Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
A new study on chimpanzees shows that a plant-based diet and substantial opportunities for exercise can reduce cardiovascular disease risk to human levels. Free-ranging chimpanzees in sanctuaries exhibit lower body weight and lipid levels, indicative of better health.
A large observational study suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes are 36% more likely to develop vascular dementia and 9% more likely to be diagnosed with non-vascular dementia compared to their diabetes-free counterparts. The risk of Alzheimer's disease is not higher in those with type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Diabetologia suggests that regular heat exposure through hot baths is associated with improved glycated haemoglobin levels and reduced body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. The research found daily hot-tub bathing to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered biomarkers to predict how type 2 diabetes patients will respond to metformin treatment. The study, conducted on 363 participants, shows promise for personalized therapy and reducing side effects.
Researchers discover reduced glucagon sensitivity in people with fatty liver and type 2 diabetes, leading to increased glucose production. This finding opens up new possibilities for early detection and treatment of the diseases.
A new blood protein test can detect the severity of head trauma with high accuracy and speed, potentially saving millions in medical expenses annually. The research team developed a point-of-care testing device that uses a hand-held device to measure glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in patient blood.
A Rutgers study found that children on oral steroids are at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clots, with high-dose steroid users facing the greatest risk. The study, which examined over 933,000 US children, also found that these complications were more common among those with autoimmune diseases.
A new machine learning model accurately identifies children most at risk of lead poisoning, equitably targeting resources to prevent poisonings. The model is about twice as accurate as previous simpler models and considers various factors such as housing, economic status, and sociodemographic data.
The Texas Heart Institute will develop the first fully implantable circulatory support device for pediatric patients, aiming to stop advanced heart failure progression. Led by Dr. O.H. Frazier, the team will conduct preclinical studies and collaborate with international consultants.
Patients with severe COVID-19 infections who have high levels of the blood clotting protein factor V are at risk for serious injury from blood clots. Critically ill patients with low levels of factor V appear to be at increased risk for death due to a coagulopathy resembling disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Research reveals that Type 2 diabetes affects brain function in older women, leading to sensory and motor deficits. A unique fNIRS technique detects decreased oxygenated blood use in the brain, suggesting underlying mechanisms such as muscle changes and cortical dysfunction.
Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 1 repairs damaged perineuronal nets in the brain, a critical response required for sustained diabetes remission. The discovery sheds light on the intricate biology of the brain's response to the protein and may lead to more effective diabetes treatments.
Research reveals that babies born with higher levels of cadmium may be at increased risk of developing childhood asthma and allergies. Cadmium exposure has been found to interfere with immune systems and increase allergic reactions.
A blood test detecting SARS-CoV-2 presence in patients with confirmed COVID-19 can predict severe cases, highlighting the importance of early treatment and monitoring. Admitted patients without detectable virus have a low risk of severe symptoms.
A new wearable device could accurately assess blood loss due to hemorrhage using seismic vibrations and electrical signals from the heart. The device would provide a numerical score indicating the severity of cardiovascular system performance, helping first responders make life-saving decisions.
A new physiological test for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown promise, accurately identifying 124 of 131 children with ASD regardless of co-occurring medical conditions. The test measures metabolites in a blood sample and predicts diagnosis with minimal impact from other health issues.
Research suggests that not all vegetarian diets are created equal, with healthier choices linked to maintaining normal blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil were found to be key contributors to better heart health.
Researchers found that therapeutic and prophylactic doses of blood thinners reduced mortality by roughly 50 percent in COVID-19 patients. The study also showed that anticoagulation therapy was associated with improved outcomes both in and out of the intensive care unit.
A new study aims to determine if sleep optimization interventions can help adults with Type 1 diabetes improve their sleep and glycemic control. Participants will receive a wearable sleep tracker and brief phone counseling sessions.
A meta-analysis published in eLife reveals low HDL cholesterol is the most common lipid disorder in Latin America and the Caribbean. The study suggests that efforts to boost HDL cholesterol may provide the greatest heart health benefits to people living in these regions.
Researchers at Lund University found that a strict six-week low-calorie diet had the greatest positive effect on health markers after bariatric surgery. The operation itself caused minor changes, and most effects disappeared after six weeks.
Researchers developed an algorithm to monitor high blood sugar in COVID-19 patients, reducing secondary infections and kidney issues. The tool identifies risk categories based on hyperglycemia severity, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers.
Researchers identified five blood biomarkers associated with increased odds of clinical deterioration and death in COVID-19 patients. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were linked to inflammation and bleeding disorders, increasing the risk of ICU admission, ventilatory support, and mortality.
A new study found that prenatal Viagra treatment worsened growth-restriction in baby sheep by impairing the fetus' ability to redirect blood flow to essential organs. This impairment occurred despite lower levels of oxygen in the fetal blood, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying increased morbidity observed clinically.
Research examines neuroendocrine effects of grief, finding elevated cortisol levels in bereaved individuals with possible long-term health consequences. The study calls for more research on potential markers of neuroendocrine activity associated with grief to inform tailored interventions.
Researchers developed a blood test that can identify babies at risk of serious neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy and epilepsy just hours after birth. The test looks for specific genes being switched on or off, which may provide new targets for treating brain damage before it becomes permanent.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a synthetic inhibitor of coagulation factor XII that efficiently blocks blood clotting without causing bleeding side-effects. The inhibitor has high potency and selectivity, but its short retention time requires constant infusion to achieve sustained thrompobrotection.
A new analysis of data from the ALLSTAR study published in the European Heart Journal shows that cell infusions, also known as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), can benefit patients with heart disease by reducing the volume of blood the heart holds and a blood protein that measures heart failure severity. The findings contradict previ...
A new study suggests that COVID-19 may cause deadly blood clots in pregnant women and those taking estrogen, highlighting the need for anticoagulation therapy or discontinuation of estrogen medicines. Research is underway to understand how the coronavirus causes blood clots, which could inform prevention strategies.
Researchers used computational models to study the effects of thinner biological tissues on transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The findings indicate that thinner tissues can lead to high levels of 'flutter energy', causing blood damage and accelerating leaflet deterioration.
A new blood test has demonstrated remarkable promise in discriminating between individuals with and without Alzheimer's disease. The test measures phospho-tau217, a protein found in tau tangles, and shows great accuracy in detecting the disease, even in its early stages.
Researchers have identified a blood test target, phosphorylated tau 217, that correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. This protein can be detected in the blood of people who have yet to show signs of forgetfulness or confusion, making it a promising tool for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.
A new study found elevated levels of transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, correlating with disease severity. The research suggests TGFBIp could serve as a viable therapeutic target to treat severe inflammation and cytokine storms in patients with severe COVID-19.
A recent study by the University of Bath found that healthy adults can consume twice their normal calorie intake without experiencing immediate metabolic problems. The research revealed that blood sugar and lipid levels remained within normal ranges despite consuming large amounts of calories.
Researchers detected novel fluoroethers in 85% of participants' blood, representing 24% of total PFAS, and showed faster excretion rates compared to legacy PFAS. The study aimed to understand the effects of these chemicals on human health.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that cinnamon supplementation lowered abnormal fasting glucose levels and improved response to eating carbohydrates. Cinnamon was well-tolerated without adverse effects.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that post-surgical bleeding is associated with a higher mortality rate compared to blood clots. The researchers analyzed nearly 15 years of data on millions of patients and found that bleeding had a consistent signal for mortality, while blood clots did not.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that increased blood sugar levels can impair aerobic fitness and muscle adaptation in mice and humans. Despite this, regular aerobic exercise is still recommended for maintaining health, especially when combined with dietary changes.
Researchers found COVID-19 patients with symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the lower extremities had larger clots and higher rates of amputation and death. In contrast, those with only leg symptoms were more likely to avoid amputation or death.
Scientists identify ten regions of the genome linked to long lifespan, healthspan, and longevity, finding a potential link between iron metabolism and healthy aging. The study's findings suggest that maintaining healthy levels of iron in the blood could be key to slowing aging and living longer.
Researchers found severely limited exercise capacity in adults with type 2 diabetes, increasing risk of heart failure. Subtle impairments in blood flow and heart function were detected using advanced imaging techniques.
Researchers developed a new use for a common blood test to adjust T3 dosage, suggesting improved cardiac function and reversal of heart failure genes. The study suggests that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels can be used to titrate T3 required, providing a potentially life-saving treatment for heart failure.
A new finger-stick test can estimate radiation exposure in mice with high accuracy, using microRNA biomarkers. The test distinguishes between various doses of radiation, including those requiring triage, and could improve acute radiation syndrome diagnosis and treatment.
A review of available evidence suggests that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in both the general population and patients with a history of heart disease. Screening and proper management of prediabetes may contribute to primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
Researchers found that mice with healthy gut microbiomes were less sick and less likely to spread infection. Introducing certain bacteria or chemical compounds improved immune responses and reduced virus levels.
Researchers found that infusing umbilical cord blood safely and effectively treated 44 children born with various non-cancerous genetic disorders. The treatment resulted in a halting of neurological decline and normal enzyme levels in patients with metabolic disorders, with high safety and efficacy rates.
A new study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology documents a clear link between stress hormone cortisol and higher blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that sustained cortisol levels make it difficult to control blood sugar and manage the disease.
A study by McGill researchers found that sodium concentrations can influence circadian rhythms in mice, activating neurons associated with the master clock. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating negative health effects of long distance travel or shift work.
A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.
A new study found that a simple blood test can accurately predict concussion severity and duration, similar to expensive and invasive spinal taps. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels in the blood, which correlate strongly with the severity of concussions.
A study from the NIH found that neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a superior blood biomarker for diagnosing and predicting traumatic brain injury. NfL was shown to distinguish patients with TBI from controls even months to years after injury, providing a potential diagnostic option.
A study from the NIH confirms that neurofilament light chain in blood can detect brain injury and predict recovery across all stages of traumatic brain injury. The biomarker also showed strong diagnostic ability for sports-related concussions.
A new NIH study found that infants exposed to iodine in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at higher risk for developing congenital hypothyroidism. Infants with this condition often require thyroid hormone therapy within four weeks of birth, and permanent intellectual disability may result if treatment is delayed.
Children living in homes with private wells were more likely to have elevated blood lead levels than those with city water. Researchers found that African American neighborhoods lacking access to municipal water service faced compounded risks.
Repeated blood tests measuring liver damage biomarker FIB-4 identify people at high risk of severe liver disease. The study found that increased FIB-4 scores between testing occasions can predict future liver cirrhosis, with almost half of affected individuals identifiable.
A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that TMAO, a compound produced in the gut from red meat metabolism, impairs artery function and hastens aging. Adults with higher blood levels of TMAO had significantly worse artery function and greater signs of oxidative stress.
Researchers have developed eye drops that target caspase-9 enzyme to treat retinal vein occlusion, a common cause of blindness. The treatment has shown promise in improving retinal function and reducing swelling in a mouse model of the condition.
A new polymeric heart valve, PoliValve, has been developed by scientists at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge, promising to address the limitations of current artificial valves. The device combines excellent durability with biocompatibility, making it a potential alternative for valve replacement surgery.
A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...
A novel, portable device called iCoagLab has been developed to measure blood clotting ability in minutes, reducing time and accuracy of traditional tests. The test was compared to a conventional test on 270 patients and found to be as sensitive at detecting bleeding risk with higher accuracy.