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Gut enzyme discovery sheds light on bilirubin balance in humans

Researchers study identified BilR, a gut microbiota-derived enzyme, crucial for converting bilirubin to urobilinogen, impacting bilirubin homeostasis in humans.

7 Jan 2024

Study analyzes link between maternal insecticide use during pregnancy and neonatal jaundice

The data of 61,751 pregnant women, out of approximately 100,000 collected by the Japan Environment and Children's Study analyzed the association between the maternal usage of insecticides and insect repellents during pregnancy and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

28 Aug 2020

New method could help detect unconjugated bilirubin in newborn infants

A research group led by Project Professor Morioka Ichiro and Assistant Professor Iwatani Sota in collaboration with Doctor Miyawaki Atsushi have clinically proven that a fluorescent protein sourced from Japanese eel muscles can be used to accurately detect unconjugated bilirubin in newborns.

5 Jul 2016

UW researchers develop smartphone app that detects newborn jaundice within minutes

University of Washington engineers and physicians have developed a smartphone application that checks for jaundice in newborns and can deliver results to parents and pediatricians within minutes. It could serve as a screening tool to determine whether a baby needs a blood test - the gold standard for detecting high levels of bilirubin.

28 Aug 2014

New research reports that UnaG protein could lead to new liver test

Many scientists dream of making a single discovery that provides fundamental insight into nature, may be used to help save human lives, and can assist in the preservation of an endangered species. In new research reported in the journal Cell, a Japanese team is on the verge of accomplishing this nearly impossible feat.

17 Jun 2013

Mothballs may cause brain damage in babies: Experts

Pediatricians have called for a ban on the sale of mothballs containing the chemical naphthalene citing evidence that these can lead to severe blood problems and even brain damage for significant numbers of Australian babies.

7 Feb 2011

FDA clears IL's new point-of-care total bilirubin assay

Instrumentation Laboratory (IL) today announced that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the first-ever, rapid point-of-care, lab-quality blood test for measuring total bilirubin (tBili) in newborns.

28 Jul 2010

GE Healthcare highlights molecular imaging technologies to help clinicians improve patient experiences

Focusing on helping clinicians improve experiences for their patients, GE Healthcare is highlighting an innovative portfolio of molecular imaging technologies and agents at the 57th annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, June 5-9, in Salt Lake City.

7 Jun 2010

Benefits and harms of screening infants for hyperbilirubinemia still unclear

According to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening infants for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition marked by a high level of bilirubin in the blood, which is often apparent as yellow-colored skin and eyes (jaundice).

29 Sep 2009