Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A new medical device that combines laser spectroscopy and precise flow measurement has shown promise in improving care for shock patients. The device, which fits into a standard ventilation tube, allows doctors to monitor oxygen consumption in real-time, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Researchers discovered a link between slow walking speeds, weak grip strength, and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke in individuals over 65. These simple tests may help identify high-risk patients, providing hope for early detection and prevention.
A new study found that hospitals with high ICU use perform poorly on measures of quality care for patients with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. These hospitals tend to have smaller numbers of heart attack and failure patients, are more likely to be for-profit, and serve low-income ZIP codes.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a small vibrating device that attaches to surgical tools, enhancing surgeons' sensitivity to different shapes and textures. The PZT Actuator boosts the sensation to a noticeable level, allowing doctors to detect tissue texture and identify solid tumors with greater accuracy.
New research suggests that greater fluctuations in 'bad' cholesterol levels may be associated with lower cognitive performance in elderly adults. The study found that participants with the highest LDL cholesterol variability took longer to complete a cognitive test, indicating poorer brain health.
A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.
A two-year study found that restricting calories by 25% in healthy non-obese individuals reduced markers of chronic inflammation without negatively affecting immune responses. Chronic inflammation is linked to age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have partnered with Chemists Without Borders to create a low-cost test kit for measuring arsenic in rice crops. The team hopes the kit will provide consumers with information on exposure and encourage protective measures, such as rinsing or choosing different varieties.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
Researchers identified urolithin A, a molecule that can re-establish the cell's ability to recycle defective mitochondria. Initial results from animal studies showed significant increases in lifespan and endurance. Human clinical trials are underway to test the molecule's effectiveness.
A study of 85 Gulf War veterans identified three types of white blood cells and six proteins in the blood that can help diagnose Gulf War Illness with 90% accuracy. The research found chronic inflammation as a key component of the illness, supporting the hypothesis that it is a well-defined chronic inflammatory disease.