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Art and Science of Laboratory Medicine. Clinical laboratory and biomedical science related news, abstracts and images for medical laboratory professionals, students and other laboratory geeks.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Medical Laboratory Professionals
A cacke for the lab scientists. You have earned it.
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Medical Lab | Minor Custom Crafts
Source: Minor Custom Crafts
Read more:
Medical Lab | Minor Custom Crafts
Source: Minor Custom Crafts
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
When you move, your microbes move with you
In a study published in Science in August, scientists cataloged the microbes of seven families, swabbing the hands, feet, and noses of each family member, including pets for six weeks. They also collected samples from doorknobs, light switches, and other household surfaces. Each home had a distinct microbial community that came mostly from its human inhabitants, and the scientists could tell which home a person lived in just by matching microbial profiles.
Three of the families moved during the study period, and it only took about a day for their microbes to settle in to the new place. As the journal’s editors put it: “When families moved, their microbiological ‘aura’ followed.”
Read more:
9 Amazing and Gross Things Scientists Discovered About Microbes This Year
Source: Wired
Three of the families moved during the study period, and it only took about a day for their microbes to settle in to the new place. As the journal’s editors put it: “When families moved, their microbiological ‘aura’ followed.”
Read more:
9 Amazing and Gross Things Scientists Discovered About Microbes This Year
Source: Wired
Reducing Unecessary Testing
As clinical laboratory testing options continue to grow and become more complex, it isn't always clear what the best test is for a patient on an individual basis. Across the country, healthcare facilities are placing an emphasis on ordering the right set of tests in an effort to cut down on both over- and under-utilization of the laboratory.
"We run into this problem all the time, where people do a test because they can, rather than because it helps the patient or helps them to make a diagnosis."
Read more:
Reducing Unecessary Testing
Source: ADVANCE
"We run into this problem all the time, where people do a test because they can, rather than because it helps the patient or helps them to make a diagnosis."
Read more:
Reducing Unecessary Testing
Source: ADVANCE
Biologists Take Cellfies
Scientists know how to show off the finer details. Take some selfies in the lab while looking down the microscope with this funny science pun thats bound to get some groans or giggles out of your colleagues.
Read more:
iPhone Cases, Samsung Galaxy Cases and Phone Skins
Source: Human
Read more:
iPhone Cases, Samsung Galaxy Cases and Phone Skins
Source: Human
Parasite Eggs From the Celtic Period
Archaeologists from the University of Basel discovered eggs of intestinal parasites in samples from the former Celtic settlement “Basel-Gasfabrik”, and concluded that its population lived in poor sanitary conditions. Using special geoarchaelogical methods, they found three different types of parasites.
As part of an international project, researchers at the Integrative Prehistory and Archaeological Science center (IPAS) at the University of Basel examined samples from the “Basel-Gasfabrik” Celtic settlement, at the present day site of Novartis. The settlement was inhabited around 100 B.C. and is one of the most significant Celtic sites in Central Europe. The team found the durable eggs of roundworms (Ascaris sp.), whipworms, (Trichuris sp.) and liver flukes (Fasciola sp.). The eggs of these intestinal parasites were discovered in the backfill of 2000 year-old storage and cellar pits from the Iron Age.
Read more:
University of Basel
Source: Universität Basel
As part of an international project, researchers at the Integrative Prehistory and Archaeological Science center (IPAS) at the University of Basel examined samples from the “Basel-Gasfabrik” Celtic settlement, at the present day site of Novartis. The settlement was inhabited around 100 B.C. and is one of the most significant Celtic sites in Central Europe. The team found the durable eggs of roundworms (Ascaris sp.), whipworms, (Trichuris sp.) and liver flukes (Fasciola sp.). The eggs of these intestinal parasites were discovered in the backfill of 2000 year-old storage and cellar pits from the Iron Age.
Read more:
University of Basel
Source: Universität Basel
Lyme disease enhances spread of babesiosis
Mice that are already infected with the pathogen that causes Lyme disease appear to facilitate the spread of a lesser-known but emerging disease, babesiosis, into new areas. Research led by the Yale School of Public Health and published Dec. 29 in the journal PLOS ONEused laboratory experiments, mathematical models, and fieldwork data to find that mice infected with the agent that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) are at increased risk for also transmitting Babesia microti, the pathogen responsible for babesiosis, and could be enhancing the geographic spread of this emerging disease. Both diseases are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis).
Read more:
Lyme disease enhances spread of emerging tick infection
Read more:
Lyme disease enhances spread of emerging tick infection
Crochet Molecules
Cute molecules for the scientists
View more:
Moléculas de pelúcia [galeria]
Source: Biomedicina Padrão
View more:
Moléculas de pelúcia [galeria]
Source: Biomedicina Padrão
Monday, December 29, 2014
Anatomy of Obesity
Look at the differences in the organs of these two people. The left person has a layer of fat surrounding all the organs, I mean look at his/her heart! There is no way all those organs can efficiently do their job when they are that compacted. Next take a look at the joints of both people, especially the ankles. The human body is not designed to support that much extra weight.
Read more:
Changing My Life, One Step at a Time
Source: Emily James Fitness
Read more:
Changing My Life, One Step at a Time
Source: Emily James Fitness
Sunday, December 28, 2014
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Anemia - Video
Learn about how the body makes red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia occurs when there are too few red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin.
Read more:
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Anemia - YouTube
Source: You Tube via ASM
Read more:
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Anemia - YouTube
Source: You Tube via ASM
Helicobacter fennelliae from blood culture
Helicobacter is a gram-negative rod with a helical shape on gram stain. The most known strain is H. pylori, which causes ulcers and chronic gastritis and is said to affect up to 50% of the human population. This particular strain, Helicobacter fennelliae is most commonly found in the feces and blood of homosexual men, and can cause bacteremia in immunocompromised patients.
The organism was identified at the University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory in the microbiology department.
more:
Helicobacter fennelliae from blood culture
Source: Microbeworld
Credits: Cara Faliano, University of Colorado Hospital | Veronica Broslawik, University of Colorado Hospital
The organism was identified at the University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory in the microbiology department.
more:
Helicobacter fennelliae from blood culture
Source: Microbeworld
Credits: Cara Faliano, University of Colorado Hospital | Veronica Broslawik, University of Colorado Hospital
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Chemistry Bikini
You’ll be voted the most smartly dressed this summer while sporting this scientific swim top, sold exclusively at ModCloth! With a bow-like knot between its slightly padded cups, this black bikini top boasts a clever and quirky print of 2-D molecular models that cross-link between red, yellow, and blue polygons.
Read more:
Biquini para os apaixonados por Química
Source: Hiper Original
Read more:
Biquini para os apaixonados por Química
Source: Hiper Original
Red Blood Cells Silk Scarf
Red blood cells are highly recognizable for their unique shape and lovely color. Celebrate what's beautiful on the inside with this scarf, featuring a print adapted from one of my watercolors of erythrocytes.
Read more:
Red Blood Cells Silk Charmeuse Scarf
Source: artologica on Etsy
Read more:
Red Blood Cells Silk Charmeuse Scarf
Source: artologica on Etsy
Ice Laboratory
Lab glassware made of ice.
Read more:
Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures
Source: Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures
Read more:
Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures
Source: Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures
Fungal Snowman
Hat, Eyes, Mouth, Buttons: Aspergillus niger; Arms: Aspergillus nidulans; Nose: Aspergillus terreus with Penicillium marneffei; Body: Neosartorya fischeri.
Read more:
Fungal Snowman
Source: JCVI Blog
Read more:
Fungal Snowman
Source: JCVI Blog
Friday, December 26, 2014
Christmas Tree from Poland
Christmas tree of bio-chemistry class form Poniatowski high school in Poland
Source: Facebook via Trust me I´m a biologist.
Image credits: Zuzia Fitas
Source: Facebook via Trust me I´m a biologist.
Image credits: Zuzia Fitas
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Laboratory Christmas Tree
More crazy Christmas trees, some Tiny Christmas Games, and today ... science!
Read more:
The Creen Laboratory 2.0
Source: The Green Laboratory 2.0
Read more:
The Creen Laboratory 2.0
Source: The Green Laboratory 2.0
A Perfect Monocyte
This monocyte is wishing you lovely holidays
View more:
2014’s Most “Liked” Images of the Day
Source: The Scientist
View more:
2014’s Most “Liked” Images of the Day
Source: The Scientist
Happy Microbial Holidays!
Here are some lovely "self-portraits" of bacterial bioluminescence.
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Merry Luxmas and Happy Microbial Holidays!
Source: All Creatures Great AND Small: Preaching Microbial Supremacy!
Read more:
Merry Luxmas and Happy Microbial Holidays!
Source: All Creatures Great AND Small: Preaching Microbial Supremacy!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
S.aureus hemolysis on blood agar
S. aureus ST151 and ST3028 on blood agar plates. Both strains were isolated from cases of subclinical mastitis The plates were incubated at 37 C for 24 or 48 hrs as shown in the picture. ST3028 is one of the novel strains recently identified. What is interesting is the differential hemolysis pattern of these two strains. ST3028 look non hemolytic which is unusual in most cow associated strain types. ST3028 is a single locus variant of ST2187 which is a cow adapted S. aureus strain type.
Read more:
S.aureus hemolysis on blood agar
Source: Microbeworld
Image credits: Robert Mugabi
Read more:
S.aureus hemolysis on blood agar
Source: Microbeworld
Image credits: Robert Mugabi
Monday, December 22, 2014
NHS DNA scheme to fight cancer and genetic diseases
Under the scheme, 11 Genomics Medicine Centres are being set up in English hospitals to gather DNA samples to help devise targeted treatments for a wide range of diseases. It is focusing on cancer and rare genetic diseases. The aim is to sequence 100,000 genomes within three years in order to develop new tests and drugs. Doctors will offer suitable patients the opportunity to take part in the scheme.
Read more:
NHS DNA scheme to fight cancer and genetic diseases
Source: BBC News
Image credits: Thinkstock
Read more:
NHS DNA scheme to fight cancer and genetic diseases
Source: BBC News
Image credits: Thinkstock
Neutrophil Motility Is A Potential Sepsis Biomarker
Tracking neutrophil motility patterns could provide early diagnosis of life-threatening condition
In a study, a movement of neutrophils in the absence of chemical signals was observed in samples taken from some patients several days before a diagnosis of sepsis could be made, and once effective antibiotic treatment began, the unusual movement pattern began to fade. The authors note that, in addition to allowing faster initiation of antibiotic treatment, the ability to diagnose sepsis rapidly and accurately would reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics that leads to the proliferation of resistant bacteria that is so common in burn units.
"Since only a handful of rare genetic disorders affect neutrophil function, it has long been assumed that studying these cells was not important; but our findings indicate that neutrophils play a much more important role in sepsis than has been appreciated"
Read more:
Altered movement of white blood cells may predict sepsis in patients with major burns
Source: EurekAlert
Image credits: BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
In a study, a movement of neutrophils in the absence of chemical signals was observed in samples taken from some patients several days before a diagnosis of sepsis could be made, and once effective antibiotic treatment began, the unusual movement pattern began to fade. The authors note that, in addition to allowing faster initiation of antibiotic treatment, the ability to diagnose sepsis rapidly and accurately would reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics that leads to the proliferation of resistant bacteria that is so common in burn units.
"Since only a handful of rare genetic disorders affect neutrophil function, it has long been assumed that studying these cells was not important; but our findings indicate that neutrophils play a much more important role in sepsis than has been appreciated"
Read more:
Altered movement of white blood cells may predict sepsis in patients with major burns
Source: EurekAlert
Image credits: BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
Christmas Cookies
Delicious gingerbread for scientists
Source: Facebook via Trust me I´m biologist
Image credits: Mor Weinberger
Source: Facebook via Trust me I´m biologist
Image credits: Mor Weinberger
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Lab Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas to all laboratory scientists
Read more:
Have A Happy Microbial Holiday Season!
Source: All Creatures Great AND Small
Read more:
Have A Happy Microbial Holiday Season!
Source: All Creatures Great AND Small
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Bacillus Christmas Tree
Most of the strains used belong to the Bacillus genus and the rest are just random colorful petri dish contaminants.
Read more:
Christmas tree :-)
Source: Microbeworld
Image credits: Rositsa Tashkova, Université de Nantes, France
Read more:
Christmas tree :-)
Source: Microbeworld
Image credits: Rositsa Tashkova, Université de Nantes, France
Friday, December 19, 2014
Blood Tube Christmas Tree
Camilla is having fun in her small specimen collection station.
Original image:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/
Image credits: Camilla Schibler Nielsen
Original image:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/
Image credits: Camilla Schibler Nielsen
Non-communicable diseases increase premature death globally
In the first in a series of papers has been published in the Lancet today, Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 has been updated to GBD 2013 three years later. The authors aimed to ascertain changes in the global, regional and national burden of mortality for 240 causes of death across 188 countries between 1990-2013. Using similar methods to those used in GBD 2010, but with the addition of new data and improvements in their statistical modelling, the authors found several exciting results.
Generally, although has been a reduction in age- and sex- specific mortality, there has been a shift towards a greater proportion of deaths being due to non-communicable disease and injury. Rising death rates from some important NCDs such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, selected vascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease, as well as stagnant mortality from leading causes of death such as cancers of the lung, liver, prostate, pancreas, and kidney have the potential to reverse some of these gains made in premature mortality reduction.
Read more:
The Global Burden of Disease: non-communicable diseases increase premature death
Source: Biomed Central
Generally, although has been a reduction in age- and sex- specific mortality, there has been a shift towards a greater proportion of deaths being due to non-communicable disease and injury. Rising death rates from some important NCDs such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, selected vascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease, as well as stagnant mortality from leading causes of death such as cancers of the lung, liver, prostate, pancreas, and kidney have the potential to reverse some of these gains made in premature mortality reduction.
Read more:
The Global Burden of Disease: non-communicable diseases increase premature death
Source: Biomed Central