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Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection

Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018

Simple urine test could measure how much our body has aged

Researchers found a substance indicating oxidative damage increases in urine as people get older, potentially providing a method to measure biological age. The study measured 8-oxoGsn levels in human urine samples from Chinese residents aged 2-90 years old, finding an age-dependent increase in urinary 8-oxoGsn.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2018

Scientists create functioning kidney tissue

Scientists at the University of Manchester successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism that is able to produce urine. The new structures contain most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons, including proximal tubules and Bowman's capsule, and have been linked to the vasculature of mice.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 9, 2018

'Hide or get eaten,' urine chemicals tell mud crabs

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified two urinary chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, that trigger a warning response in mud crabs when exposed to blue crab urine. This finding has implications for understanding ecological balances in marine ecosystems and informing better management of fisheries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

Exposure to benzene during pregnancy: a pilot study raises concerns in British Columbia

A pilot study in northeastern British Columbia detected high concentrations of muconic acid, a degradation product of benzene, in the urine of pregnant women. The median concentration was approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general Canadian population, raising concerns about the health impacts of living near fracking sites.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironment International·DateNov 13, 2017

Symptoms of cystitis probably caused by bacterial infection, even when tests are negative

A new study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection found that almost all women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) had evidence of bacterial infection, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. This suggests that traditional urine testing may not be necessary for women with UTI symptoms.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateApr 27, 2017

Marathon running may cause short-term kidney injury

A recent Yale-led study found that marathon running can cause short-term kidney injury in runners, with 82% of participants showing signs of Stage 1 Acute Kidney Injury after the event. The researchers attribute this to sustained rises in core body temperature, dehydration, and decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 28, 2017

Multinational study finds high rates of acute kidney injury in children admitted to ICUs

A multinational study found that nearly one-fourth of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units worldwide develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death. The study also revealed that severe AKI is associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, highlighting the...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2016

New metabolomic screening method detects multiple inborn errors of metabolism in urine

Researchers have developed a new metabolomics-based screening approach that can identify multiple different inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) in a single urine sample. This method has the potential to detect numerous IEMs, which were previously detected in various bodily fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 3, 2016

Weethinking the role of bacteria in incontinence

A new study from Oregon Health and Science University suggests that the type of bacteria present in the urinary tract may play a role in general health conditions like Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI). Women with UUI tend to have fewer diverse bacterial communities, while those with lower diversity experience more severe symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateOct 7, 2016

Female bonobos send mixed messages to males

A study of wild female bonobos found that their sexual swellings are unreliable signals of fertility, allowing females to manipulate mate choice. The findings suggest that male bonobos may not be able to successfully compete over females due to the variability in swelling patterns.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 6, 2016

Urine tests not reliable for dehydration in older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that urine tests are not reliable for detecting dehydration in older adults. The researchers tested 383 participants over 65 and found that urine tests were too low to be useful, missing some dehydrated individuals and incorrectly identifying others.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 24, 2016

Making virus sensors cheap and simple: New method detects single viruses in urine

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to rapidly detect single viruses in urine, including Ebola, Zika, and HIV. The technique is highly selective and can be used with urine straight from a person or animal, unlike other methods that require higher concentrations or purification.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Searching for signs of disease in spit

Researchers have discovered unique molecular signatures, known as saliva fingerprints, which may be used to detect diseases in a non-invasive and stress-free manner. These signatures are distinct from those found in urine samples and remain relatively stable despite dietary variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 4, 2016

Why bearcats smell like buttered popcorn

A new study finds that binturongs release a popcorn-like aroma from their urine, containing the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, to mark territories and attract mates. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 33 binturongs and identified 29 chemical compounds, with 2-AP being present in every sample.