Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Scientists have developed an electrochemical sensor device that measures blood sugar levels from tears, potentially saving 350 million diabetes patients from finger-prick blood tests. The device tracks tear glucose levels, which correlate with blood glucose levels, allowing for multiple daily measurements without pain.
Scientists have created a fast and reliable test to detect ciguatoxin, the primary cause of ciguatera food poisoning. The new test uses standard laboratory instruments and has been proven effective in identifying 16 different forms of the toxin in fish from the Pacific Ocean.
A new international health survey found that chronically ill US adults who received care from a medical home were less likely to report medical errors and had better relationships with their doctors. In contrast, the US stood out for having the highest rates of cost-related access problems and medical bill burdens.
A study by Frank Cobelens and colleagues found that the Xpert MTB/RIF diagnostic test is cost-effective for TB diagnosis in high-burden countries. The test reduces years of life lost due to TB, making it a highly cost-effective investment.
A study published in Journal of Marketing Research found that credit card bill notes displaying the minimum required payment amount can reduce monthly payments by up to 24% for US and UK consumers. Increasing the minimum payment amount or disclosing future interest costs does not encourage larger payments.
A new study found that bundling payments to healthcare providers to reduce costs proves difficult to implement, despite its potential benefits. Researchers identified technical and cultural barriers as major obstacles to the approach.
A new study investigates how age-related stereotypes influence memory performance in older adults. Researchers found that older adults are more likely to falsely recall unrepresented words due to implicit beliefs about their age. However, by reducing the influence of negative stereotypes, memory performance can be improved.
Diagnosis-related malpractice claims have risen by 40% since 1996, with total payouts increasing from $21.7 million to $91 million in 2010. Improving notification reliability and work flow through semi-automated systems can enhance patient safety.
A large study found that exercise-related responses, such as oxygen desaturation and heart rate changes, are independent risk factors for severe altitude sickness. Taking acetazolamide can reduce some of these risks, particularly among young adults, women, and those with a history of migraine or previous high-altitude illnesses.
A new genomic approach developed by Cornell University scientists enables precise identification of food-borne bacteria, facilitating the detection of outbreaks and their sources. This breakthrough method has the potential to uncover smaller outbreaks that may have gone unnoticed previously.
Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is an accurate predictor of colorectal cancer, but it remains inferior to colonoscopy for prevention. Yearly FIT screenings may allow treatment to follow closely on the heels of discovery, but practices with repeat testing over time perform poorly.
The Alberta Diabetes Atlas provides critical data on laboratory tests for effective diabetes management, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions. The atlas also helps identify disparities and improve care quality across regions and communities.
Limited evidence underpins current ultrasound test for miscarriage diagnosis, prompting calls for large-scale study to ensure accuracy. Gaps in existing guidelines and concerns over misdiagnosis highlight urgent need for research prioritization.
A study of 300 post-menopausal women found that obesity was associated with improved cognitive performance, particularly in memory and language tasks. The researchers propose that estrogen released from fat cells may play a protective role in preserving cognition.
A new testing program coupled with a year-long clinical experience improved internal medicine resident scores on the Internal Medicine In-Training Exam. The study found that residents who participated in the program showed a significant increase in median individual percentile rank, outperforming control groups by 8.5 percentile points.
Researchers isolated 63 unique dust particles from their laboratory using a new sensor technology. The study aims to aid in understanding respiratory diseases caused by airborne particles. The dust particles contained organic matter, quartz, and man-made chemicals.
Home-based supervised oral HIV self-testing has been shown to be feasible in high-HIV-prevalence settings in urban Africa. The study found strong community readiness for this approach alongside other HIV counseling and testing strategies.
Researchers from Nagoya University used a micro putter to test the adhesion of yeast cells on various surfaces. They found that dead cells stuck less than living cells, supporting the 'cell adhesion model'. This study could lead to new methods for evaluating cell health and developing effective treatments.
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.