After 40 years, changes are coming to the field of laser-based dermatological treatments. Researchers from the University of Missouri, taking into account an increased demand of minimally invasive laser-based treatments, have developed a laser light technique that transmits into the skin through direct contact.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a test capable of detecting ovarian tumors in their earliest stages, which could potentially improve patient five-year survival rates by 90 percent.

Predicting a patient's risk for developing heart disease or diabetes can be like looking into a crystal ball. Such a tool is now an online reality thanks to a team of researchers from the University of Virginia School (UVA) of Medicine and the University of Florida.

The Alexa Diabetes Challenge, launched April 10, is searching for innovators to improve the capabilities of the Amazon Alexa voice-enabled device to assist users with type 2 diabetes. The multi-stage competition, sponsored by Merck & Co. and supported by Amazon Web Services, is offering $250,000 in total in prizes.

Cancelling a preplanned surgery, especially in ambulatory care, costs hospitals money and resources and wastes time. A recent study, published in AORN, looked at how contacting patients by phone before surgery can reduce the number of cancellations. 

In a first for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the genetic testing company 23andMe is being given permission to sell genetic tests for disease risks.

Providing rheumatoid arthritis patients with a simple pedometer has shown to increased daily activity and decrease fatigue, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research. 

A study conducted by James Naessens, ScD, a healthcare policy researcher at Mayo Clinic, published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, showed how a second opinion can affect the final diagnoses of a patient’s condition.