Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
A new study found that empathy significantly reduces racial bias in pain treatment, with a 98% decrease in treatment disparities for college students and a 55% decrease among nurses. By asking participants to imagine their patients' feelings, the researchers were able to mitigate unconscious biases.
A new diagnostic test called PluriTest enables researchers to determine the quality of pluripotent stem cell lines with remarkable sensitivity and specificity. The test uses a detailed molecular model of normal pluripotent cells to identify genomic aberrations, alerting scientists to perform additional analysis.
The American Thoracic Society's new report highlights the need for research on incorporating ambulatory management of obstructive sleep apnea into healthcare systems. Portable monitor testing is limited by lack of standardization and high costs, with studies needed to demonstrate its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
The letter highlights growing concerns about chemicals like BPA and the need for experts from genetics, reproductive medicine, and other fields to interpret and evaluate science. The authors advocate for swifter and sounder testing procedures to prevent chemicals from entering the environment.
Researchers found that apple polyphenols prolonged lifespan and preserved physical function in fruit flies, supporting previous studies on antioxidant benefits of apples.
A NYU nursing-dental research team will assess the feasibility of using gingival crevicular blood to gauge hemoglobin A1C levels as a means of diagnosing diabetes and identifying pre-diabetes. The study aims to determine if there is a correlation between A1C finger-stick and oral blood samples.
A new test identifying aggressive lung cancer sub-type in never-smokers may help doctors select the most appropriate therapies. The study found that tumors expressing a protein product called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are more common in this group, increasing disease progression risk.
A study by the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that the hemoglobin A1c test is not as reliable for diagnosing diabetes in children as it is for adults, potentially leading to missed cases. The authors suggest using a fasting plasma glucose test instead.
A new study by Dr. Todd Anderson at the University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute has identified endothelial dysfunction as a predictive marker for coronary heart disease. By detecting this marker in patients, doctors may be able to intervene early to prevent the progression of heart disease.
A Northwestern University study found that over one-third of paid caregivers struggled with reading and understanding health-related information, while 60% made errors when sorting medications. The study aims to develop standardized tests to evaluate caregiver skills and improve senior care.
A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.
Research found that simple tests, such as Road Sign Recognition and Compass tasks, can identify those at risk of failing the on-road driving test. The tests correctly classified 80-85% of unsafe drivers.
Scientists have discovered biomarkers in the blood of pregnant women that could lead to early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Almost 70 proteins were found to occur at unusual levels in women with EP, with one protein called Adam12 appearing 20 times lower than in normal pregnancies.
Scientists have developed a new food packaging material called 'killer paper' with silver nanoparticles that fights bacteria causing spoilage. The coating is effective against E. coli and S. aureus, killing bacteria in just three hours.
Researchers aim to improve post-hospital management of patients with pending test results. Inadequate communication and follow-up can lead to serious medical errors.
A recent study found that most medical devices recalled due to serious risks were initially approved through expedited processes or exempt from regulatory review. The FDA's 510(k) process, intended for low- to moderate-risk devices, was used for 71% of recalled devices.
Researchers found that babies born between 36 and 38 weeks with confirmed fetal pulmonary maturity still face increased risks of neonatal morbidity. Despite recommendations for testing, delivering preterm can lead to respiratory problems and other complications.
A study found that the standard third-trimester GBS test did not accurately predict its presence during labor, while a rapid test performed at labor showed excellent accuracy. The test's performance varied among racial groups, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to have discordant results.
A new noninvasive test for trisomy 21 has been developed using DNA sequencing of maternal blood plasma, accurately detecting the extra chromosome in 100% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity. The test shows promise as a potential alternative to invasive prenatal testing.
Scientists have developed a key advance toward a fast, simple test to detect the toxin that causes cholera. The new method uses specially prepared nanoparticles coated with dextran to bind to specific characteristics of the cholera toxin receptor, allowing for easy detection.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with memory problems are at a higher risk for stroke. The research used two simple tests to evaluate brain function and found that those who scored in the bottom 20% were 3-9 times more likely to experience a stroke, depending on age.
A systematic review of international evidence found that up to three-quarters of hospital tests are not followed up after discharge, posing serious safety implications for patients.
A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.
A simple one-minute test can detect concussions in athletes, capturing impairments of eye movement, attention, and brain function. The King-Devick test has the potential to become a standard sideline test for athletes.
High-functioning autistic adults tend to blame others for accidents, even if they had good intentions. This challenges the typical understanding of theory of mind and morality in autism.
Research reveals dogs can detect specific odors in breath and stool samples with 95% accuracy for breath test and 98% accuracy for stool test. This method could lead to developing non-invasive tests for early stage bowel cancer detection.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to create microfluidic devices on paper strips, enabling more complex chemical assays and applications in medicine and research. The approach uses a laser to modify paper with patterns, allowing for the detection of specific chemicals and biological molecules.
Researchers are leveraging a 40-year-old blood test procedure to develop new lifesaving medications, utilizing modern lab instruments for greater sensitivity. The approach reduces sample requirements, storage, and shipping costs, potentially saving millions of dollars in drug development.
Scientists have developed a new food packaging material that uses silver nanoparticles to fight bacteria and extend shelf life. The material has been shown to be effective against E. coli and S. aureus, two common causes of bacterial food poisoning.
Patients with quiescent Crohn's disease exhibit a 30% decrease in vitamin D2 absorption capacity compared to healthy individuals. A vitamin D bioavailability test is essential for assessing malabsorption and guiding therapeutic dosing.
A new study finds that a simple hemoglobin A1c test can identify individuals with pre-diabetes, allowing them to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise. By testing 60 million Americans at risk, healthcare costs can be reduced by up to half.
Researchers have created a potential method for detecting Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test using synthetic molecules. The new technology may lead to blood tests for many important diseases if it proves successful.
Researchers found distinguishing characteristics of the ANA-HEp-2 test in healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune disease, reducing erroneous diagnoses. The study confirmed that the ANA-HEp-2 pattern is critical for diagnosing autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new hand-held instrument to detect glaucoma earlier and with greater accuracy. The device uses micro-force sensors and math-based procedures to gently rub the eyelid, measuring intraocular pressure without the need for painful eye drops or sterilized sensors.
A new experimental drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has been found to be more potent and longer-lasting than standard morphine, with less likelihood of causing constipation. The study, led by Dr. Joseph Holtman Jr., tested the drug on rats and demonstrated its potential clinical advantages compared to morphine.
A novel human protein called biglycan has been shown to significantly slow muscle damage and improve function in mice with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The treatment restores utrophin presence in muscle cells, reducing muscle tissue damage by 50% compared to untreated mice.
A new model, fullPIERS, predicts adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia with high accuracy and identifies risk categories for clinicians. The model is built on six variables and performs well in predicting outcomes within 48 hours of hospital admission.
A new blood test has been identified as an effective way to measure individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease complications. The study found that measuring cystatin C can accurately identify those with impaired kidney function and distinguish them from those with low risk.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based platform to diagnose atypical pneumonia with over 97% accuracy using a 10-minute test. The device has the potential to limit complications and transmission of the infection.
Researchers have found that in late-onset Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid is produced at a normal rate but not cleared efficiently from the brain. This discovery may lead to improved biomarker measures for early diagnosis and new treatment approaches.
A USGS study has found large differences in arsenic concentrations from well to well, even at the town level, highlighting the need for private well owners to test their water. Elevated arsenic levels have been detected in multiple towns across Maine, posing a risk to residents' health and requiring prompt action.
A study found that low-dose aspirin use is associated with improved sensitivity and specificity of fecal occult blood tests in detecting advanced colorectal tumors. The findings suggest that temporary use of low-dose aspirin may enhance test performance, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
A new study suggests that using fecal immunochemical testing between colonoscopies can detect colorectal cancer and advanced tumors in high-risk patients. The test detected 12 out of 14 cancers and 60 out of 96 advanced adenomas, reducing the chance of finding cancer or advanced adenoma by 50%.
Scientists have developed a new filtering technology that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water without clogging. The material uses silver and electricity to destroy bacteria, allowing for easy flow through the filter.
A new test method has been developed to detect and measure infectious agents called prions that cause devastating brain-damaging conditions. The real time quaking induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) can detect miniscule amounts of infectious prions, potentially leading to early treatment and prevention.
A study of 614 vineyard workers in South West France found a link between long-term pesticide exposure and declining cognitive abilities, including lower scores on memory and recall tests. The researchers suggest that higher risks of dementia may be associated with pesticide exposure.
Two studies published in the journal Ophthalmology suggest that omega-3 rich fish and seafood consumption may help prevent advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in seniors. Additionally, a new test called pattern electroretinogram (PERGLA) shows promise for early detection of glaucoma by measuring retinal ganglion cell function.
Researchers found that drinking sweetened lemonade boosted glucose levels, reducing aggressive behavior in college students. The study suggests a link between low glucose metabolism and increased aggression and violence, particularly among individuals with diabetes.
UC Davis engineers have developed a universal microfluidics connector to bridge biological tests with electronic devices, enabling compact medical diagnostic tools. The 'fit-to-flow' interface could enable cell phones to function as mini microscopes.
Patients with abnormal liver function who receive statin treatment show improved liver function and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Long-term statin treatment is a safe and promising strategy for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Fecal immunochemical testing is the best and most cost-effective method for screening for colorectal cancer, reducing deaths by 69% among average-risk patients. Annual screening with this test can lower healthcare costs compared to other methods.
A new test for salmonella in poultry and eggs can produce faster and more accurate results than most currently available tests. This could have prevented contaminated eggs from being shipped to stores and kept consumers safe.
Researchers have identified key factors in cancer cell development and reconstituted the first step in the process in a test tube. The study, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, found that DNA breaks are a major instigator of cancer cell development.
A study led by Emory University School of Medicine found that patients with low health literacy are more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. Adults with lower REALM-R scores were 55% more likely to be admitted, with those from low-income backgrounds and without a college education facing higher risks.
A telephone call-in program designed to improve doctor-patient communication for heart failure patients failed to show improved patient outcomes, according to a Yale University study. The six-month study tested a telemonitoring system that allowed patients to send daily information about their condition to their doctor.
The KINARM Assessment Station is an objective tool for assessing brain function, capturing subtle deficits not measured by traditional tests. Clinical researchers need this tool to develop better therapies for treating brain injury or disease.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that children with autism are likely to continue experiencing handwriting problems into their teenage years. The research found that teenagers with autism scored significantly lower than those without autism on a handwriting assessment test.
A new blood test detects low troponin T levels, associated with increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death in older adults without symptoms. The study found that elevated troponin levels over time can indicate a higher risk of developing heart disease.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study suggests an alternative to standard nasal sprays that use preservatives, which can cause side effects. The new method maintains sterility in the applicator bottle without chemical preservatives.
The microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test has been endorsed by WHO for use in resource-poor settings. The test delivers positive culture and drug resistance results within two weeks for less than $3 per test, improving TB diagnosis and treatment.