A new DNA marker discovered by University College London researchers can detect fatal breast cancer up to a year before symptoms appear. The EFC#93 DNA methylation marker in blood serum correctly identified 43% of women who went on to be diagnosed with fatal breast cancer within three to six months.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a method to quickly detect signs of multiple sclerosis using blood samples. The discovery identifies two natural biomarker compounds, sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine, which are found to be at significantly lower concentrations in patients with MS.
Researchers developed a point-of-care device to diagnose and monitor neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings. The device, using disposable lateral flow cards, measures total serum bilirubin levels with high accuracy, suggesting a potential solution for resource-limited settings.
Scientists have identified two biomarkers that accurately predict patient survival in Ebola cases. The study analyzed blood samples from survivors and fatal cases, revealing distinct metabolic responses and immune-related molecules. These findings could improve treatment allocation and patient outcomes.
A research team led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified 11 biomarkers that distinguish fatal Ebola infections from nonfatal ones. These biomarkers may aid in future treatment efforts and help clinicians prioritize scarce resources for the sickest patients.
Researchers at Tufts University will develop devices to improve the collection, storage and transport of blood samples in field settings, enhancing sample reliability for disease surveillance and diagnostics.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers has found that the 'push-pull' blood sampling technique is as accurate as venipuncture, but requires no presample to be discarded and minimizes contamination risk. The method uses a catheter's dead space to collect samples, reducing needle pricks and pain for patients.
A new DNA antenatal screening method has been shown to be more accurate and safer than existing methods, detecting 101 out of 106 affected pregnancies. The method reduces false-positive rates by 100-fold, providing women with fewer anxious moments.
Researchers have discovered a unique 'breathprint' of people with malaria, allowing for accurate diagnosis using a breath test. The analysis found that infected patients exhale a compound attracting mosquitoes, accelerating disease spread.
A Spanish research team found that urban house sparrows suffer from more stress due to toxic effects of air pollution and unhealthy diets compared to their country counterparts. This could have health implications for people living in cities.
Researchers developed a portable blood analyzer that can detect hemoglobin levels in whole blood samples using optical absorbance. The device is smaller than a toaster and can be used anywhere to monitor anemia prevalence and diagnose related conditions.
A new universal surveillance platform is being developed to detect infectious diseases, using Ceres' Nanotrap technology and Tasso's HemoLink device. The platform aims to provide safe and simple blood sample collection in remote environments, improving early response to outbreaks.
Researchers at Duke University have created a prototype device that uses sound waves and microfluidic technologies to sort out biological nanoparticles, known as exosomes, from blood samples. The device can isolate more than 80% of exosomes with a purity of 98%, offering a potential breakthrough for diagnostic or therapeutic devices.
Scientists have devised a way to intercept exosomes from blood using microfluidics and sound waves, which can be used to diagnose problems like cancer or fetal abnormalities. The new device analyzes patient blood samples for rapid diagnosis in under 25 minutes.
Dr. Hankinson aims to improve breast cancer risk prediction by analyzing blood samples from thousands of NHS participants and studying the insulin pathway. She hopes to validate new hormonal biomarkers that can help identify high-risk women who may benefit from risk reduction efforts.
A NASA study found that astronaut blood parameters, such as red blood cells and oxygen-carrying proteins, remained higher than pre-flight levels even after adapting to microgravity. The study collected whole blood samples from 31 astronauts over up to six months on the International Space Station.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully transported medical samples 160+ miles using a drone, setting a new delivery distance record. The flight maintained temperature control, ensuring the samples were viable for laboratory analysis after landing.
Researchers at Lancaster University developed a novel blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy. The test distinguishes between Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, reducing misdiagnosis cases.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine characterized the immune system changes during pregnancy and found a precise timing pattern. The study used mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from 18 women with full-term pregnancies and validated the findings in an additional group of 10 women.
A new infrared spectroscopy-based blood test may help diagnose ulcerative colitis more effectively and at a lower cost than current colonoscopy methods. Researchers identified nine absorption peaks in mouse blood samples that indicate the presence of the disease.
A recent survey of DNA fragments in human blood suggests that the majority of microbes inside us have never been seen before. The study, led by Stanford University researchers, found that nearly all non-human DNA fragments failed to match existing genetic databases, revealing a vast and diverse microbiome.
The University of Bristol team has developed a 3D-printed acoustic levitator, allowing users to levitate liquids and insects at home. This technique has the potential to improve diagnosis in blood tests and support innovative processes in pharmaceuticals and biology.
A new study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso researchers explores the impact of prior West Nile virus exposure on Zika infection. The team collected blood samples from 500 individuals and tested for West Nile antibodies to determine whether previous exposure could inhibit or enhance Zika infection severity.
Scientists have discovered a specific type of immune regulatory cell, T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr), in patients with Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Blood Tfr cells are immature and unable to suppress antibody production, but their levels increase in response to flu vaccine exposure.
Researchers identified a potential biomarker, glycolate, that could stay in urine up to 20 hours after GHB ingestion. This finding could lead to tests with greater detection windows and less sample manipulation required.
Researchers observed rapid immune cell changes within minutes of a traumatic injury, with some cells increasing and others decreasing. These changes reflected both innate immune activation and suppression, suggesting simultaneous processes. The study highlights the dynamic nature of the immune response to trauma.
Forensic scientists at Nagoya University have successfully extracted human DNA from mosquitoes' stomachs and amplified it using PCR techniques. The team found that human DNA remained viable in mosquito blood for up to two days after feeding, providing a new tool for crime scene investigators.
Research found that sleep-deprived couples experience increased inflammatory markers when arguing, with a 10% rise for every hour of lost sleep. Getting enough sleep can help mitigate this effect and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
A new OpenArray system offers simultaneous detection of multiple viruses, bacteria, and protozoan pathogens in human blood samples, demonstrating a promising tool for flexible and accurate blood screening. The device was tested with 92 donor samples and showed 95% accuracy in identifying virus-positive samples.
Researchers found elevated levels of PFOA in Mid-Ohio River Valley residents, with 99.9% of samples testing positive for the contaminant. The study suggests that use of granular activated carbon filtration reduced exposure by up to 60%.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.
Scientists have identified a group of seven genes that show distinct patterns of expression in patients with malaria, distinguishing it from other infectious diseases. This discovery could lead to the development of a fast and accurate blood test for malaria.
Brigham Young University researchers have created flexible glass membranes that can bend and flex at the nanoscale. These membranes will enable lab-on-a-chip devices to move small biological particles like proteins, viruses, and DNA, leading to more accurate and rapid disease diagnosis.
A study analyzing 24,000 blood samples from migratory and resident birds in the Americas found 79 malaria parasite lineages. The researchers discovered that prevalence varies between localities and species, with some areas having infection rates as high as 37%.
The new test classifies samples into common ABO and Rh blood groups in under 30 seconds after two simple steps, with high accuracy rate even for rare blood types. The test's rapid turnaround time makes it ideal for resource-limited situations such as war zones or emergencies.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals that natural killer cells in patients with severe asthma are disabled from resolving inflammation, leading to ineffective corticosteroid treatment. Researchers also identified lipoxins as a potential therapeutic approach, as they preserve NK cell pro-resolving functions.
A recent study found that older adults who suffered a hip fracture were more likely to use antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. The analysis measured drug levels in blood samples, revealing a surprising number of patients took the drugs despite no medical record evidence.
The new biobank aims to alleviate the lack of samples for researchers studying Lyme disease. With over 250 individual participants, it offers a unique opportunity to explore potential new diagnostics against various bacterial strains.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are studying biometric data from Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikers to identify patterns of biological and cognitive markers that may precede serious health events. The study, R2R WATCH, aims to improve preventive education and treatment for exercise-associated hyponatremia.
A team of scientists has developed a miniaturized lab-on-chip approach for detecting cancer DNA biomarkers in blood, promising early diagnosis and treatment. The method uses optofluidic chips to analyze multiple targets on a silicon-based molecular detection platform.
E-cigarettes are effective at delivering nicotine, particularly for experienced users. The study found that newer generation e-cigarettes outperform first-generation devices in terms of nicotine delivery. However, the efficacy of e-cigarettes also depends on individual behavior and vaping habits.
Researchers found pesticide exposure associated with decreased bacterial diversity and specific taxon reductions in farmworkers' oral microbiomes. Azinphos-methyl detection correlated with lower Streptococcus and Halomonas populations.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a genetically modified fruit fly that can detect infectious prions in blood, leading to a potential breakthrough in diagnosing and preventing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). This new test could be faster, more versatile, and more sensitive than current methods.
A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.
A new study from Uppsala University found that biobank storage time is a crucial factor in medical research, rivalling the importance of blood donor age. The researchers analyzed 380 samples from 106 women, isolating the impact of storage time to show its significant influence on test results.
A recent NIH survey found 79% of respondents willing to participate in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program, a nationwide research effort aimed at personalizing healthcare based on individual differences. The program, which aims to engage 1 million participants, shows promise for improving disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers found direct evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit Zika virus, helping control efforts. The study identified Zika virus in several samples of A. aegypti but not in other mosquito species.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the amount of blood in dry blood spots using electrical conductivity, which is accurate within one percent and uses up none of the sample. This technique has the potential to revolutionize dry blood spot analysis for clinical trials and large-scale epidemiology studies.
Researchers found that pigeon blood lead levels rose in summer, correlating with higher rates of lead exposure in children. Urban pigeons are being used as a monitoring tool due to their proximity to pollution sources and similarity to human behavior.
Researchers developed a fluorescent protein method to accurately detect unconjugated bilirubin in newborns, minimizing blood sample interference. The UnaG method offers a highly sensitive and accurate detection method for preterm infants, potentially reducing neurological handicaps.
Arizona State University is developing a diagnostic test to measure absorbed radiation in individuals during a nuclear incident. The ASU Radiation Biodosimetry System (ARad) uses real-time quantitative PCR-based technology to estimate absorbed radiation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a unique method to detect antibodies in the blood, enabling simple diagnostic tests for diseases without known microbial causes. This approach successfully led to the detection of HIV antibodies and holds potential for diagnosing various conditions with just a single drop of bl...
A new UBC-developed method isolates cancer cells that have escaped from a tumour, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment. The device captures cells based on their internal structure, producing fewer false positives compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to stabilize blood samples for long periods without refrigeration, using air-dried silk protein. This technique has broad applications for clinical care and research, particularly for underserved populations.
A new paper-based test developed at MIT and other institutions can diagnose Zika virus infection within a few hours. The test distinguishes Zika from the similar dengue virus, making it potentially practical for widespread use.
A team of collaborators has developed a cell-free, paper-based diagnostic platform for detecting the Zika virus. The platform uses toehold sensors and isothermal RNA amplification to provide rapid, low-cost, and programmable diagnostics.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a newborn screening test for Niemann-Pick type C, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that typically isn't diagnosed until age 2. The test quickly identifies infants with NPC using a two-tiered testing strategy and measures levels of bile acid produced by the liver.
A handheld instrument has been developed to detect the Ebola virus quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster treatment and real-time monitoring of viral loads. The device can process four samples simultaneously and produces results in under 37 minutes, significantly reducing the testing time required by conventional methods.
Researchers developed a method to isolate circulating tumor cells from blood samples using gas microbubbles. The technique successfully isolated up to 80% of cancer cells in some cases, offering a rapid and inexpensive way to analyze these rare and fragile cells.
Researchers found genetic material from the Zika virus can be detected in pregnant women months after infection, indicating potential fetal brain damage. The study also isolated infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue and discovered new mutations that may be linked to the virus's impact on the fetus.