12
NEWS
Rapid sensors detect
infections
Low-cost screen-printed carbon sensors have been
used to rapidly detect bacteria commonly found in
wounds, which could pave the way for a real-time
medical device.
The University of Strathclyde and NHS Ayrshire
& Arran used sensitive portable electrochemical
sensors, which detected infections in clinical samples
within half an hour - far quicker than current hospital
laboratory testing, which typically takes at least 48
hours for gold-standard laboratory methods of wound
infection detection and bacterial identification.
In a collaboration with NHS Ayrshire & Arran
clinicians, dressings and swabs were collected from
people with diabetes-related foot ulcers at University
Hospital Ayr. These samples were then measured at
the University of Strathclyde using the novel sensor,
revealing that the presence of bacterial infection could
be rapidly detected.
The electrochemical technique adopted measures
the electrical 'impedance' of a sample over a wide
range of electrical signal frequencies, creating spectra
- formed by measuring how current flows through
the bacterial layer at each frequency. Changes to
these spectra over time can be investigated, providing
information about the microbiological content of the
sample. This and a unique mathematical approach to
studying the spectra have resulted in patents being
granted for the method.
To read more, CLICK HERE.
Remission over 'cure'
A consensus report examining the terminology for
type 2 remission states the importance of using the
term over other words including 'reversal' or 'cure'.
Type 2 diabetes experts addressed the terminology
in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism. They found that "remission" is the
most appropriate term as it acknowledges that an
improvement in the condition may not be permanent.
Type 2 diabetes remission can be achieved through
various methods, including surgery or a period of
following a very low-calorie diet. More research is
needed to fully understand the long-term implications
of Type 2 diabetes remission.
To read the report, CLICK HERE.
Lungs & Type 1
Lung infections could trigger the onset of Type 1 diabetes,
according to researchers at the Liggins Institute at the
University of Auckland. Looking for patterns in vast
databases of genomic data, the researchers ranked
genetic mutations associated with Type 1 according to
effects of the condition through different tissues in the
body - the biggest impacts occurred to genes in the lung.
Lead researcher Professor O'Sullivan says, "The results
support a theory that respiratory viral infections can
trigger the onset of type-1 diabetes. If the theory proves
correct, drugs could be developed to target the key genes
and slow the onset of the disease."
The study is published in Communications Biology.
T2 & arsenic
A study has identified the biological mechanism linking
long-term arsenic exposure to conditions such as cancer
and Type 2 diabetes, which could lead to potential new
targets for drug development.
Risk factor for Type 2 diabetes includes environmental
toxicant exposure, particularly chronic exposure
to arsenic - shown to affect insulin production and
sensitivity, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles. Arsenic
is a natural metalloid found in soil and can be one of
the most significant contaminants in drinking water
globally. Combined with occupational exposures, such as
mining, more than 160m people are exposed to arsenic
worldwide.
The research at the University of Arizona in the US
found a biological mechanism by which chronic arsenic
exposure led to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance
- two key features of diabetes progression.
To read the study, CLICK HERE.