Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A team of MIT researchers has found a way to use oscillating microscopic beads to carry out biomedical tests, potentially enabling multiple medical tests on a tiny device. The technique allows for precise measurements of tiny quantities of materials and could lead to fast, compact, and versatile medical-testing devices.
A new tool allows people to monitor their lung function at home or on the go by blowing into their smartphones. The app, SpiroSmart, uses a phone's microphone to analyze sound wave frequencies and detect lung problems with accuracy within 5 percent of commercial devices.
Cognitive training significantly reduces postoperative complications in coronary bypass surgery patients, improving attention and memory. Benefits are maintained over time, suggesting brain plasticity in older adults.
A recent study found that 61 of 181 North Carolina migrant farmworker camps failed to meet state water quality standards, with high levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli detected in the water.
UT Southwestern has been selected as one of 25 sites for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's (NINDS) NeuroNEXT clinical trials network. The network aims to streamline clinical trials for brain diseases by creating a shared infrastructure and institutional review board.
A Concordia University study has found that adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are impaired in several aspects of executive functioning, particularly inhibitory control. The researchers hope their work will lead to the development of more reliable tools for detecting Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage.
A new test can measure an individual's propensity for calcification in their blood, identifying those at increased risk of vascular calcification and potential heart disease. The test may also provide a basis for treatment monitoring in patients who receive calcification inhibitors.
Researchers have identified a simple blood test that accurately detects autoimmune kidney disease and predicts patient outcomes. The test measures antiPLA2R autoantibodies, which are associated with disease severity and remission rates.
The joint statement provides a one-page report for each indication, using a colour-coded system to grade responses. This aims to increase the utilization of CPX technology by empowering clinicians to undertake their own interpretations.
Tests for silent neck artery narrowing result in many unnecessary and costly surgical procedures, ultimately saving very few lives. In a high-risk group of 60+ European men, screening may prevent only one stroke at a significant cost.
Most English football teams don't comply with international concussion guidelines, which standardize the definition of concussion and require cognitive assessment before returning players to play. As a result, many clubs don't take concussion seriously enough, relying on subjective assessments that could be unsafe.
A framework for point-of-care testing is proposed to address barriers in low- and middle-income countries. The authors emphasize the importance of focusing on point-of-care programs rather than technology itself.
Researchers developed a mass spectrometry protein assay called PRISM that matches the sensitivity and accuracy of clinical antibody-based tests. The technique can identify proteins from blood with high accuracy and speed up development of diagnostic tests and treatments.
New global benchmarks for lung function have been established, providing a consistent measurement across the entire life span. These charts will help healthcare professionals better understand lung disease progression and raise awareness of its impact on people worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have gained access to the UK's first Exhalyzer-D, a cutting-edge device that enables non-invasive testing for children with respiratory issues. The device allows for more accurate measurements and information about lung function.
Next-generation diagnostic tests can identify specific diseases and determine if chemotherapy is working, enabling doctors to make better treatment decisions. These tests could reduce unnecessary procedures, prescriptions, and hospital stays, ultimately saving the US healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
A new 'traffic light' test can diagnose liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high-risk populations more easily than current methods. The test provides a color-coded system, with red indicating scarring, green indicating no cirrhosis, and amber indicating a 50:50 chance of scarring.
A rare but deadly infection, similar to malaria in humans, was discovered among a group of horses at the King Ranch in Texas. WSU/USDA scientist Don Knowles developed a reliable diagnostic test and treatment to kill the parasites, containing the outbreak and identifying a new tick species responsible for its spread.
The US Department of Homeland Security is conducting a series of tests in the Boston subway system to measure the real-world performance of new sensors designed to detect biological agents. The sensors, developed by several companies, are expected to identify and confirm the release of biological agents within minutes.
People with Parkinson's disease performed better on a working memory test after a night's sleep, with slow wave sleep linked to improved performance. Sleep disorders can interfere with this benefit, and dopamine-enhancing medications may play a role in memory improvement.
Scientists have developed a simple, paper-strip test that can identify counterfeit versions of Panadol, one of the most-frequently faked medicines globally. The test, which takes less than 10 minutes, uses colorimetric chemistry on chemically treated paper to detect suspicious ingredients.
Researchers in India have developed a non-invasive approach to determine total cholesterol levels using image processing and a database of known cholesterol levels. The test uses a digital camera to capture the back of a patient's hand and compares it with images in a database for accurate cholesterol readings.
A systematic approach to improve screening rates for colorectal cancer resulted in a fourfold increase in screening among low-risk individuals. The protocol, which included introductory phone calls and mailed testing kits, saw CRC screening rates jump from 47 to 72 percent in three years.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing testing standards for lab-on-a-chip devices to ensure accurate measurements and product quality. Key findings include the importance of controlling multiple factors, such as materials and measurement methods, in determining autofluorescence levels.
A new study found correlations between micronutrient levels and performance on physical fitness tests in adolescents. Hemoglobin, retinol, and vitamin C were positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, while hemoglobin and beta-carotene were linked to muscular fitness.
A new study found that Tai Chi can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that Sun-style Tai chi may be as beneficial as pulmonary rehabilitation.
A mobile HIV-testing clinic integrated with active tuberculosis case finding in underserviced areas of Cape Town demonstrated high feasibility, yield, and treatment success. The study found that the service was well-received by HIV-negative individuals with symptoms suggestive of TB, as well as all HIV-positive individuals.
A new rapid test to diagnose melioidosis, a difficult infection to treat, is being optimized and tested by University of Nevada School of Medicine researcher David AuCoin. The test has shown encouraging results in regions where the disease is endemic, such as Thailand and Australia.
Research reveals high percentage of poor-quality antimalarials in Guyana/Suriname, including artesunate monotherapy failures. Basic quality control tests help reduce prevalence of substandard medicines in Amazon Basin Countries
The study found that without PSA testing, approximately 25,000 cases of advanced prostate cancer would occur in 2008, three times the actual number observed. This would result in more men experiencing aggressive disease with limited treatment options.
The study suggests that eliminating the PSA test would result in more men being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, leading to higher mortality rates. Prostate cancer death rates have been reduced by nearly 40% over the past 20 years, largely due to early detection through PSA testing.
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new model to study the protein Cx36, which plays a crucial role in insulin production. By analyzing 1040 molecules, they aim to identify those that stimulate or inhibit insulin production, paving the way for new pharmacological treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several precedent-setting cancer drugs that offer a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine. Companion diagnostics are being used to identify patients most likely to benefit from medication, enabling targeted treatments.
New lipid screening guidelines for children are overly aggressive, according to UCSF researchers. The recommendations fail to weigh health benefits against costs and have the potential to label millions of healthy children with so-called dyslipidemia.
New analysis suggests that lab mice and rats' round-the-clock access to food may lead to abnormally high blood fat levels, high cholesterol, nerve damage, cancer, and other disorders. This could affect the outcome of experiments testing toxicity and cancer-causing effects of new drugs and substances.
A new glucose monitor made from inexpensive materials measures sugar levels in urine, helping people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels in rural areas of developing countries. The device was developed to address the challenges of providing affordable diabetes testing in regions where poverty limits healthcare access.
The SpinDx platform can determine a patient's white blood cell count, analyze protein markers, and process up to 64 assays from a single sample in minutes. It has profound implications for patient care, potentially detecting afflictions days or weeks sooner than today.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a novel molecular mechanism responsible for anhedonia, the loss of pleasure in major depression. The study's findings suggest that targeting a hormone known to affect appetite may be a promising approach to treating depression.
A study by Northwestern University found that many caregiver agencies do not conduct thorough background checks or provide adequate training for their employees. This can put vulnerable seniors at risk of abuse and neglect. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure they hire a qua...
Researchers have developed a motion sensor system called the 'Lameness Locator' that detects lameness in horses earlier than veterinarians using traditional subjective eye tests. The system places sensors on the horse's head, limb, and tail to monitor movement and diagnose lameness more accurately.
Scientists have developed a new way to test chemical safety using fish spheroids, which behave like normal animal tissue and can be maintained for over a month. This technique could reduce the number of fish needed for toxicology testing, providing a more accurate picture of how chemicals affect animals and ecosystems.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that two new vitamin D test kits had poor performance, with results deviating from the gold standard method by up to 25%. This inaccuracy could lead to misdiagnoses and overtreatment of vitamin D deficiency.
Researchers studied 552,672 patients and found a three-fold increase in acute dialysis after cardiac and vascular surgeries. The incidence of acute dialysis increased from 0.2% to 0.6% over the 15-year study period.
Two new blood tests for vitamin D are prone to errors, leading to misdiagnoses and potential overtreatment. Inaccuracies were found in 40-48% of test results, with significant discrepancies between methods.
Researchers found that patients treated with hormonal therapy and rehabilitation outperformed those with rehab alone on functioning and reasoning tests. Relaxin has been shown to have a tremendous promise in treating and preventing heart and blood vessel diseases.
Researchers found that sitagliptin improves the severity of reactive hypoglycemia by enhancing insulin secretion during meals. This study suggests a novel approach to treating this condition, currently with no medical therapy.
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have found a protein in the blood of pregnant women that can predict if they are likely to have a fetus with growth restrictions, leading to stillbirth and long-term health complications. A widely available blood test could help develop ways to improve outcomes for women and their children.
The NIH's Therapeutics Discovery program has partnered with eight pharmaceutical companies to make nearly 60 compounds available for research, accelerating the development of new treatments. Researchers can explore these compounds in disease areas where they haven't been previously explored.
A simple point-of-care test has been adopted in six low- and middle-income countries to diagnose syphilis in pregnant women, resulting in over 100,000 screenings and 90% treatment rates. The test has improved health worker job satisfaction and increased the adoption of syphilis screening programs in these countries.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that seniors who perceive themselves as older are five times more likely to meet dementia criteria on standard screening tests. The research highlights the significant impact of age attitude on mental functioning and clinical tools used in dementia diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can identify patients who will not respond to the painkiller tramadol. The test measures the ratio of tramadol's metabolite O-demethyltramadol (ODT) to tramadol itself, allowing doctors to switch non-responding patients to alternative painkillers like morphine.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived medical staff have difficulty controlling speed and maintaining a straight line while driving, particularly in monotonous conditions. The study suggests providing rest opportunities for staff before driving home and implementing safety measures such as taxis and electronic systems to alert drivers.
A nationwide survey in China reveals one in 10 newly diagnosed TB patients are infected with drug-resistant strains, with over 5,000 cases annually. Experts emphasize the need for rapid testing to determine drug resistance and developing new combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
A simple blood test can identify people at high risk of dying within a month after non-cardiac surgery. The test called Troponin T measures protein markers of heart injury and is strongly associated with 30-day mortality.
A study published in JAMA found that certain biomarker levels, specifically troponin T, measured after noncardiac surgery are associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days. The researchers identified peak troponin T values as the strongest predictors of 30-day mortality.
A new study suggests that some physicians would recommend colorectal cancer screening for 80-year-old patients with advanced lung cancer who would not benefit from the procedure. Physicians were found to be more likely to recommend invasive tests like colonoscopy rather than non-invasive ones.
Researchers identified an immune system deficiency that shows a fourfold higher likelihood of death. High levels of free light chains are associated with increased rates of death from cancer, diabetes, and cardiac respiratory disease.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new nanotechnology that amplifies fluorescent signals in biological tests, allowing for the detection of biomarkers at lower concentrations. This breakthrough could lead to improved early detection of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, enabling more effective treatment.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that omega-3 fatty acid DHA in fish prevented toxic buildup in the retina, a common cause of age-related vision loss. The discovery could lead to a therapeutic use for supplementing the diet with DHA.
A new study from Michigan State University reveals that exercising with a moderately capable virtual partner can significantly boost motivation, with women cycling twice as long when working with a partner. The results suggest the gains observed over six hour-long sessions could be sustained on a longer-term program of exercise.