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Machine learning microscope adapts lighting to improve diagnosis

A Duke University microscope prototype uses machine learning to optimize lighting settings for diagnosing malaria, achieving 90% accuracy in identifying infected red blood cells. The adapted lighting system highlights the parasite in bright spots, significantly improving diagnosis times and accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 20, 2019

Bats in Northeast India carry filoviruses that can infect humans

Researchers found filovirus antibodies in 5.9% of human samples and up to 13.3% of bat species, including those with Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Marburg virus, and Mengla virus antibodies. The study highlights the need for surveillance at the human-animal interface.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 31, 2019

Enhanced glow

Researchers developed a novel method to directly detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples without enrichment, using lanthanide ions released from nanoparticles. The technique was tested on cancer patients' blood samples, correctly identifying 14 out of 15 cases with strong correlation to cancer stage.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2019

Study identifies potential markers of lung cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified markers that can distinguish between major subtypes of lung cancer and accurately predict lung cancer stage. The study's findings could help physicians decide whether an individual patient with lung cancer benefits from standard treatment or needs more aggressive therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2019

Experimental blood test accurately spots fibromyalgia

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a blood test that can reliably detect fibromyalgia by identifying unique biomarkers in the blood. The discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with this often-misdiagnosed disease, which affects millions of Americans.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 18, 2019

Madariaga virus spreads to Haiti

The Madariaga virus has been identified in eight children in Haiti, with symptoms resembling dengue fever infection. Researchers suggest the virus was introduced to Haiti from Panama between 2012 and 2015, raising concerns about its potential spread to other Caribbean or North American regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 10, 2019

Higher levels of the hormone prolactin in women are associated with protection against type 2 diabetes

A large prospective cohort study found that higher levels of prolactin in women are associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with the highest 25% of prolactin levels were 27% less likely to develop T2D than those in the lowest 25%. The association was similar regardless of menopausal status and other risk factors.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateOct 11, 2018

Immune response of Ebola survivors

Researchers identified cytotoxic T cell responses to Ebola-specific proteins in 26 Sierra Leonean survivors, suggesting a vaccine targeting both viral nucleoprotein and glycoprotein could elicit cell-mediated immunity. The study provides insights into the immune response of Ebola survivors and potential strategies for vaccine development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Are you sticking to your diet? Scientists may be able to tell from a blood sample

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed a method to determine diet adherence from a blood sample. By analyzing small molecules called 'metabolites' in the blood, they found that levels differed significantly between participants following a prescribed diet and those not adhering to it.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 19, 2018

Troves from a search for new biomarkers: blood-borne RNA

Researchers at Rockefeller University have devised an improved method for isolating and identifying tiny fragments of RNA in human blood products, establishing extracellular RNA as a potentially reliable class of biomarkers. The new approach has been successfully tested on 312 blood samples from healthy subjects, confirming the stabili...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2018

Plug-and-play diagnostic devices

The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2018

Blood samples can soon reveal your lifestyle

A study from Umea University found that people who use moist snuff have significantly higher levels of protein cornulin in their blood. Lifestyle factors can influence background levels, and the researchers hope to find disease-detecting proteins in the future.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

New blood protein markers help track premature ageing disease

A new study has identified protein biomarkers that can help monitor the progression and treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) in children. The research found levels of more than 40% of proteins to be significantly different in HGPS samples compared to non-HGPS control samples.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateJan 18, 2018

Improved blood stabilization should expand use of circulating tumor cell profiling

A new blood stabilization method developed at Massachusetts General Hospital significantly prolongs the lifespan of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in whole blood samples. This approach allows for the preservation of high-quality RNA suitable for demanding molecular assays, opening up potential for personalized drug testing and expandin...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018