A new study will analyze the effects of extreme weather on childhood development using big data. The research aims to better understand how weather-related events influence pediatric health and development, which could help address growing health disparities.
A five-year study led by Leila Larson aims to improve childhood health and development in resource-limited settings. The BUNDLE study employs a combination of responsive caregiving, nutrient-dense foods, and disease prevention and treatment, addressing critical adversities faced by many children.
The Tots & Tech Study aims to understand how children and families grow, sleep, move, and interact with technology. Families will participate in 20 hours of activities over three years, earning up to $1,200, with no risks involved.
A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
A recent study found that daytime sleepiness increases reliance on habits, whether good or bad, making it more likely to fall back on old, unwanted behaviors. Getting enough sleep is crucial to support new habits and maintain willpower.
A new grant will investigate the role of social media in teen e-cigarette and cigarette use. Researchers will analyze social influences, particularly through online networks, to understand how teens are influenced to smoke and use e-cigarettes. The study aims to develop effective interventions to reduce nicotine product use among teens.
A new $4 million grant aims to test auricular point acupressure as a treatment for chronic pain in rural populations. The project, led by UTHealth Houston and USC, will use a smartphone app to guide patients through self-administered ear stimulation.
Researchers will design a digital intervention to harness existing social relationships and promote sustained behavior changes related to physical activity. A five-year R01 grant will be used to study the effectiveness of this approach in increasing long-term increases in physical activity among U.S. adults.
A new series of studies will test the effectiveness of PATCH, a USC-designed wearable device that accurately captures everyday activities. The device integrates multiple sensors to measure physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep in children.
Stella Self and her team will reduce costs and improve accuracy in vector-borne disease surveillance by employing multiple surveillance strategies, including active and passive approaches.
A researcher is studying patterns of weight gain and BMI increases in children based on behavioral, social, environmental, and biological factors. The study aims to identify monthly patterns in BMI change and associated behaviors.
A study published in Public Health Nutrition found that unhealthy food retailers and advertisements dominate urban school neighborhoods in Greater Tunis, contributing to high rates of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed over 3600 retailers and nearly 2100 advertisements, revealing that two-thirds were classified as unhealthy, w...
A recent study reveals a complex interaction of factors contributing to anemia, including dietary diversity, food insecurity, access to clean water, and infection/inflammation status. The findings suggest that interventions addressing multiple nutritional predictors can reduce anemia prevalence in high-risk populations.
A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.
A new study will analyze electronic health records to identify facilitators and barriers of successful pediatric-to-adult HIV care transitions among youth in South Carolina. The research aims to develop guidance to improve systems and protocols for vulnerable populations.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
Researchers aim to identify contaminants in ash, soil, and surface waters from the Maui fire, posing risks to human health. The study will also help educate communities on the presence and risk of contaminants, informing prevention measures for future fires.
Research highlights the challenges of rural hospital-based maternity unit closures and transportation barriers, leading to delays in care and adverse outcomes. The study suggests that telehealth services can provide a solution to address these disparities in maternal health outcomes.
A new study examines the pros and cons of advanced maternal age, finding that while older mothers face increased risks, they also have significant advantages due to their socioeconomic status. The research aims to untangle the truth about this complex issue by investigating how biomedical knowledge is produced and disseminated.
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Research finds that 75% of boys with fragile X meet criteria for co-occurring autism, but only 31% are identified in community settings. Early diagnosis is crucial to access services improving outcomes and quality of life.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
Research found that e-cigarette manufacturers use psychographic targeting to appeal to new users based on lifestyles and attitudes, particularly among low-risk young adults. The study suggests that stricter marketing regulations are needed to reduce exposure to these advertisements and minimize the risk of initiation.
Researchers are developing a community-based digital health intervention to increase vaccination uptake among children in rural and underserved areas. The project aims to empower community health workers to deliver education on vaccinations, overcoming the digital divide and addressing challenges faced by limited health workforce.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.