Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
Researchers developed a model to predict who stands to gain most from diabetes-preventing drugs or lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss. The model identified seven key factors: fasting blood sugar, A1C level, triglycerides, family history of high blood sugar, waist measurement, height, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Research suggests that exercising after a meal can lower blood sugar and fat levels, providing more benefits than exercising before dinner. The study found that resistance exercise performed after dinner had the most powerful effect on reducing glucose and fat levels.
Middle-aged women who engage in regular physical activity have lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots compared to inactive counterparts. Moderate physical activity levels appear to provide the greatest reduction in risk, with more frequent activity offering little additional benefit.
Research found that patients with low vitamin D levels suffered larger areas of dead tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a 10 ng/mL reduction in vitamin D level was associated with a decreased chance for healthy recovery after stroke
A new biomarker in the blood has been identified that can predict the risk of developing dementia, allowing for more precise risk evaluation and earlier prevention efforts. The study involved 76,000 people and revealed a link between low levels of apolipoprotein E and increased dementia risk.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mosquitoes increase production of immune system proteins called leucine-rich repeat immune proteins (LRIMs) after feeding on blood, which helps fight off parasites that may be present in the blood.
Researchers developed a smartphone accessory that performs a lab-based blood test in just 15 minutes, detecting three infectious disease markers from a finger prick of blood. The device has a manufacturing cost of $34 and can be attached to any compatible smartphone for rapid diagnosis.
A large Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that combining trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with spironolactone more than doubles the risk of sudden death in older patients. The study suggests that physicians should consider alternative antibiotics for patients on spironolactone to reduce this risk.
The non-invasive first trimester blood test reliably detects Down syndrome in over 99% of cases, making it superior to other testing methods.
A new study finds that steroid therapy is associated with a nearly five-fold increase in venous thromboembolism events among IBD patients. Corticosteroid use was linked to a higher rate of venous thromboembolic events, even when combined with biologic therapies.
A new human study confirms that oral BPA exposure does not lead to high levels in the blood, contradicting earlier assumptions made by a dog study. The study found that the body inactivates most BPA molecules and eliminates them within 24 hours, with no evidence of accumulation.
Researchers found that mosquitoes respond weakly to human skin odor alone and require a fluctuating concentration of carbon dioxide to land on human skin. This suggests that upwind flight towards human odor may be used to locate dwellings rather than feeding sites.
A study found that both low and high blood calcium levels, as well as high phosphorus levels, are associated with an increased risk of premature death in dialysis patients. The study suggests that lowering these levels may improve patients' health, but further research is needed.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that positioning women on their side at 15 degrees does not reduce compression of the inferior vena cava as previously thought. Blood flow only partially increased at 30 degrees, challenging the long-held practice of tilting hips during labor.
Researchers at UCLA have found that a deficiency of the hormone hepcidin makes people with iron overload disease susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus infections. A medical form of hepcidin, minihepcidin, has been shown to cure the infection by restricting bacterial growth.
Researchers found a higher blood volume shift from the lower to upper body due to weightlessness, with lower blood pressure than anticipated. Blood pressure decreased by 10 mmHg, similar to high blood pressure medication, during long-duration spaceflight.
A new study in mice suggests that a blood-based biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be effective due to the complex glymphatic system. The researchers found that treatments and clinical approaches can disrupt waste removal, leading to unreliable protein levels in the blood.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases demonstrated the pivotal data for T2Candida and T2Dx, detecting Candida species with 91.1% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity in 3-5 hours without blood culture. This technology has the potential to reduce costs, length of stay, and mortality rates associated with Candida infections.
Researchers developed a new scoring system to predict graft vs. host disease (GVHD) severity in bone marrow transplant patients. The Ann Arbor GVHD score uses biomarkers to determine treatment intensity and identify patients who may not respond to standard therapy.
Researchers have discovered that small changes in blood acidity can lead to inaccurate calcium level monitoring, resulting in higher PTH levels and increased risk of artery damage. This affects patients with chronic kidney disease, who already face a high risk of fatal calcification.
A study of over 80,000 women found a significant association between specific ABO blood groups and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Those with blood groups A, B, and AB had a higher risk compared to individuals with group O blood.
Researchers found that postoperative TRALI is significantly underreported but occurs in 1.4 percent of surgical patients, while TACO remains a risk at 4 percent, particularly in those with increased volume of blood transfused and advanced age. The studies provide new insights into the incidence of these life-threatening complications.
A new study suggests that measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the blood can predict the presence of intracranial lesions following mild traumatic brain injury. The study found GFAP to be a more reliable biomarker than S100β, which was not as effective in distinguishing between intracranial and extracranial lesions.
Researchers identified rare APOA5 gene mutations linked to high triglycerides and increased heart attack risk. The study found that these mutations also raise LDL receptor mutation prevalence, underscoring the role of triglyceride metabolism in early-onset heart attacks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new organic optoelectronic sensor that can accurately measure blood-oxygen levels and is thin, flexible, and disposable. The device uses red and green light to detect changes in oxygen saturation levels, making it potentially cheaper and more convenient than conventional pulse oximeters.
A new Rutgers-led research study found that patients with heart disease who receive transfusions during surgeries do just as well with smaller amounts of blood. The study measured overall mortality and found no evidence of increased mortality from cardiovascular disease or severe infection due to the amount of blood given after surgery.
A new study shows racial disparities in Medicare Advantage persist across the US, except in Western states, where control of key health measures is higher for black seniors. In contrast, Eastern and Midwestern states show significant gaps between white and black seniors.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that even within the normal BMI range, excess fat has a negative impact on cardiometabolic risk markers. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to assess the effect of BMI increases on metabolic abnormalities in 12,664 young adults.
Researchers identified a modified host protein as a potential risk factor for plasma cell dyscrasis. Individuals with high levels of SUMO-modified HSP90 are at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma and other related diseases.
A study of over 1.4 million patients found that longer surgical procedures are associated with a higher risk of developing blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The study also identified three common procedures as risk factors for blood clots.
A world-first breakthrough drug therapy for treating battle casualties is being developed by James Cook University scientists in Australia, with potential to save thousands of soldiers' lives and has widespread civilian applications.
Research suggests that spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and garlic, can lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. The use of high-antioxidant spice blends may be a potential way to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
A new study found that offering a $50 cash reward through a lottery-style incentive increased the completion rate of stool tests for colon cancer screening among veterans. The test helps detect early signs of abnormal growths or cancer in the colon and is recommended annually for people over 50.
Researchers have identified a new protein, THSD7A, that turns the immune system against itself in kidney disease called membranous nephropathy (MN). This discovery enables the development of a blood test to diagnose MN, which can reduce the need for kidney biopsies by up to 85%.
A specialized ambulance staffed with a neurologist and equipped with a computed tomographic scanner increased the percentage of stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour, reducing time to treatment by 24.5 minutes. This approach improved short-term outcomes without increasing risks for mortality.
The UCI team has created a new technology called Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection (IC 3D) that can detect bacterial invaders in blood samples with unprecedented speed and accuracy. In as little as 90 minutes, IC 3D can identify bacteria at single-cell sensitivity without the need for cell culture.
The PRESERVE study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of IVC filters in preventing pulmonary embolism. It will enroll 2,100 patients at over 60 centers across the US and assess patient outcomes every six months for up to two years.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that over 70% of people in two Chinese cities are unaware of the blood alcohol limits for driving. The new laws have led to a drop in alcohol-related crashes, but limited awareness may contribute to offending rates.
A study by Linköping University found that a single compound in blood, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, is as attractive to large carnivores as the entire blood smell. Researchers discovered this through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
Researchers found that elderly men with low DHEA levels were at a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease events over a five-year period. The study suggests that high DHEA levels may be a biomarker of good health in elderly men.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, propose a new surgical intervention that combines the first and second steps of single-ventricle heart surgery. This approach aims to reduce the workload on the patient's heart, increase blood flow to the lungs, and improve oxygen delivery.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found a direct link between oxytocin levels in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and anxiety. Low oxytocin levels are correlated with high anxiety scores, suggesting that oxytocin may be a biomarker for anxiety and a potential therapeutic target.
Patients with atrial fibrillation taking dabigatran are at a higher risk of major and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to warfarin users. The study found that African-Americans and patients with chronic kidney disease were more likely to experience major bleeds.
A team of UBC researchers has developed a synthetic antidote that can reverse the effects of all types of heparin used in clinics. The breakthrough has significant implications for cardiothoracic surgery and anticoagulant-related bleeding problems.
A recent study found that robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a safe and feasible alternative to traditional bypass surgery, reducing complications and hospital stays. The procedure uses robotic precision to perform precise incisions with less blood loss and cosmetic scarring.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose early onset Alzheimer's disease, detecting changes in the brain two decades before symptoms appear. The test shows high accuracy in predicting AD risk and has the potential to improve treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an iPhone app called BiliCam to determine the severity of jaundice in newborns without drawing blood. The app has the potential to improve healthcare in the US and save thousands of lives in low-resource countries.
Researchers found that shutting off blood supply to an arm or leg before cardiac surgery reduces heart muscle energy production and activates protective protein Akt. This technique, called RIPC, has the potential to protect the heart during future cardiac surgeries.
Researchers at UBC have developed a novel method to test for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be done with just one drop of blood. The new method is sensitive enough to detect B12 levels in newborn babies and large populations, offering a convenient alternative to traditional blood tests.
Research at the University of Missouri discovered that thermal paper receipts from cash registers are a significant source of bisphenol A (BPA) in humans. The study found that subjects who handled thermal paper and then touched their faces or food experienced rapid BPA absorption, leading to high blood levels.
A study found that thermal receipt paper can transfer high amounts of BPA to hands and blood levels after handling, particularly in women. This raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to BPA through daily activities.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a protein called urokinase-type plasminogen activator or uPA that helps brain cells recover from injuries induced by loss of blood flow. The study found that treating mice with uPA after an experimental stroke can improve their recovery of motor function.
A new agent has been developed to treat overdoses using peritoneal dialysis, which can extract up to a hundred times more toxins from the body than conventional alternatives. This method is especially effective for treating serious liver disease, including cases involving ammonia accumulation in the blood.
The Surgical Trauma Series examines the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of large-scale trauma. Researchers discuss the systemic immune response to trauma, its association with reduced resistance to infection, and the role of ageing in influencing survival rates.
Researchers at Kansas State University discovered a protein in caterpillar blood that helps insects detect fungal infections and trigger immune responses. The findings may lead to new ways to control disease transmission from insects to humans and animals, as well as novel methods for biocontrol of agricultural insect pests.
Annual incidences of venous thromboembolism range from 0.75 to 2.69 per 1,000 individuals globally. Hospital-acquired cases contribute significantly to years lost due to ill-health.
A new technique called slug flow microextraction allows for the quick detection of drugs and monitoring of medical conditions using only a small sample of biological fluid. The method involves extracting target molecules from the sample and analyzing them with mass spectrometry, resulting in results in just minutes.
Researchers found that high-sensitivity troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels strongly predict heart failure in individuals with mild to severe kidney disease. These biomarkers may indicate subclinical cardiovascular changes, contributing to the development of heart failure.
Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.
Researchers found that oleate, a common dietary fat, restored proper metabolism of fuel in an animal model of heart failure. This improvement enabled the heart muscle to access energy more efficiently and reduced toxic fatty byproducts.