Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
A study of 8,900 patients in New York State hospitals revealed racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment for obstetric patients. Obstetric patients in minority groups were less likely to receive an epidural blood patch (EBP) for postdural puncture headache during delivery hospitalization.
A new study found that three experimental Alzheimer's blood tests perform differently in Black individuals compared to white individuals, putting Black patients at risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate medical care. The PrecivityAD test was equally effective across racial groups.
A new study found that following a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of preeclampsia by at least 20% in pregnant women. The research surveyed over 8,000 women and found that racial differences in rates of preeclampsia were more related to socioeconomic factors than genetic or biological ones.
Researchers developed an automated system called Clinical Antimicrobials Susceptibility Test Ramanometry (CAST-R) to identify the best antibiotics for treating acute blood infections. The system uses Raman microspectroscopy and machine learning to achieve rapid and accurate results, outperforming conventional methods in just three hours.
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
Researchers discovered a link between non-O blood types and an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. This finding suggests that blood typing may serve as another important predictive measure for identifying individuals at high risk.
Researchers developed innovative smart sensors to test new vaccines, revealing significant discrepancies between subjective self-reports and objective measurements. The study found that side effects escalate over the first 48 hours and then stabilize, with parameters returning to pre-vaccination levels.
Scientists have developed a method using DNA from blood meals of blood-sucking leeches to survey vertebrate species in large areas. The study, led by Harvard researchers, identified 86 vertebrate species in the reserve, including near-threatened and threatened species.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers has identified two biomarkers that can distinguish between patients with subcortical small-vessel disease, Alzheimer's disease, and mixed dementia. The discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment, and medication development.
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
A study of patients treated with edoxaban and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after TAVR found that edoxaban reduced subclinical leaflet thrombosis, but did not affect stroke risk. Rates of death, stroke, and cognitive decline were similar in both groups.
The study found that patiromer significantly lowers blood potassium levels in patients taking RAASi medications for heart failure. The results suggest that patiromer can be used to control excess potassium buildup in the blood, which is a common side effect of RAASi therapy.
A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.
Researchers found that SLN360, an experimental siRNA therapy, significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known driver of heart disease risk. Participants who received higher doses saw their lipoprotein(a) levels drop by up to 98% and remained lower even after five months.
Researchers found significant and sustained improvements in left ventricular outflow tract gradients, health status, symptoms, and exercise capacity among patients taking mavacamten. The drug appears to be safe and well-tolerated long-term with no new adverse events reported.
Researchers have identified a blood biomarker called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that may uniquely aid prediction of dementia in Mexican Americans. The study analyzed 745 participants over four years, finding that higher levels of GFAP predicted increased risk of developing dementia.
A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the AFIRE trial found that reduced kidney function significantly influences bleeding events during antithrombotic therapy. Patients with healthy kidney function have a decreased risk of bleeding over time, while those with reduced kidney function remain at high risk.
A study found that many nursing home residents continue to receive insulin and other medications despite blood test results suggesting tight control. Only 27% of overtreated and 19% of potentially overtreated residents had their medications adjusted within 2 weeks.
A study suggests that smartwatch heart rate measurement algorithms are less effective in people with darker skin tones due to increased melanin absorption. Researchers emphasize the need for diverse population inclusion and explore alternative light wavelengths for more accurate readings.
A study found that 42% of TikTok videos on high blood pressure focused on alternative medicine, while only 5% mentioned exercise. Most creators were not healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for more emphasis on credible sources.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has received a five-year, $1.87 million NIH grant to investigate the role of vitamin A depletion in Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to test the hypothesis that a lack of antioxidant all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes reactive oxygen species toxicity.
Researchers found that low blood oxygen levels correlate with longer time to regain consciousness in patients with severe COVID-19. The study involved 795 patients and found that 72% recovered consciousness before hospital discharge, but 25% took 10 or more days to recover.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine and colleagues found that most COVID patients regain consciousness after removal of respiratory support, but may take weeks to recover. The study also showed that patients who experienced low blood oxygen levels during treatment took longer to recover consciousness.
A recent study from the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has shown promising results for a blood test that could identify Alzheimer's changes in the brain before symptoms appear. The test detects proteins associated with Alzheimer's and brain damage, which may indicate preventative treatments can be used.
Researchers are developing a new SWIR surgical microscope system to detect and remove cholesteatomas, a type of chronic otitis media. The microscope uses short-wave infrared light to illuminate blood, bacterial biofilms, cartilage, and soft tissue, making them distinguishable from each other.
A large international study assessed patients undergoing heart surgery and measured troponin levels before and after surgery. The findings showed that higher troponin levels are associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days, enabling healthcare teams to monitor patients more effectively.
Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery that could phase out medications derived from pig intestines. The team has successfully created a synthetic alternative to heparin in a laboratory setting, using cell factories, similar to insulin production.
A new blood test developed at Washington University School of Medicine has proven highly accurate in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, with a 93% accuracy rate. The test assesses amyloid plaques based on the ratio of A´2 and A´0 proteins in the blood, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive brain scans and spinal taps.
Researchers found circulating antiphospholipid antibodies and autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients, which may explain mechanisms associated with severe blood clotting. IgG levels were also linked to disease severity, and removing it from samples led to reduced 'blood vessel stickiness',
A study found that using two cannulas to place newborns in respiratory failure on life-sustaining ECMO increases mortality rates. The safest path is a single cannula in the right internal jugular, which can remove oxygen-poor blood and add oxygen before returning it to the baby.
A small study found statistically significant improvements in various symptoms, including fatigue and chest discomfort, after EECP therapy in long COVID patients. Researchers believe this is the most plausible explanation for the benefits derived from EECP and its link to long COVID.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that blood levels of seven out of ten commonly used anticonvulsant medications dropped dramatically during pregnancy, leading to breakthrough seizures. The study aims to improve outcomes in women with epilepsy by better managing their medications over the course of pregnancy.
Researchers developed a new method using smartphone vibration motor and camera to monitor blood clots, with accuracy similar to commercially available techniques. The device can be used at home, making it easier for patients to test their PT/INR levels, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
A new study by UTSW researchers found that giving clot-busting drug alteplase to stroke patients on long-term blood thinners is safe and improves recoveries. The study of over 160,000 patients revealed no increased risk of bleeding, but rather better outcomes for those treated with the drug.
Researchers at UC3M have developed a mathematical model that analyzes the appearance of oscillations in flow networks, which may help explain how blood circulates in the brain. The model takes into account the size of the network and predicts the frequency of pressure oscillations.
In young adults, women are at a higher risk of ischemic strokes, with a 44% greater incidence compared to men. Researchers highlight the need for further research into the causes and non-traditional risk factors that contribute to this disparity.
A new study found that children who drank well water with lead have a 21% higher risk of delinquency and 38% increased risk of serious complaints. Researchers analyzed a 20-year dataset linking blood lead measurements to reported juvenile delinquency records after age 14.
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.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
A new analysis links genetic variants associated with high blood levels of lipoprotein A to a higher risk of prostate cancer, including advanced or early-age-onset cases. The study found no significant associations for other blood lipids.
Researchers have identified 15 biological markers that can predict severe depression in pregnant women with 83% accuracy. This finding has the potential to improve prenatal care and reduce depressive symptoms in mothers.
Case Western Reserve University researchers create nanoparticles that generate a protein mesh to stabilize blood clots and reduce blood loss. The technology could help save lives by rapidly stabilizing clots to reduce blood loss from traumatic injuries.
Researchers from China use digitalized flow rates to study the effect of exercise on plaque formation in carotid arteries, which carry blood to the head and neck. The study investigates how geometrical features of the arteries affect plaque formation and finds that exercising decreases reversed flow volume in older age groups.
A study from North Carolina State University demonstrates the accuracy of a less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health using dried blood spots. Researchers found that this method is comparable to traditional techniques, allowing for easier and less stressful data collection from wild populations.
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 found that inhibiting gasdermin D, a protein involved in septic patients' organ lesions, can prevent multiple-organ damage and improve prognosis. Disulfiram, a drug originally indicated for alcohol dependence, was shown to inhibit gasdermin D and reduce tissue injury.
A blood test combining a four-marker protein panel with an independent model improves lung cancer risk assessment, identifying 9.2% more cases for screening and reducing referrals by 13.7%. The study shows the potential to determine who may benefit from lung cancer screening with improved accuracy.
Researchers have developed a custom finger clip device that measures blood pressure and other vital signs like heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The device uses photoplethysmography sensors and achieves an accuracy rate of about 90% for systolic blood pressure.
A portable prostate cancer screening kit could provide early warning to populations with higher incidence of prostate cancer, particularly African American men. The test uses a test strip and reader to quantify PSA from a drop of blood in minutes, delivering results in 10-15 minutes.
A sustainable diet rich in vegetables and fibre intake may lower the risk of brain bleeding or blood clots. Researchers from Aarhus University found that following Nordic dietary recommendations can lead to a reduced risk of such events, contrary to previous studies suggesting vegetarian diets may be associated with higher risks.
Researchers found that up to one in five patients experience increased troponin levels after major surgery, indicating potential heart damage. These patients were also more likely to be anaemic before the operation.
A new cell line from human adult bone marrow can grow infinitely and differentiate into red blood cells, making it a potential source for generating endless amounts of RBCs. This breakthrough could simplify methods for establishing immortalized cell lines and select clones with maximum RBC production potential.
A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.
Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score using diverse genomic data to predict elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This improves identification of genomic variants associated with blood lipid levels and provides a more accurate estimate of individual risk for heart disease.
A daily dose of yoghurt has been found to be associated with lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The study, conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults, found that even small amounts of yoghurt were linked to significant reductions in blood pressure.
Researchers developed an AI program that accurately identified patients at risk of serious illness due to blood infections, with an accuracy rate of 82%. The technology has the potential to serve as an early warning system for doctors, enabling them to rank patients based on their risk level.