Introduction
We appreciate you taking the time to read LabBuzz. This is a CSMLS venture to provide relevant medical laboratory news and research to members. The articles have been condensed to provide an introduction on the topics. Please refer to the original article for the complete text.
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News
National Medical Laboratory Week
This National Medical Laboratory Week, we’re showing Canadians that medical laboratory professionals are behind every patient. Let’s celebrate all you do and have Canada recognize your crucial role in their health care.
Nobel-Winning Scientist Challenges Consensus on Telomere Length Patterns
“Jaw dropping” findings suggest there are yet undiscovered mechanisms for telomere length regulation, offering hope for treating cancer and degenerative disease
Exploring the benefits of blueberries: Studies link extract to reduced cognitive aging
The researchers of a recent study published in Nutrients examined whether consuming wild blueberry extracts (WBE) may improve cognitive performance in an acute period, including recognized times of impaired functioning.
Showing the invisible: New research to help us see bacteria in the body
In recent years, research has increasingly shown us the importance of bacteria and other microbes in the human microbiome for maintaining health. Now, researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute are pioneering new imaging methods to see these microbes in the human body and open new avenues for health research. Early results of preclinical studies at Lawson have found positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging could allow the tracking and identification of bacteria inside the body and lead to more targeted use of antibiotic treatments.
Custom Fit: Creating AI-Powered Exoskeletons for Individual Mobility Needs
In Canada, about 13.7 per cent of individuals aged 15 and over report having mobility disabilities, requiring the use of assistive devices such as canes and wheelchairs to walk or climb stairs. Despite their widespread use, these traditional tools have limitations as they can cause physical strain, restrict terrain navigation, and pose daily accessibility challenges.
To address these issues, Carleton University researcher Mojtaba Ahmadi is designing advanced exoskeletons – wearable robotic devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
CAMH develops first ever clinically validated natural supplement to prevent postpartum blues
A new study has confirmed that a novel natural supplement—invented, researched, developed and commercialized at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)—prevents postpartum blues, and reduces symptoms of postpartum depression over the following six months after giving birth.
Health Innovation Hub partner with game changing wound care technology receives Health Canada approval
A doctor's vision of creating a simple and accessible technology that would empower clinicians to accurately assess tissue health right at the point of care and develop that vision into a working prototype is discussed.
New RNA-Based Vaccine Strategy Effective Against All Strains of a Virus
The RNA-based strategy targets a part of the viral genome that is common to all strains of a virus, potentially eliminating the need for seasonal boosters
GPT-4 matches radiologist accuracy in spotting errors, cuts time and costs dramatically
In a recent study published in the journal Radiology, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4 in identifying and correcting common errors in radiology reports, analyzing its performance, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness compared to human radiologists.
Novel Hydrogel Removes Microplastics from Water
Microplastics pose a great threat to human health. These tiny plastic debris can enter our bodies through the water we drink and increase the risk of illnesses. They are also an environmental hazard; found even in remote areas like polar ice caps and deep ocean trenches, they endanger aquatic and terrestrial lifeforms.
To combat this emerging pollutant, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, with their findings recently published in Nanoscale. The material has a unique intertwined polymer network that can bind the contaminants and degrade them using UV light irradiation.