Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
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.
A study found that reminding hospital staff about the costs of daily blood draws resulted in a significant reduction in routine blood tests ordered. The intervention led to cost savings of $54,967 over an 11-week period.
Scientists have identified key molecular patterns in the blood of lung cancer patients, which can help detect the disease at an early stage. The study found these patterns are present even in tumors still in their earliest stages, offering new hope for improving lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 266 healthy adults aged 70-88 found that driving errors, such as failing to check blind spots and speeding, increased with age. The results have implications for skill-based driving tests and training for older drivers.
Researchers found that even those with low faecal haemoglobin concentrations are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Higher initial faecal haemoglobin concentration is linked to a greater likelihood of developing the disease.
A new decision aid aims to improve communication between families and clinicians about end-of-life care for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The study found that the decision aid reduced uncertainty and improved agreement between surrogates and healthcare providers about patient outcomes.
A study found that CPAP treatment significantly reduces daytime sleepiness and increases wakefulness in patients with very mild symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment also improves quality of life scores, even among those who initially did not perceive a benefit from therapy.
The six-minute walking distance test (6MWD) is an effective tool for understanding disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A three-year global study found that baseline 6MWD was predictive of hospital admission and had a steady rate of decline in patients with severe disease.
Researchers studied chiropractic manipulation and found that maximum chest compression during typical manipulations is unlikely to result in injury. The study's findings suggest safer manipulation procedures and reduced risk of adverse patient outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that it takes an average of 275 procedures to reach minimal cognitive and motor competency in gastroenterology fellows performing colonoscopies. The research team used a validated testing method to assess the performance of 41 fellows who performed over 6,600 colonoscopies.
A new blood-based test has the potential to diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) more quickly and accurately, allowing doctors to prescribe the right medication and prevent flares. The test uses a small chip to detect biomarkers in the body, creating a unique 'fingerprint' for each patient.
A study found that colonoscopies were performed more frequently than recommended in some older Medicare beneficiaries, while others went without necessary follow-ups. The researchers suggest that closer attention to screening rates is needed to ensure the procedure is reserved for those who can benefit from it.
A new study of U.S. veterans ages 70 and older found that healthy seniors benefit most from current colon cancer screening methods, while less healthy veterans may experience a net burden. The study highlights the need to target screening for those who are likely to benefit and re-evaluate screening for those who are not.
A new study found a strong correlation between income levels and celiac disease diagnosis accuracy, with higher-income individuals more likely to receive accurate diagnoses. The study's authors suggest that socioeconomic factors, including health literacy and access to information, may contribute to this disparity.
Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke is a viable alternative to current screening methods. According to the study, this approach has an 84% detection rate and false-positive rate of 24%, comparable to existing methods with slightly lower rates.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage using biochemical analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production. The test was able to accurately detect the disease with small samples of blood and differentiate it from other types of dementia.
A new study found that using two blood tests can dramatically reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis in overweight children. Researchers discovered that a combination of hemoglobin A1C and oral glucose tolerance tests could catch more high-risk patients, missing nearly 2/3 with just one test.
A daily physical activity program that incorporated classroom lessons resulted in improved test scores for students at an elementary school. The percentage of students reaching their goal score increased from 55% to 68.5% after the program was initiated.
A study found that middle-aged adults who slept more or less than 6-8 hours per night experienced accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to four to seven years of aging. This association was seen in both men and women, with no beneficial effects observed for increased sleep duration.
A recent study found that white adolescent females are less likely to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than their black counterparts, despite similar symptoms. This disparity raises concerns about the potential under-evaluation and under-treatment of white female adolescents with STI-like complaints.
Low health literacy is a significant barrier to quality care for elderly cancer patients, but using simple and effective assessment tools can help. Nurses can assess patients' literacy levels and tailor communications to match their understanding, improving communication and health outcomes.
Researchers have identified a protein in blood serum that distinguishes pancreatic cancer from non-cancerous conditions. The discovery suggests a potential blood test to detect pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage.
A study examining the absorption rates of folic acid from softgel capsules and standard tablets found that bioavailability was similar between the two formulations. The rate of absorption from softgels was slower than tablets, but the average levels of total folate in the blood were similar.
A new low-cost test for acute pancreatitis has been developed by University of Texas at Austin scientists, offering faster results than existing tests. The sensor, built with simple materials like gelatin, milk protein, and aluminum foil, can diagnose the disease in under an hour.
A study found that childhood musical experience can provide lifelong cognitive benefits, with musicians outperforming non-musicians on tests of visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the duration of musical practice is more important than continued playing at an advanced age.
A study found that older individuals who played a musical instrument throughout life performed better on cognitive tests than non-musicians. The study suggests that musical activity may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making the brain fitter and more capable of accommodating aging challenges.
Researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah have developed a blood test that can identify high-risk pregnancies for pre-term birth with high accuracy. The test detects three new peptide biomarkers that signal increased risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially prolonging pregnancy by one or two weeks.
A new biomarker called NGAL in urine or blood detects early subclinical AKI and its adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, allowing for earlier conventional medical interventions. The study's findings justify redefining what defines AKI and recommend using NGAL-based testing to improve prognosis.
A pilot study found that L-lysine reduced severity of symptoms and improved functional ability in eight out of ten patients with schizophrenia. The treatment showed a general trend for improvement due to treatment with lysine, but results were confounded by the beneficial effect of lysine continuing after treatment stopped.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have pioneered a needle-free test for medicines in premature babies, reducing trauma and improving accuracy. The new approach uses blood spots obtained from heel-pricks, allowing for more precise dosage calculations and better treatment outcomes.
A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have created a tool that uses cerebrospinal fluid test results to predict disability timelines for patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. The study found that patients with higher levels of certain proteins in their CSF are more likely to experience a faster onset of disability.
A prediction model that includes data on measures of several routinely obtained laboratory tests accurately predicted the short-term risk of kidney failure for patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The researchers used demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from over 7,000 patients with CKD stages 3 to 5.
Researchers used carbon dating to determine the age of carotid plaques in humans, finding that plaque formation occurs during a relatively short and late time period in life. The study also found an association between low plaque age, higher insulin levels, and instability.
Researchers have developed an innovative diagnostic algorithm using a protein named HBHA in combination with IGRA, allowing for rapid identification of those infected but not yet showing symptoms. The new test has the potential to improve TB diagnosis and control strategies worldwide.
A new 'halometer' tool allows researchers to assess visual disturbances in night vision. The device, developed at the University of Granada, uses software and a chin cup with a forehead holder to measure the effects of halos on observers.
A new study found that a more sensitive test for the cardiac biomarker troponin can increase the diagnosis of heart attacks and identify patients at high risk of another heart attack or death. The test was associated with improved clinical management, fewer deaths, and fewer admissions with recurrent MI.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
Cognitive impairment in liver disease patients may not be fully reversible and can affect driving safety. Doctors are advised to carefully evaluate cirrhotic patients for hepatic encephalopathy and address driving issues with them.
A new self-monitoring blood glucose sensor developed by Arizona State University engineers and clinicians enables patients to draw tear fluid from their eyes to get a glucose-level test sample. The device aims to make blood glucose testing easier, more comfortable and potentially better control diabetes.
A new study uses statistical methods to assess the authenticity of items sold on internet auction sites, revealing over 80% of artwork claimed to be by Henry Moore was actually fake. The results suggest strengthening laws on misrepresentation is necessary for public protection.
A study by the American Heart Association found that brief video training significantly improves hands-only CPR performance, with over 90% of trained participants attempting CPR in an emergency. The training also showed improved compression rates and depths compared to untrained individuals.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that the circadian system contributes to daily patterns of vasovagal syncope, a common type of fainting. The vulnerability to presyncope peaks at specific times between 10:30 PM and 10:30 AM, with the highest risk occurring at 4:30 AM.