Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that brief high-intensity workouts can rapidly lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. The study, conducted on eight participants, showed improved glycemic control and increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity.
American Indians with African ancestry outperformed 'full bloods' in reproductive success due to genetic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Their increased fertility helped mixed blood populations grow rapidly compared to full blood groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A meta-analysis found that self-monitoring of oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists reduced the risk of thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and stroke, by 49% compared to conventional care. Self-monitoring was particularly beneficial for younger patients and those with mechanical heart valves.
A study analyzing dried blood spots from over 35,000 babies in Austria found that lysosomal storage disorders are more common than previously thought, with a combined incidence of 1 in 2315 births. The findings raise questions about the practicality and cost of screening for these conditions.
Researchers published a study on following patients with retrievable IVC filters to improve placement success and patient follow-up. The study supports existing guidelines developed by the Society of Interventional Radiology for safe filter placement.
Repeatedly taking slightly too much paracetamol over time can lead to a dangerous staggered overdose. Patients with staggered overdoses often have low levels of paracetamol in their blood despite being at high risk of liver failure and death, according to Dr Kenneth Simpson.
Researchers created a new design for mechanical heart valves that closely matches the pattern and rate of blood flow found in healthy hearts. The asymmetric valves improved cardiac function, reducing the effort required by the heart muscle and restoring its regulatory mechanism.
Preemies with AB blood type are nearly three times as likely to die from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as those with other blood types. Changing blood transfusion practices could significantly reduce NEC incidence by providing specific blood types.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
A new study found that false confessions are a common cause of errors in evidence, with 25% of exonerated individuals having made false confessions. The study suggests that juries and judges may be misled by false confessions, leading to miscarriages of justice.
A new mathematical model developed by Stanford University scientists can help guide attempts to improve blood-based tumor detection methods. The model predicts that tumors can grow for 10 years or longer before detection using current blood tests, but may allow early detection within a shorter timeframe with the right biomarker.
A new international study found that patients with very low systolic blood pressure levels may actually increase their chances of experiencing a recurrent stroke. The research, led by Bruce Ovbiagele, suggests that the relationship between blood pressure and stroke risk is more complicated than previously thought, with timing also play...
Studies highlight brain's resiliency to damage from stroke and premature birth, proposing ways to prevent or limit harm with new treatments on the horizon.
Researchers developed a gelatin-based drug-delivery system that can quickly restore blood flow by activating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in blood clots. The treatment, which uses soundwaves to reactivate tPA once it reaches the clot, shows promise for treating patients with chest pain en route to the hospital.
A study found that drospirenone-containing oral birth control pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk was highest in the early months of use and was also influenced by factors such as age, high blood pressure, and obesity.
A Stanford study found that Caucasians who avoid sun exposure have lower blood levels of vitamin D, with a 40% prevalence among all participants increasing to 53% and 56% among those wearing long sleeves and staying in the shade. The use of sunscreen did not significantly affect vitamin D levels due to insufficient application.
The American College of Physicians recommends that doctors assess the risk of venous thromboembolism and bleeding in patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, such as stroke, before initiating therapy to prevent VTE. Heparin or related blood thinners are prescribed unless the assessed risk of bleeding outweighs likely benefits.
Researchers discovered reindeer use three tactics: panting with nose closed, mouth open and brain cooling system, to prevent overheating while exercising. The team found that reindeer selectively cool their brains only when temperature becomes dangerously high.
A panel of blood proteins can predict patient survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, guiding treatment plans and identifying those in urgent need of a lung transplant. The biomarker panel has predictive power that may also help design more effective research trials.
Researchers developed a blood test that measures lung protein levels to quantify smoking-related effects on heart disease. Smokers with high lung protein levels are more likely to develop dangerous plaque buildup in blood vessels.
Researchers from the Economic and Social Research Council's Genomics Network are exploring how society can develop an appetite for synthetic blood. They argue that it is vital to involve the public in discussions about biotechnology developments, including stem cell research and in vitro meat production.
A new study found that adjusting therapy to keep NT-proBNP levels below 1,000 pg/ml reduced hospitalizations for heart failure symptoms by half and lowered rates of arrhythmias, stroke, heart attack, and cardiac death. Patients reported better quality of life and greater improvement in heart structure and function.
Researchers found that additional matching for HLA-C significantly lowered transplant-related deaths after umbilical cord blood transplants. The study suggests that altering present selection strategies for cord-blood units might ameliorate excess transplant-related mortality.
A literature review found that people's judgments of others' moral wrongdoing are influenced by their physical state, with exposure to cleanliness improving moral perceptions. Additionally, using soap can alleviate post-decision doubt and reduce feelings of guilt associated with negative experiences.
A new study uses exhaled breath to detect exposure to potentially toxic substances in workplaces and environments. The technology is non-invasive, quick, and inexpensive, with hand-held equipment that can detect minute amounts of substances.
A study found that low vitamin B12 levels may lead to brain cell loss and cognitive decline in older people. Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with lower scores on cognitive tests and smaller total brain volume.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found a link between low vitamin B12 levels and reduced brain volumes in older adults. Cognitive tests revealed lower scores among participants with high vitamin B12 deficiency markers.
A new MSU study aims to develop a model of community engagement to guide ethical questions surrounding the use of newborn blood spots in research, addressing issues like informed consent and resource prioritization. The project seeks to inform public policy decisions and improve the state's bio-bank, Michigan BioTrust.
Researchers developed a simple color test to detect economically motivated adulterants (EMAs) in heparin, which can trigger anaphylactic reactions. The test can also identify other potential EMAs, paving the way for portable detection methods.
A study of over 30,000 cancer patients found that up to one in five risk developing blood clots called venous thromboembolism (VTE), with risks nearly doubling after a year of treatment. VTEs can be deadly and costly, with average care bills exceeding $110,362 compared to $77,984 for non-VTE patients.
Researchers found that obese individuals' brains respond less to visual cues of high-calorie foods due to impaired glucose regulation. In contrast, non-obese individuals with normal glucose levels exhibit a stronger desire for these foods when triggered by food cues.
Researchers are developing a blood test that can identify concussions in athletes by measuring biomarkers such as S100B. The test aims to provide faster and more efficient diagnosis of concussions, which are the leading cause of brain damage in sports.
A recent study found that people who drink heavily are more likely to die in house fires due to increased risk from smoking and impaired escape ability. The researchers suggest that having someone sober in the home, smoke detectors in bedrooms, or using fire-safe cigarettes could help prevent such deaths.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that pairing broccoli with spicy foods containing myrosinase significantly enhances its individual cancer-fighting power. This is achieved by ensuring absorption takes place in the upper digestive system, where sulforaphane can be quickly and effectively released.
Autism Speaks has launched a new toolkit to help parents prepare their child for blood draws and routine medical procedures, reducing stress and improving the overall experience. The tool kit provides practical strategies, visual supports, and guidance for medical practitioners to create a smoother approach.
Researchers have discovered blood proteins associated with early lung cancer development in mice and humans, offering a promising avenue for a non-invasive blood test. The study found distinct protein signatures in mouse models and human patients, which could aid in diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
A blood test measuring fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels can identify kidney disease patients who are at high risk of developing heart problems, needing dialysis, and dying prematurely. FGF-23 levels are strongly associated with key outcomes in CKD patients.
A study found that online tailored nutrition programs had no effect on reducing saturated fat intake, as measured by blood lipids. The researchers suggest exploring methods to improve the impact of computer-tailored interventions and incorporating social interaction.
The researchers are using genetically modified plants to encapsulate a tolerance-inducing protein within plant cells to prevent fatal allergic reactions in patients with hemophilia A and B. The new funding will help propel the research to determine if the technique can work in other models and potentially to clinical trials.
A new sensor technology has been developed to detect specific proteins in human blood, promising faster and more affordable diagnostics for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The sensor uses aptamers, custom-made molecules that can latch onto target compounds with high specificity and accuracy.
The study reveals 37 new variants associated with common diseases, including chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and blood clotting. The researchers also identified a possible mechanism to detoxify substances, which could affect the risk of developing kidney disease.
A new screening strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) uses pulse oximetry to detect low oxygen levels in newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations endorse the approach, which has already been adopted by New Jersey.
Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism, a dangerous and often life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that patients with
Researchers at Penn State found that consuming high-fat meals with antioxidant spices reduced triglyceride response by about 30 percent, which may help lower heart disease risk. Adding spices to meals also increased antioxidant activity in the blood by 13 percent.
A global study led by University of Edinburgh found that rivaroxaban is as effective as warfarin in reducing stroke risk for patients with irregular heartbeats. The new treatment has a lower risk of fatal bleeding and requires less monitoring than the current standard treatment.
Non-invasive prenatal tests using cell-free fetal DNA from mother's blood have high sensitivity and specificity for determining fetal sex. The study found that performance improves with later gestation, making this technology useful for early detection of fetuses at risk for sex-linked disorders.
A UK study found that pulse oximetry screening detected 75% of critical cases and 49% of all major congenital heart defects in newborns. Combining pulse oximetry with routine ultrasound and physical examination improved detection to 92%, avoiding undiagnosed deaths.
Scientists have found a heat-detecting molecule called TRPV1 on the noses of vampire bats, which helps guide their bites to veins. This discovery highlights how small genetic changes can lead to major evolutionary adaptations.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an effective tool for screening for bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test was specific for almost 90% of colorectal cancers and adenomas, highlighting its value as a diagnostic tool.
A new microfluidic-based diagnostic device, mChip, can perform complex laboratory assays and diagnose infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis in remote regions with a tiny finger prick of blood. The device significantly reduces testing time and cost, providing immediate results for medical workers.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that knee replacement patients are at a higher risk of developing clots, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, smoking history, or advanced age. The study suggests extending blood thinner therapy into weeks following surgery to minimize this risk.
Researchers track both clinical cases of West Nile Virus and infected mosquito populations to identify 'danger zones' and predict outbreaks. They also analyze the virus's genetic types, dynamics, and mobility to better understand its migration patterns.
Researchers developed a highly sensitive method to determine titanium levels in human blood, establishing a baseline for natural levels and measuring levels in patients with surgical implants. The study found significantly higher titanium concentrations in patients with implants, shedding light on the potential harmful biological effects.
Researchers found that mice lacking fibrin showed dramatically decreased survival and increased bacterial loads during gram-negative sepsis. Fibrin helps protect bodies during infection, and its regulation may hold the key to preventing organ failure in sepsis patients.
Research suggests that adding an inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) to the anticoagulant medication fondaparinux does not improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients with blood clots. In fact, median survival was shorter and VTE resolution rates were lower in patients who received both treatments.
A study found that premature infants treated with lopinavir-ritonavir were more likely to experience life-threatening adrenal insufficiency compared to standard zidovudine treatment. Asymptomatic cases were reported, but long-term effects are unclear.
Researchers are working on developing new treatments for brain aneurysms using gel-based delivery systems and mathematical modeling. The goal is to prevent the growth of aneurysms and improve cardiovascular health outcomes, ultimately reducing mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.