News
Delta and Delta Plus Evade the Antibody Response
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that can spread rapidly and undermine vaccine-induced immunity threatens the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The delta variant (B.1.617.2) emerged in India and subsequently spread globally within a short time period. In Germany, almost all recent infections are due to this variant. In addition to Delta, so-called Delta Plus sub-variants have been observed, which carry additional mutations that may make them more dangerous.
More Effective Personal Protective Equipment Strategy for COVID-19
Newly-developed respirator hood is preferred by patients and staff to standard face masks
Researchers Identify Blood Cell Genetic Mutations That Can Disrupt Liquid Biopsy Results
How often do disruptive elements present in Liquid biopsies result in misdiagnoses and unhelpful drug therapies for cancer? The results of one study provide useful insight for pathologists about the elements that circulate in human blood which must be understood so that liquid biopsy tests can be developed that are not affected by that factor.
Plasma Biomarkers Predict Long-Term Kidney Function after Acute Kidney Injury
Plasma biomarkers may accurately identify patients with low risk for kidney function loss after acute kidney injury
Red blood cells play a much larger role in the immune system than previously thought
New research has revealed that red blood cells function as critical immune sensors by binding cell-free DNA, called nucleic acid, present in the body's circulation during sepsis and COVID-19, and that this DNA-binding capability triggers their removal from circulation, driving inflammation and anemia during severe illness and playing a much larger role in the immune system than previously thought.
Improving children’s hospital experiences using a social robot
Robin is a social companion robot that was designed to support children in healthcare settings. In Armenia, where it was developed, it was preliminarily studied in outpatient clinics and showed promise in reducing children’s anxiety levels.
Brain Activity Patterns after Trauma May Predict Long-Term Mental Health
Study shows link between post-trauma brain activity and symptoms of anxiety, PTSD six months later
Researchers explore how opioids may have become so widely abused
Researchers may have uncovered new answers on how to create safer opioids. Design a new opioid to bypass the part of brain that feels pleasure, but retain the analgesic properties, which make opioids one of the most effective pain relievers.
The Positive Impact of Sharing Negative Research Results
In the era of “publish or perish,” research results that disprove the hypothesis tested often go unpublished. In addition, many researchers who have been unable to reproduce results from other laboratories have found it difficult to publish their findings. In this special issue on the “Null Hypothesis” of the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases investigators illustrate the importance and value of sharing well-conducted studies with negative or irreproducible results.
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.