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Over a third of patients with chest pains could avoid going to emergency departments if ambulance crews use new blood test

A new blood test and scoring system could reduce hospital visits for patients with chest pain by up to 34% by triaging them at home or to their general practitioner. The study found that 165 patients out of 483 assessed by ambulance crews using the test and scoring system were left at home, compared to 19 out of 539 without the test.

New pulse oximeter adapts to skin color

A new wearable system called ChromaSense can accurately measure blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration across a range of skin tones. It uses reflected light from skin and tissue to adjust the measurement, achieving accuracy within 1.4% of standard reference oximeters.

SourceTufts University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2026

Simple digital check-ins improve outcomes for cancer patients, AFT study finds

A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2026

AAN issues guidance on the use of wearable devices

The American Academy of Neurology provides guidance on the use of wearable devices for neurological care, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Wearable devices can serve as screening tools for heart rate and cardiac arrhythmia, and can be helpful in disease management for epilepsy, but their use also carries risks and limitations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 11, 2026

Sugar comforts newborn babies during painful procedures

A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2026

New models address problems related to timing, scheduling of surgeries, capacity planning, and patients’ stays in recovery units

Researchers developed an integrated approach to solve the elective surgery assignment, sequencing, and scheduling problem (ESASSP), reducing delays and costs. The study suggests that hospitals can benefit from computationally efficient solutions to minimize operational costs and maximize resource utilization.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateSep 23, 2025

A new way of visualizing blood pressure data can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension

A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Fans ineffective in heat waves

A recent study found that electric fans provide little cooling relief for older adults indoors during extreme heat due to their limited sweat production. Dr. Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University suggests using air conditioning at a higher temperature in conjunction with a fan to provide effective cooling and reduce operating costs.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Researchers find sleep delays more prevalent in countries of particular culture than others​

Researchers found that sleep patterns vary significantly across cultures and geographical locations. The study used commercially available smartwatches to collect data from over 52 million individuals in 11 countries, revealing discrepancies between self-reported data and digital logs.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2023

Patient deterioration predictor could surpass limits of traditional vital signs

Researchers developed an AI-driven device that detects and predicts hemodynamic instability using a single ECG lead, outperforming traditional vital sign measurements with nearly 97% sensitivity. The technology has the potential to provide continuous dynamic monitoring capabilities in patients with intermittent static vital sign measur...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Is blood pressure reading more accurate at home or clinic?

A new study led by Kaiser Permanente investigators found that home blood pressure monitoring is a better option for making new diagnoses of hypertension than clinic settings. This method allows for multiple readings to be collected and averaged, providing a more accurate representation of an individual's average blood pressure.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2022

New research advances wearable medical sensors

Researchers have developed wearable sensors that collect data for clinicians while limiting patient discomfort. The sensors use flexible electronics to monitor patients' physical motions and chemical signals in their sweat, skin, and more to help diagnose or inform treatment plans.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMar 1, 2022

Cognitive brain function in youth football players can be impaired by repetitive “subconcussive” head impacts

Research finds that subconcussive head impacts in youth football can impair cognitive brain function, particularly in attention and processing sensitivity. The study used brain vital signs to track changes in brain function over time, providing a predictive relationship between head impact exposure and cognitive impairment.

SourceHealthTech Connex Inc.·JournalBrain Communications·DateFeb 23, 2022

A horse slicker is just a horse slicker, of course, of course, unless it can monitor chronic disease

A new study by Purdue University engineers has developed a horse slicker that can monitor chronic diseases in horses using e-textiles. The technology allows for continuous monitoring of equine cardiac, respiratory, and muscular systems, enabling early detection of disease flare-ups and improving treatment decisions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Robotic systems for patient evaluation

Researchers assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile robotic system in acquiring vital signs, performing nasal or oral swabs, and facilitating contactless triage interviews. The study suggests that robotic systems may be a viable option for improving patient care in emergency departments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 4, 2021