Less than half of Americans know that drinking alcohol raises cancer risk, despite the CDC's claim that reducing alcohol intake lowers cancer risk. The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 40% were unaware or misinformed about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
A clinical trial has begun to assess the safety and acceptability of a novel rectal HIV microbicide douche containing tenofovir for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The study aims to provide an 'on-demand' HIV prevention method for eligible individuals who engage in receptive anal intercourse.
A multi-state study published in The Lancet found the RSV vaccine to be highly effective in protecting older adults against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The vaccine provided approximately 80% protection against these outcomes, including severe disease and ICU admission.
The Center for Global Health Practice and Impact (CGHPI) at Georgetown University Medical Center has been awarded $27.5 million by the CDC/PEPFAR to expand its work in Haiti addressing HIV/AIDS. The new program, TIDE Plus, will strengthen care delivery models and support patient-led organizations to sustain the HIV response.
A recent study found that nearly three-fourths of Chicago's children had no swimming lessons in 2022, with significant racial and ethnic differences. Black and Hispanic/Latine kids were disproportionately affected, citing lack of comfort with swimming as a reason for not taking lessons.
UNCG researchers aim to reduce rapid weight gain and obesity risk among Latine infants by supporting mothers in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding without supplementation during infancy correlates with less excess weight gain for the baby and a healthier weight throughout childhood.
Researchers found Salmonella enterica in wastewater treatment plant samples, indicating a foodborne pathogen. The study suggests domestic sewage monitoring can detect infectious diseases circulating in a community, enabling health officials to swiftly trace the source of contaminated food.
A new international study provides a list of wildlife species present at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market where SARS-CoV-2 likely arose. Genetic material from raccoon dogs, civet cats, and other species was found in samples from market stalls.
A new study published by UNM Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Jeremy Hogeveen and colleagues found that adolescents who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed no significant increase in depression compared to those without a history of TBI. The study, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Developmen...
A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.
Researchers found significant associations between social vulnerability and mental health and substance use disorders in the US. Socially vulnerable populations are at greater risk of specific disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorder, with a 17-fold increase in prevalence.
Early Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its flu-like symptoms and the limitations of current testing methods. The new guidance article provides recommendations for clinicians to improve Lyme disease outcomes by assessing criteria for positivity and mitigating factors, as well as optimal timing of testing.
Scientists at Yokohama National University developed innovative catalysts using noble metals Rhodium and Ruthenium to facilitate cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions. These reactions utilize oxygen as the sole oxidant, producing aryl esters with minimal waste.
The WISEWOMAN program, funded by the CDC, improved blood pressure, diet, and physical activity among low-income, uninsured women in Nebraska. Lifestyle interventions led to significant weight loss, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new Yale study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and stillbirth outcomes. The research analyzed hundreds of records from the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink, comparing receipt of the vaccine to stillbirths versus live births.
A Rutgers Health study examines the importance of social support networks for older adults living with HIV, finding that strong connections can reduce stress and anxiety. The research also emphasizes the need for increased funding and programs to foster positive social interactions and improve overall quality of life.
A recent study found that nearly one-in-five chlamydia patients and one-in-four gonorrhea patients did not receive CDC-recommended treatment. Treatment rates were higher for individuals seen in public health clinics, particularly males, younger patients, and those identifying as Black or multiracial.
A new study by Rutgers Health and other universities found that the US maternal death rate is likely being overestimated due to flawed surveillance methods. The true rate is estimated to be around 10 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly half of the CDC's reported figure.
New research estimates the economic toll of youth violence in the US, revealing that homicides and nonfatal assaults among young people cost $122 billion. The study highlights the importance of developing programs to address risk factors and prevent youth violence.
A study by Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans had been vaccinated against RSV prior to this fall and winter. The study also revealed that men were more likely to be vaccinated than women, and those who were vaccinated had higher levels of concern about the disease.
A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.
Research indicates nearly six million American women experienced unintended pregnancies as a result of rape and/or sexual coercion. The study also found that a significant portion of these women reported injuries, STDs, and felt fearful or concerned for their safety after the incidents.
Experts call for a coordinated national effort to improve health communication and build vaccine literacy, citing low trust in public health and disinformation as major concerns.
Researchers discovered that individuals with obesity expel more energy at night compared to those with a healthy weight. During the day, people with obesity have higher insulin levels, indicating their body is working harder to process glucose.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US is not meeting its standards, with reports of serious adverse events being missed or ignored. The system relies on voluntary reports from doctors and patients, but staffing issues and conflicting information have led to frustration among those who file reports.
A new report highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in outpatient telemedicine settings, where up to 28% of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily. The study's findings suggest that incorporating CDC core elements can optimize antibiotic use and reduce adverse events.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
Research by George Mason University found that women with physical disabilities have lower cervical cancer screening rates, highlighting the need for improved access to preventive health services. The study's findings also reveal disparities in screening rates among different types of disabilities.
Childhood trauma rates surged during the pandemic, with injuries from motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds rising disproportionately in socioeconomically deprived areas. The study highlights worsened pandemic-related stressors exacerbating an already severe problem.
A new study reveals a distinct genetic fingerprint of Leishmania mexicana in non-traveler patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, suggesting locally acquired cases are on the rise. The CDC warns that domestic sand flies may acquire a deadly form of visceral leishmaniasis via imported dogs.
Patients with long COVID exhibit reduced serotonin levels, leading to inflammation and neurological symptoms. Treating serotonin deficiencies may reverse memory impairment in small animal models.
Researchers discovered that young children's immune systems produce fewer and more stable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which may explain why they rarely develop severe cases of the virus. This unique response is characterized by narrow-spectrum antibodies effective against the original variant but less protective against other variants.
A new study finds that a generic daily HIV prevention pill could reduce new HIV acquisitions by 37% over 10 years, saving $5,000 per person compared to annual screening. Generic PrEP is more cost-saving than current CDC-recommended annual screening in this population.
The UMass Amherst-UT Austin team has been awarded $27.5 million by the CDC to establish the nation's first disease outbreak response and modeling network. The $250 million program will support decision makers during public health emergencies like COVID-19.
The CDC has awarded a coalition led by UC San Diego researchers $17.5 million to develop innovative tools and networks for rapid response to emerging disease outbreaks. The project aims to integrate forecasting and analytic approaches with data to inform public health decisions.
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health is hosting a new CDC center for outbreak forecasting and response, supported by $4.5 million in funding over five years.
An analysis of 71,000 shooting incidents in five major US cities found that socioeconomic status and lack of access to a vehicle are strongly linked to increased firearm assaults. Policymakers can use this data to target neighborhoods at risk of firearm violence using the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index.
The CDC's Adapting Clinical Guidelines for the Digital Age (ACG) initiative introduces a new integrated process for developing written and computable clinical practice guidelines. This approach allows for feedback from clinicians and can save time and costs. The goal is to achieve a seamless, efficient, accurate, and consistent transla...
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
Penn State has been awarded $6.25 million in CDC funding to lead a new Vector-Borne Disease Regional Training and Evaluation Center, which aims to reduce Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases by enhancing training for at-risk groups.
A patient in Cleveland was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium that's rarely found in eye infections. The contaminated eye drops were identified as the source of infection, and treatment required strong antibiotics to prevent vision loss.
A new study from the University of Georgia and CDC found that 20% of suicides between 2003 and 2020 were related to issues like breakups, conflict, divorce, and mental health problems. Intimate partner problems were more common among individuals who experienced mental health issues, life stressors, and recent legal issues.
A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.
Researchers in Southern Nevada have detected Candida auris genetic material in untreated sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment facilities. The fungus was also found in nearly 80% of untreated sewage samples, indicating its spread in the region. Wastewater surveillance may provide an early warning system for public health actio...
A new study published in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases demonstrates that the serum of white-tailed deer blood is lethal to the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The researchers hope this discovery may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.
A meta-analysis of commercially available STI tests found vaginal swabs to be more sensitive than urine specimens in detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The study supports the CDC's recommendation for vaginal swab testing as the optimal sample type for women.
The latest CDC report highlights changing demographics of autism and its impact on early detection. In California, 2.8% of 8-year-old children have been identified with ASD, while the median age of first diagnosis is just over 4 years.
The CDC report found a continued rise in autism prevalence among 8-year-olds, with girls now surpassing 1% prevalence rate, while boys remain more likely to be diagnosed. The report also showed shifts in racial and ethnic backgrounds of children identified with ASD, with non-white populations having greater diagnostic access.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends earlier and more intensive treatment of childhood and teen obesity, citing evidence that diet and exercise alone are insufficient. The ASMBS supports this guideline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
A NYU school dental program using silver diamine fluoride and sealants prevented 80% of cavities in a randomized trial. The study suggests an efficient and cost-effective approach to improving children's oral health through school-based care.
A team of researchers from UNC and CDC developed an injectable implant that can release HIV PrEP medications for up to six months, providing full protection. The technology has shown promise in non-human primates and could potentially be adapted for human use.
Researchers at Rice University's Center for Theoretical Biological Physics discovered Aedes aegypti's chromosomes have a unique 'liquid crystal' structure, unlike other species. This finding may provide insights into the functioning of genomes and gene regulation.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
Researchers found that the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery is a promising option for measuring cognitive change in people with intellectual disability. The study shows that the test is sensitive to developmental changes in children, teens, and young adults, which can help guide effective interventions.
The annual report shows a continued decline in overall cancer death rates among men, women, children, and adolescents. Additionally, there are modest improvements in survival for pancreatic cancer, with declines seen in lung cancer and melanoma.
A new study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than previously documented by the CDC. The study leverages citizen science data, revealing a critical need for increased tick surveillance and preventative measures against ticks.
A study found that 60% of healthcare workers tested positive for COVID with antigen tests after five days and 50% were positive after seven days. Antigen tests are a better proxy for indicating infectiousness than PCR tests.
Research suggests people with HIV and CD4 counts lower than 350 cells per microliter are at increased risk of severe breakthrough COVID-19 infections. The study's findings support the CDC's recommendations for additional vaccine dosing and risk-reduction measures for these individuals.