News
Study in France suggests high efficacy of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
A nationwide case-control study conducted in France has assessed the efficacy of mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines against original severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, including B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P1.
UHN is the first clinical lab in the world to offer a mass spectrometry-based plasma catecholamine test
After months of optimization and validation experiments, the mass spectrometry section within the Core Lab went live with reporting plasma catecholamines by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. No other clinical diagnostic lab in the world offers this test using this methodology.
Research reveals clues to how a molecule improves appearance of surgery scars
Surgical scars treated with a molecule called alphaCT1 showed a long-term improvement in appearance when compared to control scars, according to multicenter, controlled Phase II clinical trials - a finding that could help surgeons improve patient outcomes.
Misplaced Trust: When Trust in Science Fosters Pseudoscience
Trust in science, although desirable in many ways, makes people vulnerable to pseudoscience. These findings have implications for science broadly and the application of psychological science to curbing misinformation.
Projecting Bond Properties with Machine Learning
Designing materials that have the necessary properties to fulfill specific functions is a challenge faced by researchers working in many areas. To speed up development processes, modeling approaches can be used to predict information to guide refinements. Researchers have developed a machine learning model to determine characteristics of bonded and adsorbed materials based on parameters of the individual components.
More Inclusion of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Clinical Research Needed
Concerned about the dearth of information available on the safety and effectiveness of medical products for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and many of its regulatory counterparts around the world say it is time to address inadequacies in research through a paradigm shift in the approach to studying medical products in these populations.
Firefighters exposed to Fort McMurray wildfire have persistent lung damage
Firefighters at the centre of the battle against the massive Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016 have persistent lung damage, according to new findings published by a University of Alberta occupational health research team.
Have Something to Say? Your Boss May Prefer You Do It in Private
When employees feel comfortable speaking up at work with new ideas or concerns, it benefits the team and the organization. But some managers want employees to share those thoughts in one-on-one settings—not public meetings—because they want to save face, finds new research.
Research provides vital insights about excess coffee consumption and brain health
It's a favorite first-order for the day, but while a quick coffee may perk us up, new research from the University of South Australia shows that too much could be dragging us down, especially when it comes to brain health.
Recovering DNA from Challenging Forensic Evidence
Duct tape and items retrieved from the water are common pieces of evidence in forensic cases. A new study evaluates the recovery of DNA from folded duct tape that has been submerged in ocean water for up to two weeks. The study is published in the peer reviewed journal Forensic Genomics.
We need your help to grow this newsletter! Please pass along the subscription link to any colleague you think would benefit from hearing about med lab news.