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Getting less sleep associated with lower resistance to colds

A study of 153 healthy individuals found that those who slept less than seven hours per night were three times more likely to develop a respiratory illness after exposure to a cold virus. Sleep efficiency was also associated with developing a cold, with lower sleep efficiency increasing the risk by five and a half times.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

A card-swipe for medical tests

Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008

Regular tipple may curb risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by up to 50%. The study, which involved over 2,750 participants, also highlighted the importance of quitting smoking as a key preventive measure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 4, 2008

Lab in a drop

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip PCR test that combines sample preparation with PCR on a single chip, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes.

SourceWiley·DateMay 6, 2008

Fingerprint instead of blood sample

Researchers have successfully used specific antibodies to differentiate between fingerprints of smokers and nonsmokers, detecting cotinine metabolite in sweat. This technique could be used for forensic applications, doping detection, medical diagnostics, and drug screening without taking blood samples.

SourceWiley·DateMay 16, 2007

Laser goes tubing for faster body-fluid tests

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a laser-based technique that measures multiple chemicals in body fluids in under 60 seconds, offering non-destructive and fast testing capabilities. The technique uses Raman spectroscopy and low-refractive-index tubes to improve signal strength and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 2, 2007

Fighting influenza and co. with 40,000 blood samples

An international EU project led by the University of Bonn aims to shed light on why the immune system weakens with age, particularly in elderly people. The researchers will analyze up to 40,000 blood samples to develop new medicines that can largely inactivate viruses and enable the immune system to deal with residual viruses.

Epstein-Barr virus may be associated with multiple sclerosis

Researchers found a significant association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis (MS), with elevated antibody levels before symptom onset. The study suggests Epstein-Barr virus may predispose individuals to autoimmunity, paving the way for new treatments and prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 10, 2006

Multi-million pound UK Biobank underway

The UK Biobank project is a revolutionary research undertaking that will gather and store vast amounts of medical data from 40,000 to 69-year-old volunteers. Researchers hope to identify more reliable reasons for why some people develop specific diseases and others do not.

Screening blood for West Nile virus

Researchers analyze cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies to prevent cases through contaminated blood products. Screening only during mosquito season is deemed unnecessary in states with low WNV infection rates, while creating a 'supersafe' pool of blood for vulnerable individuals may be an effective solution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 23, 2006

Heart-healthy compound in chocolate identified

The study found that epicatechin, a flavanol present in cocoa, is directly linked to improved circulation and other hallmarks of cardiovascular health. Volunteers from the Kuna Indians, who consume large amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa, had higher levels of urinary nitric oxide compared to their mainland counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2006

MUHC ensures blood without bugs

The new blood safety test is capable of detecting major parasitic diseases, including malaria and fasciola, with instant results. Developed by the Montreal Neurological Institute (NRCP) at McGill University, the test has the potential to save countless lives by reducing the risk of parasite transmission through blood transfusions.

Dye to pinpoint diseases and pathogens

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a detection technique using DNA to pinpoint diseases and pathogens. The system, which involves a fluorescent dye attached to probe DNA, can detect target DNA sequences in a matter of seconds and is being seen as a potential game-changer for clinical care and environmental monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateMay 18, 2005

Smoking and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis

A large population-based study found that current smokers have a 2.8-7.5 times increased risk of rheumatoid factor positive RA, while those with the SE gene have a 15.7 times higher risk. The study suggests a strong interaction between smoking and the shared epitope gene in increasing disease risk.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 7, 2004

Rheumatoid arthritis and early indicators of disease

A study found increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even those without autoantibodies. The findings suggest that early inflammation is a key factor in RA development, potentially serving as a predictive marker for future symptomatic inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 5, 2004

Crime scene or nature reserve?

Australian researchers introduce a simple method to collect, archive and process DNA from wildlife samples using FTA databasing paper, which preserves DNA integrity despite temperature fluctuations. This technique enables the transport of large reference collections over long distances, enabling extensive wildlife studies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateApr 7, 2004

Algorithms help diagnose cancer

Researchers developed an algorithm, Q5, using PCA and LDA to differentiate between healthy and diseased blood samples. The algorithm achieved virtually 100% accuracy for ovarian cancer and approximately 95% accuracy for prostate cancer.

Forgiveness a factor in blood pressure

A new study finds that forgiveness is associated with lower resting diastolic blood pressure, especially among low-income black individuals. The research, conducted on a diverse sample of community residents, suggests that forgiving oneself and others may help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.