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Molecule tested at University of São Paulo, in Brazil, proves able to mitigate heart failure

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have tested a synthetic molecule called AD-9308, which has shown potential in treating heart failure by activating the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2. The study found that the molecule improved mitochondrial filtration, eliminating cellular pollutants and boosting heart function by up to 40%.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for influenza a virus detection

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for rapid and accurate detection of influenza viruses. The probes showed high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the virus even at low concentrations, with a remarkable accuracy of over 99%.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Patients more likely to lose weight if physicians offer advice using optimistic tone

A study found that physicians who presented treatments for obesity as good news and an opportunity were more successful in helping patients lose weight. Patients who received counseling with a positive and optimistic tone had significantly higher weight loss outcomes compared to those who received neutral or negative advice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023

University of Cincinnati study: Strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk for middle-aged individuals

A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers developed a PCR test that accurately identifies the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease affecting Brazil and Latin America. The test can detect co-infection by both Leishmania infantum and Crithidia, with infection by Crithidia more frequent than previously thought.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTropical Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateNov 1, 2023

When family members of patients with colorectal cancer are invited to screening appointments themselves, just 1 in 3 go ahead with either fecal testing or colonoscopy, representing missed opportunities for early detection

A clinical trial in Spain found that only 1 in 3 family members of patients with colorectal cancer participate in screening, missing opportunities for early detection. The study used fecal testing and colonoscopy to screen first-degree relatives, but uptake was low.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 24, 2023

Communities of color experienced fear and mistrust of institutions during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that communities of color in Inland Southern California experienced fear and mistrust of institutions due to historical, cultural, and social traumas. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to address these traumas and promote community-based approaches for ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCulture Medicine and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2023

Assessing ‘readiness’ by tracking fluctuations in daily sleep duration and their effects on daily mood, motivation, and sleepiness

Researchers found that longer nights of better sleep correlate with improved mood, motivation, and reduced sleepiness. Irregular sleep patterns had a negative effect on mental well-being, while daytime naps may alleviate inadequate nocturnal sleep's effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids

A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Improving follow-up of abnormal cancer screening results

A multilevel primary care intervention, including electronic health record reminders and patient outreach, improved timely follow-up of overdue abnormal cancer screening test results for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing missed screenings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2023

History of parental infertility associated with small increased risk for birth defects among children conceived through fertility treatment

A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 9, 2023

Bioengineering breakthrough increases DNA detection sensitivity by 100 times

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new method for DNA detection that is 100 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This breakthrough enables fast and accurate disease diagnosis, reducing wait times for lab processing from days to minutes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

An ancient anti-cancer mechanism: DISE

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 3, 2023

How a suction cup delivers medications to the bloodstream

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a suction cup capable of delivering large molecule medications like peptides to the bloodstream through the mucosal lining of the cheek. The device uses an endogenous agent to fluidise cell membranes, allowing the drug to penetrate deeper tissue layers and enter the bloodstream directly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023

Estimated lifetime gained with cancer screening tests

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found no significant lifetime gain from common cancer screening tests. However, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may have a potential benefit, according to the study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

While resolving a key asthma challenge, Hamilton researchers also create a new method to detect proteins in body fluids and other materials

Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Use of wastewater metrics to track COVID-19

A study using wastewater metrics found accurate assessments of county SARS-CoV-2 incidence and may be the best metric for monitoring virus circulation. Home testing increases and vaccination treatment decrease disease acuity, making wastewater surveillance a reliable option.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2023