The NIH will hold a Consensus Development Conference on Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy, bringing together experts to discuss the latest research findings. The conference aims to clarify factors associated with prevention and better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
A large US-based study found a distinct association between low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and increased suicide risk among electric utility workers. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that EMF exposure may contribute to depression and suicidal behavior, particularly among youn...
A large-scale study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found no connection between silicone breast implants and connective tissue diseases. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included data from 757 studies and analyzed 9 cohort studies, 9 case-control studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies.
Researchers found that intelligent adolescents tend to postpone any kind of lesser sexual activity, as well as first sex, compared to their less intelligent peers. The association between intelligence and refraining from sexual intercourse was stronger for girls than boys, and age-dependent.
A University of California, San Francisco study found that screening mammography in elderly women aged 66-79 reduced their risk of developing metastatic breast cancer by 43% compared to those who were not screened. This is the first evidence that mammography is beneficial for these women.
A statistical analysis of liver patient records helped resolve a public health policy dispute over organ allocation. The new system prioritizes the most severely ill patients, improving transplant rates and reducing waiting times.
A new study found that primary care clinics serving low-income populations maintained their traditional market share of Medi-Cal patients despite a decline in total Medi-Cal beneficiaries. However, these clinics still face significant financial challenges due to cost control measures under managed care.
A clinical study found that adefovir reduced viral load by an average of 60% in patients, but also caused kidney problems in about 60% of those taking the drug beyond 24 weeks. The drug is useful as an additional medication for building effective treatment combinations, but should be used with close monitoring.
A new study by UCSF researchers suggests that screening for breast cancer in elderly women may not be worth the cost, citing a small increase in life expectancy. The study also highlights the potential downsides of mammograms, including false positives and anxiety caused by abnormal results.
Researchers found that women smokers are three times more likely to have the K-ras mutation and nearly four times more likely to die from lung cancer if they have it. The study suggests a link between estrogen and the initiation of K-ras mutant cells in lung tumors.
A large-scale national study will investigate whether weight loss reduces cardiovascular disease and slows atherosclerosis progression in obese people with type 2 diabetes. The 7-year trial, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, aims to enroll 6,000 participants.
A new HIV drug intervention using nevirapine is significantly cheaper and more effective than three similar treatments, preventing 603 infections at a cost of $80,000 per year. The universal nevirapine program is the most cost-effective option, with a treatment cost of $138 to prevent one case of infant HIV.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $8.2 million to the University of Washington for a research center studying air pollution and its effects on human health. The Northwest Research Center will examine fine particles, particulate matter under 2.5 microns in size, and their association with daily health outcomes.
Researchers found exposure to certain environmental factors that affect the immune system can decrease a person's risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Factors associated with increased risk include a history of splenectomy, gonorrhea, and polio, while decreased risks were linked to allergies, bee stings, and certain medications.
A new study of over 300,000 people found that obesity significantly increases the risk of premature death by 5.9 and 6.4 years for men and women aged 40-50, respectively. Optimal weight remains the same across different age groups, with excess weight artificially adding years to real age.
A multi-center study found that people infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) are at a greater risk of acquiring bronchitis, bladder and kidney infections, oral herpes, and pneumonia. HTLV-II is primarily found in injection drug users and Amerindian tribes in South and Central America.
The Rush University Medical Center has launched a new NIH-funded program to train individuals in the fundamentals of clinical research. The program, which includes courses on biostatistics, epidemiology, and research ethics, aims to prepare individuals for careers in clinical research.
A new study by the NIH/NINDS found that lower doses of aspirin (81-325mg) taken before and after carotid endarterectomy surgery are more effective in preventing strokes than higher doses. The results suggest that lower doses may be better tolerated and easier to take, making them a promising option for stroke prevention.
A new observational study published in JAMA found a significant correlation between low vitamin C levels and high blood lead levels among Americans. The study analyzed data from over 19,500 Americans and revealed that about half of one percent have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
A Penn State study suggests that eating low-energy-density meals, which contain fewer calories per ounce and are rich in fruits, vegetables, or grains, can help individuals manage their weight while still feeling full and satisfied. The study found that the energy density of food, rather than fat content, plays a key role in satiety.
A study of 200 white and black girls aged 13-14 found that more body fat was associated with lower dating success, while below-average fat was linked to higher rates of dating. The research suggests that adolescent girls' weight concerns influence their attitudes towards physical attractiveness.
A new study found that anabolic steroids can increase lean body mass and reduce fatigue in kidney disease patients receiving dialysis. Patients who received the steroid gained an average of 5.7 pounds more lean body mass than those on placebo, scoring better on physical performance tests.
The Emory-led WASID study aims to compare the effectiveness of warfarin and aspirin in preventing stroke and vascular death in patients with intracranial stenosis. The five-year trial will evaluate 806 high-risk patients at 50 sites across North America.
A recent study found that low-level inflammation in adults is connected to measures of insulin metabolism. The loss of sensitivity to insulin contributes to diabetes, which in turn is a major cause of heart disease. High levels of C-reactive protein indicate low-level inflammatory status and are associated with increased risk of cardio...
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found a strong link between genes and the accumulation of extra belly fat and insulin resistance. The study suggests that people with certain genetic traits are more likely to develop type II diabetes and abdominal visceral fat, even if they follow healthy lifestyles.
Health researchers sought to understand the impact of vitamin A deficiency and HIV infection on infant growth and immune cell counts. Biostatistician Colin Wu used curve estimation to produce a broader picture of these phenomena, allowing for comparisons at various stages. This technique has proven helpful in tracking changes over time...
Despite long-standing guidelines recommending antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with cardiac valvular problems, a new study finds no association between dental procedures and the onset of endocarditis. The researchers suggest reconsidering current policies due to low incidence and potential risks associated with antibiotics.
Researchers found that 11% of infected men were long-term nonprogressors at 10 years, but only 2% remained nonprogressors after 18 years. High plasma viral loads are a strong predictor of disease progression. Antiviral therapy is recommended for individuals with rising virus levels and high CD4 counts.
A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that weight loss, not weight gain, is associated with higher mortality rates in seniors. Women with a body mass index of 20 or lower had a significantly higher mortality rate than others.
This study investigated the association of dietary components with iron stores in an elderly population. The results found five significant dietary factors positively associated with serum ferritin, including heme iron, supplemental iron, and vitamin C.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that adolescents who participated in a health and physical education program lowered their total fat and LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 7% and 10%, respectively. The study showed that vigorous exercise was more effective in reducing cholesterol levels...
A large-scale study shows that estrogen replacement therapy, with or without progestin, consistently and sustainably reduces plasma lipoprotein (a) concentrations, a high-risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The results also confirm hormone therapy's broad-scale impact on cholesterol metabolism.
Researchers found that African Americans and Hispanics with the APOE-4 allele have a similar risk of Alzheimer's disease as whites, but those without the allele had significantly increased risks. The study suggests that there may be new genes or environmental factors involved in the disease.
A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
A study found that individuals with high cholesterol in middle adulthood continue to have a high risk of heart disease despite declining cholesterol levels over time. Men who experienced the largest decreases in cholesterol still had high initial levels, suggesting that early detection and management are crucial.
Infants born to mothers imprisoned during pregnancy have healthier birthweights, on average heavier than infants born to mothers jailed at other times. Research suggests that prenatal care, food, and shelter may contribute to this phenomenon, possibly due to reduced domestic and sexual abuse.
A new study found that many North Carolina third- and fourth-graders have higher-than-healthy blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, putting them at a higher risk of heart disease or strokes later in life. Additionally, a small but significant number of elementary school children are already smoking.
A new international study has found a significant association between high levels of trans fatty acids and breast cancer in European women. The research suggests that reducing trans fatty acid consumption through dietary changes may help protect against breast cancer development.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that maternal lead exposure leads to a 40% increase in cavities in rats. Lead interferes with saliva production, which protects teeth against decay. The team is now searching for the cause of this link, which could help explain why dental cavities remain a major public health problem.
A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with mild asthma do not need to take albuterol regularly. The study suggests that using albuterol only during symptoms can effectively manage asthma without negative consequences.