A global study led by McGill University found that 54% of UN-recognized countries have national mandatory vaccination policies, with varying penalties for non-compliance. Educational and financial penalties are the most common, ranging from small fines to jail time in some cases.
A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.
Researchers investigate whether changes in metabolic pathways precede neurodegeneration in MS patients, which may lead to irreversible damage to brain and nervous tissue. The study aims to develop diet, lifestyle, and drug interventions to prevent progression and improve outcomes for MS patients.
A large study by Karolinska Institutet found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Women vaccinated at a young age show a 88% reduced risk, while those vaccinated between ages 17 and 30 experience a halved risk.
Researchers linked an outbreak to a source patient who likely spread the virus through the air conditioning system, contradicting long-held assumptions about COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings support the importance of wearing face masks in indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
Researchers aim to pinpoint specific areas with the highest risk of tick-borne disease transmission using GPS data loggers and interviews with people with tick-borne diseases. The study's findings will inform targeted interventions to address a major public health threat in the US.
Researchers at Center for BrainHealth used 7-Tesla MRS to differentiate energy molecules in the brains of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a condition that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. The findings could help develop tests for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's.
According to a new study, infants born to mothers infected with COVID-19 generally do well six to eight weeks after birth. However, there was a higher rate of NICU admissions reported if the mothers had COVID-19 up to two weeks prior to delivery.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine aim to create new breast tumor models that represent women with comorbidities like diabetes, which can lead to improved outcomes in survival. The project's goal is to address the unmet clinical need for better treatment options for these patients.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain function related to symptom severity in both disorders, with more severe symptoms linked to distinct patterns of activity and connectivity. The study suggests that addressing these brain abnormalities through psychotherapy or psychiatric medications could be key to treating these conditions.
Mason researchers are providing biostatistics and bioinformatic analysis for integrating multi-omic data sets from a breast cancer cohort. The study will include correlations between proteomic, metabolomic, genomic, and/or clinical data from patients with triple-negative breast tumors.
The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 has significantly reduced socioeconomic disparities and Black-white-based racial disparities for invasive pneumococcal disease. The study found a large decrease in the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease and markedly reduced race-based disparities.
A critical EPA insecticide study on chlorpyrifos was found to have been based on incomplete data, leading to an incorrect safe exposure limit. Researchers argue that this oversight had significant public health implications and potentially allowed approvals for unsafe uses of the chemical.
Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found a decline in atrial fibrillation-related deaths over the last 45 years. Despite this improvement, the condition remains associated with a significant gap in life expectancy compared to individuals without atrial fibrillation.
The study shows that reopening a business is feasible only if stringent safety measures are taken, including frequent hand washing, routine sanitation, social distancing, and monitoring body temperature. The model estimates that these measures can increase net profit under certain assumptions.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that two-thirds of hospitalized seniors are prescribed inappropriate medications, increasing the risk of injury and adverse drug reactions. The study concludes that improving hospital prescribing practices can reduce this risk.
A large international study analyzed genetic and clinical data from 4,444 MDS patients to assess the impact of TP53 gene mutations on cancer outcomes. The study found that having two mutated copies of TP53 led to worse outcomes, while one copy had similar effects as a non-mutated copy.
A new study found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) outperforms digital mammography in detecting cancers and reducing recalls. However, women with extremely dense breasts do not experience the same level of benefit from DBT. Most women with dense breasts saw an increase in cancer detection rates with DBT.
A new Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine study finds that genetic risk factors for dementia can be lowered by improving cardiovascular health. Participants with a high genetic risk score were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia, but those with good cardiovascular health were half as likely.
A new model of breast cancer's causes, called Paradigm II, illustrates the dynamic and sometimes unexpected interactions between biological, behavioral, social, and physical domains. The model, created by a multidisciplinary team, includes 96 potential interactions and is available online for further research and discussion.
Two NAU research centers, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) and Center for Health Equity Research (CHER), received funding to support COVID-19 response efforts. PMI will test vaccine and treatment efficacy using its Biosafety Level 3 facilities, while CHER will model disease spread in rural areas.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
A study of 3,000 independently living older men found that weak or irregular circadian rhythms are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease years later. The researchers suggest that these disruptions may reflect neurodegenerative processes already affecting the brain's internal clock.
Researchers advocate for heterogenization, deliberately including biological variation in study design to balance conditions and improve generalizability. This approach aims to maximize knowledge gain per animal and experiment while reducing the number of animals needed.
A nationwide EHR study found that patients treated with phenylephrine had a lower mortality rate (24.5%) compared to dopamine and norepinephrine, even in patients with acute comorbidities. The study suggests phenylephrine as the optimal treatment for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A study found an association between SSRI treatment and violent crime in adults and adolescents, with a significant increase during treated periods. The risk persisted for up to 12 weeks after stopping SSRI treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this potential side effect.
A new app calculates individualized mortality risk assessment for cancer patients receiving immediate versus delayed treatment. The OncCOVID app draws on global cancer and coronavirus data to create personalized assessments, providing doctors with a tool to balance treatment needs against COVID-19 risks.
High blood pressure during and after exercise is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, preclinical cardiovascular disease, and death in middle-aged to older adults. Regular physical activity and monitoring blood pressure numbers can help lower this risk.
Researchers developed TransPRECISE to combine molecular data, drug profiling, and cancer cell lines to understand tumor behavior. The tool accurately predicted potential therapeutic efficiency of drugs and identified key targets.
Researchers found a significant association between coronary artery calcium and changes in the left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter. This suggests that higher calcium scores may be linked to potential adverse effects on heart function, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent calcification of arteries.
Researchers developed a single factor, 'p', combining different measures of psychiatric outcomes, which predicts patient prognosis and need for extra support. A high 'p' value is linked to adverse outcomes, such as suicide risk, criminality, or drug abuse.
A large-scale study has identified 301 distinct genetic links to type 2 diabetes among 433,540 East Asian individuals. The findings provide insight into the biological basis of the chronic metabolic disorder and highlight the importance of studying different ancestries.
Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.
A new Johns Hopkins University study finds that for every percentage point increase in roads and impervious surfaces, annual floods increase by 3.3% on average. The research team used a large dataset of streamgages and impervious surface data to isolate the effect of urbanization on flooding.
A Swedish cohort study found that breast density, microcalcifications, and masses have a significant genetic component, with heritability estimates of 58%, 23%, and 13% respectively. The study also identified positive associations between these traits and genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
A new study reveals that female wild mammals live 18.6% longer than their male counterparts, contrary to the human lifespan difference of 7.8%. This phenomenon is likely due to differences in energy allocation and physiological characteristics between sexes.
A plant-based diet can reduce cardiovascular risk, but consuming less-healthful foods like sweets and refined grains may negate these benefits. Focusing on specific, healthful plant-based food groups is crucial for reaping heart health benefits.
A study published in JAMA found abbreviated breast MRI to be more effective than digital breast tomosynthesis in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts. The test detected significantly more cancers and showed promise as a new screening tool for these patients.
A new study by West Virginia University found that 8.10% of newborns in the state had PETH levels consistent with late-pregnancy alcohol use, associated with developmental problems and cognitive deficits. The prevalence varied across the state, with higher rates in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
A UMass Amherst study found that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with autistic traits in young boys, but adequate folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may mitigate these effects. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 pregnant women and followed the development of their children until age 3 and 4.
Researchers will analyze a database of anonymized GP consultations and medical records to identify shared characteristics among patients with undiagnosed chest pain who later experience a heart attack or stroke. The study's findings could inform GPs about warning signs, enabling early intervention and potentially preventing many cases.
Researchers found significant physical and emotional benefits a decade after prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele, including better walking ability and bladder control. School-age children who received corrective surgery in the womb demonstrated improved gross and fine motor skills and a lower need for shunts and surgeries.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher is studying the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on breast density in college-age women, a strong risk factor for breast cancer. High breast density has been linked to increased breast cancer risk in older women, and this study aims to shed light on the link in younger women.
A larger hippocampus may not guarantee better memory in older adults, with a new study highlighting the significance of its white matter connectivity. The research analyzed over 330 participants and found that faster learning was only seen in those with both a larger hippocampus and uniform white matter structure.
A protein associated with ovarian cancer may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease by impairing mitochondria function and causing neuronal damage. Researchers have identified OCIAD1 as a potential therapeutic target for the disease.
Researchers developed an AI system that can detect and grade prostate cancer with accuracy comparable to world-leading uro-pathologists. The system has the potential to significantly reduce the workload of uro-pathologists and improve diagnostic quality.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago will conduct 3,000 eye exams among Latinos living in Chicago and Miami to study common eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. The goal is to identify patterns or causes of disease that can be prevented or slowed with treatment.
A McGill-led study found that people's reluctance to give up traditional stoves is linked to factors like age, education, and self-reported health. The study highlights the need for better understanding of household motivations to encourage a successful transition to clean energy.
A four-year study found that immigration deportation worries double the risk of developing high blood pressure in Mexican-born women, highlighting potential negative impacts on cardiovascular health. The study suggests considering immigration policies' effects on stress levels and subsequent blood pressure outcomes.
The Texas Advanced Computing Center will develop a meta-portal to provide access to analytics tools and data sets for researchers studying the biological characteristics underlying acute-to-chronic pain transition. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers that can predict chronic pain for medical and public health use.
A study of over 24,000 Swedish adults found that those with a family history of schizophrenia and lower IQ are more likely to experience treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The condition is associated with higher risk for suicide and significant health costs.
Researchers found that a key Alzheimer's gene (APOE) behaves differently among Caribbean Hispanics depending on ancestral origin. Individuals with African-derived APOE had a 39% lower risk of Alzheimer's compared to those with European-derived APOE.
Researchers found a significant link between daily mean temperatures and hospitalisations for undernourishment in Brazil. The study estimated that 15.6% of undernutrition hospitalisations could be attributed to heat exposure, with the greatest impact on individuals aged over 80 and those between 5-19 years.
Researchers developed a novel genomic analysis method for classifying Yersinia strains, revealing unexpected biodiversity and new species. The tool enables accurate identification of pathogenicity, guiding patient monitoring and public health initiatives.
A recent study found that women scientists are 21% less likely to author invited commentaries in medical journals compared to their male peers. The disparity grows as women progress in their careers, reaching up to 40% for the most senior authors. This lack of diversity in perspectives can hamper health research progress.
Boston University School of Medicine professor David Felson has received a P30 Center Grant to conduct clinical research in rheumatology, focusing on osteoarthritis and related conditions. The grant will support collaborations among researchers from diverse disciplines at Boston's top medical institutions.
Patients who use online patient portals are 50 percent more likely to get a flu shot and twice as likely to have their blood pressure checked compared to those who do not interact with these portals.
A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found that adding cisplatin to a standard-of-care regimen resulted in 71% tumor shrinkage and increased survival beyond one year. The treatment showed encouraging results, with 64% of patients alive after one year and 40% alive after two years.
The grant will facilitate studies involving thousands of scientists and patients across the US and globally, sharing and analyzing large amounts of Big Data on rare diseases. Cincinnati Children's will serve as a centralized data storage and sharing source, learning center, and advocacy hub for the network.
Three studies from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveal a strong association between short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children, with higher risks for disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research also found links to generalized anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy children.