Articles tagged with Blood
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.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered hundreds of previously unknown genetic variations affecting small molecule concentrations in the blood, which can impact diseases such as diabetes and eye disorders. The findings provide valuable biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and therapy.
A new protocol has been established to evaluate patients for elective surgeries following COVID-19, taking into account the high risk of complications and clinical uncertainty. The guidelines include minimum recovery times, patient history assessments, and objective testing to determine safe surgery procedures.
A large-scale international study found a panel of 15 gut microbes associated with lower risks of common conditions. Diets rich in healthy foods encourage the presence of these beneficial microbes, which are linked to improved health outcomes.
Researchers found that laypeople underestimate blood loss in female victims more than male victims, regardless of volume, and perceive it as less life-threatening. This knowledge can inform the design of training programs to teach people how to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Engineers developed a new technique to eliminate particularly tough blood clots by using engineered nanodroplets and an ultrasound drill to break up the clots from the inside out. In vitro testing showed promising results, with the use of nanodroplets, ultrasound, and drug treatment reducing clot mass by 40%, plus or minus 9%.
A new study found that lower hydroxychloroquine blood levels are associated with a higher risk of clots in lupus patients. By monitoring blood levels, clinicians may be able to reduce clotting rates by up to 12% with increased dosing.
Global campaigns to eliminate tropical parasitic worm infections require better diagnostic tools. Researchers at WashU Medicine are developing improved diagnostics with a $2.95 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that mosquitoes feeding on blood multiple times increase malaria transmission potential, shortening the incubation period and making disease control more challenging. The research suggests that younger mosquitoes with reduced reproductive ability may contribute to infection, undermining curre...
A collaboration of three clinical trial platforms has paused enrollment for critically ill COVID-19 patients due to the lack of improvement in outcomes with full-dose anticoagulants. Moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients can still be enrolled, and the trials will continue to analyze data.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a miniaturized endovascular device that can explore capillaries without causing tissue damage. The technology harnesses hydrokinetic energy and uses magnetic steering to navigate the vascular system.
A study of over 1,400 protein-coding genes resolved the mystery of fleas' placement in the insect tree of life. Fleas are classified as scorpionflies, evolving to feed on vertebrates between 290 and 165 million years ago.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pulse oximeter readings may be less accurate in Black patients than in White patients, leading to potential mismanagement of treatment. The findings suggest that device makers may need to make changes to ensure accurate readings for all patients.
A new study found that many weight loss surgery patients in the UK are not receiving annual nutritional monitoring and weight checks as recommended by clinical guidelines. This can lead to serious health consequences, including weight regain and nutrient deficiencies. The study's lead researcher calls for improved support for GPs and p...
A new study from University of Alberta researchers found that women are at a 20% higher risk of dying or experiencing heart failure after a heart attack compared to men. The study examined data on over 45,000 Canadians who were hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002 and 2016.
Researchers discovered biomarkers associated with COVID-19 immunopathology and multi-organ damage, enabling early identification of patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study's findings have potential for developing prognostic classification models to target treatments accordingly.
A new AI tool, AI-COVID, uses routine blood work to assist clinical labs in ruling out COVID-19 infection. The software achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 and high sensitivity of 95% while maintaining moderate specificity.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that blood biomarkers such as cholesterol, inflammation, and liver function can predict future disability and healthcare demand. The researchers also discovered a pro-rich inequity in health care use, where people with higher incomes are more likely to seek medical attention.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a method to create lab-grown liver organoids with blood- and bile-handling systems using synthetic biology and machine learning. The resulting organs can mature faster than natural organs, extending the life of mice with failing livers.
Researchers at Lund University developed an app that predicts Alzheimer's disease risk based on blood biomarker levels, providing a more reliable and accessible early diagnosis method than current cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analyses.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that Black people have a higher risk of ischemic stroke due to blood clots, which cannot be fully explained by known risk factors. The researchers identified differences in left atrium structure and function between Black and white participants.
Researchers found that flavanol-enriched cocoa drink improved blood oxygenation levels in the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive performance. Participants completed complex tasks faster and with higher accuracy after consuming the flavanol-rich drink.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of mortality due to blood clots. The study suggests that thromboembolism may be a critical factor in COVID-19-related deaths, particularly among hospitalized patients.