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New device to ID biomarkers of breastfeeding complications developed by UMass Amherst-led team

A UMass Amherst-led team has developed a sensor to detect sodium ions in breastmilk, a biomarker of elevated mammary permeability and potential milk supply issues. The device provides highly sensitive readings inexpensively and quickly, with results delivered in three minutes and costs just $1 per test.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSensors and Actuators·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Bacterial breakthrough:

Scientists have found a way to pinpoint single bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, making it easier to choose the right treatment. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents likelier than white adolescents to be tested for drugs, alcohol at pediatric trauma centers

A study by researchers at UCLA found that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol than white adolescents at pediatric trauma centers. The study suggests that clinician biases may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2024

Smartphone-assisted “scavenger hunt” identifies people at risk for dementia

A study using a smartphone-based wayfinding task identified individuals with increased risk for dementia, based on their movement patterns and spatial memory. The research provides promising insights into the potential of digital technologies for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024

Promising ‘first’ in Alzheimer’s drug development

Researchers have developed a peptide inhibitor called RI-AG03 that effectively prevents Tau protein aggregation in lab and fruit fly studies. The breakthrough targets both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein, potentially paving the way for more effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024

Guideline on handling endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle samples released by CHEST

The American College of Chest Physicians has released a new clinical guideline on endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimen processing and handling to standardize the process. The guidelines aim to improve diagnostic yield and specimen preservation for downstream ancillary testing.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateOct 1, 2024

Absolute and functional iron deficiency in the US

A significant proportion of American adults suffer from absolute and functional iron deficiency, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. The study highlights the importance of screening strategies for iron deficiency, as it is a common issue that may be overlooked or undertreated.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 24, 2024

Calls for more accurate testing to prevent antibiotic allergies in children

Research from Edith Cowan University highlights the need for accurate testing to prevent antibiotic allergies in children. Most suspected antibiotic allergies are inaccurate, with symptoms often caused by underlying illness. Testing once the child is well enough can help identify true allergies and ensure timely treatment.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Machine learning could help reduce hospitalizations by nearly 30% during a pandemic, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that machine learning can be more effective than traditional methods for distributing scarce treatments to patients most vulnerable during a public health crisis. The model reduces expected hospitalizations by about 27 percent compared to actual and observed care.

Rapid new blood diagnostic test for ALS

A highly accurate diagnostic blood test has been developed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The test requires only a simple blood draw and can distinguish between ALS patients and healthy controls with an overall accuracy of up to 98%.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

New method predicts worsening of chronic kidney disease

Researchers from Aarhus University developed a new method to predict which patients with chronic kidney failure are at risk of losing kidney function over time. The method analyzes acid-base balances in urine samples, revealing early signs of acid buildup that can be harmful to kidney function.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2024

Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases

A new preclinical blood test identifies adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by analyzing 32 proteins that accurately predict lung health data. The risk score indicates a high likelihood of hospital care, COPD development, and respiratory disease death.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 10, 2024

Starting a fluorescent biosensor revolution

A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Novel biomarker could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, pilot study suggests

Researchers have identified a unique biomarker in human blood serum that shows potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings suggest that this test could be used to diagnose AD before cognitive decline or symptoms become apparent, enabling earlier lifestyle changes and medication to slow disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalMetallomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2024

‘Symptom triggered’ testing can pick up early-stage aggressive ovarian cancer in 1 in 4 of those affected

Researchers found that symptom-triggered testing can pick up early-stage aggressive ovarian cancer in 1 in 4 of those affected. The UK's protocol for picking up early-stage disease is an effective way to diagnose even early-stage ovarian cancer, with complete surgical removal possible in more than three quarters of women.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2024

Saliva indicates severity of recurrent respiratory infections in children

A saliva test has been found to be more accurate than a blood test in assessing the severity of recurrent respiratory infections in children. The test measures broadly protective antibodies in saliva, which indicate disease burden and predict treatment needs. Saliva testing also holds promise for new treatments and therapies.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2024

Subclinical hypothyroidism during first half of pregnancy is associated with hypothyroidism 1-5 years after delivery

A new study found that subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed before 21 weeks of pregnancy is associated with higher rates of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years after delivery. Women with high TSH values and elevated TPO antibodies were at increased risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2024

Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims on the internet and social media about the anti-Mullerian hormone test

Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2024

New video test for Parkinson’s uses AI to track how the disease is progressing

A new video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida uses artificial intelligence to track Parkinson's disease progression in patients, allowing neurologists to better monitor their condition and quality of life. The system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks·DateJul 23, 2024

Structural racism and inconsistent hospital policies result in health care professionals disproportionately testing black newborns for prenatal drug exposure

A qualitative study found that healthcare professionals disproportionately test Black newborns for prenatal drug exposure, contributing to Child Protective Services reporting and family separation. The study identified three primary themes: levels of racism beyond the hospital structure, inconsistent hospital policies, and healthcare p...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice

The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Innovative, highly accurate AI model can estimate lung function just by using chest x-rays

Researchers developed an AI model that can estimate lung function from chest radiographs with high accuracy, potentially expanding options for pulmonary function assessment in patients who have difficulty performing spirometry. The study found a remarkably high agreement rate between the AI model's estimates and actual spirometric data.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 8, 2024

Declining iron levels in women in the military

A recent study published in BMJ Military Health found that female conscripts' iron deficiency more than doubled from 25% to 55% after five months of basic military training. The study also showed a significant decrease in ferritin levels, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024