Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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Research in Psychological Science explores public reaction to task force recommendations, citing factors such as anecdotes and perception of medical treatments. The study suggests that changing the public's view on prostate-cancer screenings may require pictorial displays to help evaluate data more effectively.
Researchers created a new brain map using diffusion tensor imaging, identifying 358 landmarks related to memory, vision, language, and other bodily operations. The map provides a clearer picture of brain connections and their relation to basic brain function.
A new study from the UK shows that completion of pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improves survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients who completed rehabilitation had a higher level of response in exercise capacity and a significant survival advantage compared to those who did not complete re...
The USPSTF recommends against PSA-based screening for all men regardless of age, citing significant harms associated with the test. The Task Force concludes that the benefits of screening do not outweigh the risks, which include unnecessary treatments and life-long adverse effects.
Biologist Robert van Woesik is studying contagiousness of coral diseases, testing for clustering and transmissibility in two Caribbean locations. Understanding the etiology can inform human intervention to reduce disease prevalence.
A new study reveals that MRSA nasal colonization is associated with longer hospital stays and an increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The researchers found that 70% of wound infections in MRSA-positive patients stemmed from the bacterium.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology found that consuming high amounts of saturated fat was associated with poorer overall cognitive function and memory in women over time. In contrast, eating more monounsaturated fats, commonly found in olive oil, may help prevent decline in memory and cognitive performance.
A WPI research team will conduct fire testing on a five-story building after simulating earthquakes on the nation's largest outdoor shake table. The goal is to gather data that will help engineers design better fire protection systems and provide safer buildings for people and property.
A new paper by Brown University researchers finds that African-American clergy are willing to join the fight against HIV by promoting testing, treatment, and social justice. The study highlights the importance of engaging clergy in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in addressing racial disparities in infection rates.
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a method for training blind persons to use sensory substitution devices. Participants were able to read letters and words with sizes smaller than the international standard for blindness.
A new study suggests that repeated head impacts in college athletes participating in contact sports can worsen their ability to acquire new information. The research found that 22% of contact sport athletes performed worse than expected on a test of new learning, compared to 4% of non-contact sport athletes.
Scientists have created a new, inexpensive paper-based urine test to monitor glucose levels in areas with limited healthcare access. The device detects glucose levels using a simple enzyme reaction and can be built quickly, making it an ideal solution for rural India and other developing countries.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that virtual exercise partners can significantly improve motivation and performance. Women who exercised with a more capable virtual partner cycled an average of two minutes longer than those who worked out alone, and reported no decline in motivation to exercise.
Researchers from the University of Missouri have developed a biomarker test that can detect and predict osteoarthritis before symptoms appear. The test uses specific proteins found in joint fluid to identify patients at risk of developing arthritis.
Researchers have designed and tested molecules that can block or enhance aspects of the immune system's activity, offering a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases. The breakthrough, published in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, uses a novel optimization-based approach to design peptides with unprecedented potency and precision.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a low-cost portable diagnostic system that uses a textured surface to move small drops of liquid along predetermined paths. The system, inspired by the lotus effect, requires little energy and avoids contamination.
A simple drawing test can predict long-term stroke death risk among older men, with lowest scores linked to a threefold increased risk of death. The test is more effective than the mini mental state exam in predicting post-stroke mortality.
Research reveals female athletes performed worse on visual memory tests and reported more symptoms post-concussion. Younger athletes, particularly high school athletes, took longer to recover than collegiate athletes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a flavonoid compound called rutin as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent the formation of blood clots. Rutin was shown to inhibit thrombosis in an animal model, offering a novel strategy for preventing stroke and heart attack.
Researchers have created microsubmarines that can collect and transport oil droplets from contaminated waters, potentially helping to clean up oil spills. These tiny machines use a special surface coating to absorb oils and are powered by ultrafast movement.
A study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that over 50% of wheelchair users experience a breakdown within six months, with a significant increase in health and safety consequences. The researchers suggest that changes in reimbursement policies and lax standards testing may be contributing factors.
A new study suggests that pre-operative bladder function tests are not necessary for women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Women who had only an office check-up had equally successful outcomes as those with both tests, indicating that these tests provide no added benefit for surgical treatment success.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that routine urodynamics tests before stress incontinence surgery are not necessary for most patients, suggesting a potential cost savings. The study evaluated over 630 women with stress incontinence and compared those who underwent urodynamics testing to those who received only a doctor's evaluation.
A new study suggests that invasive bladder testing before incontinence surgery is not necessary, with a preoperative office evaluation showing equally successful outcomes. Women with stress urinary incontinence experienced high success rates with minimal testing.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel screening technology to rapidly test metal-oxide nanomaterials for potential health hazards. The method uses high-throughput screening and predicts which materials are most likely to cause oxidative damage based on their electronic properties.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed rapid testing method using paper strip to detect E. coli in recreational water within minutes, improving public safety and closing the gap between outbreaks and detection. The test strips can detect potentially harmful concentrations of E. coli with much greater accuracy than existing p...
A computerized system helped identify adolescents in need of Chlamydia and N. gonorrhea testing in a pediatric emergency department, nearly doubling testing rates. Patients found the electronic survey quick and easy to use, with high satisfaction rates.
A new diagnostic tool using gold nanoparticles can determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, providing doctors with more accurate information to treat patients. The test has been validated in human tissue samples and could lead to more treatment options if clinical trials begin in two to three years.
A study confirms that prostate cancer screening is widely ignored in men aged 75 or older, defying 2008 guidelines. Nearly half of men in this age group continue to receive screenings, highlighting the need for selective screening.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has been awarded a $1 million grant to develop new tests for stress-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The goal is to identify drug leads that can prevent oxidative damage in zebrafish.
Scientists developed a passive vaccine that reversed cocaine overdose symptoms in laboratory mice, showing promise as a potential antidote. The vaccine uses pre-formed human antibodies against cocaine, binding to circulating molecules and preventing brain damage.
A new non-surgical test has been developed to diagnose and monitor brain tumors without surgery, providing a significant breakthrough in treatment options for patients. The test uses microRNA profiling of cerebrospinal fluid to determine the presence of glioblastoma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor.
A study proposes a triage tool to optimize lab capacity for patients with high CD4 failure likelihood. The model could help focus laboratory-based CD4 count testing on those who need it most.
Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.
A new diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) offers improved accuracy and speed, allowing for faster treatment. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a fully automated test that determines TB infection and multidrug-resistant strain in under an hour.
A study of 112 patients with Parkinson's disease and 60 controls found that persistent ocular tremors were universally present in patients with PD, regardless of medication use. This finding suggests that precise oculomotor testing could be a valuable tool for early diagnosis.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients given a choice between fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy completed CRC screening more often than those assigned to colonoscopy alone. Racial/ethnic differences in screening completion rates were observed, with African-Americans having the lowest rate.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that measuring executive functions can predict a player's success in soccer. The researchers found a correlation between high scores in cognitive tests and better performance on the pitch, supporting the idea that game intelligence is not just innate but can be developed.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.
A recent study found that low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals can result in significant health effects, contradicting current testing paradigms. Researchers recommend expanded and generalized safety testing to detect potential adverse effects of these chemicals.
Scientists have developed a simple test to identify MRSA in wounds that can detect the superbug quickly, enabling more effective treatment. The test uses tiny electrical sensors to analyze swab samples, potentially reducing laboratory processing time.
A study published in Hepatology found that diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with the inhibitory control test and treating it with lactulose is cost-effective, preventing car accidents and reducing societal costs. The treatment prevents motor vehicle collisions and saves up to $3.6 million over a 5-year period.
Scientists have developed a rapid test to detect Salmonella in lettuce and water using popcorn-shaped gold particles. The test can identify the bacteria in just five minutes, making it a potential game-changer for food safety, particularly in remote areas or during outbreaks.
A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...
A recent study found that inadequate bowel preparation during a colonoscopy can lead to missed pre-cancerous lesions, which were later discovered during a second screening. This highlights the importance of proper preparation for colonoscopies, as even minor issues can have significant consequences.
Researchers found that among patients given an appointment for a follow-up exercise stress test, 70 percent actually underwent the test compared to 31 percent without pre-scheduled appointments. Patients with pre-scheduled appointments also waited significantly less time for the test.
A new genomic test has been shown to help doctors identify breast cancer patients who do not need adjuvant chemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving quality of life. The study found that patients classified as low risk by the test had a higher distant disease-free survival rate compared to those classified as high risk.
A new study found that older people's memory and thinking skills decline faster after a first hospital stay compared to before or after discharge. Hospital stays were linked to significant declines in memory scores on specific tests, lasting even after adjusting for severe illness and age.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine shows a promising blood test that can predict who is at risk for an imminent heart attack, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test uses circulating endothelial cells, which are abnormally large and misshapen in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.
Researchers are developing a computerized model to predict the force necessary to create fractures and the location of fractures with high accuracy. This will help clinicians make more informed decisions when assessing injuries sustained by young children.
A study led by Salomeh Keyhani found no evidence to support the notion that higher regional healthcare costs indicate inappropriate care. The researchers reviewed 114,830 peer-reviewed articles and concluded that there is a lack of scientific evidence to design policies that reduce unnecessary care.
Blood testing for food sensitivity is increasingly common, but its limitations and potential misuse have been emphasized by European and American allergy and immunology societies. Physicians should caution patients about the controversy surrounding IgG4 testing and advise them on alternative diagnostic approaches.
A Kessler Foundation study found that people with multiple sclerosis perform poorly in memory and processing speed tests on hotter days. The research suggests a link between outdoor temperature and cognitive performance, which could impact clinical trials and treatment decisions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed nanotube-based sensors that can perform lab tests in minutes, speeding diagnosis and treatment while reducing costs. The technology has almost tripled the speed of prototype nano-biosensors and holds potential for applications in medicine, toxicology, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing laboratory-based assays to predict immune responses to biological drugs, reducing the need for animal testing. The goal is to minimize adverse reactions like the TGN1412 trials and accelerate the development of monoclonal antibodies.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for average-risk adults, with individualized assessments and tailored intervals based on risk factors. The guidelines also encourage shared decision-making between patients and physicians to weigh benefits and harms.
Osteoporosis experts advocate for shorter intervals between DXA scans for high-risk women, patients with low bone mineral density, and those receiving osteoporosis medication. This approach can prevent debilitating fractures and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology found that physiological problems from concussions can last longer than symptoms, even after standard testing subside. MEPs showed delays in response time and smaller size, which continued until day 10, with these changes increasing as symptoms decreased.
Scientists have combined NO- and H2S-releasing designer aspirins into a hybrid substance called NOSH-aspirin, which appears more effective in controlling cancer growth than either of its predecessors. The new compound inhibits the growth of various cancer cells, including breast, colon, and leukemia, with minimal harm to normal cells.