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Mass shootings may trigger unnecessary blood donations

A recent study analyzed the impact of mass shootings on blood supply and demand for blood products. The research found that a call for immediate blood donation was unnecessary and resulted in wasted blood resources. The study suggests that cities develop protocols for mass casualty events, such as issuing calls for donations by ZIP code.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateOct 29, 2018

Omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood linked to healthy aging

A US study found that higher blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood are associated with a lower risk of unhealthy ageing, defined as survival free of major chronic diseases and without mental or physical dysfunction. Participants who consumed more seafood-derived EPA had a 24% lower risk of unhealthy ageing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 17, 2018

Building a safer heart pump

Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.

What time is it in your body?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a simple blood test called TimeSignature that can identify the body's precise internal time clock. The test measures gene expression markers and can be taken any time of day, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

New York State sepsis reporting mandate appears to improve care, reduce deaths

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that New York State's sepsis reporting mandate led to improved care and reduced mortality rates for critically ill patients. Patients who received standardized treatment protocols had shorter hospital stays and lower mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

Child lead exposure study finds substantial reductions possible

Researchers reduced household lead levels and found significant reductions in dust lead levels, especially among black children. However, the intervention did not result in significant neurobehavioral improvements, such as improved IQ or behavior. The study suggests that eliminating residential lead exposure may be necessary to fully p...

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 27, 2018

Antibiotic resistance in a leech's gut

Research by UConn microbiologists found that tiny amounts of antibiotics in chicken blood can encourage bacterial resistance. The study used leeches as a perfect test case and discovered that low levels of ciprofloxacin in poultry blood were selecting for antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 2018