A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reveals that pregnant women with depression often experience conflict when deciding on treatment. They strongly prefer non-drug treatments like psychotherapy and alternative therapies, citing concerns about antidepressant medications' potential effects on the developing baby.
Researchers found that 71% of university students engaged in at least one cyberdeviance activity as teens, with most common activities including password guessing and unauthorized network access. Despite initial concerns, the authors suggest these behaviors may be beneficial for teaching IT security skills.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that calculating comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy may help physicians determine whether to continue or stop cancer screening in elderly patients. The researchers found that patients with higher levels of comorbidity had shorter life expectancies than healthy patients of ...
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Health is scaling up an essential obstetric and newborn care (EONC) model, improving maternal and newborn health services across the country. The model, piloted in Cotopaxi province, has yielded significant improvements in practices to improve the health of mothers and newborns.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a $34 million project to develop biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas into liquid fuel for transportation. They aim to engineer pathways from microbes that metabolize methane to produce butanol, a promising biofuel option.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that the compound sarcosine enhances NMDA receptor function, causing antidepressant-like effects and improving mood scores in patients with depression. The findings suggest that normalizing NMDA receptor activity may restore mood to normal levels.
Researchers discovered that Methanosaeta, a prominent methane-producing microorganism, produces methane by making electrical connections with other microorganisms. This finding challenges previous understanding of methane production and has significant implications for optimizing bioenergy strategies.
Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have discovered a gene named Lhx2 that plays a crucial role in forming high-resolution neurocircuitry for touch in mice. The study reveals that this gene is essential for the formation of 'barrels' and 'cores' in the brain, which enable rapid whisking and environmental assessment.
Cardiac antibody-mediated rejection is a major limitation to survival of patients who have undergone heart transplantation. A new working formulation has been developed to guide the diagnosis, grading, and reporting of AMR, which includes histopathologic features and immunopathologic criteria.
Researchers have found that thawing permafrost in the Canadian Arctic increases methane emissions by 83% through small shallow ponds, which could accelerate global warming.
Researchers found that playing board games like Chutes & Ladders with the 'count-on' method yields learning gains in early number skills. This approach helps children develop their ability to encode the relationship between numbers and spaces.
The study found that varespladib, an enzyme inhibitor, did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients treated with varespladib had a higher risk of heart attack compared to those receiving placebo.
A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School found that preoperative vocal cord dysfunction affects LRN electrophysiologic activity in thyroid surgeries. In some cases, malignant invasion of the RLN is associated with preserved electrophysiologic activity when vocal cord function is maintained.
Weill Cornell Medical College will receive a $500,000 grant from MasterCard to support research into female cancers. The grant aims to develop personalized care and address various types of women's cancers.
The study found that primate faces with more complex patterns are associated with larger group sizes and more closely related species in the same habitat. Facial complexity is linked to social communication among members of the same species, aiding identification and recognition.
Historical and current surveys in southern Sweden reveal significant butterfly population declines due to changes in farming practices and land use. The study recommends 12 management measures, including later grazing and careful grazier selection, to mitigate these effects and support butterfly recovery.
Exposure to a single pro-smoking media message increases smoking intentions by an average of 22% and remains elevated for 7 days. Researchers found that repeated exposures to pro-smoking messages can lead to a cumulative effect on attitudes and behaviors towards smoking.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that adolescents who drink alone are more likely to develop alcohol problems in early adulthood. These solitary drinkers are also heavier drinkers and use alcohol to cope with negative emotions.
Research suggests that elevated Vitamin B12 levels may signal a heightened cancer risk, particularly in the first year after measurement. Studies found an association between high Cbl levels and increased incidence of various cancers, including hematological and alcohol/smoking-related types.
A clinical study found that exercise with GM-CSF boosts mobility in patients with peripheral artery disease. Participants who responded strongly to GM-CSF treatment showed significant improvements in maximum walking time.
Researchers have discovered a direct ancestral link between ancient human remains and Native American communities, revealing insights into the initial peopling of the Americas. By analyzing genomes of ancient and modern populations, scientists can reconstruct the evolutionary history and adaptations of early Americans.
A comprehensive review of statin studies found no association between statin use and memory loss or dementia. Statin users had a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairment compared to non-users.
A Disney Research team developed a method called joint importance sampling to render animated scenes featuring fog, smoke or underwater scenes more efficiently. This approach significantly reduces the time necessary to produce high-quality images or animations without grain or noise.
Researchers developed an antibody fragment that binds to dabigatran, reversing its anticoagulant effects. The study showed immediate and sustained reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation in healthy male volunteers.
Researchers have characterised the coat of a potential poultry probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii, which consists of two exopolysaccharides that play important roles in colonisation and adhesion. The unique EPS structures may help the bacteria compete with pathogenic C. perfringens.
Family members of patients with coronary heart disease improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits after participating in a year-long intervention program. The program included counselling sessions, goal setting, and feedback, resulting in reduced body mass index and waist circumference.
Research review highlights cranberry's unique bioactive compounds that may reduce UTI incidence, improve cardiovascular health and temper inflammation. Cranberries also show promise in supporting endothelial function and reducing arterial stiffness.
The installation of Blue Gene Active Storage at JSC enables scientists to exploit the performance of the supercomputer, facilitating interactive access to large amounts of data. The system's non-volatile memory technology features high bandwidth and very high access rates, addressing the increasing costs of data transport.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that herbivores have a greater number of Tas2r bitter taste receptor genes than omnivores and carnivores. The researchers correlated the Tas2r gene repertoire with dietary compositions, revealing a significant relationship between plant diet fraction and Tas2r gene number.
A randomized controlled trial found that early surgery for hip fractures in older adults can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes. The study involved 60 patients aged 45 or older who received either accelerated care or standard care, with the former resulting in shorter wait times and improved surgical results.
A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.
Researchers discovered a mechanism behind VapC20 toxin in M. tuberculosis, which destroys the bacteria's protein factory by cleaving a key location. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating pathogenic bacteria by impairing their cytotoxin use.
Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of PDE3A enzymes, which regulate cardiac contractility. The discovery of individual isoforms and their interactions with different proteins suggests that developing targeted drugs could reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered that Langerhans cells, a single cell type thought to be behind the skin's immune defense, are actually two different types. This finding could lead to new insights into treating skin infections and skin cancers.
A late-breaking clinical trial shows spironolactone reduces risk of repeated heart failure hospitalizations, but not overall mortality or cardiac arrest. The study enrolled 3,445 participants and followed them for nearly 3.5 years.
Researchers at ORNL led by Sergei Kalinin discovered complex and unpredictable patterns on ferroelectric material's surface when written in dense arrays. The study suggests the possibility of memcomputing, where information storage and processing occur on the same physical platform.
Scientists analyzed 538 amber samples to reconstruct ancient atmospheric compositions, finding that oxygen levels were significantly lower than today. This suggests a link between low oxygen and high carbon dioxide concentrations, which may have influenced climate and life evolution.
A study found that rural, poorer counties in the US have lower CPR training rates, particularly among communities of color. The disparity is attributed to geographic, population, and healthcare characteristics. Researchers call for targeted training programs to narrow existing gaps.
A pilot study found that meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction improved functional connectivity in the brain, reducing hippocampal atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest this intervention may contribute to improved quality of life for patients with cognitive decline.
A study of 3,398 participants found that higher coronary artery calcium (CAC) density was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events. The researchers discovered that CAC volume was positively correlated with CHD and CVD risk, while CAC density was inversely related.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a simple scaling theory to predict gas production in Barnett Shale wells. They found that most horizontal wells underperform their theoretical limits, and improving hydrofracture connections could increase gas extraction.
A study published in Medical Care found that high-volume ERCP providers had lower failure rates and hospitalization rates compared to low-volume providers. The authors suggest establishing quality improvement guidelines and credentialing processes to improve patient outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that beta-blocker medication given to patients with heart disease undergoing noncardiac surgery is associated with a lower risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events. The effect was more pronounced in patients with heart failure or recent myocardial infarction.
A trial testing varespladib to reduce cardiovascular events showed the drug actually increased the risk of heart attacks and other events. Researchers found that patients treated with varespladib were more likely to experience sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and unstable angina than those on placebo.
Scientists at Caltech created a lab-on-a-chip device using SlipChip technology that can accurately measure the concentration of HIV RNA molecules in a sample. The digital approach uses amplification chemistry to produce a fluorescent signal, allowing for precise quantification despite changes in environmental conditions.
Researchers found that addressing childhood deprivation is essential to prevent damaging health behaviors in adulthood. The study, based on a 1946 birth cohort, reveals that social and economic inequalities in early life significantly impact mortality in later life.
Researchers at Duke University found that daily texting can help obese black women lose weight. The Shape Plan intervention used tailored behavioral goals, brief feedback, and tips to track participants' progress. After six months, 26 women lost nearly 3 pounds, while 24 gained 2.5 pounds.
A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that young adult childhood cancer survivors are more likely to be frail than their peers, increasing their risk of death and chronic disease. Frailty is associated with advanced age in the general population but was not linked to lifestyle factors in female survivors.
A German-Peruvian science team found that ocean eddies play a crucial role in distributing oxygen and nutrients in the oxygen minimum zones. This discovery helps improve model computations to predict future expansions of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, addressing the threat of ocean de-oxygenation.
Manipulating protein PRH can hinder the ability of cancer cells to penetrate into neighboring environments, potentially preventing their spread. The findings suggest that PRH regulation of Endoglin may represent a novel method for controlling migration and treating multiple cancers.
Researchers found that female mice who competed socially for mates produce more urinary pheromones, making their sons more attractive to females. However, this increased attractiveness comes at a cost, as the sons have shorter lifespans due to the energy-intensive production of pheromones.
Researchers found that individuals with less experience in holding power tend to seek revenge more than those who feel more self-assured. The study also showed that body posture can affect revenge tendencies, with expansive postures leading to greater vengeance among those new to power.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute discovered a link between high RDW levels and increased risk of depression in heart patients. Elevated RDW is associated with poor outcomes, including heart attacks and death, and may indicate anemia or other underlying conditions.
A study led by CNIO confirms the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Aurora-A in cancer treatment, revealing an increase in dead and senescent cells and premature aging. The research proposes studying cell nucleus volume as a tool for evaluating anti-cancer drug efficiency.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that rural and southern US counties have low rates of annual CPR training. These communities are often far from hospitals, and lower CPR training rates contribute to higher heart disease mortality rates.
The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.
Aalto University has been selected to lead an international research centre of excellence in Arctic shipping and operations, supported by the Lloyd's Register Foundation. The centre will focus on risk management in Arctic operations over five years, with Aalto strengthening its research in Arctic technology.
A recent study led by Lund University researchers has found that therapeutic hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest is just as effective at a body temperature of 36°C as it is at 33°C, without the increased risk of side effects. This finding has important implications for patient rehabilitation and recovery after cardiac arrest.
A University of Michigan study found that reminder letters sent to parents of children with chronic conditions increased vaccination rates. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry was used to identify high-risk kids and prompt vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.
A study of 60 people aged 45 years or older found that accelerated surgery within six hours reduced major complications by 30% compared to standard care. Faster surgery may be better for hip fractures, say researchers at McMaster University.
Two studies on breast MRI usage found a significant increase in its use for diagnostic evaluations and screenings, particularly among high-risk women. The studies also revealed disparities in the use of breast MRI, with some groups receiving more frequent screening than others.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...
Researchers discovered bacteria can take up small fragments of damaged DNA, including ancient DNA, and integrate it into their genome. This process, called Anachronistic Evolution, has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospitals.
Global carbon emissions are set to reach a record 36 billion tonnes in 2013, with the US and EU also major contributors. The growth in coal is driving most of the increase, and cumulative CO2 emissions since 1870 are expected to exceed 200 trillion tonnes.
A national study published in NEJM found that comprehensive medical therapy is as effective as renal stenting in preventing clinical events for patients with renal artery stenosis. The study, led by Rhode Island Hospital researchers, involved over 947 participants and followed them for up to seven years.
A Mayo Clinic-led study has found that two commonly used drugs, low-dose dopamine and low-dose nesiritide, do not improve kidney function in hospitalized acute heart failure patients. The study analyzed data from 360 patients with kidney dysfunction and showed no significant improvement in urine volume or serum cystatin-C levels.
A Princeton-Harvard study found that Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy Charter School students are 49% more likely to attend college and 71% less likely to become teen mothers compared to their public school peers. The study also showed improved test scores for poor, urban students.
The American Gastroenterological Association has expanded its corporate grant with Covidien to advance gastroenterology research and improve patient outcomes. The AGA-Covidien Research and Development Pilot Award in Technology will provide funding for innovative devices, diagnostic tools, and technologies.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have revealed the origins of a 'stripe phase' in a material linked to superconductivity. By studying ultrafast optical techniques and X-ray scattering, they found that electrons become concentrated in stripes throughout the material, leading to an energy threshold for electrical currents.
A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.
A University of Pittsburgh professor's research shows that competition can increase the saving behavior of the working homeless. The study found that residents who participated in a competition offered a prize of $100 for saving the largest percentage of their pay increased their savings rate by 33%.
Researchers at Penn University have developed a new technique for fast and sensitive DNA sequencing using graphene nanoribbons with nanopores. The team's innovative method allows for faster measurement of DNA sequences, as the electrical current flowing through the ribbon is modulated by each base.
Researchers used genomic sequences to reconstruct metabolic repertoire for each strain, predicting its environmental niche. The analysis could help develop ways to control deadly E. coli infections and identify new strains.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrate hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive brain functions and improve life quality for mild TBI patients. The treatment improved cognitive function, memory restoration, and language use, offering a new hope for millions of victims.
A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found obesity to be a major risk factor for developing basal-like breast cancer in women. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that obesity alters the cellular microenvironment of mammary glands, promoting the growth of basal-like tumors.
Researchers have found a dramatic decrease in sea ice cover over the last 150 years, with annual growth increments doubling since the Little Ice Age. This discovery provides new insights into climate reconstruction and extends knowledge back to the mid-1800s.
A study found that patients who received personalized attention from a pharmacist improved their medication adherence rates, with 89.3% adherent in the intervention group compared to 73.9% in usual care. However, there was no significant difference in achieving blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level targets.
Researchers at MU School of Medicine found a new protocol using preventive blood thinners reduces life-threatening blood clots in brain-injured patients. The study compared outcomes between 107 and 129 patients treated with or without the medication, showing zero instances of deep-venous clotting among those who received it.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that teenage milk consumption is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in men, while no such association was found in women. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the relationship between early milk consumption and height on hip fracture risk.
Research by University of Cincinnati's Matthew Logan suggests that inmates with military backgrounds are not more likely to misbehave, but rather fare better in prison. They were 20% less likely to be sent to solitary confinement and 36% less likely to use drugs or alcohol.
A Drexel University study reveals that customers at restaurants with menu labels purchase food with 151 fewer calories, 224 milligrams less sodium, and 3.7 grams less saturated fat compared to those without labels. The study highlights the difficulty for consumers in making healthy choices when dining out.
Researchers compared two surgical approaches for severe heart valve disease, including repair and replacement of the affected valve. The study found that after one year, there were similar outcomes between the two treatments, with some notable exceptions.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a gene that plays a crucial role in suppressing lymphoma, a type of blood cell cancer. Caspase-2 helps maintain healthy chromosome numbers in cells, preventing them from becoming cancerous.
A new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst has been developed by combining TiO2 with metallic oxides, enhancing visible light absorption and efficient utilization of the solar spectrum. The material demonstrates 27 times larger photocatalytic activities than a single-layer TiO2 film.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have redesigned battery component materials to create nanoparticles with controlled shape, resulting in smaller, more powerful and energy efficient batteries. This innovation could improve battery performance and reduce costs for electric cars and other applications.
Saint Louis University researcher Ratna Ray found that bitter melon extract reduces head and neck cancer cell growth in an animal model. The extract regulated several pathways to help reduce tumor growth, with significant results after four weeks of treatment.
Graduate student Yash Lodha and Justin Moore describe geometric solution for von Neumann-Day problem, a centuries-old challenge in group theory. The solution involves a finite set of nine rules and has been hailed as natural and compelling enough to study for its own sake.
Scientists from UNH have published comprehensive findings on space-based radiation hazards using a UNH-led detector aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data provide critical information on the radiation hazards faced by astronauts on extended missions to deep space like Mars.
A targeted effort to improve adherence to drug regimens in high-risk heart failure patients showed promise but had limited impact on reducing hospital readmission rates. Patients who received coaching from nurses were four times more likely to adhere to their medication regimens, but readmissions remained unchanged.
A special issue of Gut Microbes explores the role of H. pylori in stomach cancer, as well as its impact on the natural stomach ecology and relationship with hepatitis C virus-associated liver cancer. The studies discuss various factors contributing to H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a new approach for identifying potential environmental effects of releasing genetically engineered (GE) insects. The framework evaluates the entire range of potential effects, including those during transitory and steady state phases, providing improved guidance for ecological risk ass...
A comprehensive study analyzing over 3,800 cerebral palsy cases and 1.7 million healthy children found no link between cesarean delivery and reduced risk of cerebral palsy. The causes of cerebral palsy are believed to lie elsewhere, with research focusing on genetic origins and environmental triggers.
A recent study by the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network found that bone marrow mononuclear stem cells did not improve heart function significantly at one year compared to six months. The treatment also showed a measurable decrease in scar tissue, but its effectiveness was no different from a placebo.
A phase 2 study found that GM-CSF therapy did not improve treadmill walking time in patients with intermittent claudication, a common symptom of peripheral artery disease. The treatment may still warrant further investigation due to observed secondary outcomes.
A University of Iowa study found that men's noses are about 10 percent larger than female noses, on average, in populations of European descent. The size difference is attributed to the sexes' different builds and energy demands.
A large national study found that breast MRI screenings nearly tripled from 2005 to 2009, with a notable increase in high-risk women. Despite this progress, the study highlights areas for improvement in the use of breast MRI for risk-based screening.
Researchers from KIT have successfully stabilized a single atom's magnetic spin for ten minutes, opening up possibilities for compact computer memories and quantum computers. By suppressing surrounding interactions at low temperatures, they achieved a stability period of about a billion times longer than comparable atomic systems.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that maintaining a direct channel of communication between patients and primary doctors is crucial to success. Patients in regular contact with their primary physicians are most satisfied with their care, according to a new study.
Men with prostate cancer who followed a low-fat fish oil diet had lower levels of pro-inflammatory substances in their blood and a lower cell cycle progression score compared to those on a Western diet. The study suggests that altering the diet may favorably affect prostate cancer biology.
Researchers developed a new computer modeling technique incorporating internal friction to simulate realistic cloth behavior. This approach improved wrinkle and fold accuracy, particularly in areas where wrinkles have previously occurred.
Swedish researchers have found a way to study glucose regulation by transplanting pancreas cells into the eye, allowing for monitoring of insulin-producing beta-cells and identification of new drug substances. This innovative method could lead to personalized treatment principles and diagnosis of pancreatic problems.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a potential breakthrough in solving the 'cocktail party problem' by using neural networks to filter out background noise. The technology improves comprehension for the hearing-impaired, with scores increasing from 10% to 90%, and is being commercialized for license.
Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in the US nearly doubled from 4.6 million in 1998 to 9.2 million in 2010, with a 46% increase over the decade. Researchers project a similar trend through 2020, with 541,000 hospitalizations expected by 2020. The estimated cost of hospitalizations is also projected to rise by 55% from 2010.
Researchers found no effect of low-dose dopamine or low-dose nesiritide on cumulative urine volume, kidney function, weight change, or clinical outcomes compared to placebo. The study's findings do not support the use of these drugs as a renal adjuvant therapy.
Researchers found that two types of iron-based superconductors employ similar coupling between electrons in their superconducting state. Understanding this mechanism may help create even better superconductors with higher transition temperatures.
Researchers will study 1,000 babies born before 30 weeks gestation using the NNNS exam to predict developmental impairment. The goal is to identify infants at greatest risk and provide early intervention and follow-up programs.
New UEA research suggests that adding copper to crop fertilization processes can help reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Copper has been found to regulate the gene responsible for destroying nitrous oxide in soil bacteria.
Research suggests that damage to small blood vessels in the retina and kidneys increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common type of abnormal heart rhythm. The study found that those with signs of vessel damage were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those without.
Research by Brigham Young University suggests that a consistent bedtime and wake time can lead to lower body fat. The study found that those with the best sleeping habits had healthier weights, with quality sleep being an important factor in body composition.
A new multilevel study examines the relationship between minimum wage increases and crime rates, concluding that higher wages do not lower violent or property crime. The researchers analyzed data from 18 states that raised their minimum wage above federal standards and found no significant change in crime rates.
A study found that transendocardial stem cell injection with autologous mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mononuclear cells is safe for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The treatment also showed promise in improving quality of life and walking distance.
Research found that women who used oral contraceptives for three or more years are 2.05 times more likely to have glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests long-term use of birth control may be a risk factor for glaucoma, particularly in combination with other factors such as ethnicity and family history.