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 challenges the use of post-operative blood clot rates as a hospital quality measure, citing surveillance bias that can lead to inaccurate results. The study found that hospitals with higher imaging rates for VTE detection actually had better adherence to prevention measures and unexpectedly higher risk-adjusted VTE rates.
A massive DNA study has uncovered 157 genetic changes that alter cholesterol and blood fat levels, potentially leading to new medications. Triglycerides play a larger role in heart disease risk than previously thought, and the research provides strong foundation for further investigation.
An observational study found that estradiol was associated with less risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli compared to conjugated equine estrogens. Women prescribed estradiol had fewer adverse vascular events than those prescribed Premarin, a patented drug.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may not have a protective effect on cognitive decline in older women. Despite initial hopes, the research did not find a difference between high and low levels of omega-3s in thinking skills.
A new study found that only 12 out of 92 eligible patients received an implantable cardiac defibrillator after being medically evaluated. The majority who qualified did not receive the treatment, highlighting a need for further analysis to determine why this occurs.
A large European study suggests men with type 1 diabetes have better blood sugar control than women, especially in older age groups. Women tend to have higher HbA1c levels due to lower hemoglobin levels, which could explain the difference.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
A researcher at UT Arlington is working on a new method using nanoparticles to recruit stem cells and build needed stents in failing blood vessels. The goal is to treat peripheral artery disease, which affects about 8 million Americans, with a less invasive approach that could save patients' lives.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that alters lipid metabolism in Parkinson's patients, leading to higher levels of ceramides and glucosylceramides in the blood. This biomarker is associated with severe cognitive impairment and dementia in Parkinson's disease.
A new study estimates that over 43 million people are injured annually due to unsafe medical care, resulting in nearly 23 million years of lost healthy life. The study found that premature death is a major driver of healthcare-related DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) lost.
According to a recent study, over 43 million adverse events caused by substandard care occur in hospitals annually. The burden is highest in low and middle-income countries, where blood clots are the most common type of substandard care.
Researchers found that autoimmune type 1 diabetes is distinct from type 2, but phenotypic features can't be clearly assigned to specific disease types. The DiMelli study suggests a continuum of forms and mixed diabetes phenotypes, requiring refined criteria for diagnosis and treatment.
A new test uses a plastic bottle with an 'artificial nose' to detect eight common disease-causing bacteria, producing results in 24 hours. This faster method reduces the toll of sepsis in developing countries and medically underserved areas.
Researchers at Drexel University are creating a mathematical model that explains how blood vessels regulate the flow of blood. The team aims to gain a better understanding of nitric oxide production and its role in cardiovascular function, which could lead to new insights into vascular disease prevention.
Peritoneal dialysis has been shown to reduce glutamate levels in the blood following a stroke event, potentially preserving brain tissue and function. In a rat model of ischemic stroke, peritoneal dialysis reduced tissue damage in the brain.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found RNA biomarkers in blood associated with suicidal thoughts in patients with bipolar disorder. The researchers identified SAT1 and other markers that were significantly elevated in the blood of both bipolar disorder patients and those who had committed suicide.
A new study found that remote ischaemic preconditioning can reduce heart muscle damage after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients who underwent the procedure had lower troponin I concentrations, indicating less damage, and were less likely to die from any cause or heart attack/stroke one year after surgery.
A recent study found that diabetic patients taking oral fluoroquinolones have a higher risk of severe blood sugar-related problems compared to those taking other antibiotics. The increased risk was low, but clinicians should consider this when treating diabetic patients with fluoroquinolones, especially moxifloxacin.
Researchers found a higher risk of stroke in patients with mild and moderate/severe hypertensive retinopathy. The study suggests retinal imaging could provide additional information on stroke risk in people with high blood pressure.
A large nationwide study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots in the legs and lungs. The study revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more than twice as likely to develop these clots, with the risk being highest among younger adults.
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that a no-smoking law in Colorado casinos resulted in a 20% drop in ambulance calls, largely attributed to the elimination of secondhand smoke. This reduction is thought to be due to both smokers avoiding toxic effects and quitting smoking altogether.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente and Yale University School of Medicine found that severe hypoglycemia affects many patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Nearly 11% of respondents experienced severe low blood sugar in the prior year, regardless of their blood sugar control level.
Researchers have developed a tiny, light-controlled gold particle that can release DNA controls to switch blood clotting on and off. This two-way switch relies on selective release of different DNA molecules from gold nanoparticles under different laser wavelengths.
Researchers developed digital PCR technology to detect IDH1 mutation in CSF of patients with brain tumors, improving treatment choice and patient care. The technique has potential for noninvasive biomarker identification and personalized medicine.
Researchers developed a drug delivery technique using a sponge-like material that surrounds an insulin core, releasing insulin as needed. The technique also shows promise for targeting cancer cells, with potential applications in smart drug delivery targeting tumors.
A systematic review found that delaying umbilical cord clamping after birth improves newborn iron levels and overall health. Babies with delayed cord clamping had higher haemoglobin levels and were less likely to be iron-deficient.
Researchers used MFC and RQ-PCR to monitor minimal residual disease in patients with Ph+ ALL, finding that a negative reading was associated with prolonged survival. The study suggests that these technologies may be effective in predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment decisions.
A study published in JAMA found that low vitamin D blood levels are associated with a greater risk of heart disease in whites and Chinese populations, but not in blacks and Hispanics. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in the varying associations between vitamin D levels and heart disease across different raci...
A study by King's College London reveals that key metabolites in blood can indicate a person's long-term health and aging rate. The research identified a specific metabolite linked to birthweight and associated with age-related traits, suggesting it may be used to predict aging and develop therapies.
Researchers discovered that Antarctic octopods have genetically and functionally distinct haemocyanin forms that facilitate oxygen release at sub-zero temperatures. This physiological adaptation allows octopods to sustain aerobic life in cold environments.
A new study found that DNA particles in the blood can serve as markers of disease and may help identify patients with severely narrowed coronary arteries. Higher levels of these particles were linked to high levels of coronary artery calcium deposits.
A study found that elderly patients with kidney failure who use catheters have a high risk of death, while those using arteriovenous fistulas or grafts in their late 60s and 70s experience improved survival rates. However, for those over 80 years old, placing a graft may be a reasonable alternative to a fistula.
Researchers found that taking calcium before exercise results in less of a decrease in blood calcium levels and slightly lower parathyroid hormone levels compared to taking it after exercising. This could help maintain stable blood levels during exercise and potentially mitigate bone loss.
A UT Arlington study analyzed eight documented cases of drones in journalism, revealing significant issues with privacy and trespassing. The research found that drones are increasingly being used for journalistic purposes, often to capture footage of protests or secretive government activities.
A study found that exposure to triclocarban during lactation in rats can affect the early development of their offspring. The researchers found that pups exposed to triclocarban were significantly lighter and had a lower survival rate compared to those not exposed.
Research at Johns Hopkins Hospital found that nearly 1 in 10 doses of prescribed blood thinners were not administered to patients. Despite the effectiveness of preventive blood thinners, many patients are missing out on this crucial treatment due to misconceptions and lack of education.
Researchers found that short post-meal walks were as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a 45-minute sustained walk. The most effective time for walking was after the evening meal, which helped curb high blood sugar levels that often last into the night and early morning.
A recent study found that approximately 40% of designated drivers have consumed alcohol, with many having blood alcohol levels that impair their driving skills. The researchers emphasize the importance of complete abstinence as a designated driver to ensure safety on the road.
Researchers developed a new method to measure cerebral blood flow in children on ECMO, finding that those who experienced strokes or brain bleeds had significantly higher blood flow rates than normal, two to six days prior. This technique could help physicians predict and prevent complications, with potential lead time for intervention.
Researchers found that standard strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism are more effective than temporary blood clot filters. Higher doses of blood thinners in obese patients also showed no significant difference in preventing clots, according to the study.
The new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology helps people with stroke and atrial fibrillation decide whether to take blood thinners during surgery. For minor procedures, the risk of bleeding is small, but for certain hip and colon procedures, it's higher.
A study by University of Toronto Mississauga researchers found that offering economic incentives such as gift cards increased blood donations without compromising safety. The study used field-based studies with larger samples and found that incentives like paid vacation days led to a significant rise in annual blood donations.
A new set of guidelines aims to cut medication errors with anticoagulants, which account for nearly 7% of hospital errors. The guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary team approach, patient education, and standardized dosing protocols to reduce errors by up to 78%.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that peripherally inserted central catheters more than double the risk of blood clots in critically ill patients and those with cancer. The device is often used for IV medication delivery and has lower infection risks, but may not be suitable for all patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that patients who have suffered a stroke respond equally to care efforts, regardless of their age. The research looked at 3,196 patients treated for ischemic strokes and found little difference in health quality across different age groups.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect allergies to nickel, cobalt, and bone cement, allowing patients to avoid miserable reactions and expensive revisions. The new test is expected to be widely used in the next couple of years, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers at the Montreal Heart Institute have discovered a blood protein that contributes to the early development of atherosclerosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (angptl2) is found six times higher in subjects with coronary heart disease than healthy individuals, making it a potential early biomarker for the condition.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a protein, GDF-11, that reverses the effects of aging on mouse hearts. The protein was found to reduce heart size and thickness, similar to healthy younger mice.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found similar PCB concentrations in mothers and children from East Chicago and Columbus Junction, challenging long-held assumptions about urban-rural differences in chemical exposure. The study detected a greater variety of PCBs in the blood of mothers and children in East Chicago, but ultimately s...
A study found that children living near toxic waste sites in lower and middle income countries have high blood lead levels, resulting in a loss of IQ points and higher incidence of mental retardation. The researchers estimated that 6 out of every 1,000 children could experience mild mental retardation.
A team of researchers has developed an innovative injectable nano-network that can effectively control blood sugar levels in diabetics by releasing insulin when needed, maintaining normal levels for over a week. The technology has the potential to improve the health and quality of life of diabetes patients.
A recent study at Lund University has discovered a key factor behind gastric bypass surgery's ability to rapidly send type 2 diabetes into remission. The researchers found that insulin levels and intestinal hormones increase significantly after the procedure, suggesting a new potential treatment avenue for diabetes patients.
New research from Johns Hopkins finds that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not confer additional benefits on cardiovascular health or longevity in healthy adults. However, elderly individuals, postmenopausal women, and those with kidney disease may still benefit from higher blood levels of the sunshine vitamin.
A study of 422,000 people found that the safe range of vitamin D levels lies between 20 to 36 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to increased risk of acute coronary morbidity or mortality, while elevated levels above 36 ng/mL were associated with a slightly higher risk.
A clinical study in over 4,000 subjects found a correlation between high blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and increased future risks of death, nonfatal heart attack, or stroke. TMAO is produced when intestinal bacteria digest phosphatidylcholine, commonly found in animal products.
Researchers demonstrate rapid and sensitive identification of specific Candida species directly from whole blood using T2Candida, reducing mortality rate to 11%. The breakthrough approach enables fast detection in approximately three hours, outperforming current gold standard methods.
A specific form of vitamin E supplement can accelerate heart health benefits after quitting smoking. Smokers who took the gamma-tocopherol form showed a 19% greater drop in cardiovascular disease risk and improved vascular function.
Research suggests that fainting, also known as vasovagal syncope, may have a genetic component, with some families affected by multiple genes. Triggers such as emotional distress, pain, and frightening thoughts vary greatly within families, but the study found no link between triggers and genetic inheritance.
A new study shows stent grafts can successfully keep dialysis access sites open using tiny scaffolds for far longer than previously reported, reducing the need for invasive treatments and improving patients' quality of life.
New study finds MR images taken during systole phase show more accurate detection of myocardial scars in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Systolic images revealed scars not visible on diastolic images, particularly in the left ventricle area prone to ischemic damage.