Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Researchers have successfully delivered a protective protein called erythropoietin into the brain using a Trojan Horse approach, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's ability to block it. This breakthrough has potential for treating stroke patients, traumatic head injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic brain disorders.
A new screening test, Sweet 16, can detect dementia in elderly patients more rapidly, providing an alternative to the Mini-Mental State Examination. The tool has been shown to accurately characterize mental status without influencing patient education or sociodemographic factors.
Research reveals bilinguals outperform monolinguals in tasks requiring distraction-blocking and task-switching, potentially leading to improved cognitive outcomes. Bilingualism may also protect against age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.
A team of University of Washington undergraduate students has developed a low-cost ultrasound system that uses a modular design and off-the-shelf parts. The system aims to improve access to maternal healthcare in developing countries, where an estimated 1,000 women die each day from childbirth-related mortality.
Researchers found that Fat Sand Rats exhibit symptoms of depression when exposed to short light hours, similar to those experienced by humans with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The rats responded well to common SAD therapies, including bright light exposure and medications, suggesting a viable animal model for studying affective disorders.
A new Georgetown University Medical Center study found that up to 40% of scleroderma patients will not be correctly diagnosed using a commercial screening test. The researchers evaluated over 200 scleroderma patients and found that the test failed to identify patients with specific antibodies, highlighting the need for alternative test...
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that electronic alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary D-dimer tests for elderly patients, resulting in a 69.7% decrease in orders. The alerts, which explain the test's inaccuracy in older adults, were implemented in eight primary care clinics and maintained throughout the study period.
Scientists developed a built-in timer to improve the accuracy of paper-based diagnostic tests for diseases. The device uses a dye and wax mixture with a color change signal, achieving 97% accuracy in a glucose test, compared to 90% with a stopwatch.
A study found that hospitalization and restricted activity increased the likelihood of transitioning to new or worsening disability, particularly among those with physical frailty. The researchers also discovered that fall-related injury conferred the highest risk of developing new or worsening disability.
Researchers found the PHQ-9 screening test to be effective in detecting major depression in teenagers with a sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 77.5%. The team concluded that the PHQ-9 is an excellent choice for primary care clinicians seeking to screen for depression in teens.
A new clinical test that predicts lupus flares has been licensed for development, providing patients and physicians with a crucial tool for managing the disease. The test, which measures chemokine levels in blood, may help reduce corticosteroid exposure and prevent flare intensity.
Alice Chen won $15,000 for implanting human liver cells in mice to facilitate drug testing. Mark Jensen received $10,000 for a method to manufacture composite lattice pole structures. The competition honored 15 students for their innovative ideas, with some using mice to study disease and others developing new materials.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that current infertility tests may label many women as infertile who actually get pregnant naturally. The researchers suggest using another hormone, antimullerian hormone (AMH), as a more accurate predictor of fertility.
The NIH has awarded six grants totaling $12 million to promote scientific workforce diversity. The grants support innovative approaches to addressing the underrepresentation of diverse groups in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
Routine prostate cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of metastatic disease within 10 years after treatment. Men diagnosed post-screening had a lower risk of spreading cancer compared to those treated prior to widespread screening.
A new study reveals that 70-year-olds born in 1930 performed better in cognitive tests than their predecessors born in 1901-02. The study attributed the improvement to better pre- and neonatal care, nutrition, education, and access to advanced technology. Despite this, memory problems remained a predictor of dementia risk.
Providing computed tomography colonography as an alternative to conventional colonoscopy could improve colorectal cancer screening rates. The study found that patients preferred virtual colonoscopy due to its convenience and perceived safety.
Researchers developed a sensor that uses frog peptides to test for drug and medical device contamination, reducing the need for horseshoe crab blood. The new technology could help save endangered species like the red knot, which relies on horseshoe crabs for food.
Scientists have developed a new method to detect transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, progressive and fatal neurological diseases, in cattle and humans. The technique uses fluorescence technology to identify distinct differences in the fluorescence signatures of retinas from infected animals.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a well-defined animal model of preeclampsia, allowing for experiments to shed light on the disease's cause. A potential lab test has also been developed to diagnose the disease in people, predicting problems as early as 12 weeks into pregnancy.
A new study found that only one-fifth of primary care physicians follow practice guidelines for all recommended colorectal cancer screening tests. Many clinicians overuse or underuse screening, leading to unnecessary testing and potential complications.
A new filtering technology has been developed that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water in seconds without clogging or consuming much energy. The technology uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to destroy bacteria, making it a promising solution for providing clean drinking water to those in need.
A large-scale study of 1,286,350 participants across various studies confirms that female and male math skills are substantially equal. The findings challenge long-held stereotypes and emphasize the importance of promoting confidence in girls' math abilities to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
A team of scientists has demonstrated the feasibility of Raman amplification, compressing long laser pulses to 1000 times shorter with intensities 300 times greater. This method could replace current expensive systems with smaller and more cost-effective ones, making technologies like x-ray development more accessible.
A nationwide clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of ranolazine in treating ventricular arrhythmias. The study aims to determine if ranolazine decreases death and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as hospitalizations from cardiac causes.
Menssana Research Inc. has been awarded a $4.2 million contract by the US government to develop a breath test for detecting radiation exposure. The test aims to identify biomarkers of radiation exposure in patients receiving radiation therapy, with the goal of creating a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool.
A consensus statement from The Endocrine Society and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for improved testosterone testing standards. The recommendations aim to increase accuracy, reliability, and comparability of measurements over time.
A microfluidic device developed in Hong Kong enables non-invasive testing of anti-tumor drugs by subjecting cancerous cells to different concentration gradients. The device integrates a previously validated analysis method that quantifies cell apoptosis in real-time, allowing for precise control and reduced costs.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers exposed to loud noise at work are twice as likely to have serious heart problems as those in quiet workplaces. Workers under 50, particularly men and smokers, were at greater risk.
UT Southwestern researchers have found a set of proteins in blood serum that shows promise as a sensitive and accurate way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The analysis proved 94 percent accurate in detecting suspected Alzheimer's and 84 percent accurate in ruling it out in people without the disease.
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may improve blood pressure responses to stress by lowering resting blood pressure and inflammation. The study found that adding flaxseed oil did not further lower blood pressure.
A UTHealth researcher has been awarded a three-year grant to develop an early biochemical diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to detect the disease years before symptoms appear, allowing for treatment to begin earlier and potentially preventing death.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have found rhesus macaques can recognize themselves in a mirror under specific conditions, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery may refine the use of the mark test and challenge existing theories on self-awareness in primates.
A new blood test called AccuPSA can detect rising prostate specific antigen levels after radical prostatectomy, allowing for earlier detection of cancer recurrence. This test has the potential to eliminate unnecessary treatments and improve health care costs by enabling earlier treatment with potentially better outcomes.
Researchers developed a questionnaire that relies on friends and family to evaluate cognitive changes, which corresponded with biomarker results more consistently than traditional cognitive tests. The Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) tool provides a brief and low-cost alternative for identifying individuals who need follow-up evaluations.
A new analysis by Stanford University School of Medicine found that using a popular test to identify patients who may benefit from statin therapy would be cost-effective, but only under certain scenarios. Assigning statin therapy based on risk alone was the most cost-effective strategy.
A comprehensive review of 10 studies involving 711 patients found no evidence that acupuncture aids in stroke recovery. The researchers concluded that the existing evidence is negative, calling for large-scale trials to better understand its effects.
The 2010 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation features over 305 scientific research sessions and 594 posters. Researchers discuss challenges in caring for the aging voice and effective advocacy in healthcare reform.
Researchers found that two single vodka and orange drinks significantly affected obstacle avoidance test results in senior volunteers. The study showed delayed response times and reduced amplitudes after just one drink, highlighting the negative impact of low-blood-alcohol concentrations on dexterity.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that children conceived by IVF perform at least as well as their peers on standardized tests from grade 3 to 12. The study also discovered factors such as older mother age, higher education levels of both parents, and lower divorce rates linked to better test scores.
A study by Kojo Yeboah-Antwi found that community health workers can safely provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia.
A study of 70 patients with low-to-moderate risk chest pain and a negative cardiac CT scan found no signs or symptoms of adverse cardiac events during the year after discharge. The results suggest that earlier discharge based on negative cardiac CTA results may be safe and clinically efficacious.
A new study reports a low stricture recurrence rate of postoperative biliary strictures after endoscopic stent placement, with successful retreatment options available. The study followed up on patients who underwent the treatment from 2001 to 2010, finding that most remained asymptomatic and had normal liver function tests.
Researchers at ASU's Biodesign Institute have developed new technologies to create a potential therapeutic that can protect soldiers against an unknown pathogen in just 7 days, significantly reducing the time needed for production. The project aims to utilize synthetic antibodies or synbodies to rapidly construct a custom-tailored ther...
A nationwide study of over 84,000 students found that those with high debt levels or low MCAT scores were more likely to face difficulties in medical school, including graduation or licensing exam failure. Students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups also faced higher dropout rates.
The Standards Standard provides a centralized source of information on healthcare information, communications, and technology standards. It includes interactive components allowing readers to comment and discuss articles on electronic health systems implementation.
A study found that infected cows' retinas emit a characteristic glow when exposed to light, potentially leading to an inexpensive diagnostic test. This breakthrough could help prevent the spread of mad cow disease in the food supply.
A new molecular test has been shown to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and detect drug-resistant bacteria with high sensitivity and specificity. The Xpert MTB/RIF TB test successfully identified 98% of confirmed TB cases and patients with rifampin-resistant bacteria in under two hours.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a novel method using power meters and stationary bicycles to determine cycling fitness. The technique allows athletes to establish personalized training zones with high accuracy, enabling coaches to prescribe targeted workouts.
A team of researchers has isolated a molecule that can shut down a dysfunctional immune response, causing deadly conditions like hemorrhagic shock, delayed heart attack deaths, and rheumatoid arthritis joint destruction. The discovery marks a significant step toward clinical application, with the potential to save lives.
Researchers have discovered that plantain soluble fibres can prevent the uptake and transport of E. coli across M-cells in the gut, reducing chronic inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Clinical trials are underway to test whether a medical food containing plantain fibres can keep patients in remission.
Early testing and drug development are critical issues in Alzheimer's care, according to Dr. Kenneth S. Kosik, who argues that the medical system is not equipped to address patients' questions about treatment and end-of-life care.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new device that simplifies health diagnosis by detecting diseases quickly and at lower costs. The Integrascope uses superhydrophobic surfaces and LEDs to focus light on tiny particles, allowing for rapid detection of infectious agents or proteins in patient samples.
Using an electronic medical record (EMR) tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test, leading to increased diagnostic resolution and faster treatment times. The study found that physicians who used this tracking system had significantly shorter times to diagnosis compared to traditional methods.
A 7-year study found that moderate wine consumption, especially among women, is associated with better performance on cognitive tests. The study suggests that polyphenols and other microelements in wine may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline with ageing.
A new study suggests that common hypertension medications can increase blood pressure in some patients. Researchers found that measuring renin levels through a blood test could help doctors choose the most suitable treatment for their patients, reducing the need for additional medication and improving blood pressure control.
Research by Elizabeth Sweeney examines how biomedical tests diagnose and define pain, leading to emotional suffering for patients with unexplained conditions. The study analyzes over 20 articles from the journal Pain®, highlighting challenges in diagnosing chronic pain.
A diagnostic test of eight short questions can detect depressive thinking patterns in women who care for an adult family member with a serious mental illness. The test has been found valid in different groups and cultures, and its successful completion can lead to prevention of serious depressive illness.
A $1.7 million NIH grant supports UT Dallas researcher Dr. Michael Kilgard's investigation into nerve stimulation as a long-term cure for tinnitus. The goal is to retrain the brain to ignore nerve signals that simulate ringing, offering a possible permanent end to the condition.
Scientists at NIST evaluated three voice-translation devices designed to improve communications between the US military and non-English speakers. The devices, called TRANSTAC, use automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech technology to translate languages in real-time.