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Standard vital signs could help estimate people's pain levels

A new study shows that machine-learning strategies can be applied to routinely collected physiological data to provide clues about pain levels in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers found that these vital signs give clues into the patients' reported pain levels, outperforming baseline models.

Pain hides in our data

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to mine physiological data from patients with chronic pain, detecting changes in pain levels and atypical fluctuations. The study aims to provide a more precise treatment method by supplementing subjective pain assessments with objective data-driven approaches.

Addressing a complex world of pain in a single gene difference

A single letter difference in a gene leads to sickle cell disease affecting 20 million worldwide, with varying life expectancy depending on social and environmental factors. A new review calls for integrative studies to better understand the disease globally and develop locally-appropriate interventions.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

CRISPR technology to cure sickle cell disease at UIC

Researchers have successfully treated two patients with beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, a promising treatment for these severe red blood congenital diseases. The new approach uses the patient's own cells and eliminates the risk of rejection or graft-versus-host disease.

Researchers tackle sickle cell disease with CRISPR-based gene editing

Scientists at ChristianaCare's Gene Editing Institute are developing a novel gene therapy for inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease using CRISPR technology. The team aims to identify genetic variations that affect treatment efficacy and create a tailored approach for personalized medicine.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Acute kidney injury among African Americans with sickle cell trait and disease

A new study examines the risk of acute kidney injury among Black individuals with sickle cell trait and disease, finding a higher risk for acute kidney injury and faster loss of kidney function. The study adds important information to sparse data on the risk of acute kidney injury in those carrying the sickle cell gene.

New technology diagnoses sickle cell disease in record time

Researchers have developed a new technology to diagnose sickle cell disease with increased sensitivity and speed, using only a small droplet of blood and costing less than traditional methods. The Acousto Thermal Shift Assay (ATSA) measures protein interactions and mutations in under one minute.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

$7.1M grant to review opioid alternatives to treating sickle cell disease pain

A five-year study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers will assess the effectiveness of acupuncture and guided meditation in managing sickle cell disease pain, aiming to reduce opioid use. The study, funded at $7.1M, will explore non-pharmacological pain management interventions for approximately 360 patients.

Gut microbiome translates stress into sickle cell crises

Researchers found that the gut microbiome plays a key role in triggering painful vessel-clogging episodes, or VOE, in people with sickle-cell disease. Stress triggers increased gut permeability, allowing beneficial bacteria to stimulate pro-inflammatory molecules, which promote inflammation and damage internal organs.

Cannabis shows potential for mitigating sickle cell disease pain

A new clinical trial suggests that vaporized cannabis is safe and potentially effective in mitigating chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease. The study found that patients experienced reduced pain levels and improved mood over time, paving the way for further research on medical cannabis as a treatment option.

Researchers discover improved treatment for children with sickle cell anemia

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that dose escalation of hydroxyurea treatment is more effective and has similar side effects than a lower fixed dose for children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda. The results have global implications and can potentially improve treatment outcomes worldwide.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

2019's new medicines

In 2019, the pharmaceutical industry approved 48 new medicines, including treatments for various cancers, sickle cell disease, and migraines. The majority of these drugs had novel mechanisms of action, such as antibody-drug conjugates and small interfering RNA.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Computer model could help test new sickle cell drugs

A team of Brown University researchers developed a new computer model to simulate the way red blood cells become misshapen in sickle cell disease. The model can be used to quickly and inexpensively pre-screen new drug candidates, potentially identifying promising treatments for the genetic disorder that affects millions worldwide.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for fetal sickle cell disease moves a step closer

A new non-invasive prenatal test has been developed to diagnose sickle cell disease in unborn babies. The test uses cell-free fetal DNA and has shown promising results, with successful diagnoses achieved in 21 out of 24 pregnancies. Further development and validation are needed before the test can be introduced into clinical practice.

Sickle cell disease needs more attention

Recent research on sickle cell disease highlights major progress in diagnosis and treatment, but warns that more screening of newborns is needed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in health policies to address the growing number of cases.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New genetic weapons challenge sickle cell disease

A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the sickle cell mutation in patients' hematopoietic stem cells, boosting their own protective fetal hemoglobin. The approach showed promising results, with up to 40% of edited cells fixed and a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin expression.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Blood diseases cured with bone marrow transplant

A new protocol has increased the rate of successful bone marrow transplants from half-matched donors to nearly 100%, offering a higher chance of cure for patients with severe inherited blood disorders. Patients experienced reduced symptoms and no longer required immunosuppressive medications.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation awards grant to Critical Path Institute

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant to the Critical Path Institute (C-Path) to accelerate the development of therapies for sickle cell disease. C-Path will plan a consortium of stakeholders to identify and work collaboratively on jointly beneficial drug development tools and novel methodologies.

How sickled red blood cells stick to blood vessels

Researchers found that immature reticulocytes are more prone to stick to blood vessel walls, leading to vaso-occlusive pain crises. A new microfluidic system mimicked post-capillary vessels, revealing how low oxygen levels cause sickle red cells to form stiff fibers that increase adhesion.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Incompatible' donor stem cells cure adult sickle cell patients

Doctors at the University of Illinois Hospital have cured seven adult patients with sickle cell disease using compatible donor stem cells. The new transplant protocol allows for half-matched donors, significantly increasing potential donors and improving treatment outcomes.

NIH awards $4.6 million for chronic pain research

Researchers at UIC will study molecular neurobiology of chronic pain and develop new drug treatments for sickle cell disease patients experiencing chronic pain. The funding aims to understand the role of protein kinases in chronic pain and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Rice U. reports progress in pursuit of sickle cell cure

Scientists at Rice University have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to repair 20-40% of stem and progenitor cells from patients with sickle cell disease. The study, led by bioengineer Gang Bao, aims to find a cure for the hereditary disease.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Why aren't more kids with sickle cell disease getting this test?

Researchers are launching a national study to understand why fewer than 30% of children with sickle cell disease receive transcranial Doppler screening, which can prevent strokes. The goal is to identify barriers and implement strategies to increase access to the life-saving test.

Fighting sickle cell disease by looking back to infancy

Researchers at MUSC are developing a gene-modifying treatment for sickle cell disease by targeting the LSD 1 enzyme. The potential breakthrough could lead to a disease-modifying treatment and fast-track human clinical trials in as few as three years.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

PCORI Board approves $18 million for research on sickle cell disease

Two studies funded by PCORI will compare strategies to improve care-management transitions for adolescent and young adults with sickle cell disease. The projects aim to reduce emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and improve quality of life among young adults with the condition.

Computer models provide new understanding of sickle cell disease

Researchers developed computer models that simulate the assembly of polymer fibers in sickle red blood cells, revealing new details about how different fiber structures produce abnormal cell shapes. The models can also be used to test new approaches to stopping the disease.