Research

New Sensor could Light the Way Forward in Low-Cost Medical Imaging

New research published in Nature's Scientific Reports, identifies a new type of light sensor that could allow medical and security imaging, via low cost cameras. The team of researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a new 'multispectral' light sensor that detects the full spectrum of light, from ultra-violet (UV), to visible and near infrared light.

Appeal of Well-Being Applications Often Short-Lived

According to a doctoral thesis by Research Scientist Kirsikka Kaipainen from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, online and mobile applications for stress management and healthy eating reach a large number of users but their appeal tends to be short-lived. Applications can contribute to improved well-being and provide support for behavioural changes as long as they are simple, attractive and easy to integrate into everyday life.

Mobile Phone Data Helps Combat Malaria

An international study led by the University of Southampton and the National Vector-borne Diseases Control Programme (NVDCP) in Namibia has used mobile phone data to help combat malaria more effectively. The study used anonymised mobile records to measure population movements within Namibia in Africa over the period of a year (2010-11).

Phase Contrast Improves Mammography

Phase contrast X-ray imaging has enabled researchers at ETH Zurich, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the Kantonsspital Baden to perform mammographic imaging that allows greater precision in the assessment of breast cancer and its precursors. The technique could improve biopsy diagnostics and follow-up.

Electronic Nose Sniffs Out Prostate Cancer Using Urine Samples

We may soon be able to make easy and early diagnoses of prostate cancer by smell. Investigators in Finland have established that a novel noninvasive technique can detect prostate cancer using an electronic nose. In a proof of principle study, the eNose successfully discriminated between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by "sniffing" urine headspace (the space directly above the urine sample). Results using the eNose are comparable to testing prostate specific antigen (PSA), reports the Journal of Urology®.

Health Outcomes for Major Medical Conditions Vary Considerably across Europe

Health outcomes for major medical conditions requiring hospital care vary considerably between and within European countries, according to a study evaluating the performance of seven European health care systems. The EuroHOPE (European Health Care Outcomes, Performance, and Efficiency) research project compared the health outcomes during the latter part of the 2000s for acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, hip fracture, breast cancer and very low birth weight and very low gestational age newborn infants, as well as all-disease outcome measures.

European Research Project Aims at Early Diagnosis of Memory Disorders

The PredictND project, started by European research organisations, aims at developing and validating new procedures for the earlier diagnosis of memory disorders and for detecting individuals at high risk of developing memory disorders. Millions of Europeans who are at risk for experiencing any kind of memory loss would benefit from such a solution. The novel approach will be tested on 800 patients in four hospitals in Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy.

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