Articles tagged with Blood Samples
A new portable device can count all five subtypes of white blood cells within minutes, providing an accurate differential and enabling the detection of rare basophils. This technology could improve outpatient monitoring of patients with chronic conditions and bring medical care to remote areas.
Researchers found that red blood cells in blood stored longer than three weeks gradually lose their flexibility to deliver oxygen-rich cells. The study's findings suggest that the current practice of transfusing blood stored up to six weeks may need reconsideration.
Women deficient in vitamin D early in pregnancy are more likely to deliver babies with lower birth weights. Maternal vitamin D deficiency may impact fetal growth by reducing calcium absorption and glucose production, leading to a higher risk of small for gestational age births.
Berkeley Lab scientists develop a blood test that can detect radiation exposure, measure dose, and separate individuals with inflammation injuries in hours. The test uses biochemical markers from eight DNA-repair genes.
A pilot study of six patients with chronic fatigue syndrome detected specific antibodies linked to latent Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, which responded to antiviral treatment. The researchers plan to develop a clinical laboratory test to detect these antibodies in blood samples, offering a potential breakthrough in diagnosis.
Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.
A new study uses blood testing to predict cathepsin activity, enzymes accelerating diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer. The technique achieved high predictability, ranging from 90 to 95 percent, and may help develop personalized treatments for tissue-destructive diseases.
A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital distinguishes multiple sclerosis patients into two meaningful subsets, MSa and MSb, based on distinct RNA molecules. This categorization may lead to more personalized treatments for individual patients.
Yuk Ming Dennis Lo received the Illy Trieste Science Prize for developing non-invasive prenatal diagnosis technology that can scan a fetus's genome from a pregnant mother's blood sample. This technology has reduced reliance on invasive methods and offers concrete benefits to both mothers and fetuses during pregnancy.
A study found significant variability in how English hospitals collected, recorded, and reported central line infection rates. This variability makes it difficult to use these rates for performance measures or to impose financial sanctions.
The SpinDx platform can determine a patient's white blood cell count, analyze protein markers, and process up to 64 assays from a single sample in minutes. It has profound implications for patient care, potentially detecting afflictions days or weeks sooner than today.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a way to determine unique leukocyte mixes from blood samples using DNA methylation. The technique can distinguish between various types of cancer and non-cancer conditions, offering a powerful tool for medical research and clinical diagnosis.
A novel assay analyzes fetal cell-free DNA in maternal blood to screen for trisomy 21 and 18. The test is nearly 100% accurate, with a low false positive rate of 0.03%. It has the potential to replace current aneuploidy screening methods.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a genetic mutation that can predict heart failure in certain individuals. The team, led by Howard Young, will screen blood samples from 750 patients to identify mutations in phospholamban, a protein linked to heart disease.
A Duke University study found that toddlers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have higher levels of flame retardant chemicals in their blood, potentially due to hand-to-mouth activity. This highlights the need for better public access to information on household products and potential exposure routes.
A new technique has been reported in the American Journal of Pathology that uses genetic abnormalities to predict prostate cancer relapse. The study found that copy number variations (CNVs) in both cancerous and non-cancerous tissues can accurately forecast recurrence, allowing for more targeted treatment approaches.
Immunosignaturing uses random sequence arrays of peptides to trawl for antibodies to disease, producing a machine-readable image of immune activity that can be used to diagnose a broad range of ailments. The technique has been tested as a diagnostic for over 20 diseases and shows good correlation between serum and plasma samples.
A study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute has established a connection between microRNAs and impending heart attacks. Researchers identified six microRNA molecules linked to gene regulation, revealing lower levels in patients who experienced a heart attack within seven days.
Endocannabinoids play a crucial role in motivating human exercise behavior, suggesting that natural selection drove the evolution of endurance activities. The study found that exercising mammals release pleasurable endocannabinoids in response to high-intensity exercise.
A new approach to newborn screening for DMD uses a two-tier system with CK testing on dried blood spots and DNA testing, allowing for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis. This method has been validated in a pilot study of 37,749 newborn boys, detecting six cases of DMD gene mutations.
A new medical sensor has the potential to simplify disease diagnosis by measuring white blood cells in small samples. The sensor could be used to diagnose conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency, allergies, infections, and cancer.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict which patients with sickle cell disease are at high risk for painful complications. The device measures blood flow through a microfluidic device, allowing doctors to monitor patients and determine the best course of treatment.
A new study has found that foreign-born immigrant women from the Caribbean are at a higher risk of elevated mercury levels in their blood. Mercury exposure is particularly concerning for infants and children due to potential damage to cognitive and central nervous system development. The study suggests that community education efforts ...
Scientists have developed a handheld device that can accurately count white blood cells, revolutionizing the complete blood cell count test. The device uses a 'blood lab-on-a-chip' technology to break down red blood cells and produce comparable results to full-scale hematology labs.
Researchers have developed a fast new method for mapping blood vessels that could aid cancer research by analyzing the vascular network of organs in less than two days. The technique uses knife-edge scanning microscopy to create detailed 3D maps of blood vessels, from arteries and veins to smallest capillaries.
A Department of Health and Human Services-funded study confirms earlier findings were likely due to laboratory error, ruling out XMRV's presence in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or healthy donors. The study suggests there is no need to screen blood donors for the viruses at present.
A study found that gene expression changes in some patients following major trauma can lead to severe inflammatory complications. Researchers used DNA microarrays to analyze blood samples and identified genes associated with long-term outcomes. This discovery could help scientists develop new drug targets to prevent such complications.
Researchers from NIST and Applied Research Associates Inc. have expanded the reach of their novel microfluidic system for analyzing chemical components of complex samples. The new work demonstrates how the system can analyze negatively charged components as well, overcoming a major challenge in sample analysis.
A Tufts University study found that analyzing bird feathers can detect corticosterone levels, a hormone linked to avian stress response. The technique provides a long-term snapshot of stress exposure and has implications for conservationists studying human impacts on wildlife.
Researchers launch pioneering study to create human platelet cells from stem cells to study inherited blood clotting abnormalities and genetic variations affecting platelet function. The goal is to develop a new approach to generating blood cells for patients in need of chronic infusions.
A new UCSF study finds no evidence of a mouse virus in human blood, contradicting previous claims that it caused Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The study suggests the virus was detected in contaminated laboratory samples, and scientists need to continue searching for the real cause of the illness.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a comprehensive study finding no evidence of XMRV in CFS patients or healthy controls. The study's results contradict previous findings that linked the retrovirus to CFS, and experts emphasize the need for further research into potential infectious agents associated with the disease.
A new study found that most US states lack clear policies on storing and using newborn blood samples, often leaving parents in the dark. The researchers emphasize the need for transparent approaches to ensure parents are informed about how their babies' leftover blood might be used.
Researchers developed SIMBAS, a self-powered chip that can analyze whole blood samples without external components. The device captures blood cells and separates plasma using gravity-driven flow, enabling disease diagnosis within minutes.
A NYU nursing-dental research team will assess the feasibility of using gingival crevicular blood to gauge hemoglobin A1C levels as a means of diagnosing diabetes and identifying pre-diabetes. The study aims to determine if there is a correlation between A1C finger-stick and oral blood samples.
Researchers have cataloged T-cell receptor diversity in blood samples from healthy individuals, identifying over 1 million unique sequences. The study provides insights into the limitations and variability of immune system repertoires.
A new inexpensive, accurate, and practical diagnostic test for Turner syndrome has been developed by Yale School of Medicine researchers. The test can detect X-chromosome abnormalities in girls and can be done in a doctor's office using cheek swabs or newborn screening blood spots.
Researchers have developed a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples before symptoms appear, identifying two potential biomarkers with 90% accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers identify potential antibody biomarkers for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis using synthetic compounds. Synthetic peptoids capture immunoglobulin antibodies from blood samples with high accuracy.
A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that oxysterols, previously thought to be associated with multiple sclerosis, are not present in significant amounts in MS patients. The research contradicts a previous study and suggests the potential role of oxysterols in MS needs reconsideration.
A new blood test detects low troponin T levels, associated with increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death in older adults without symptoms. The study found that elevated troponin levels over time can indicate a higher risk of developing heart disease.
A redesigned microchip-based device, HB-Chip, captures more than 90% of cancer cells from blood samples, improving upon the original CTC-Chip. The new device also identifies previously unseen clusters of tumor cells, providing valuable insights into metastasis and targeted cancer therapies.
A team of scientists developed a new microfluidic tool to quickly and accurately isolate neutrophils from small blood samples, enabling researchers to study the immune system's response to traumatic injury. The device revealed complex gene expression patterns that shifted during the recovery process.
Researchers at Georgetown University and the National Aquarium successfully extracted DNA from dolphin blow, providing an alternative to biopsies. The new method involves collecting exhalations from blowholes, eliminating harm to young animals and requiring less skill than traditional dart biopsying.
Researchers found two mechanisms altering HIV-1 population in semen, including clonal amplification and compartmentalization. The study suggests the viral population in semen may be distinct from that in blood, affecting our understanding of transmission and selective pressures.
Researchers at LSU and two other universities are analyzing the impact of oil on Louisiana's marshlands using water samples and advanced spectroscopic analysis. The study aims to understand the molecular-level effects of oil contamination on coastal health.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed human blood cells to an embryonic stem-cell-like state, opening up new possibilities for studying genetic and molecular mechanisms of blood disorders and other diseases. This breakthrough uses frozen blood samples from blood banks, providing a readily available source of pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers have developed a simple, non-invasive blood test that can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus using molecular genetic probes. The test has already shown promise in identifying DNA from the Y chromosome and is being investigated for detecting trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) and other conditions.
A new study by Dr. Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani predicts the age when women will hit menopause using a simple blood test. The researchers found that the accuracy of the test is high, with an average difference between predicted and actual ages of just a third of a year.
A new study found that looking at pictures of people with diseases triggers a stronger immune response, which may be beneficial for fighting off pathogens. The researchers suggest this response could have evolved as a way to prepare the body for potential infections when additional cues indicate a higher threat.
A study by Pitt/Magee research team found that women with preeclampsia have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, which are thought to help grow and maintain blood vessels. This adaptation didn't happen in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure.
A study by Norwegian researchers found that blood gene expression is influenced by physical conditions, lifestyle factors, and exposure variables. The study provides insights into the feasibility of using blood-based studies to detect exposure-specific differences in the general population.
Researchers successfully used a new technique to pinpoint changes in one cell type that flagged the likelihood of kidney-transplant recipients rejecting their new organs. The algorithm enabled doctors to better identify the onset of cancers, genetic disorders, and other problems by analyzing whole-blood samples.
A new technology called microscale thermophoresis allows researchers to measure interactions under close-to-native conditions, improving decision-making in drug development. The technique exploits the Soret effect to detect binding activity, providing a more reliable method for identifying potential therapeutic agents.
A pilot study using miniaturized air samplers found no strong evidence of health risks for subway workers exposed to steel dust, with levels below OSHA standards. The study also showed that airborne metal concentrations were much higher in stations and trains than above ground.
A study led by Dr. Shiela Strauss found that 93% of individuals with periodontal disease are at high risk for diabetes, compared to 63% without the disease. This suggests that dental offices could serve as a valuable platform for initial diabetes screening.
NIST researchers have developed a novel method for analyzing complex samples with minimal sample preparation, using Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis (GEMBE) in microfluidic devices. This technique enables the separation of components from solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials.
Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt receives $734,068 NIH grant to develop chip-based method for rapidly analyzing blood samples. The new approach could identify patterns correlated with aging and obesity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a fluorescent probe that glows bright green when exposed to ozone, a harmful pollutant and lung irritant. The probe's sensitivity and specificity make it a potential tool for monitoring indoor and outdoor ozone levels, as well as studying its effects on the human body.
Researchers found a blood chemical that may signal susceptibility to interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disorder. The study suggests the disease may have origins in the central nervous system and could lead to new treatment directions.