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 scientists has discovered a link between pregnancy protein and Alzheimer's disease, finding elevated levels in women destined for the condition years before symptoms appear. They found that the protein, pregnancy zone protein, is being produced in senile plaques, a hallmark of AD.
A two-year study by Montana State University researchers found that heifers can safely reduce their feed intake during the seven months between weaning and breeding. This results in cost savings of $21 per animal, with industry-wide savings being significant, especially in drought areas.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital found that current guidelines for testing patients with possible community-acquired pneumonia due to Legionella may underestimate the number of cases. The researchers suggest more comprehensive Legionella testing in patients hospitalized with pneumonia, which could identify additional cases and provide ...
Researchers developed a simple color test to detect economically motivated adulterants (EMAs) in heparin, which can trigger anaphylactic reactions. The test can also identify other potential EMAs, paving the way for portable detection methods.
A study examining platelet function testing before PCI procedures found that patients with high residual platelet reactivity had a higher risk of ischemic events, including cardiac death and heart attack. The study suggested that tailored therapy using new antithrombotic agents may be necessary for these patients.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that anti-reflux surgery can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation. The procedure was associated with improved lung function, reduced episodes of acute rejection and pneumonia, and may help extend t...
A new LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) test has been designed specifically for sleeping sickness diagnosis in rural African settings. The test promises to improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the need for repeated lumbar punctures, paving the way for potential elimination of the disease.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical students' unconscious biases towards race and social class do not directly affect their treatment decisions. Despite this, the researchers argue that training and experience may be reinforcing negative stereotypes, highlighting the need for interventions to address racial bias in hea...
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that 51.5% of US internal medicine residents reported burnout symptoms, with those owing over $200,000 in debt experiencing lower quality of life and test scores. The study also revealed a link between resident distress and lower-quality patient care.
A new visual test effectively diagnosed concussions in collegiate athletes, detecting impaired eye movements and rapid eye movements. The King-Devick test, a previously used dyslexia test, was validated as a reliable tool to aid medical professionals and trainers in determining which athletes need to come out of games.
A simple finger prick test during routine eye exams at high street opticians can identify millions of people with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. This could lead to better disease management and cost savings for the NHS.
A new analysis of the GRAVITAS trial found that achieving low platelet reactivity is associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stent thrombosis. Patients who achieved this level of platelet reactivity had approximately half the risk of these events compared to those with high reactivity.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified chemical compounds that prevent the abnormal aggregation of the TTR protein, holding it together in its functional form. The compounds have the potential to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by TTR-related amyloid diseases or at risk for them.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...
The FDA has cleared a new diagnostic test that detects the cryptoccocal antigen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis. The rapid blood test, known as the CrAg Lateral Flow Assay, is designed for resource-limited settings and can be administered in just a few minutes.
A study found a higher prevalence of undiagnosed celiac disease in women with unexplained infertility, which was significantly higher at 5.9%. Dietary changes, specifically a gluten-free diet, improved fertility rates for these women.
Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and cheaper than current methods. The method uses microcalorimeters to detect the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, allowing for rapid diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Frequent visual field testing in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma may lead to earlier detection of the condition's progression, according to a study published in Archives of Ophthalmology. The researchers found that twice-yearly schedules resulted in earlier detection compared to yearly schedules.
Dimitrios Morikis and Lincoln Johnson aim to create new inhibitors of the complement system to treat the disease, which affects over 1.75 million Americans. The researchers will use computational modeling and virtual screening to identify potential treatments.
Researchers found that patients who developed moderate to severe anemia had a significantly higher mean blood loss from phlebotomy compared to those who did not. The study suggests that reducing unnecessary phlebotomy and blood volume could help prevent hospital-acquired anemia in heart attack patients.
A new urine test uses a portable 'electronic nose' to detect tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in patient urine. The test shows promise as a fast and inexpensive diagnostic tool for TB, which affects millions worldwide.
A new strain of bacteria infecting humans with ehrlichiosis has been found in Wisconsin and Minnesota, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The discovery highlights the importance of testing for tick-borne diseases in these states.
BC researchers found that the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) can accurately identify development delays in children. The tests, which take 5-15 minutes to complete, have been validated for accuracy in primary care settings.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an effective tool for screening for bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test was specific for almost 90% of colorectal cancers and adenomas, highlighting its value as a diagnostic tool.
A University of Florida team applied GIS and spatial analysis to show where clusters of diseased coral exist. They found significant disease clustering at Buck Island National Monument, which can help scientists derive better hypotheses on coral disintegration.
Scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno conducted a series of earthquake tests on a 5-story building in Japan to demonstrate the effectiveness of seismic isolation technology. The goal is to make critical facilities safer and more resilient to extreme earthquakes, such as those that occur every 2500 years on the West Coast of the ...
A new device called myVisionTrack has been developed to monitor degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The hand-held device allows patients to track changes in their vision over time with high accuracy, enabling timely treatment and preventing preventable vision loss.
The Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health has developed a new resource for primary care physicians to address the complex health needs of immigrants and refugees. The guidelines cover four areas: infectious diseases, mental health, chronic and noncommunicable diseases, and women's health.
A Tel Aviv University researcher says current testing for pharmaceutical waste isn't going far enough, as drugs can break down into different forms and still be present in the environment. The researcher has identified nine degradation products of a common antibiotic, including two potentially toxic compounds.
Researchers advocate for expanded EHR use to address medical errors and improve care quality. Implementing Joint Commission's 2011 National Patient Safety Goals into EHR criteria can help fast-track the use of EHRs for patient safety.
A Loyola University Health System study found that 35% of retired NFL players had scores suggesting possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of the players was 61, and their impairments were highly similar to those exhibited by patients with MCI.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have restored breathing function in an adult rodent model of spinal cord injury by biologically regenerating lost nerve connections to the diaphragm. The enzyme-based technique showed promising results, with 80-100% breathing function restored and maintained for six months.
Researchers found that patient outcomes improve when fracture clinics have a dedicated person to screen for and treat osteoporosis. The study also shows that testing and treatment within the program leads to better outcomes, rather than referring patients elsewhere.
Researchers extracted the plant's physiologically active components and found that 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced analgesia comparable to aspirin. The extract may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms.
A team of experts developed a high-tech, portable device to test soil for carcinogenic pollutants, providing fast and accurate results. The Safe Soil Tester can detect toxins in as little as 12 minutes, offering significant cost savings over traditional lab testing.
Researchers used a self-paced walking test to evaluate physical function progress in middle-aged women, finding faster walk times related to weight loss and improved body composition. The 400-meter walk test is a simple and cost-efficient measure of physical function that can be used in medically underserved settings.
The ClearBlue Digital Ovulation test accurately predicts ovulation in 99% of women, surpassing the calendar method's accuracy rate of one in four.
A recent study from Lifespan found that molecular lab technology can detect up to 50% more cases of C. difficile (CDI) infection than traditional methods. This increased detection leads to improved patient safety and prevention of hospital-acquired CDI infections.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review finds that Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are highly accurate in detecting malaria parasites, with a success rate of at least 19 out of 20 cases. This development holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of malaria in resource-constrained settings.
Researchers have developed a Pregnancy Viability Index (PVI) that can accurately predict the outcome of pregnancies threatening to miscarry. The PVI combines two key factors - bleeding and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels - to provide a reliable means of predicting which pregnancies will continue and which will miscarry, ulti...
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that BMC conducts a high rate of thyroid function testing in pregnant women. The study detected approximately 80 percent of cases of mild hypothyroidism that may have gone undiagnosed without routine testing.
A four-fold increase in global malaria R&D funding has generated the strongest pipeline of control and prevention products in history. However, sustaining this momentum requires modest increases in annual funding, which could lead to a larger jump by 2016.
A Duke University Medical Center research team has discovered new proteins in blood cells of patients with advanced prostate cancer and metastatic breast cancer. These proteins are associated with embryonic development and may help doctors gauge the progression or response to treatment more accurately.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised a nanoscale testing technique for irradiated materials that provides macroscale materials-strength properties. This technique could help accelerate the development of new materials for nuclear applications, reduce material requirements, and extend the lifetime of nuclear reactors.
A new study found that anxious searchers are more likely to miss multiple objects, particularly the second target, due to anticipatory anxiety. The research, led by Duke University psychologist Stephen Mitroff, has important implications for training and testing searchers in homeland security and healthcare.
A blood test for AMH can help predict IVF success, with women having higher AMH levels yielding more eggs and a higher rate of pregnancy. The study found that women with low AMH levels had an average of six eggs harvested, while those with higher levels had around 20.
A study by the Technical University of Munich reveals that non-alcoholic wheat beer can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and prevent upper respiratory infections in athletes. The 'Be-MaGIC' study found that consuming the test beverage daily reduced infection frequency and severity.
A team of scientists has created a new 3D tumor model that can grow in a realistic and easily accessible substrate, speeding up cancer drug discovery. The model's 3D nature provides a more accurate representation of how tumors grow in the body, reducing the likelihood of promising drugs failing during animal testing.
A new study suggests that daily testosterone therapy can improve verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women, reducing their risk of cognitive decline. The research found significant benefits after six months of treatment.
A hormone test measuring anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's ovarian function after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Women with low AMH levels before treatment are more likely to experience infertility due to chemotherapy-induced damage.
A recent study has linked subclinical hyperthyroidism in elderly individuals to a significantly increased risk of death. The research found that those with this condition were 65% more likely to die during a six-year follow-up period than those with normal thyroid function.
A pilot study at Indiana University found that yoga significantly improved balance items and confidence in veterans with stroke. The participants showed a 17% improvement in balance and a 34% increase in confidence after eight weeks of group yoga classes.
A new study by Indiana University finds significant differences in physical fitness levels between patients at safety net community health centers and members of a medically affiliated fitness center. The research highlights the importance of access to exercise opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly those without health...
A study by Loyola researcher Christopher Randolph found that baseline concussion tests may have a high 'false negative' rate, returning injured athletes to play prematurely. This could lead to increased risks of further injury or cognitive impairments.
A new non-invasive wireless near-infrared device has been shown to be as reliable as current invasive tests in determining bladder disease. The device uses light shone through the skin to monitor changes in bladder physiology, revealing consistent patterns of normal oxygen availability and blood supply in healthy subjects during urinat...
Researchers found that HbA1C test is not predictive of outcomes in diabetes patients with kidney disease on dialysis. In contrast, the glycated albumin or GA assay was a strong predictor of patient survival and hospitalizations.
A study found that 71% of elderly drivers supported mandatory retesting based on age, while 68% believed family members should decide if a license is revoked. The research aims to develop a screening test to identify higher-risk drivers and establish advance directives for driving decisions.
The Vectra DA algorithm provides a robust molecular monitoring system for RA disease activity. Studies show it can predict progressive joint damage and is robust in patients with common comorbid conditions.
A Baylor University study reveals that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common fire retardant, can cause developmental malformations, changes in behavior, and death in zebra fish. The research found that lower brominated congeners were more toxic than higher ones.
A study published in Drug Testing and Analysis found that many 'legal highs' sold online do not contain advertised ingredients, with some containing controlled substances instead. Dr. Mark Baron's research highlights the need for consumers to be aware of the dangers of purchasing products from unregulated online retailers.