits and vegetables had better thinking and memory skills. Those who drank daily orange juice were also less likely to develop poor cognitive function, with a 47% lower risk compared to those who drank less than once a month.
High levels of prions were found throughout the eyes of deceased sCJD patients, suggesting the eye as a potential source for early detection and prevention of disease transmission. Researchers also discovered that prion seeds accumulate in the retina, with implications for diagnostic tests before symptoms become apparent.
Researchers found that chlorpyrifos had a clear effect on brain development in laboratory animals, even at low doses, which was not reported by the industry-funded study. The study highlights the need for independent academic research to be given a higher status in evaluating chemical safety.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that dry eye syndrome can slow a person's reading speed by up to 10% and make it difficult to read for more than 30 minutes. The condition affects millions of adults in the US, causing ocular discomfort and visual problems.
A study of 1,448,952 Medicare beneficiaries found that higher primary care physician continuity was strongly correlated with lower healthcare expenditures and hospitalization rates. Continuity of care is a core tenet of primary care that should be incorporated into official primary care measures.
A new study found that pregnant women with Medicaid support urine testing to promote smoking cessation, but fear consequences such as clinician reaction and government involvement. Clinicians are concerned about the impact on patient relationships, but researchers call for consensual testing to improve public health outcomes.
Researchers developed a new, BNP-based staging system to predict survival in AL Amyloidosis patients, improving access at hospitals without NT-proBNP testing. The study found the system accurately identified cardiac involvement and separated patients into survival stages.
Goffin's cockatoos can create and manipulate novel tools to reach food rewards. They adjust the length of their cardboard tools to account for varying distances, making longer tools as a risk-avoidance strategy.
Researchers aim to identify barriers to successful therapy outcomes and develop optimal physical therapy treatment strategies for military personnel. Brain scans and virtual reality tests will be used to guide the development of new therapy methods, which could have real-world applications beyond the military.
A recent cluster of cocaine-fentanyl overdoses highlights the need for more readily available testing strips to identify fentanyl in patients. The outbreak prompted a coordinated public health response, including law enforcement investigation and education of residents on the dangers of fentanyl.
A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear found that astronauts or pilots with higher vestibular thresholds are more likely to become disoriented during flight. The researchers also found a strong correlation between lower vestibular thresholds and improved manual control performance.
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded six international researchers with $1 million each over two years to explore innovative treatments for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to discover effective drugs that can rejuvenate brain cells and slow or halt the progression of the disease.
Researchers at UC Riverside and UC Irvine created a free, 10-minute test to measure abstract problem-solving ability. The University of California Matrix Reasoning Task (UCMRT) correlates with academic proficiency and fluid intelligence.
The article discusses the rise of cannabis-intoxicated driving in the US and challenges surrounding detecting THC levels. Stoned-driving poses a significant accident risk, particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new treatment that stimulates the body's cold and nicotinic receptors to improve metabolism, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss. The treatment, tested on mice, results in a 12% weight loss over 20 days.
Researchers found that Asian consumers are willing to pay less for wines from unfamiliar regions, with Iowa and Wisconsin being the most affected. The study also showed gender and age differences in willingness to pay, suggesting that targeting specific demographics could influence pricing strategies.
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips reduced overdose risk by having users take smaller amounts, go slower or use with someone else present. The researchers also noticed participants were more confident in using the strips after training.
A new blood test at emergency departments could quickly and accurately rule out heart attacks. A preliminary study of 350 patients found the test to be as effective as longer laboratory tests in ruling out heart attacks.
A recent outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in South Africa remains undetected for five years due to the failure of WHO-endorsed diagnostic tests. Researchers discovered two strains with a specific DNA mutation associated with resistance to Rifampicin, which were not detected by commercial tests.
A simple test taken within a week of a stroke can predict long-term outcomes, including impaired thinking skills and daily task completion. The study found that those with thinking problems had a seven times higher mortality rate and 42% had problems completing daily activities three years after the stroke.
The world's largest outdoor shake table at UC San Diego will now test heavy structures with complex ground motions, enabling researchers to gather critical data on tall wooden buildings and retrofitting systems.
A new statistical technique helps address gender and publication biases in science by explicitly testing for equivalence rather than difference. The method allows for the comparison of similarities between traits, providing insights into conservation efforts and knowledge gaps in fields like ecology and animal behavior.
Researchers followed 112 youth football players over a season, finding no association between cumulative head impacts and worsening performance on neurocognitive tests. Younger age and ADHD history predicted some score changes, while anxiety and depression were linked to symptom reporting.
A new test, DETECT, can diagnose patients with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technique identifies the molecular signatures of antibiotic-resistant bacteria directly in urine samples.
Researchers at MU and MIT developed a noninvasive technology to monitor blood glucose levels without needles or finger pricking. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to detect glucose molecules in the skin, achieving accuracy comparable to traditional finger prick tests.
A study found that pneumococcus bacteria can spread at the same rate whether it is dry or wet, and when a person picks or pokes their nose as when they rub their nose. Ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping toys clean could help protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria.
Rice University researchers are working to develop cell implants that can sense blood glucose levels and produce insulin on demand for Type 1 diabetes patients. The project aims to eliminate the need for patients to monitor their blood glucose and administer insulin shots, potentially leading to a cure for this autoimmune disease.
A large-scale genome analysis of over 10,000 TB pathogen strains has shown that genome sequencing can improve treatment and potentially replace traditional resistance testing. This method enables precise prediction of drug resistance and individualized treatment plans, saving resources and time.
Researchers recommend creating simple formats with limited answer options to enhance learning and recall. The study also advises engaging 'real-world' cognitive processes in test questions and avoiding 'none of the above' and 'all of the above' answer choices.
A new pathology test using AI can accurately predict clinically significant prostate cancer disease progression following surgery, helping guide treatment decisions. The Precise MD post-op test reclassified 58% of intermediate risk patients as low risk and 42% as high risk for significant disease progression.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered that medical providers in central North Carolina frequently neglect to test for Ehrlichia when treating tick-borne infections. The study found nearly 80% of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but only one-third were tested for Ehrlichia. This dis...
Researchers discover that newborns have a unique state of balance in haemostasis, making them more prone to thrombosis and bleeding. The study found significant differences between the haemostasis of adults and infants, particularly in preterm babies.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully identified biomarkers in blood that can detect sleep deprivation. A machine learning algorithm detected changes in gene expression levels with 92% accuracy, paving the way for a future test to assess driver fitness.
A new study found all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from US retail meat were resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes, carrying various types of CTX-M type ESBL genes. The presence in food-producing animals and retail meat supplies may contribute to a greater incidence of infections.
Researchers developed a new suite of tests to simulate scratching processes on automobile clearcoats, providing valuable data on vulnerability, fracture resistance, and resilience. The tests aim to create more scratch-resistant and resilient coatings that meet consumer and industrial demands.
A new cell phone app and lab kit enable a smartphone to identify bacteria from patients anywhere in the world, leading to faster recovery and lower treatment costs for patients. The test uses a smartphone's camera to measure a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in about an hour.
New research reveals that AI can accurately interpret respiratory symptoms and diagnose lung diseases, surpassing human specialist results. The study trained an AI algorithm using high-quality data and found it to be more consistent and accurate than doctors in interpreting test results and suggesting diagnoses.
Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages with 96% accuracy, providing a potential breakthrough for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test uses an antibody microarray to identify specific immune-regulatory proteins and cancer-associated antigens.
A blood test for microRNAs may help predict the likelihood of disease in dairy cows and improve animal welfare. This approach is already being applied to human disease diagnosis.
Very premature babies are more likely to harbor Ureaplasma bacteria, which can cause respiratory infections and lead to long-term breathing problems. A new study suggests that antibiotics may be effective in treating these infections and improving outcomes.
Scientists at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have identified plasma lipid biomarkers that improve upon traditional risk factors in predicting heart disease and stroke. The new blood test will use up to ten lipid markers to better diagnose heart disease, reclassifying patient risk and guiding treatment.
Researchers at NCATS developed a new system to accelerate the discovery of chemical compounds that inhibit NSD2, an enzyme implicated in multiple cancers. The team tested over 16,000 compounds and identified 44 promising inhibitors.
The study found that more than half of Americans misused their prescription drugs in 2017, with a surge in heroin and fentanyl misuse among patients with substance use disorders. The report also highlights the growing trend of gabapentin misuse and dangerous opioid combinations.
A new study suggests that graphic images on cigarette warnings are more effective in reducing smoking rates than text-only warnings. The study found that smokers who viewed graphic images remembered the warnings slightly longer than those who received text-only warnings, and were more likely to quit smoking six weeks later.
International experts advise against routine PSA screening for prostate cancer, citing small benefits and potential harm. However, clinicians should engage in shared decision-making with patients considering screening, especially those at higher risk of prostate cancer death.
Despite the risk of a 25% lower mortality rate, many people aged 60 and above are missing out on lifesaving bowel cancer screening. Inequalities in the system have widened, with those from deprived areas and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods being less likely to participate.
The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.
A team of researchers demonstrated how attackers can modify medical test results remotely using unencrypted data transmission, highlighting the need for improved security measures. Countermeasures include password-protecting systems, network segmenting, and adopting the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource standard
Researchers found a 9% increase in HIV testing during the intervention period, with crowdsourcing effective in promoting HIV self-testing among MSM. The study suggests crowdsourcing as a tool for developing youth-friendly HIV services and improving treatment outcomes worldwide.
Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing dementia within five years, yet cognitive function is not routinely measured. A clock drawing test was found to be more effective in detecting cognitive impairment than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in adults with high blood pressure.
A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.
A new RAND Corporation report suggests that smartphone apps could improve medical record matching by allowing patients to participate in the process. The study found that mobile phones and smartphones offer a promising approach to ensure accurate record matching, but development and testing are needed.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved symptoms of neurodegenerative ataxias in patients. The treatment showed significant improvements in walking speed, hand and arm coordination, and overall test scores.
A simple blood test identifying patients unlikely to benefit from immunotherapy for bladder cancer could save months of unnecessary treatment. The test measures pro-inflammatory molecule Interleukin-2 release from immune cells before therapy and correctly predicted therapy outcome in almost 80% of cases.
The USPSTF has updated its recommendations for cervical cancer screening, varying by age and risk factors. Most cases occur among women who haven't been adequately screened, leading to a decrease in deaths from cervical cancer since widespread screening began.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cheap and easy-to-use detection device that can quickly identify counterfeit antibiotics. The device uses a simple paper-based test to detect the presence of antibiotics, with a strip turning red if a falsified sample is present.
A simple laboratory score has been developed to diagnose patients with heart attack symptoms, reducing the number of blood tests and time spent in emergency departments. The score can identify patients at risk of subsequent heart issues after discharge.
A Colorado study found that more than half of sampled stores sold cigarettes to minors, despite a third being detected after multiple visits. The study suggests that testing each store more than once and verifying age from ID would improve enforcement.
A recent study by Yale researchers found that black patients are more likely to be tested for illicit drug use after starting opioids for chronic pain and have their prescriptions discontinued. The study highlights the need for a universal approach to monitoring patients prescribed opioids, particularly in addressing racial disparities.