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Heart disease biomarker linked to paleo diet

Researchers found that people on the Paleo diet had twice the amount of a key blood biomarker linked closely to heart disease. The study suggests that the diet's exclusion of whole grains may be to blame for elevated TMAO levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2019

The pressure difference and vortex flow of blood in the heart chambers may signal heart dysfunction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found a close relationship between vortex flow and pressure differences in the ventricles of the heart, which may signal heart dysfunction. The study suggests that these indicators could be used as new markers for cardiovascular dysfunction leading to heart failure.

'Robot blood' powers machines for lengthy tasks

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a system of circulating liquid, called "robot blood", to store energy and power robotic applications. This synthetic vascular system enables robots to perform sophisticated tasks for longer periods, increasing energy density while maintaining mobility.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2019

Making systems robust

ETH Zurich scientists create synthetic biology approach to make biotechnological production processes more efficient and regulate hormonal activity through cell therapy. They successfully control bacteria's growth rate despite disruptions, paving the way for applications in medicine, including cancer immunotherapy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

Vitamin D may not help your heart

A new Michigan State University study found that taking vitamin D supplements did not decrease the incidence of heart attacks, strokes or other major adverse cardiovascular events. The study of over 83,000 patients showed no benefit from vitamin D supplements in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 19, 2019

New research could help predict seizures before they happen

Researchers at FutureNeuro have discovered molecules in the blood that are higher in people with epilepsy before a seizure happens. These molecules are fragments of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which could serve as an early warning system for predicting seizures.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 10, 2019

Novel technique reduces obstruction risk in heart valve replacement

Researchers developed a novel technique called LAMPOON to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a common complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The study found that the new method increased treatment options for high-risk patients and achieved better survival rates compared to other methods.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Side-by-side comparison on point of care tests for blood's ability to clot

Researchers compared common bedside testing platforms to determine blood clotting speed and found the iSTAT platform offers a better balance of speed and accuracy. The Hepcon system provides consistent results with lab-based anti-Xa tests but lacks physiologically active heparin levels, making it less valuable for patient care.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalLaboratory Medicine·DateMay 7, 2019

Study underlines large variation in patient mortality associated with different bloodstream infections

A new study highlights the significant risk posed by bloodstream infections (BSIs), which are associated with a much higher mortality rate compared to the general hospitalised population. The research found that certain species of microorganisms, such as Acinetobacter and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), were linked ...

Case of tick-borne relapsing fever in Mexico

A case of tick-borne relapsing fever was reported in Sonora, Mexico, where the disease gets little attention. The patient's symptoms improved with doxycycline treatment, and spirochetes were detected in her blood, supporting the identification of an endemic focus for the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 11, 2019

Scientists identify a key gene in the transmission of deadly African sleeping sickness

Researchers have identified phosphodiesterase-B1 as a critical gene for the transmission of African sleeping sickness, a disease transmitted by tsetse flies. The study reveals that the parasite's movement from the fly's midgut to the salivary gland is controlled by this gene, providing new insights into the disease-causing mechanism.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2019

Sweat holds most promise for noninvasive testing

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a continuous-monitoring device that tests sweat as effectively as blood, providing data over time to track health trends. This breakthrough technology holds promise for noninvasive testing and personalized care, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 15, 2019