Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Researchers developed smart knee implants with built-in sensors that track pressure and activity levels. These sensors provide doctors with real-time updates, enabling them to adjust treatment plans and prolong the lifespan of the implant.
A study found that the RMET test for mental health understanding is biased against less educated individuals, as well as ethnic and racial minorities. The test relies too heavily on a person's vocabulary, intelligence, and culturally-biased stimuli.
A new study found that physically active men with a high waist-stature ratio are more likely to develop heart disorders than those with lower ratios. The researchers suggest that the waist-stature ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than body mass index.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that a balanced mix of emotions improves wisdom. Wise reasoning no longer requires uniform emotional control but rather recognizing multiple perspectives and integrating them for compromise. This study provides new insights into the relationship between wisdom, emotion, and balance.
New research reveals that credit card websites are the most difficult to understand, containing more complex financial terminology than payday loan and personal loan sites. The study measured readability using the Fog Index, finding only payday loans sites meet basic readability standards.
Engineering researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new platform called Biowire II that uses a rigorous training regimen to grow small amounts of cardiac tissue. The device measures how strongly it beats, allowing for testing of potential drug molecules and advancing personalized medicine.
Researchers found that VR stimuli trigger contagious yawning at similar rates to real-life, but social presence has little effect in virtual reality. In contrast, actual human presence significantly reduces yawning in both settings.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that wearing a cast for three weeks is just as successful as the conventional six-week treatment period for treating Weber B-type ankle fractures. This discovery could lead to shorter and more convenient treatment strategies, reducing patient discomfort and costs.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to optimize lab test ordering in ICU patients, reducing testing by up to 44% and improving treatment timing. The approach aims to maximize patient rewards while minimizing costs and risks.
Researchers at DZNE and HIH developed a blood test that detects neurofilament, a protein found in the blood, which accumulates long before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The test accurately reflects the course of the disease and predicts future developments.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that bilingualism does not improve executive functions in children, including remembering instructions and controlling responses. Researchers used a computer test to compare the cognitive abilities of Turkish-German bilingual and monolingual children between ages 5-15.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers found specific cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), including information processing speed and verbal fluency impairments. These findings support the theory of accelerated brain aging after SCI, with implications for further research and targeted cognitive interventions.
The new test detects protease markers in humans, animals, and food products, indicating disease presence. It can be used anywhere without laboratory conditions, providing faster diagnosis and saving time and money.
A new combination blood test has been developed to detect pancreatic cancer earlier, with a detection rate of nearly 70% and a false-positive rate of less than 5%. The test uses two different sugars produced by pancreatic cancer cells and can detect subtypes that may have been missed by existing tests.
A European collaborative project SCREENED aims to develop new 3D in vitro tests to predict the effects of endocrine disruptors (EDs) on thyroid function. The tests will mimic the structure and function of the native thyroid gland, allowing for selective identification of male and female responses to ED exposure.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that test subjects can influence their learning success in a tactile task through neurofeedback training. By amplifying or reducing alpha oscillations, participants experienced improved sense of touch and learning outcomes.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that individuals with higher fitness levels have a lower risk of heart attacks and angina pectoris over nine years. Even among seemingly healthy individuals, those with optimal fitness have only half as high a risk as those with poor fitness.
Low-income students outperformed their high-income peers when given exercises to regulate negative emotions before biology tests. Emotion-regulation exercises improved exam performance and increased passing rates among low-income students.
A partnership between Kellogg Eye Center and the University of Michigan used radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track patient wait times and enhance time spent at the doctor's office. The smart clinic model improved efficiency and boosted transparency, allowing doctors to monitor patients' movements and provide timely reassurance.
The amount of money spent on medical marketing in the US has significantly increased over the past two decades, reaching $29.9 billion in 2016. Most of this spending was on marketing to professionals, with direct-to-consumer advertising also growing substantially.
Research suggests that auditory dysfunction can be a clue to monitor children for autism, and early detection can lead to optimized interventions. Hearing issues identified at birth may benefit both children with autism and those without, improving their quality of life.
Researchers describe the potential of digital neuropsychology to improve cognitive testing and measure brain functioning in health and disease. Digital tools can capture subtle information about test takers' cognition, including moment-to-moment changes.
Researchers have conducted a safety and feasibility clinical trial on removing senescent cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis, showing clinically meaningful improvement in physical function. The study used a drug to clear senescent cells and found benefits in gait speed, walking speed, chair rise test, and physical function tests.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein that can serve as an early biomarker for colorectal cancer. The protein, beta-1,4-GalT-V, is involved in cell proliferation and new blood vessel formation, which are critical processes in cancer growth.
The new technique uses larger amounts of interstitial fluid to analyze electrolyte levels and diagnose diseases. It has the potential to predict disease onset more quickly than current methods.
ERADA's Saliva-based Malaria Asymptomatic and Asexual Rapid Test (SMAART) detects a unique biomarker from female parasites circulating in an infected individual. Early detection of malaria is crucial to eradication, as carriers are the reservoir that leads to infection and transmission.
A nurse-led specialist clinic in GP surgeries has been shown to diagnose twice as many cases of liver disease than usual care. Simple tests, such as liver stiffness measurements and blood samples, detected nearly half of the patients as having some form of liver disease, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
A new study by Boston Medical Center found that patients are less likely to disclose drug use earlier in treatment, but urine drug testing can help identify and engage patients with positive test results. The study suggests developing interventions for patients with positive urine tests to keep them engaged in care.
The MONARCH study investigates if home eye tests can detect wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients, potentially reducing unnecessary hospital appointments and costs. Patients will complete three home eye tests weekly for one to two years, with results compared to hospital check-ups.
A study found that exercise improved executive function, a person's ability to regulate behavior and achieve goals, while having no impact on memory. After six months of aerobic exercise, participants showed significant improvements in thinking skills compared to those who did not exercise.
A new study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases describes the use of a child-compatible, hand-held device to assess pulmonary function in teens with DMD. The results show that weekly use of the device was well accepted by participants, with high adherence rates and reliable data compared to standard spirometry.
The Wayne State University team will address hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity through innovative approaches to comprehensive population health initiatives. They will explore the use of community health workers, telehealth smartphone applications, and bi-directional referrals to promote better management of these conditions.
A new Ebola diagnostic test developed by David Sebba and colleagues offers a simple solution for detecting the disease in low-resource settings. The point-of-care test can distinguish between Ebola and other endemic diseases like Lassa fever and malaria within 30 minutes.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed an automated, low-cost tool to predict ovulation using AI-powered fern pattern detection. The device achieved over 99% accuracy in detecting ovulation and non-ovulation, offering a potential solution for family planning and fertility monitoring.
A study found that using two memory tests to assess episodic memory improves the accuracy of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. Those who performed poorly in both tests showed faster brain atrophy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.
A new study suggests that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life can improve mental ability and provide a higher starting point for decline. The research found no link between regular problem-solving activities and slowing down age-related mental decline.
A new study found that 14% of people with Type 2 diabetes who don't require insulin test their blood sugar levels two or more times a day, exceeding medical guidelines. This can result in millions of unneeded tests and wasted insurance funds.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a blood test that detects different populations of tau fragments, which are specifically elevated in Alzheimer's disease. The test has shown promise in initial studies with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, but further validation is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
MIT engineers develop a new technique to test soft materials' properties by mimicking the sound sequences used by bats and dolphins in echolocation. This approach enables rapid characterization of materials such as drying cement, clotting blood, or saliva over time.
Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience hypoglycemia after fasting, which can lead to faintness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. The study suggests that routine fasting guidelines may not be necessary anymore, and proper education about fasting and diabetes is lacking.
Researchers found that 10 essential oils, including garlic oil, showed significant killing activity against 'persister' forms of Lyme disease bacteria. The study suggests these plant compounds may be more effective than current antibiotics in treating persistent Lyme symptoms.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that just one bad night's sleep can lead to a reduced ability to control posture and balance. This could be particularly concerning for older adults, who are already at increased risk of falls. The research used wearable sensors to monitor sleep and balance, and showed that fragmente...
Researchers found that aqueous extract of soursop leaves can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and depression associated with fibromyalgia. The study used 60 female rats and plans to conduct clinical trials in humans.
A study by La Trobe University found that Fitbits have good-to-excellent reliability for measuring running speeds between 8-14kms/h. The accuracy of the device was also confirmed in a slow motion visual count, with a difference of less than one per cent.
Research at Hokkaido University found that the body's stress response is weaker in the evening, potentially making individuals more susceptible to stress. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in volunteers who took a morning stress test compared to those who took an evening test.
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.