A study published in The BMJ analyzed data from 7,870 women and found that around 0.5% reported virgin births without using assisted reproductive technology. Virgins were more likely to have signed chastity pledges and had lower levels of communication about sex and birth control with their parents.
A study analyzed how celebrities gain credibility as medical advisors and why the public follows their health advice. The researchers found that people's natural tendency to imitate others (herding) and celebrity endorsements can lead to a perception of trustworthiness, despite the lack of medical expertise.
A study by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand investigates whether it's better to be right or be happy. The results show that being right can cause happiness, while agreeing with what one disagrees with leads to unhappiness. The study also highlights the adverse effects of unbridled power on quality of life.
A recent study found that ear acupuncture using five points may be more effective in reducing midriff bulge than single-point stimulation. The treatment led to significant reductions in BMI and waist circumference after four weeks, with the most notable effects seen in the group using the five-point approach.
Research reveals widespread ignorance among cat owners about their pets' reproductive cycles, leading to millions of unplanned litters and health problems for mother cats and kittens. Improving owner knowledge could significantly reduce the numbers of accidental litters.
The DTB suggests that England should reject new drugs if pharmaceutical companies fail to provide supporting evidence, reducing duplication of effort and postcode availability. This follows the example of Scotland and Wales, where such decisions are made by a single UK appraisal service.
A significant minority (21%) of the Dutch public supports assisted dying for elderly individuals who are not seriously ill but feel tired of living. Those with higher education and less trust in doctors tend to be more supportive of this option.
Researchers found that laughter can increase pain thresholds, reduce arterial wall stiffness, and lower heart attack risk, but also cause adverse effects like heart rupture, asthma attacks, and hernias.
Researchers measured James Bond's alcohol consumption in Ian Fleming novels and found it was over four times the recommended limit. This high level of drinking may have caused physical symptoms such as an alcohol-induced tremor, leading to his famous catchphrase 'shaken, not stirred'.
Researchers analyzed Wagner's operas for clues on his debilitating migraines, finding characteristic pulsating patterns and intense pain descriptions. The composer's creative use of music to convey suffering may have influenced future generations.
Researchers found a significant link between the surname Brady and an increased risk of bradycardia, with patients named Brady more likely to require pacemakers compared to the general population. The study suggests that people may have a preference for careers connected to their name, influencing their health outcomes.
A study published in BMJ Open found that UK women scientists receive fewer studies funded and less money than their male peers in infectious disease research. Women's total share of funding ranged from 14% to 27%, with men receiving most of the total investment.
The UK's failure to implement a comprehensive national policy on childhood physical activity has severe consequences, including obesity and poor health outcomes. Experts warn that this lack of action amounts to 'mass child neglect' and demand a child-centred approach to create opportunities for all children to be active daily.
A study found that 14% of veterinarians burn out within 10 years of qualifying, with women being almost twice as likely to experience burn-out, and reaching it faster. The causes include job demands and low self-efficacy among female vets.
An estimated 463 children in England start smoking every day, while 55 and 30 do so in Scotland and Wales respectively. Smoking at a young age poses significant health risks, including lung development issues and increased cancer risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients taking sodium-containing medications had a 16% increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or vascular death compared to those taking non-sodium versions. The researchers call for clearer labelling of medicine sodium content and cautionary prescribing practices.
A study of over 30,000 women in Ireland found that private patients were more likely to have a C-section or surgical delivery, with rates twice as high for planned C-sections. The disparities remained after adjusting for social and medical factors.
Four years of sustained regular physical activity boosted the likelihood of healthy ageing sevenfold compared with consistent inactivity. Participants who became physically active reaped benefits, being more than three times as likely to be healthy agers.
A study identified factors associated with uncomplicated pregnancies, including high fruit intake before pregnancy and being in paid employment during pregnancy. These findings suggest that targeted interventions promoting healthy choices may increase the likelihood of normal pregnancy outcomes.
A study of over 1,200 teenagers found that the ideal amount of weekly sports participation is around 14 hours, which is double the official recommendation. This level of engagement was associated with better mental and physical wellbeing, while excessive exercise had detrimental effects.
Economic downturns in mid-life may lead to lower cognitive ability and memory problems later on, with men experiencing more severe effects. Analyzing data from 12,000 Europeans, researchers found that those who faced economic recessions during their 40s had poorer cognitive performance at age 50.
Research tracked almost 23,000 UK children's pulse rates from 1980-2008, finding a consistent rise of 0.04 bpm per year, more pronounced in boys. The increase suggests higher risks of diabetes and heart disease in later life.
The NHS 111 service increased emergency ambulance calls, attendances at emergency care departments, and use of urgent care services during its first year of operation. Despite being designed to direct patients to the most appropriate level of care, NHS 111 did not reduce these pressures.
Pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery are at higher risk of giving birth to preterm or small-for-gestational age babies. The study found a lower risk of large babies in these women. Researchers conclude that women with bariatric surgery history should be counselled regarding their increased risk.
Research found that academics with industry ties were more likely to assess higher risks and promote drugs, while those without ties were less likely to do so. The study highlights the need for transparency in reporting competing interests among experts quoted in media articles.
Hospital admission during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of serious blood clots (venous thromboembolism), with a particularly high rate among women aged 35 and over. Women hospitalized for three or more days also face an increased risk.
Annual car crash deaths in England and Wales have plummeted 41% over the past five decades, but a stark disparity remains between those from affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds. The data also reveal women are more likely to die in car crashes at older ages, with significant social class differences observed.
A 20% sugary drink tax in the UK could reduce the number of obese adults by 180,000 and overweight individuals by 285,000. The tax would primarily impact young people under 30 years old, who are major consumers of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Exercise programs designed for older adults appear to reduce the risk of injuries caused by falls, including fractures and other serious injuries. The review of 17 trials found that these programs can significantly decrease the rate of falls resulting in medical care, serious injuries, and fractures.
A recent study found that almost 1 in 3 large clinical trials remain unpublished five years after completion, with 78% having no results publicly available. This phenomenon violates an ethical obligation towards study participants, highlighting the need for additional safeguards to ensure timely public dissemination of trial data.
A resurgence in swaddling has raised concerns about developmental hip problems in babies, with a link to osteoarthritis and hip replacement in middle age. Swaddling can be safe if done correctly, but delaying natural development of the hip joints is a risk factor.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that DIY and gardening activities can decrease total sedentary time, reducing heart attack/stroke risk by 27-30%. These routine activities are as good as exercise for older adults who struggle to achieve recommended exercise intensity levels.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that truck drivers frequently use substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, and cocaine while on the road. The prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, trip duration, and work conditions.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular moderate to vigorous exercise improves teens' academic performance, with girls doing better in science. The study, which tracked over 5000 children aged 11-16, showed a dose-response effect between exercise intensity and test results.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that children born to teen moms have similar spatial and non-verbal skills as those born to older mothers, after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status and perinatal care. However, a slight difference in verbal skills scores remained.
A study published in BMJ Open found that the number of newly diagnosed autism cases in the UK has leveled off after a five-fold increase during the 1990s. In contrast, US data show a 78% rise in prevalence among 8-year-olds between 2004 and 2008.
A new NHS funding formula may prioritize age over deprivation, potentially widening the health gap between north and south. This shift could undermine equal opportunity of access for equal need, with poorer regions facing reduced services.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, particularly those with severe disease. Closer monitoring and careful consideration of medications are recommended for this patient population.
A survey of over 32,000 appendix samples found abnormal prion protein in 16 people, indicating a prevalence of 493 per million population. Researchers estimate one in 2,000 people are likely to be carriers, with no particular age group or geographic region affected.
Experts argue that the risk of removing low-risk lesions may outweigh the benefits of screening, citing data showing that less than 5% of adenomas develop into colorectal cancer. The medical profession should not adopt consensus guidelines without further research on sessile serrated polyps.
Two studies published in BMJ Group found a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research suggests that even low levels of daytime and night-time aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A long-term analysis of economic cycles found that death rates increased for middle-aged and elderly people when the economy was growing. The study suggests that factors like job stress and road traffic accidents may not fully explain these trends, but social support changes could play a role.
A study analyzing 11 years of data found that less than 1% of NHS doctors prompt performance concerns each year. Doctors in the late stages of their career are six times more likely to be referred for remedial help, highlighting a need for greater attention to mental wellbeing among staff.
Researchers argue that exercise should be considered alongside drug therapy due to its well-documented health benefits. However, the current evidence base is limited, with only a small amount of trial data available on the mortality benefits of exercise compared to drugs.
A study of over 1.1 million east and south Asian individuals found a strong association between higher BMI and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. However, the association was weaker in south Asians, particularly at low BMI ranges.
The global supply of illicit drugs has likely not been reduced in the past two decades, with street prices falling and purity/potency increasing. This study analyzed data from seven international surveillance systems to conclude that law enforcement efforts are failing to curb supply and contribute to violence and public health issues.
A study of over 14,000 children found that autistic kids had poorer sleep quality, including shorter total sleep duration and more frequent wake-ups at night. The researchers suggest that this may be due to impaired melatonin production, which could impact neuronal development.
A 40-year study of Swedish women found that experiencing multiple stressful life events in mid-life increases the risk of developing dementia in late life. The research, published in BMJ Open, suggests that stress management and behavioral therapy may help mitigate this risk.
A recent analysis of hospital trust policies found significant shortcomings in post mortem exam procedures, with many failing to explain the law behind consent or outline clear processes for obtaining consent. The study highlights the need for adequate guidance to ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect after death.
The UK's sleep disorder services are severely lacking, with high rates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in certain regions going undiagnosed and untreated. Despite the rising demand due to an aging population, many areas have limited access to specialized care, leading to a concerning mismatch between need and supply.