Articles tagged with Blood Samples
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that an alert about a shortage of blood test tubes led to a significant reduction in unnecessary blood clotting tests. The study suggests that similar interventions could reduce low-value care and promote wise use of medical tests.
A 20-year study found that Black adolescents living in poverty showed accelerated immune cell aging and higher insulin resistance at ages 25-29. The researchers also found associations between childhood poverty, perceived life chances, and premature immune cell aging.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
Researchers analyzed stored blood samples from infected men and found significant age acceleration in DNA epigenetic measures and telomere shortening. The study demonstrates HIV's substantial impact on the body's aging processes within two to three years of infection.
Researchers found that factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors are sufficiently accurate for estimating blood-sugar levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The devices showed 'clinical reliability', with almost 99% of readings accurate enough to be used without confirmatory fingerstick blood sugar readings.
A new digital PCR technique helps identify mutations in malaria parasites that evade detection by rapid tests, reducing false negatives. This allows for more accurate selection of diagnostic tests tailored to specific regions.
A new technique for detecting typhoidal Salmonella infections has been developed, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking of infections, particularly in rural areas. The approach detects typhoid antibodies in dried blood spots, providing valuable information for vaccination planning and disease surveillance.
Researchers have identified new biomarkers to detect non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages through a blood test, offering improved survival chances. The approach can also identify potential drug resistance, allowing clinicians to choose alternative treatment options.
Researchers from Arizona State University investigate autoantibodies in healthy individuals, revealing their pervasiveness and role in human health and disease. The findings aim to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of illnesses.
Researchers used cell-free DNA methylation patterns to identify patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who would benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. The approach showed promise in accurately predicting tumor response, with a correct prediction rate of 79%.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that rare T cells targeting apolipoprotein B can contribute to inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Researchers discovered these cells resemble regulatory T cells but develop a new identity as heart disease develops.
Studies found people infected and vaccinated had similarly robust antibody responses against variants alpha through omicron; Immune memory cells against common cold coronaviruses may be markers of longer immunity. Researchers hope to improve vaccines with these insights.
A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.
Two studies found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine generates high enough antibody levels to neutralize BA.2 and deltacron, as well as other omicron sublineage variants. Booster shots show stronger protection against these variants than just two doses, particularly against deltacron.
Researchers developed a biosensor using nanostructured and nanoporous surfaces to detect biomarkers in clinical samples, overcoming technical challenges of small sample amounts. The new technology can provide quick and accurate diagnoses for diseases like prostate cancer without needing dilution or preprocessing steps.
The Center of BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine develops rapid next-generation tests for human ailments like cancer and COVID-19 using saliva, urine, or blood samples. The technology has already helped patients through commercial partnerships with private firms.
A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.
Researchers assessed metabolites in African savanna elephants for the first time, finding little variation among six healthy adults on the same diet. The study establishes a technique to accurately capture metabolites and provides insights into metabolism and health relationships in these endangered animals.
A new study found a consistent increase in PHGDH expression among Alzheimer's patients and asymptomatic individuals, suggesting increased serine production in the brain. The findings prompt caution against taking serine supplements for Alzheimer's disease treatment or prevention.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a highly accurate and minimally invasive test for detecting liver fibrosis. The test, GlycoFibroTyper, measures changes in sugar molecules attached to antibodies in patient blood samples.
A doctor's visit from the future describes patient care in 2042, where diagnosis and treatment are personalized based on individual biological abnormalities. Researchers believe this approach could lead to more effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.
Researchers have identified associations between DNA methylation patterns and gene expression levels in children's blood samples. The study provides a powerful tool to understand the link between early environmental exposures, epigenetic changes, and disease.
A study identifies new biomarkers that predict the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, providing a non-invasive way to detect cardiovascular disease. The research team analyzed blood plasma samples and validated three proteins as biomarkers, improving the prediction of cardiovascular risk.
Scientists have identified diagnostic features of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples, which can predict treatment response and patient outcome in aggressive lymphoma. The study reveals significant heterogeneity among patients, with high ctDNA levels associated with poorer survival rates.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.
Researchers have created a 'worm-on-a-chip' device that uses roundworms to detect lung cancer cells, showing 70% accuracy. The device could potentially help doctors diagnose cancer at an earlier stage non-invasively.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Helmholtz Center Munich found that macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19. Even though most individuals were symptom-free, their immune systems were more sensitive than those of healthy counterparts.
Research team finds mutations leading to omicron variant don't affect immune response in people with pre-existing immunity. This suggests individuals who were previously infected or vaccinated may still be protected against breakthrough infections, but humoral immunity may fail.
Researchers have discovered that bioprosthetic heart valve patients develop an immune response against foreign sugars in the valves, leading to calcification and deterioration. By genetically engineering these sugars out of the valves, durability can be increased, offering a potential solution for patients.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a prototype sensor to rapidly measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate levels in blood samples. The sensor's sensitivity allows for the accurate detection of these molecules, enabling rapid assessment of disease severity.
A new study using blood samples from professional soccer players reveals that headers affect brain activity by altering microRNAs, which can serve as biomarkers for brain injury. The research also explores the effects of accidental head impacts and high-intensity exercise on microRNA levels.
A team of researchers from MIT created a comprehensive atlas of cerebrovascular cells in human brain tissue, identifying 11 subtypes and their functions. The study reveals differences between healthy and diseased cells, potentially leading to new targets for treating Huntington's disease.
Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.
A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.
Scientists from Japan and USA develop a microfluidic device for purification of tuberculosis genomic DNA fragments, enabling accurate diagnosis of diseases. The device uses transient ITP and electrokinetic trapping to detect and purify small cfDNA fragments.
A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting viruses like Ebola and SARS CoV-2 using simple, inexpensive, and fast nano-sensors. The Nano2RED technology provides 10 times better sensitivity than existing ELISA tests and can be produced at a cost of around 1 cent per test.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg and Umeå University discovered a link between blood levels of neurofilaments and ALS diagnosis. Blood tests can differentiate ALS from other diseases, offering new opportunities for screening and measuring neurofilaments.
A Brazilian study found that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in patients for over a month before becoming negative on diagnostic tests. Researchers tracked 38 COVID-19 patients and found that the virus remained detectable in three cases for more than 70 days, raising concerns about quarantine periods.
A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.
Researchers developed autohaem devices to automate blood smears, increasing accuracy and efficiency in malaria diagnosis. The devices can produce high-quality smears equivalent to those created by human experts, reducing errors and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at FAU are developing an affordable, disposable self-testing HIV-1 chip that can detect HIV from whole blood samples and measure viral load without refrigeration or skilled technicians. The technology aims to increase access to HIV testing and improve treatment outcomes in any setting.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that vaccinated women transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving them passive immunity against the coronavirus. The research also showed a correlation between vaccine side effects and antibody levels in infant stool.
A new study found that infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than those recovering from severe cases. This hints at subtle differences in the quality of immune response based on COVID-19 severity.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.
A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.
A Michigan Medicine study combined genetic samples from patients of different ethnic backgrounds, identifying two new psoriasis genetic signals. The inclusion of South Asian subjects allowed researchers to pinpoint several genetic variations within HLA genes that are likely to play a causal role in psoriasis.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and the University of Helsinki reveals how integrating digital tools, classical laboratory tests, and biomolecular measurements can enable individualized disease prevention. The researchers also found significant correlations between health risks and molecular factors associated with overweight, d...
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.
Researchers have developed a simple, postal urine test that can detect signs of urothelial cancer in Lynch Syndrome (LS) patients, who are at high risk of developing tumors. The test uses cell-free DNA shed into the urine to identify DNA from tumor cells with characteristic microsatellite instability.
Duke University scientists developed isotope-based tests to identify lead contamination origins and assess risk in urban soils. The new test can distinguish between legacy and modern sources of lead, helping public health officials track and remediate contaminated areas. Elevated lead levels pose long-term health risks for children.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect prostate cancer patients who are resistant to chemotherapy drug docetaxel, enabling early detection and personalized treatment. The test analyzes circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, revealing patterns that predict disease progression and survival.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
Researchers identified six human blood proteins, including serum albumin and immunoglobulin G, in the red paint of a 1000-year-old gold mask. The presence of bird egg proteins suggests the use of a binding material to preserve the paint on the metal surface.
Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.