Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
Researchers used computer modeling to investigate the mechanisms behind silent hypoxia in COVID-19 patients. They found that a combination of biological factors, including damaged lung tissue, blood clotting, and air-to-blood flow mismatch, contribute to low oxygen levels. This understanding can inform treatment decisions for clinicians.
Research reveals greater mosquito susceptibility to Zika virus, fueling global epidemics and congenital abnormalities. The invasive subspecies of Aedes aegypti has marked preference for human blood and is effective in transmitting the virus.
Researchers at UIC are conducting three national NIH studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of various types of blood thinners for treating adults diagnosed with COVID-19. The trials aim to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular or pulmonary complications, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attacks.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made significant discoveries about the 3D structure of mammalian ferroportin, revealing two iron-binding sites and a unique mode of action. This new understanding has potential implications for treating iron overload diseases, such as anemia and cancer.
Researchers identify blood biomarkers indicative of brain injury in COVID-19 patients, offering potential for timely diagnosis and cost-effective treatment approaches. The study highlights the increased risks of persistent neurological deficits, psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases associated with COVID-19.
Researchers found that masks have minimal effects on lung function, even in healthy individuals, and do not increase the risk of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The study suggests that wearing a mask can be uncomfortable but does not impact cardiopulmonary function.
A new study by George Washington University researchers found that high-dose anticoagulation may be ineffective and even harmful for patients with COVID-19. The study compared clinical outcomes between patients treated with standard low-dose blood thinners and those receiving higher doses, finding no additional benefit.
Researchers at UHN have discovered a simple method to reverse alcohol intoxication by accelerating the elimination of ethanol from the body through hyperventilation. The device, small enough to be made anywhere in the world, uses a valve system and mask to remove excess carbon dioxide while maintaining normal blood levels.
Researchers found that neurofilament light protein levels in the blood can predict stroke severity and prognosis, as well as anticipate future recovery. Higher NFL levels forecast worse functional outcomes and shorter survival time after a stroke. This discovery establishes NFL as a promising prognostic biomarker for stroke.
Researchers propose that declining hip fracture rates may be linked to generational differences in lifetime lead exposure, with bone mineral density and risk of fractures decreasing as lead levels decrease. The authors suggest that assessing lead levels in bones removed during hip replacements could help validate this hypothesis.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology identified rare and common genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots in IBD patients. The research suggests that genomic medicine could help lower this threat, enabling physicians to provide more precise care.
A new medication, centhaquine, has been found safe and effective in treating severe blood or fluid loss caused by trauma. The study showed significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and improved blood pressure and organ function.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that COVID-19 is associated with worse stroke outcomes, particularly among people of Asian descent. The study revealed a significantly higher mortality rate and more severe strokes among patients with COVID-19 at stroke onset compared to those without.
A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that poor awareness of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) leads to missed diagnosis and treatment opportunities. The condition affects half of all heart failure cases in England, but frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of understanding among clin...
A large observational study found that regular consumption of omega-3s EPA and ALA can decrease the risk of death three years after a STEMI, with both types providing unique protective qualities. Walnuts were also shown to have significant benefits due to their high content of alpha-linolenic acid.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London discovers that certain small molecules in patients' blood can predict response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Up to 50% of RA patients are unresponsive to treatment, and the research provides potential solutions for predicting patient responsiveness.
Researchers identified a new prognostic laboratory sign for imminent postoperative thrombosis, which appears on the first postoperative day. Early detection using this sign can help prevent life-threatening thrombotic complications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a more precise screening index to identify areas with high levels of chronic lead exposure in children. The method uses established risk factors, including poverty and housing built before 1950, and can be applied to any area in the US.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking daily low-dose aspirin had lower risk of ICU admission, ventilation, and dying from the virus. The study found a 44% reduction in mechanical ventilator use, 43% decrease in ICU admission, and 47% decrease in hospital death compared to those not taking aspirin.
Researchers developed a simple blood test to distinguish between pancreatic cancers that respond to treatment and those that do not. The test detects the levels of a sugar called sTRA, which is produced by a certain subtype of cancer and escapes into the bloodstream.
Researchers found a distinct DNA methylation signature in cord blood of newborns with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), spanning regions linked to early fetal neurodevelopment. The findings may hold clues for early diagnosis and intervention.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that administering a low dose of ketamine to healthy individuals does not alter their ability to tolerate simulated major blood loss. This study provides valuable insights for medical personnel when choosing pain medication for serious injuries with accompanying blood loss.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a surface that repels all components of human blood except for the critical cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can be measured with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Washington State University scientists developed a method to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in blood, 10 times more sensitive than current technology. The artificial enzyme, called a nanozyme, can detect the biomarkers at levels lower than commercial ELISA tests.
Researchers found that a D-dimer blood test alone can accurately identify patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), allowing for targeted follow-up with ultrasound examinations. The study suggests this simplified approach could reduce unnecessary tests and improve diagnosis accuracy.
A study by University of Zurich's Brain Research Institute found that early childhood trauma can lead to changes in lipid metabolism and glucose levels in offspring and grand-offspring. The researchers discovered a molecular mechanism involving the PPAR receptor, which is activated by fatty acids and regulates gene expression.
Two studies suggest individuals with blood type O may have a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and reduced likelihood of severe outcomes. In contrast, those with blood groups A and AB may be more likely to experience severe clinical outcomes and organ complications.
A new blood test, the Dublin-Boston score, accurately predicts which COVID-19 patients will develop a severe form of the disease. The score uses the ratio of pro-inflammatory IL-6 to anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and can inform doctors on best treatment options.
Researchers found a group of neurons in female mosquitoes' stylets that activate only when sugar, salt, and other components of blood are present together. This discovery opens the door to further examination of novel forms of taste detection and unique feeding strategies.
Higher HMGB1 levels associated with obesity, inflammation and cardiovascular disease in younger adults, particularly females and blacks. The study found a link between circulating HMGB1 levels and increased blood pressure, stiffer arteries and inflammation.
Researchers found that IgG antibodies remain stable for up to 105 days after symptom onset in COVID-19 patients, while IgA and IgM antibodies decay rapidly. Saliva can be used as an alternative biofluid for antibody testing due to detectable levels of spike protein-specific antibodies.
Exposing diabetic mice to electromagnetic fields normalizes two major hallmarks of type 2 diabetes, including reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The effects are long-lasting, suggesting a potential EMF therapy for managing diabetes during sleep.
A UNICEF study reports that 800 million children have high lead values in their blood, posing permanent brain damage risks. The study highlights the need for international measures to address lead exposure, particularly among marginalized groups.
Researchers discovered that iodide levels increase in people's and animals' blood during severe stress, such as trauma or hibernation. This finding could lead to new treatments for traumatic injuries and COVID-19 by harnessing the body's natural response to stress.
Research reveals that older adults are less able to regulate body temperature and hydration during exercise in hot environments due to decreased sensitivity to elevated blood osmolality. This can lead to increased risk of heat-related injuries and adverse heart problems, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated.
Scientists at CNIC designed an algorithm that estimates cardiovascular risk in healthy middle-aged individuals based on variables like age, blood pressure, diet, and biomarkers. The EN-PESA algorithm provides a personalized risk profile for those with subclinical atherosclerosis or high short-term disease progression risk.
A team from the University of Pittsburgh is using a $1.1M grant to optimize small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular graft design and manufacturability. They aim to develop a feasible alternative to decades-old vessel harvesting methods, with the goal of reducing complications like stenosis.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has identified new biomarkers in the blood that can indicate damage to brain tissue, which could help emergency clinicians quickly recognize minor strokes. The discovery has the potential to reduce delays in treatment and improve patient outcomes.