Medical News Observer

Macrophage protein shown to have major role in fracture healing

Duke Health researchers previously showed that introducing bone marrow stem cells to a bone injury can expedite healing, but the exact process was unclear. Now researchers found that macrophage and the proteins it secretes called low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1) can have a rejuvenating effect on tissue. These findings are published in journal Nature Communications. After…
Scientists identify neural pathways behind visual perceptual decision-making

Scientists at the National Eye Institute (NEI) have found that neurons in the superior colliculus are key players in allowing us to detect visual objects and events. This structure doesn’t help us recognize what the specific object or event is; instead, it’s the part of the brain that decides something is there at all. In…
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease using artificial intelligence

According to a study published in the journal of radiology, research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) technology predict the development of Alzheimer’s disease early. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is important as treatments and interventions are more effective early in the course of the disease. However, early diagnosis has proven to be challenging. Research has linked the…
Keep up with your weight loss goals with daily weighing

According to research presented in the American Heart Association’s 2018 scientific meeting, daily weighing may help with weight loss goals. People who don’t weigh themselves at all or rarely were less likely to lose weight than those who weighed themselves often, Researchers examined the self-weighing patterns of 1,042 adults (78 percent male, 90 percent white, average…
Quantum dot technology to advance molecular cell imaging

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign bioengineering team and Mayo Clinic have engineered a new type of molecular probe that can measure and count RNA in cells and tissue without organic dyes. The probe is based on the conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, but it relies on compact quantum dots to…
New vaccine shown promise in preventing secondary strokes after an ischemic stroke

New research published in journal Hypertension shows that vaccine called S100A9 may be able to replace oral blood thinners to reduce the risk of secondary strokes in patients with recent ischemic stroke. Japanese researchers successfully tested an experimental vaccine in mice and found that it provided protection against blood clots for more than two months without increasing…
Late night snack with cottage cheese has no major adverse metabolic effects

Associate Professor of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences Michael Ormsbee and former Florida state university graduate student Samantha Leyh found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed appears to have a positive effect on muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health. They compared protein from whole food (cottage cheese) versus liquid protein…
Preventing Alzheimer’s dementia with Ibuprofen

Researchers suggest that daily intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like over the counter ibuprofen could prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This research is led by Dr. Patrick McGeer and is published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s dementia affects those diagnosed and their family along with a significant financial burden on the society.…
Improvements in optical mammography to advance breast cancer diagnostics

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano, Italy report improvements in the design of optical mammography used in diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer. They report increase sensitivity by a thousandfold.This research is presented at Biomedical Optics meeting 2018. Schematic diagram of new and improved optical mammography device.Credit: Edoardo Ferocino Optical mammography uses infrared light and is used…
Home genetic tests: how accurate are they?

Researchers at Ambry Genetics Corp analyzed how accurate direct-to-consumer genetic tests are in highlighting specific genetic variants. They found test raw data was incorrectly reported and could not be verified by further diagnostic laboratory tests in around 40% of the cases. These findings based on a small sample of 49 patients are reported in journal…