Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new study using eye-tracking technology found that it can accurately predict autism diagnoses, comparable to expert clinical diagnosis. The research suggests potential for earlier diagnosis and assessment of autism in routine practice.
Scientists have developed a new finger sweat test to detect antipsychotic drugs in patients, providing a quicker and more comfortable alternative to blood draws. The test was tested on 60 patients receiving clozapine, quetiapine, or olanzapine, with promising results.
A large private laboratory is still processing finger prick tests for oestrogen levels despite warnings of unreliability. Experts raise concerns about the validation and regulation of online tests and laboratories, citing a lack of robust assessment and oversight.
A new study found that boys' sleep patterns remain stable until around age 12, suggesting that social and behavioral factors may play a role in sleep problems. After this age, changes in sleep patterns may begin to occur, making it essential for parents to seek help when needed.
This study found a correlation between hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections and community-onset infections, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and prevention measures. The findings suggest that hospitals should be particularly vigilant when community incidence rates are high, in order to reduce in-hospital transmission.
A KAUST researcher has created a highly sensitive glucose detector based on a thin-film transistor that can measure glucose levels in saliva with high accuracy. The device uses an enzyme to oxidize glucose present in the saliva, producing electrons that indicate the glucose concentration.
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.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
A team of KAUST researchers has found a critical protein that regulates cell division and proliferation in breast cancer and leukemia. Their work clears the way for the development of targeted drugs by refuting recent challenges to their approach.
A study found that China suffered an estimated 1.87 million excess deaths among individuals 30 years and older during the first two months after ending its zero COVID policy. The lifted policy led to a significant increase in mortality rates, highlighting the need for continued public health measures.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
A study found low primary care vision testing rates for children and adolescents, with lower rates among those without private insurance. Despite yearly testing recommendations, less than half of those with private insurance received testing.
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.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
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.
Researchers develop a new technique to detect circulating tumor cells in blood, overcoming noise issues with existing methods. The dual-ratio approach enhances penetration range and accuracy, paving the way for quicker diagnosis of metastasis.
A new poll of people aged 65-80 found that 80% believe cognitive tests can give early warning signs of memory decline and 60% think healthcare providers should offer them annually. Despite this, only 1 in 5 have had a cognitive screening test in the past year.
Researchers developed a portable electrochemical device that can detect five genetic variations associated with increased osteoporosis risk in finger-prick blood samples. The test is quick (15 minutes), inexpensive (<$0.5 per SNP) and offers great potential for point-of-care settings.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia by examining lipids in their blood during pregnancy. The approach worked regardless of whether the women were on aspirin therapy, and could predict the risk of preeclampsia with significant accuracy.
A new app called START has been shown to accurately identify autistic children in India, with a success rate of 86% for neurodevelopmental disorders and 78% for autism. The low-cost tablet screening tool uses simple games and questions to measure social preference, sensory interests, and motor skills.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel technique for isolating isotopes, which are crucial for energy, medicine, and scientific research. The new method is more effective, cheaper, and easier to scale than current state-of-the-art techniques.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to building point-of-care diagnostic devices that uses gravity to transport and mix liquid droplets. The device relies on commercially available surface coatings that can tweak the wettability and slipperiness of the channels, allowing for complex fluid paths to be designed.
A Lehigh University professor has received $4 million in NIH grants to develop an AI-driven approach for precision mental health diagnosis and care. The project aims to identify biomarkers in the brain that can predict treatment response and personalize interventions for patients with depression and other mental disorders.
Researchers have developed a saliva collection system using lollipops that can capture bacteria from adults and remain shelf-stable for up to a year. Participants preferred the lollipop-based method over conventional collection systems, finding it less gag-inducing and more sanitary.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
Researchers found that restricting methionine intake via a low-methionine diet or oral administration of recombinant methioninase-producing E. coli reversed old-age-induced obesity in mice, leading to significant weight loss after just 14 days.
Researchers found that when a patient's congestive heart failure is mentioned during the initial check-in process, emergency room physicians are less likely to test for pulmonary embolism, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis. This anchoring bias can delay crucial testing and diagnosis of deadly medical conditions.
A University of Arizona professor has developed a 1-minute frailty testing platform to screen patients for frailty, enabling better care decisions. The platform measures motor, heart, and brain function using wearable sensors, providing an accurate diagnosis.
A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that race-neutral lung function interpretation could lead to more equitable access to lung transplants for Black patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients and discovered that a race-specific approach resulted in lower Lung Allocation Scores (LAS) ...
The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.
A new device using dielectrophoresis selectively isolates Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples, providing a purified sample for molecular confirmation. The technology has shown promising results in detecting TB in underserved areas, with high concordance rates compared to culture diagnosis.
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Recent studies in the New Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis feature novel diagnostic tools, RNA sequencing-based workflows, and mechanical property evaluations to enhance cancer and cardiovascular disease treatment outcomes. These innovations aim to improve the therapeutic effect of drugs and promote personalized medicine.
A Brazilian study compared treatments for idiopathic and refractory tinnitus, finding low-level laser therapy with photobiomodulation to be the most effective. The treatment had lasting therapeutic effects when combined with other therapies.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in older adults. Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions often unrecognized in primary care settings, leading to substantial delays in treatment initiation.
A recent study unveiled the doorway that SARS-CoV2 uses to slip inside cells undetected. Cholesterol clusters make up this door, allowing the virus to infect human cells. Regular exercise and mechanical force can disrupt these cholesterol aggregates, reducing the risk of infection.
Researchers found commercially available antifungal tests perform inadequately in identifying Candida auris susceptibility to various treatments. The findings highlight the need for improved testing methods to aid clinical decisions and improve patient care.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.
A Eurac Research-led team tested drones' effectiveness in locating and providing first aid to injured people in difficult-to-access terrain. The study found that drone-assisted rescue operations reduced treatment time by 30% and saved critical minutes in cases of traumatic injuries and cardiac arrest.
A new study found that race-neutral reference equations can incorrectly identify respiratory impairments in Black individuals, leading to increased severity of identified conditions. The findings highlight the need for more accurate and inclusive pulmonary function test interpretation methods.
Researchers found that a combination of amyloid burden and blood markers of abnormal astrocyte activation can predict Alzheimer's disease progression. Testing for these biomarkers may help identify patients at risk, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found variability in IgA levels between blood and gut samples, suggesting IgA regulates commensal microbes to prevent immune dysregulation. Patients with normal fecal IgA were less likely to develop symptoms, while those deficient in both blood and fecal IgA showed elevated inflammatory cytokines.
A new analysis of over 10,000 adults reveals that physically active individuals have higher pain tolerance than sedentary ones. The study suggests that boosting physical activity could be a potential strategy for easing chronic pain.
A wearable device developed by Georgia Tech researchers detects obstructive sleep apnea and quality of sleep at home, addressing comfort, time, access, and cost issues. The patch has an 88.5% accuracy rate for sleep apnea detection and can predict the likelihood of developing the condition.
A rapid diagnostic test for sepsis has been validated in the emergency department, providing a reliable aid for early detection. The study found that the test improved sepsis triage and reduced time to diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers propose separating EHR time outside scheduled appointments as 'after-hours' to improve accuracy and replicability of EHR workload studies. Refining vendor-defined measures will facilitate comparative research among health systems, illuminating the link between EHR workload and provider burnout.
A new method called 5PSeq has been developed to quickly assess bacterial response to antibiotics, with potential implications for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The method measures mRNA translation and decay, revealing how bacteria interact with environmental factors and stressors.
A study of nearly 67,200 postmenopausal women found that the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was inadequate for identifying osteoporotic fracture risk across racial/ethnic categories. However, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) was excellent for detecting osteoporosis within each category.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.
A new study by researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that double testing with a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) increases the detection rate of bowel cancer to nearly 100%. This approach ensures more cases are identified and can potentially reduce demand for colonoscopies.
Researchers at MIT have designed new 'smart' sutures that can deliver drugs or sense inflammation after surgery. The bioderived sutures use hydrogel coatings to detect early warning signs of complications, such as Crohn's disease, and can also release therapeutic molecules to promote healing.
Researchers have developed an automated calling algorithm for determining B and T cell clonality from NGS data with greater sensitivity than previous models. The new model increases the assay's sensitivity in detecting clonality, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disorders.
A novel fluorescence probe successfully quantifies trace components like hydrogen sulfide in whole blood, overcoming autofluorescence interference. The probe uses a borodipyrromethene-based dye that quenches the interfering light, allowing for accurate measurements.
A study of 14,400 febrile infants found that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the prevalence of urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and bacterial meningitis, particularly among infants aged 29 to 60 days. These findings suggest alternative management strategies for certain febrile infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
A new AI algorithm named CoDE-ACS can quickly and accurately rule out heart attacks in patients, improving diagnosis and reducing hospital admissions. The tool has the potential to reduce misdiagnosis and inequalities in diagnosis across different populations.
A team led by Professor Timo Betz has developed a 3D cell culture chamber to grow muscle and other tissue using high-resolution microscopy. The new system will enable scientists to mimic the mechanical situations that confront various living tissues in serious conditions, reducing animal testing and costs.
A new study reveals a shared molecular response to nanoparticles, linking immune activation and particulate matter exposure. The findings propose a solution to the 'one-chemical-one-signature' problem in chemical safety assessment.
A multi-institutional phase 3 clinical trial found that a cancer stem cell test can accurately decide more effective treatments and lead to increased survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. ChemoID, a CLIA-accredited diagnostic test, was used to select chemotherapy treatments, resulting in significantly lower risk of death a...