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Protein patterns -- a new tool for studying sepsis

A new method using mass spectrometry measures hundreds of proteins in a single blood sample, enabling researchers to determine the severity of sepsis and which organs are damaged. This technique provides an understanding of molecular events during the course of a disease, with potential applications for studying other diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2016

Blood and teeth samples accurately predict a criminal's age

Forensic examiners can use blood or teeth samples to estimate an individual's age with great accuracy, helping track down criminals or identify human remains. Researchers at KU Leuven developed a test based on four age-associated DNA methylation markers, achieving margins of error of 3.75 years for blood and 4.86 years for teeth.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEpigenetics·DateSep 8, 2015

Device extracts rare tumor cells using sound

Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that uses sound waves to separate circulating tumor cells from white blood cells, achieving a throughput rate up to 20 times faster than prior attempts. The device preserves the integrity of separated CTCs and offers a label-free approach without chemically altering the cells.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

What's happening with your donated specimen?

A Michigan State University study found that most people are willing to donate bodily samples for medical research, but this willingness drops when specific projects are mentioned. The study suggests that biobanks should rethink their consent processes and be more transparent about the research they support.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA·DateJan 28, 2015

New technique yields fast results in drug, biomedical testing

A new technique called slug flow microextraction allows for the quick detection of drugs and monitoring of medical conditions using only a small sample of biological fluid. The method involves extracting target molecules from the sample and analyzing them with mass spectrometry, resulting in results in just minutes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 9, 2014

Immune activity shortly after surgery holds big clue to recovery rate, Stanford team finds

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that immune cell activity within the first 24 hours after surgery can predict a patient's recovery time. The researchers used single-cell mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from patients undergoing hip-replacement procedures, revealing a unique pattern of immune response.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 24, 2014

New test detects toxic prions in blood

A new assay can detect toxic prions in blood samples from humans with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) and asymptomatic animals. The test, developed by French researchers, was tested on vCJD patients and non-infected controls, accurately identifying infected individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 12, 2014

An inventive new way to profile immune cells in blood

A new technique uses DNA methylation signatures to detect immune cell types in blood samples, showing high accuracy compared to existing methods. The approach counts specific chemical alterations that distinguish between cell types, enabling researchers to understand the unique signature of each cell type.

SourceBrown University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 5, 2014

New urine test could diagnose eye disease

A new urine test has been developed to diagnose retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The test uses mass spectrometry to analyze dolichol profiles in urine and blood samples, distinguishing between different gene mutations that cause the disease. This non-invasive test could provide personalized care for patients with RP.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 8, 2013

Yellow peril: Are banana farms contaminating Costa Rica's crocs?

Research in Costa Rica found that pesticide use in banana plantations is contaminating protected conservation areas, affecting spectacled caiman species. The study highlights the need for improved regulatory infrastructure to mitigate pesticide damage to aquatic ecosystems.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateSep 19, 2013

Detecting mirror molecules

Harvard physicists develop a novel technique to detect molecular variants in chemical mixtures, relying on microwave fields to identify left- and right-handed compounds. The method can analyze complex mixtures and determine the ratio of variants, with potential applications in pharmaceutical development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2013

Breath study brings roadside drug testing closer

Researchers from Sweden have successfully identified 12 substances in the breath of patients using a commercially available breath sampler. The study found high detectability for most drugs even 24 hours after intake, suggesting roadside breath testing as a promising alternative to blood and urine tests.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateApr 25, 2013