Two new studies find that the uninsured and people with certain types of public health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer compared to those with private insurance. The strongest predictors of advanced disease were health insurance status and type, according to the studies published in CANCER journal.
Middle-aged African-American women are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts, according to a study. Menopausal status was not a significant predictor of OSA symptoms, but race remained a significant factor after adjusting for BMI and menopausal status.
A study found that Medicaid patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) travel longer distances to see specialists, including rheumatologists. This indicates potential barriers in accessing comprehensive medical services closer to their residences.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved heart rate and variability in isolated prairie voles. The peptide also reduced heart rate response to social stressors. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac function during social isolation.
A new study aims to understand how college students network online and interact with each other in virtual communities. The research team, led by Professor Susan Barnes, will develop an undergraduate course on social media to explore the use of software for social interaction.
Researchers have developed a new genomic microarray test that accurately identifies the ER and HER-2 status of breast tumors, which can inform personalized treatment planning. The test showed 90% accuracy for both receptors, comparable to existing pathology tests.
A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.
A UGA study finds that social workers are at risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress due to repeated exposure to trauma victim stories. The study, which surveyed nearly 300 social workers, found that 15% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within a week. The researchers recommend education and support measures to minimize this risk.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus in children with epilepsy. It recommends considering anti-epileptic drug levels and performing an EEG to determine the cause of continuous seizures.
A new dementia screening tool developed by Saint Louis University has been shown to detect mild cognitive problems in the elderly that were missed by the Mini Mental Status Examination. The tool, known as SLUMS, is more sensitive and can help clinicians identify patients with mild neurocognitive disorder on initial visit.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that poor people living in well-to-do neighborhoods have a higher risk of death. The study, which analyzed data from 8,200 men and women over 17 years, suggests that economic strain and limited access to healthcare may be contributing factors.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is investing £17 million in its three genomics research centers: CESAGen, EGENIS, and Innogen. These funding announcements will support interdisciplinary research on the social, economic, and policy aspects of genomics from 2007 to 2012.
Project AGE provides master's students with field experiences and aging-rich training, focusing on individual, community, and policy issues. The program aims to educate leaders in geriatrics to meet the needs of an increasingly older population and their families.
Studies highlight the impact of Medicaid program reductions, including increased coverage loss and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the influence of insurance status on physician decision-making. Undiagnosed diabetes is also found to have detrimental consequences, including increased rates of nephropathy and neuropathy.
A new study by Dennis Chong and Dukhong Kim explores how economic status affects racial and ethnic minority groups in the US. The research reveals that improved socioeconomic status generally diminishes group consciousness among most minorities, but African Americans retain their racial identity due to ongoing discrimination.
A new study found a correlation between childhood socioeconomic status and adult pessimism, with high SES individuals exhibiting more optimism. Children from low SES backgrounds who experience upward mobility may not develop adaptive coping strategies, limiting their ability to benefit from later success.
The ESRC report reveals high demand for social science PhD holders in various sectors beyond academia. The study highlights the crucial importance of equipping UK social scientists with core research and professional skills.
Researchers used fMRI to monitor brain activity in pairs during a social exchange game, revealing a new 'social agency map' that tracks responsibility in social exchanges. The study improves understanding of psychiatric and developmental disorders with broken social capacities.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded new Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to five individuals, providing $50,000 in dissertation grants to support their research on various aspects of aging. The fellowships aim to cultivate the next generation of geriatric social work faculty and promote research and education in aging.
Research at a public hospital found that African-American and white women have similar prognostic profiles for estrogen receptor and tumor grade. Low economic standing is linked to poor outcomes, regardless of racial background. Socioeconomic status, not biological factors, may contribute to breast cancer disparities.
A study assessing H-pylori status in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma found that positive individuals had improved survival rates compared to those negative for the bacteria. The results suggest that H-pylori status can be a useful tool in clinical practice to distinguish between high and low risk patients.
A study found that high-status male macaques took longer to follow the gaze of other dominant monkeys compared to low-status individuals. The researchers suggest that testosterone levels in high-status males may suppress social vigilance, a trait often seen in low-status males.
Research finds comprehensive schooling neither benefits nor hinders social mobility, with changes in jobs and employment structures playing a key role. Inequality trends are slowing, but policies like redistributive social democracy can reduce inequalities of mobility.
A study published in JAMA found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have poorer physical fitness levels, which can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular death. The researchers discovered that functional capacity and heart rate recovery were strongly associated with SES and accounted for 47% of the association.
Researchers discovered that mice without brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibit increased BDNF and gene expression in response to social defeat, leading to improved social behavior. Antidepressants reverse this effect, suggesting a potential treatment for mood disorders.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found a connection between a bee's reproductive traits and its social behavior. The findings suggest that elements of a solitary ancestor's reproductive behavior may have evolved into the complex social structure and divisions of labor seen in highly social bees.
A nine-month study found that consuming biofortified, iron-rich rice improved the iron status of women, increasing it by 20% compared to traditional rice. Non-anemic women with low body iron reserves and those who consumed more rice showed the greatest improvements.
Researchers found that the amygdala becomes increasingly hyperactive when patients look at threatening faces, correlating with social phobia symptoms. The study suggests functional magnetic resonance imaging could predict clinical symptom severity and monitor treatment effectiveness.
A study of 2,310 healthy Icelandic adults found that vitamin D status was more important than high calcium intake for maintaining optimal serum parathyroid hormone levels. Vitamin D sufficiency ensured ideal serum PTH values even with low calcium intake, while high calcium intake was not sufficient without adequate vitamin D status.
A study led by Dr. William Cunningham found that HIV-infected patients with low socioeconomic status have a higher risk of death, particularly those with limited financial resources and education. The researchers also noted that these patients are more likely to use emergency room services and hospital care instead of preventive measures.
Subordinate male cichlid fish rapidly develop dominant behaviors and physiology after a social opportunity, linked to early expression of the egr-1 gene. The study reveals a neural mechanism linking social status to sexual physiology in animals.
A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center found that married breast cancer patients do not have different survival rates than unmarried women. However, younger women and those over 70 tend to fare worse despite similar disease characteristics and treatment factors. Age emerged as a significant predictor of relapse-free survival.
A positive relationship between male status and offspring count was found in a modern society subsample, indicating evolutionary forces may still be at work. This finding has implications for economics and management, explaining the striving for high and prestigious positions in men.
A study by Newcastle University found that men who experience a downward social shift are four times more likely to suffer depression, whereas women in the same position show no significant difference. The researchers suggest that this disparity may be due to differences in how men and women derive self-esteem and fulfillment.
A study found that boys with supportive parents are less likely to engage in violent behavior after witnessing violence, while girls with high levels of social understanding are also at risk. Interventions focusing on improving the parent-adolescent relationship and teaching social understanding may reduce violence in both boys and girls.
Researchers found that genetic factors explain only a small extent of social aggression (20%), with environmental factors such as parental behavior and peer influence having a greater impact. The study also suggests that reducing physically aggressive behavior in early childhood may help prevent the development of social aggression.
Researchers identified a brain circuit for social function and its abnormalities in people with Williams Syndrome, who exhibit increased anxiety despite being highly social. The amygdala's response regulation was found to be critical to social behavior, with abnormal processing leading to fearlessness in social interactions.
The ESRC Delivery Plan aims to increase responsive funding, address staff recruitment and retention issues, and enable major partnerships through collaborative funding. The plan also focuses on addressing key research challenges and demonstrating high ethical standards in social science research.
A study found that socially isolated men have higher levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, which are linked to cardiovascular disease. The researchers suggest that social connections may be beneficial for heart health and that men with lower social involvement have the highest levels of IL-6.
The Institute for OneWorld Health has been awarded $7.3 million by the Skoll Foundation to develop new, affordable medicines for infectious diseases in developing countries. The award recognizes the organization's innovative business model and its commitment to creating lasting improvements in complex social problems.
The ESRC Social Contexts and Responses to Risk network examines perceptions of risk and responses to it in various areas, including town-planning, intimate sexual behavior, and social care. The research aims to provide a clear assessment of how the social sciences can contribute to understanding and managing new risks.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys will pay to view images of familiar, high-ranking individuals or those with potential sexual partners. This study demonstrates that monkeys assess visual information by its social value, providing insight into their social cognition.
A Harvard University study finds that racial disparities in youth violence are largely driven by social factors, including neighborhood environment, parental marital status, and immigrant status. The research suggests that interventions aimed at improving community well-being may help reduce the gap.
A study of 503 older women found that small social circles are associated with lower blood glucose and blood pressure levels, as well as fewer signs of artery blockage. However, annual income was found to be a more important predictor of coronary disease death rates than social network size.
FOSRENOL effectively controls hyperphosphatemia, a leading cause of renal osteodystrophy and bone pain in ESRD patients. Long-term use maintains bone health status without worsening bone status, unlike aluminum-based phosphate binders.
Decreasing length of stay (LOS) for patients receiving inpatient medical rehabilitation has been associated with increased mortality rates, despite improved efficiency and functional status. The study found that LOS decreased by 42% from 1994 to 2001, while mortality rates increased from less than 1% to 4.7% during the same period.
The eight Hartford Fellows will conduct research on various issues in geriatric social work, including depression, end-of-life care, and aging. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of geriatric social work faculty who will improve care for older adults and their families.
A study of 563 Chicago-area women found that postmenopausal status is associated with a significant decline in pinch strength and marginally significant decline in grip strength. Physical activity may help stave off these declines, possibly due to its influence on metabolic and neurologic mechanisms.
Researchers found that younger patients, rural areas, and pregnant women were more likely to have their smoking status recorded in patient charts. However, only 50% of identified teen smokers received physician advice to quit and counseling was the most common form of assistance offered.
A study found that only 6% of women received ten mammograms, and disparities in usage were seen among Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women as well as those from lower economic status. Regular mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer death risk, highlighting the need for improved screening adherence.
A recent study found that college-educated Caucasian women have lower BMI levels compared to similar African American women, regardless of age or other factors. However, the study suggests that socioeconomic status may not be as protective against obesity for black women.
A study found that individuals with high levels of social anxiety use alcohol more often to relieve social discomfort and avoid social situations without alcohol. They experience greater relief from anxiety in social situations, but not full relief, suggesting a self-medication strategy that may lead to increased risk of alcoholism.
A long-term study found that regular physical activity in postmenopausal women is associated with better functional status and fewer physical limitations. The researchers also discovered that consistent physical activity levels over time are crucial for maintaining physical function.
Researchers followed 171 post-menopausal women over 14 years and found that those who were physically active had a higher level of functional status. Physical activity was directly related to improved functional status, even after adjusting for health status.
A study examining factors that influence successful aging found a link between social isolation and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers in men's blood. The study suggests that social relationships may influence health through biological processes, with implications for heart disease risk.
Research suggests that social structures in insects like bees and ants emerge from group interactions, with patterns of behavior creating complexity. This idea challenges the conventional view that social characteristics are programmed by genes, proposing instead that adaptation follows the development of networks.
Researchers will use single-celled social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum to uncover genes and molecular pathways underlying sociality. The project aims to understand how social forces create evolutionary pressures and control opportunistic behavior.
A mathematical model developed by Cornell University engineers quantifies language death and offers strategies to preserve endangered languages. The model attributes the decline of languages to competition for speakers, with higher-status languages like English dominating in multilingual societies.
A University of Michigan study reveals that working overtime is driven by a desire to improve social status and cultivate a sense of belonging, rather than just financial gain. The research found that blue-collar workers who work overtime are motivated by the desire to consume luxury items and keep up with their white-collar counterparts.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced the selection of nine Professorial Fellows, renowned scholars in their field, to pursue groundbreaking research. The fellowships aim to free these top researchers from administrative duties, allowing them to focus on producing high-quality research.