Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the potential clinical utility of an integrated, multi-modal battery of oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time tests for detecting concussions. The results show promising sensitivities and specificities, paving the way for objective diagnostic tools at the point of injury or in emergency rooms.
Scientists have identified chemical changes in DNA that can be detected in blood samples, paving the way for a simple test to aid diagnosis. The findings could lead to a blood test to screen people who show symptoms of bowel diseases, sparing further tests for those without the signatures.
Adding higher frequencies to the American Academy of Pediatrics hearing test protocol helps detect adolescent hearing loss. Early detection enables modification of behavior to prevent continued damage. The study found that young adults with mild hearing loss may exhibit reading, emotional, or socialization problems.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone Joint Surgery has found that treatment with teriparatide accelerates bone healing and improves recovery after hip fractures. Patients who received teriparatide showed significant improvements in mobility and reduced pain compared to those treated with a different medication.
Researchers at TUM develop a new method for non-destructive testing using ultrasound that combines a computerized model and experiment to provide precise information on the inner world of objects. This method uses waveform inversion to utilize the entire information content of the wave field measured, providing improved results.
A simple saliva test for salivary urea nitrogen showed high accuracy in diagnosing kidney disease in adults in Malawi. The test also predicted patients' risk of early death, highlighting its potential to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that estimating fitness can predict future risk of premature death from all causes, making it an easy and cost-effective tool for medical professionals. The study analyzed data from 38,480 men and women and found no need for complicated risk score algorithms.
The need for a bridging regulatory mechanism is highlighted in e-cigarette innovations; reducing the burden on regulators while maintaining product development. A reduced data set for initial products and focused tests for variants can support this process.
Case Western Reserve University researchers create sensor-enabled geometric blocks to assess cognitive skills, revealing hyperactivity and performance accuracy. The technology allows for customizable testing and training for individuals of any age, including those with developmental disabilities or brain trauma.
The Origami Diagnostics project aims to detect individuals carrying malaria parasites without symptoms, using a paper microfluidics-based test. The test is 100 times more sensitive and retains low cost and simplicity.
Researchers found that patients with pulmonary function testing had a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COPD. The study suggests that increasing testing for suspected cases could improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
A study found that many doctors acknowledge the need for testing but rarely refer patients with reported penicillin allergy. In fact, only 30% of physicians knew that most patients can tolerate penicillin-like antibiotics.
Researchers are testing stem cell therapy to reprogram heart cells in patients with HFpEF, a condition causing severe disability and high mortality. The trial aims to improve treatment options for this growing epidemic, which disproportionately affects women and African-Americans.
Researchers found specific changes in memory function that correspond to sex and menopausal stage, implicating key areas of the brain vulnerable to age-related decline. Hormone measurements revealed higher estradiol levels correlate with better memory performance in women.
Researchers at the University of Houston developed a smartphone-based water testing system using DotLens technology. The system uses commercially available test kits with a low-cost attachment that provides a narrow-band light source, allowing users to identify waterborne pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.
Researchers at MIT and NASA have developed a new morphing wing architecture that could greatly simplify the manufacturing process and reduce fuel consumption. The wing's shape can be changed and twisted uniformly along its length by activating two small motors, allowing for improved agility and aerodynamics.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new hip replacement that tricks the host bone into staying alive by mimicking the varying porosity of real bones. The implant is less solid than current ones but still strong, avoiding common problems such as bone resorption and pain.
A team of researchers found that polysorbate 80, a safe food additive, can slow the toxic effects of E. coli poisoning by attacking its protective biofilm and rendering it harmless. This approach could provide an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics without driving antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that running with heavier shoes, even just 3.5 ounces heavier, slows runners down by roughly 1 percent in a 3,000-meter race. The study used lead pellets to add weight to shoe pairs and measured oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
Researchers develop a simple tool to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings using five questions and peak expiratory flow meters. The approach shows high sensitivity and specificity rates, and may improve COPD diagnosis, quality of life, and health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a blood test to detect early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and distinguish it from other self-resolving inflammatory joint diseases. The test identifies biomarkers in plasma proteins damaged by oxidation, nitration, and glycation, enabling early detection and treatment.
A study found that tumor genome testing helped physicians identify patients who could benefit from chemotherapy, while those for whom it could be safely omitted received personalized recommendations. The test eliminated racial/ethnic disparities in testing or treatment, but many women inaccurately recalled their results.
A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found a protein in pregnant women's blood could predict fetal growth and pregnancy complications. Low levels of DLK1 are associated with poor foetal growth and reduced nutrient supply to the baby.
The study found that non-OR anesthesia cases increased from 28% to 36% between 2010 and 2014, with patients averaging 3.5 years older than OR patients. Colonoscopy was the most common non-OR procedure involving anesthesia.
Research reveals that 35% of patients presenting to emergency departments in Ghana tested positive for alcohol, with certain groups showing higher rates. The study highlights the need for low- and middle-income countries to conduct their own research on alcohol-associated injuries, as global estimates may not accurately reflect local t...
The Association for Molecular Pathology released a new report highlighting the potential of MALDI-TOF-MS in identifying invasive infectious diseases. The technology has been shown to accurately identify filamentous fungi and mycobacteria, but more testing is needed before its use can be recommended.
Research suggests that exercise can lead to a small improvement in overall thinking skills and executive function abilities in individuals with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Participants who exercised for six months showed better blood pressure and cardiovascular capacity compared to those who did not exercise.
A wearable artificial vision device has vastly improved the daily productivity of visually impaired patients, with an average score of 9.8 out of 10 after one week of use. The device, which clips to glasses and features a miniature camera, recognizes text and faces, and reads them aloud via a bone-conduction earpiece.
A novel optical sensor has been developed to detect vitamin B12 in human blood serum, enabling early intervention and tracking of levels in high-risk patients. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to produce a unique optical fingerprint of vitamin B12, offering a promising first step towards a point-of-care solution.
Academically talented US girls outperform boys in verbal abilities, while India's gifted girls trail behind in math but excel in language. The study analyzed 320,554 and 7,119 top-performing students from the US and India, respectively.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a genetically modified fruit fly that can detect infectious prions in blood, leading to a potential breakthrough in diagnosing and preventing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). This new test could be faster, more versatile, and more sensitive than current methods.
A new study finds that migrants arriving on visas to the UK from countries at high risk of TB pose a negligible risk of onwards infection, despite being at increased risk of developing TB themselves. Ongoing monitoring and treatment are crucial to continuing the downward trend of TB incidence in the UK.
Researchers at Clemson University are exploring unconventional methods of growing peaches organically using paper bags, which may improve yield and reduce reliance on pesticides. The project aims to provide an innovative strategy for organic peach growers in the southeastern US, increasing productivity and economic returns.
The University of Tennessee Weed Diagnostics Center provides a range of services, including basic weed identification and DNA-based herbicide resistance testing. The center aims to help users implement optimal management strategies to keep weeds under control and conserve resources.
A new study using a modified Smoking Analyser technology examines vaping behaviour in e-cigarette users. The results provide valuable insights into how vapers use e-cigarettes and can help establish standardized testing protocols for e-cigarette emissions.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed a microfluidic testing ground to measure individual platelets' strength by squeezing protein dots together. This could help diagnose bleeding disorders and develop blood thinning drugs.
Researchers propose that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from disrupted context processing, which affects the brain's ability to recognize and respond to stimuli. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as hypervigilance, sleeplessness, and intrusive thoughts.
A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.
A UA psychologist has developed a tabletop version of an interactive game that tests memory, which was later translated into an Android touchscreen-based battery of tests. The tool aims to measure memory in younger children and those with intellectual disabilities, addressing the lack of standardized tests in these populations.
Scientists have developed a new model to gauge blood sugar averages in diabetes, taking into account the age of red blood cells. This approach reduces the error rate of the A1C test, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatments.
A new study using data from Rhode Island's lead-abatement program and repeated blood lead level tests found that low reading scores among preschoolers can predict lower scores in subsequent years. The study suggests that lead exposure may contribute to the persistence of gaps in test scores between children from different socioeconomic...
A new blood sugar test method developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has been shown to cut diagnostic errors by more than 50% compared to current tests. The technique, which takes into account the age of red blood cells, offers personalized diabetes monitoring for over 400 million diabetics worldwide.
Scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a highly accurate DNA-based method to detect and distinguish sources of microbial contamination in water. The new method, using the award-winning PhyloChip, was found to be more sensitive than conventional methods at assessing health risks.
A comprehensive set of reference values for handgrip strength is provided, enabling practitioners to identify individuals at risk of premature death and disease. The study builds on previous research, showing that handgrip strength corresponds with markers of age, such as mortality, disability, and cognitive decline.
Scientists have developed a glucose-sensing contact lens that utilizes surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy to detect glucose levels in tears. The device, built from multiple layers of gold nanowires, enhances the sensing properties by creating hot spots within the nanostructure.
Researchers developed an objective test to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using the I-Portal goggle, achieving 95% specificity and 89% sensitivity. This technology has the potential to revolutionize concussion diagnosis and treatment in sports, leading to better outcomes for athletes.
A new electrical stimulation therapy helped stroke survivors with hand weakness improve hand dexterity more than an existing technique. The therapy, which allows patients to control the stimulation through a wearable glove, showed greater improvement in hand function for those less than two years post-stroke.
A new analysis by Case Western Reserve University found that testing backlogged sexual assault kits can prevent future sexual assaults and save victims millions of dollars. The study estimates that serial sexual offenders are more common than previously thought, with a 25% recidivism rate among rapists.
Experimental trials reveal that two-thirds of test persons are insensitive to group size when making decisions. This insensitivity can lead to enormous social costs as politicians and medical practitioners make decisions that benefit a few at the expense of large groups.
A simulation study found that patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents. The study used standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) in a driving simulator to identify potential risk and create a model for use in future cases.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection in people at increased risk due to their birthplace or living history. Treatment of LTBI with CDC-recommended regimens provides a moderate health benefit in preventing disease progression.
A new review provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and managing food allergies in children and adults. The study highlights the importance of clinical history, diagnostic testing, and supervised oral food challenges to accurately diagnose and treat food allergies.
Researchers have developed an iPad game that can help identify autism in children by tracking their hand movements, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis. The study found that movement patterns are a key differentiator in gameplay data, highlighting the importance of motor skills in autism.
The ANTARCTIC trial found that elderly patients who underwent coronary stenting did not experience improved outcomes with platelet function testing compared to standard, unmonitored approach. Monitoring led to treatment adjustments in nearly half of the patients, yet it didn't improve ischemic or safety outcomes.
New research boosts levels of neuregulin-1 to alleviate hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model, promoting metabolism of brain plaques. The study suggests that neuregulin-1 may improve performance on spatial memory tests and lower cellular markers of disease.
A study found that aquatic treadmill walking improved aerobic capacity and functional recovery in patients recovering from a stroke. The exercise also had psychological benefits due to reduced musculoskeletal impact and freedom from fear of falling.
Researchers developed a multivariate approach to improve cognitive testing for Alzheimer's disease, identifying five distinct patient groups. The model suggests that multivitamins may slow progression only in certain groups, particularly those with mild impairment in recalling.
The DHAKA score is a four-symptom assessment tool that predicts dehydration severity in children under age five with high accuracy. A new study validates the tool's performance in identifying moderate to severe dehydration, outperforming the current standard IMCI guidelines.
Rates of early prostate cancer have continued to drop since the USPSTF recommendation, with localized/regional-stage incidence rates declining by 6-19% from 2011 to 2013. The decrease is attributed to changes in PSA testing rates and potentially unknown risk factors.
The Association for Molecular Pathology has developed a new framework for defining the clinical utility of molecular diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting test results. This approach aims to improve patient care by providing clinically useful and appropriate testing based on realistic evidence levels.