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New treatment options for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have found that bacterial cell wall constituents can cause abnormal clotting, leading to inflammation in Type 2 diabetes. A new treatment option involves using LPS-binding protein (LBP) to reverse this process, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017

Researchers link high levels of 'good' cholesterol with excessive mortality

Researchers found that extremely high HDL levels are associated with a higher mortality rate than normal levels. Men with extremely high levels had a 106% higher mortality rate, while women had a 68% higher mortality rate. The study suggests that the focus on HDL as an important health indicator may need to be revised.

Paper: Clinical signs best predictors of mortality in critically ill calves

A new study suggests that clinical signs, such as gastrointestinal problems and septic arthritis, are better indicators of mortality in neonatal calves with diarrhea than blood pH levels. The research found that these clinical signs were significant determinants of mortality, while blood pH levels were only a predictor when they droppe...

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Side effect to blood pressure drugs is genetically determined for some patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that genetic abnormalities contribute to thiazide-induced hyponatremia, a condition causing low sodium levels. Researchers identified patients with this side effect who exhibited persistent subtle differences in blood and urine tests even after medication was stopped.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2017

Stanford researchers identify biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity by analyzing 17 immune-system signaling proteins. These findings suggest that inflammation is a powerful driver of the disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Alzheimer's drug may help treat traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that memantine significantly reduced blood levels of neuron-specific enolase, a marker of neuronal damage, in patients with moderate TBI. The study also showed marked improvements in Glasgow Coma Scale scores on day 3, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 21, 2017

Blood test IDs key Alzheimer's marker

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The test measures levels of three different amyloid subtypes and has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying individuals with altered levels of amyloid in their brains.

Testing a soft artificial heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a soft artificial heart made from silicone that mimics the human heart's form and function. The device lasts only 3,000 beats but paves the way for future improvements in artificial hearts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJul 13, 2017

Drug combination benefits patients with tophaceous gout

A phase III clinical trial showed that combining lesinurad with febuxostat was more effective at lowering blood urate levels than febuxostat alone. The combination group achieved target urate levels in significantly more patients over 12 months.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 9, 2017

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Studies link healthy brain aging to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood

Researchers found correlations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fluid intelligence in healthy elderly adults, suggesting a potential role for dietary intake of these nutrients. The studies also linked the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to memory preservation and brain structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2017

Venom becomes more potent as brown snakes age

Research led by University of Queensland scientist Associate Professor Bryan Fry reveals that brown snake venom attacks the nervous system in young snakes and circulatory system in older ones. This transformation allows the venom to become more potent and deadly, causing internal bleeding and death in humans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMay 16, 2017