Diagnosis

Spanning nearly 100 laboratories in 45 countries, a landmark study has, for the first time, shown an association between genetic brain shape and size and the prevalence of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and ADHD.

Nobody enjoys giving blood samples, but it’s a necessary part of doctor visits. Soon we might not have to, thanks to a new device that can isolate biomarkers for different diseases using sound waves, from a single drop of blood, in around an hour.

A new technique, which involves melting bacterial DNA found in blood samples, could deliver diagnoses of potentially fatal infections faster than ever before. Results may be obtained in a few hours, instead of days.

A radioactive form of fructose, a natural sugar found in fruit, can illuminate cancer and inflammation in medical scans. This approach has the potential to make diseases easier to spot than current techniques, leading to better early detection.

Researchers engineered a probiotic bacteria to release a marker that can be detected in the urine after it comes into contact with bowel cancer, even when it's in the early stages. The novel test may mean avoiding messy poo-based screening tests.

A study has found that a rectal exam alone or in combination with a blood test doesn't improve prostate cancer detection, suggesting the exams could be omitted from prostate cancer screening in men who don’t have clinical signs and symptoms.

MIT scientists have developed an easier method for diagnosing lung cancer – breathe in some inhalable nanoparticle sensors, then pee on a stick. The method should be less invasive than CT scans, and easier to perform in low-income regions.

Researchers have found that inexperienced doctors performing AI-assisted colonoscopies significantly improved their detection of polyps. Using AI in this way could lower the chances of missing these potential precursors to colorectal cancer.

In a finding that could have a significant impact on personalized medicine, scientists have identified five blood compounds linked to suicidal ideation. It could prove crucial in assessing risk factors and for new targeted treatment of depression.

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that improves the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a commonly misdiagnosed condition. The test could ensure that people receive the correct treatment and identify potential drug targets for mood disorders.

A new study has found that globally, the rates of new cancer cases and associated deaths in people under 50 increased alarmingly between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the importance of education on the incidence of certain cancers in younger people.

Certain gut bacteria have been linked to colon cancer, but now they might get a chance at redemption. Scientists have engineered “pickpocket” bacteria to detect colorectal cancer, with a 100% success rate in mouse tests.