For years, doctors have relied on familiar vital signs — heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels — to monitor someone’s health. But researchers at the University of Missouri believe one key metric has been overlooked: blood viscosity, or how thick or sticky blood is as it flows through the body. And they’ve developed a breakthrough technology to monitor it non-invasively and in real time.

The first-of-its-kind device uses ultrasound waves to measure blood viscosity in real time — but the true innovation lies in its software. The system works by gently vibrating blood with a continuous sound wave — meaning it sends a steady sound wave through the blood while simultaneously sensing its response. Then, a powerful algorithm analyzes how the sound moves through the body.

A study by the University of São Paulo shows that meditation promotes physical relief and psychological balance for women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham shows that patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) are at a higher risk of developing a myriad of chronic health problems, regardless of age, location of the injury and prior health status.

The findings of this modeling study suggest that achieving systolic blood pressure equity between non-Hispanic Black and white adults could substantially reduce the number of cardiovascular disease events and deaths experienced by non-Hispanic Black U.S. adults. Initiatives to maintain normal blood pressure and achieve blood pressure control for individuals with hypertension could have a substantial impact on health equity in the U.S. 

The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals (The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services and Focus) are now available online.