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Folic acid may mitigate link between lead exposure during pregnancy and autistic behaviours in children

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that folic acid supplementation may weaken the link between blood-lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. The study suggests that adequate folic acid supplementation mitigates the neurotoxic effects of lead, reducing the risk of autism.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 16, 2024

Study reveals how parasites thrive by balancing specialisation with exploiting diverse species communities

A new study published in Journal of Biogeography finds that malaria-like blood parasites increase in prevalence with the number of bird species present, highlighting the importance of host diversity. The research also shows that parasites can spread more rapidly when they specialize in closely related or functionally similar bird species.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2024

‘Forever chemicals’ linked to poor sleep among young adults in first-of-its-kind study

A study published in Environmental Advances found a significant association between four types of PFAS and poor sleep in young adults. The researchers identified genes involved in the body's natural defenses and a hormone that regulates sleep, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PFAS' impact on sleep.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 3, 2024

Korea University study reveals potential effects of uterine artery embolization on subsequent deliveries

A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalHuman Reproduction Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2024

Iron given through the vein corrects iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women faster and better than iron taken by mouth

A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Risk of clots, stroke from incorrect blood thinner dosing reduced using online dashboard

Researchers found that adopting an electronic patient management system for direct oral anticoagulants reduced off-label dosing by 8%, while also decreasing the rate of blood clots and strokes. The online dashboard, used at over 120 hospitals, highlights treatment optimization and improves patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2024

Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases

A new preclinical blood test identifies adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by analyzing 32 proteins that accurately predict lung health data. The risk score indicates a high likelihood of hospital care, COPD development, and respiratory disease death.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 10, 2024

Aston University researcher uses light to develop quicker, cheaper and less painful technique to detect prostate cancer

Aston University researcher has developed a new method of analysing crystals in dehydrated blood samples using polarisation-based image reconstruction technique. The technique showed a 90% accuracy rate for early diagnosis and classification of cancer, making it less traumatic and risky for patients.

SourceAston University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

Does low lipoprotein(a) increase the risk of diabetes? New research suggests it does not

Researchers used genetic method Mendelian randomization to show high levels of fasting insulin cause reduction in Lp(a), rather than the other way around. Low Lp(a) is unlikely to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, independent of pre-existing hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Blood test can help predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute has identified changes in certain blood proteins that can predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. By combining these protein changes with gestational age, birth weight, and sex, clinicians can make more accurate predictions of BPD risk within 72 hours of life.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Controlling lipid levels with less side effects possible with new drug

Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

ALS diagnosis and survival linked to metals in blood, urine

A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Most blood thinner dosing problems happen after initial prescription

A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

Kidney dysfunction may predict sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Preventing brain damage in preterm babies

A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

Prostate cancer blood test equally effective across ethnic groups

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown that the Stockholm3 prostate cancer blood test is equally effective in detecting clinically significant cancer across different ethnic groups, including African Americans and Asians. The test reduces unnecessary biopsies by 45% while maintaining high detection rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2024

Cage-free chickens are louse-y

A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateJul 17, 2024

Autoantibodies behind lifelong risk of viral infections

A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

30-year risk of cardiovascular disease may help inform blood pressure treatment decisions

A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateJul 15, 2024

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth, according to OU study

A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Clinical ageing clocks: NUS and SGH develop algorithm-powered tests to indicate mortality risk

Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2024

Blood test could predict Parkinson’s seven years before symptoms

A team of researchers has developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's disease up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. The test analyzes a panel of eight blood-based biomarkers with concentrations altered in patients with Parkinson's, providing a diagnosis with 100% accuracy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024