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 found that exposure to the 2016 US presidential election was associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening cardiac events. The research, conducted in North Carolina, showed a 77% rise in the risk of arrhythmias during the election period compared to control periods.
A predictive model has been developed to identify pediatric patients at risk of developing blood clots or venous thromboembolisms. The model includes 11 risk factors and has been validated on over 44,000 separate admissions. In a trial called CLOT, the model is being used to inform personalized prevention plans for high-risk patients.
A new study found that combining EPA and DHA in popular supplements may blunt heart health benefits, while higher EPA levels alone lowered the risk of major cardiac events. Higher DHA levels worsened health outcomes, suggesting that not all Omega-3s are created equal.
A recent study found that using a rapid, high-sensitivity troponin T testing protocol did not improve patient outcomes after one year. In fact, patients who received this protocol were more likely to experience a heart attack or death compared to those in the standard-care group.
A large international study led by McMaster University found that removing the left atrial appendage significantly cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe for the majority of heart surgery patients with this condition.
Researchers found that left atrial appendage occlusion significantly reduced stroke risk by 33% in patients with AFib or atrial flutter. The procedure, performed during heart surgery, added less than 10 minutes to the operation and demonstrated long-term safety.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that COVID-19 can trigger a rare recurrence of upper extremity blood clots, requiring vigilant monitoring and treatment. Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis or chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for recurrence.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that oral tranexamic acid (TXA) is non-inferior to intravenous TXA in preventing blood loss during total knee and hip replacement surgeries. The study suggests that oral administration of TXA may be logistically easier, less costly, and equally effective as IV TXA.
A recent study led by University College London researchers has found that mild COVID-19 infections do not lead to lasting heart damage. The study of 149 healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 infections showed no significant differences in heart structure or function compared to healthy controls.
Researchers created a probe that glows when detecting an enzyme associated with blood clots and strokes. The probe, made up of two components, can host fluorescent molecules and detects an increase in fluorescence intensity when the probe comes into contact with the enzyme.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified a consistent protein signature in patients with severe COVID-19. The study found that this signature is associated with an immune response, but also with older patients who have chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.
A new study found that high-intensity cycling sprints can increase maximum oxygen consumption, anaerobic power, and total blood volume, improving aerobic exercise endurance. These results may encourage people to exercise with a short and effective workout that only takes 10 minutes a day.
Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.
Researchers predict and capture the reversal of blood droplet flight due to gun muzzle gases, impacting forensic analysis of bloodstain patterns. The study also reveals the breakup of blood droplets in flight, affecting the formation and size of blood droplets.
Researchers from University of Illinois at Chicago and Iowa State University cracked a forensic puzzle by exploring the fluid physics involved in a 2009 murder case. They found that backward blood spatter droplets can be entrained within a turbulent vortex ring of muzzle gases, potentially leaving shooter clothing bloodstain-free.
A new study found that nearly one-third of patients prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant were also taking aspirin without a clear reason, leading to an increased risk of bleeding events. The researchers emphasize the importance of consulting with doctors to determine if combination therapy is necessary for individual patients.
A recent study found that Flint adults suffered a range of adverse physical and mental health symptoms, including skin rashes, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, linked to the water crisis. Black residents were particularly affected, with higher rates of reported symptoms.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna improved liver transplant mortality prediction by adding laboratory parameters to the MELD score, which showed significant benefits in identifying high-risk patients. The study used vWF antigen and CRP levels to assess portal hypertension and inflammatory processes.
Researchers developed an ultrasensitive assay to measure cathepsin B in blood, detecting the biomarker for a range of disease states. This breakthrough aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as traumatic brain injury.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for vitamin D deficiency in healthy adults due to insufficient evidence. Individual requirements for vitamin D levels vary, making a one-size-fits-all approach challenging.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that individuals who experience significant 'sugar dips' after eating tend to be hungrier and consume more calories throughout the day. Big dippers had a 9% increase in hunger and ate around 312 calories more than little dippers, potentially leading to weight gain over time.
A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found an association between higher body weight and greater menstrual blood loss, potentially due to delayed womb lining repair. The research used a combined approach of human and mouse studies, suggesting obesity may contribute to heavier periods through increased inflammation.
A study of 53,000 Danish blood donors found that hay fever and asthma rates have tripled since the 1970s, with symptoms occurring earlier in life. The large biobank provides valuable insights into genetic-environmental interactions and immune system responses.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
A new study links cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) to intracerebral hemorrhages under anticoagulation, suggesting SVD as a precondition. The study suggests blood thinning alone can no longer be considered a cause of intracerebral hemorrhages.
Type 1 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy contribute to various bone structure impacts but don't fully explain higher fracture risk in patients. Balance and muscle strength also play a role in increased fracture risk, according to new findings.
A large health system study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 testing and an increased incidence of outpatient and hospital-associated blood clots in adults. The 30-day risk was higher for women and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions.
The study provides valuable insights into heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, shedding light on human evolution and genetic mutation. The analysis identified 400 million genetic variants, with over 78% never described before, offering potential for new treatments and prevention strategies tailored to individual patients.
Researchers investigated the association of sociodemographic factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant link between certain blood types and increased risk of severe COVID-19. Participants with type O negative blood were more likely to experienc...
Researchers have created an early prototype of a medical imaging system using neural networks to analyze near-infrared images of veins and project a venous pattern onto a patient's body. The system can detect vein contours accurately, fully automatically, and independently, reducing discomfort for patients with difficult access to veins.
A new pediatric heart transplant procedure has been shown to be at least as effective as the traditional approach, with similar survival rates and fewer infections. The method, pioneered by Canadian doctors, has enabled twice as many organs to be available for type O infants born with heart defects.
A multicenter study found that aspirin was not equally effective as blood thinners in treating cervical artery dissections. The international study showed a higher risk of problems with aspirin treatment compared to anticoagulation.
A study of over 11,000 participants found that certain metabolic processes are associated with up to 14 diseases. The researchers identified key factors influencing human metabolism and developed a web application to make their results publicly available.
A new study suggests that starting the day with breakfast can help lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found that eating earlier in the day was associated with improved metabolic health.
The 2021 INF Standards of Practice expanded its guidance on needleless connectors to include anti-reflux technology, which causes the least amount of blood reflux. Anti-reflux needleless connectors can prevent catheter occlusions, failure, and infections by automatically eliminating unintentional blood reflux.
A recent study suggests that non-O blood type increases the risk of stroke in women who smoke and take oral contraceptives, with nearly five times the likelihood of a stroke compared to those without these factors. Blood type was found to be an independent risk factor after adjusting for other variables.
A new study aims to explore the cause and therapeutic treatment for left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC), also known as a 'spongy heart'. The research, led by University of Houston pharmacologist Mingfu Wu, seeks to determine how heart muscle fails to compact and develop medicines to reduce symptoms.
Researchers developed a first wearable sensor to continuously measure bilirubin, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation in real-time. The device aims to improve quality of phototherapy and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
Scientists have created detailed maps of brain blood vessel clusters, revealing that small blood vessels compensate for varying energy requirements. The study provides novel insights into the distribution of oxygen and sugar to different brain regions, shedding light on how brains are kept nourished.
Lauren Childs and her team have developed a mathematical model that shows providing multiple blood meals to female mosquitoes can increase the transmission of malaria. The study suggests reducing mosquito egg production could also accelerate parasite growth, shortening the incubation period.
A new test has been developed to detect the magnetic properties of malaria-infected blood, which could help eliminate the disease. The test, called rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD), was field-tested on nearly 1000 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea and showed promising results.
Researchers discovered a single blood protein associated with increased risk of post-operative delirium. The finding paves the way for a non-invasive test to guide prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of delirium.
A unique brain protein measured in the blood could be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms develop. Elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in the blood are associated with increased amyloid beta in the brain, a known indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that aspirin is a safer alternative to warfarin for preventing blood clots in children after Fontan surgery. Patients on aspirin had lower risks of bleeding and poorer bone mineral density compared to those on warfarin.
A new study found that a gene-based blood test can accurately monitor treatment progress in people with late-stage melanoma, allowing for swift treatment modification and potentially saving lives. The test targets the most common mutations in melanoma cells, detecting DNA fragments released by dying tumor cells.
A multi-disciplinary team at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed an electrochemical diagnostic sensor platform for multiplexed detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in whole blood. The device accurately detects three different sepsis biomarkers simultaneously and has the potential to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics.
A new algorithm detects hidden fingerprints in routine blood test results to identify people silently developing liver cirrhosis. The CIRRUS algorithm has an accuracy rate of 90% and can pick up over 70% of cases months or years before emergency admissions.
A new drug, semaglutide, has been shown to cut body weight by 20% in a major global study involving over 1,900 participants. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that three quarters of people who received the drug lost more than 10% of their body weight.
A new study by researchers from Linköping University suggests that long-term stress is a risk factor for heart attacks. Cortisol levels in hair samples were found to be statistically significantly higher in individuals who suffered a heart attack, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers observed a young vampire bat pup being adopted by an unrelated female after its mother died, revealing intimate details about changing social relationships between the mother, pup, and adoptive mother. The study highlights the importance of grooming and food-sharing interactions in forming these relationships.
Researchers found that Black individuals show signs of diminished heart muscle strength and higher blood pressure from early childhood, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. Midwall fractional shortening analysis revealed a decrease in cardiac muscle function over time, associated with increased risk.
Researchers found that lead levels in songbirds' drinking water impaired their ability to produce normal vocalizations and attract mates. The study suggests that even low levels of lead can have negative effects on the brain and learning abilities of these birds.
Researchers developed an enhanced CMV detection method that accurately detects the infection in newborns with almost 90% accuracy. This improvement enables earlier intervention, which can improve hearing, speech, language, and intellectual/neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected children.
A new study found that some COVID-19 patients have an unbalanced ability to break down clots, contributing to a high bleeding risk. This imbalance is linked to a potential clinical biomarker seen in later stages of the disease and may be consistent with recent trial pauses.
The immune system surveils the brain from a distance and only enters when it finds a problem. This finding explains why the brain was thought to be immunoprivileged. Targeting immune cells at surveillance sites may lead to new treatments for conditions driven by brain inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at UBCO's Heart Valve Performance Lab have developed a novel bileaflet mechanical heart valve that functions like the real thing, improving blood flow and preventing clots. The design incorporates a slight twist to mitigate clotting risk and enhances overall performance.
A Danish research team has discovered a new control mechanism in the innate immune system, involving the ITIH4 protein. The study found that ITIH4 inhibits proteases via an unknown mechanism, preventing damage to healthy cells.
Researchers studied 18 men's livers after a day of eating and drinking, finding some responded by increasing fat storage while others reduced it. The study suggests that high carbohydrate consumption may protect the liver, contradicting typical associations with alcohol.
University of Kentucky researchers discovered that low blood amylin levels may protect against Alzheimer's disease progression, suggesting a potential therapeutic target. The study found that modulating blood amylin levels could improve cognitive decline and slow the disease.
A new review describes the current status of commercial assays for Procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) in blood. The authors recommend harmonization or standardization of these assays to improve clinical implementation and international multicentre trials.