A study in Shenzhen, China analyzed data from 391 COVID-19 cases and their contacts to understand the virus's transmission dynamics. The analysis revealed that contact tracing and extensive testing reduced the incubation period to about three days, and household contacts were at high risk of infection.
A new study found that 47 US states and territories do not require child care operators to notify parents about firearms on-site. Nearly one-quarter have no regulations governing firearms in centers, while only a handful prohibit them in homes.
A survey of over 195 men on probation and/or parole in Baltimore found that more than half attempted to acquire a firearm but were unsuccessful due to various reasons. The majority reported selling or trading guns for money, drugs, or other guns.
A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.
A nationwide survey of over 230,000 US adolescents found increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among those seeking mental health care. The proportion of adolescent girls reporting treatment or counseling rose significantly, while boys' usage declined.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates the median disease incubation period for COVID-19 at 5.1 days, affirming earlier estimates and supporting the CDC's current 14-day quarantine period. This estimate suggests that about 97.5% of people develop symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure.
Researchers use lab-grown 'mini-brains' to detect harmful side effects of paroxetine on developing brain cells, revealing reduced synapse growth and support-cell populations. The study suggests mini-brains as a promising alternative to animal testing for detecting neurodevelopmental effects of drugs.
A new study found a significant increase in political TV ads referencing guns, with gun regulation messages growing by 369% and pro-gun rights ads decreasing by 45%. Gun policy has emerged as a key issue in candidates' campaign platforms, with most ads supporting the Second Amendment.
Scientists have discovered a fundamental process that regulates gene activity by destroying tangled RNAs. This discovery may lead to powerful new medical treatments and shed light on the development of human disorders.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people on high fiber diets are 40% more likely to experience bloating if they consume protein-rich diets. The researchers suggest that substituting high-quality carb calories for protein calories may reduce bloating and make these diets more tolerable.
A recent study found that fewer than one-third of caregivers to older adults report being regularly asked by health care workers about needed support. Most caregivers reported positive interactions with health care workers, but the lack of regular check-ins highlights a need for improved caregiver support.
A large study of infant physical activity levels suggests that less active infants may accumulate more fat, which could predispose them to obesity later in life. Higher physical activity was associated with lower central adiposity, a measure of lower-torso fat accumulation.
A risk management program for opioids may not be effective due to design and execution flaws, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. The program's educational materials were consistent with FDA guidelines, but assessments of its impact were often inadequate.
A study found that young children who received housing vouchers had 27% lower hospital spending and 18% fewer hospitalizations than those who did not. The study suggests that reducing poverty in neighborhoods may lead to significant health benefits.
A new study found that certain urban areas have significantly higher rates of heroin use among high school students, with Latina and white girls in Duval County, Florida, showing the highest figures for non-medical prescription opioid misuse. The findings underscore the need for tailored services to address adolescent opioid abuse.
Researchers found that bariatric weight-loss surgery can release toxic chemicals like PCBs and organochlorine pesticides stored in fat into the bloodstream. Patients born before 1976 showed higher levels of these compounds due to greater exposure to environmental toxins.
A new risk calculator tool predicts accurate five-year risk of chronic kidney disease based on variables like age, hypertension, and diabetes status. The tool enables healthcare providers to identify patients at high risk and benefit from preventive interventions.
A two-minute questionnaire has been shown to identify over 2,000 patients who may benefit from mental health treatment and resources. The tool, known as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), was implemented in pediatric ERs six years ago and has since become a standard of care.
Patients treated by providers later excluded from Medicare for committing fraud and abuse were more likely to die than similar patients treated by non-excluded physicians, nurses, and other professionals. The study estimates that fraud and abuse contributed to 6,700 premature deaths in 2013 alone.
The Global Health Security Index reveals severe weaknesses in countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to significant disease outbreaks. The average overall score is slightly over 40 out of a possible 100, with the lowest-scoring category being having a sufficient health sector.
A large genome-wide association study has identified 183 genetic loci associated with high serum urate levels, a major risk factor for gout. The study also found that these loci can be used to predict gout risk in independent populations.
A study of 548 older adults found that fragmented physical activity, measured by brief periods of activity and sedentary states, was associated with increased mortality risk. The researchers suggest that this may be an earlier indicator of mortality than total daily activity levels.
A new study suggests that tsunamis after the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 brought a tropical fungus ashore, leading to subsequent outbreaks of often-fatal infections among people in coastal regions. The fungus, Cryptococcus gattii, is typically found in warm climates but was discovered in the Pacific Northwest region.
A study of people who use illicit opioids found that 27% prefer drugs with fentanyl, and these users are more likely to be younger, white, and daily users. The study suggests that harm-reduction strategies should target users who fit this profile, particularly those using portable drug-checking technologies.
Researchers found that plant-forward diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use, with even a two-thirds vegan diet having lower impacts than traditional lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. The study's findings emphasize the need for country-specific dietary shifts to address climate and nutrition crises.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at higher risk for reporting internalizing behaviors. The study suggests that setting boundaries and improving media literacy may help mitigate these risks.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that black men have a 30% lifetime risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), while Hispanic men have a 22% risk. The researchers developed a risk calculator to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from PAD diagnostic screening.
A national public opinion survey found strong support for over twenty gun violence prevention policies among Americans, including extreme risk protection orders and universal background checks. Gun owners and non-gun owners alike showed broad agreement on these measures.
Researchers found a significant connection between positive childhood experiences and adult respondents' mental and emotional health. Those reporting six to seven positive childhood experiences had 72% lower odds of depression or poor mental health days compared to those with zero to two.
Independent charity prescription drug assistance programs in the US primarily cover insured patients, leaving out those without health insurance. These programs tend to favor higher-priced brand-name drugs over generics.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs found that net use increases during rainy seasons and decreases in the dry season. This seasonal variation in net use can lead to gaps in malaria prevention efforts if not taken into account.
A computer-simulated study suggests that standard solid food feeding guides from hospitals and baby-formula makers may not provide accurate recommendations for infants. Following these guidelines can lead to overweight infants as early as 9-11 months old, with the Similac guide producing the healthiest results.
Scientists suggest that global warming may have enabled the emergence of Candida auris as a deadly human-infecting pathogen. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its relatives, hinting at recent adaptation.
A new study found that cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of peripheral artery disease, which can persist for up to 30 years after quitting. Compared to never-smokers, smokers had a fourfold increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a link between the 2016 US presidential election and an increase in preterm births among Latina mothers. The analysis revealed 2,337 excess preterm births, or 3.5%, more than expected following the election.
A study found that women's immune response to the flu vaccine is stronger than men's, but declines with age, especially in women. Researchers discovered that estrogen levels boost female immunity, while testosterone has a weaker effect on male responses.
Researchers suggest targeting men who work outside at night and travelers/seasonal workers to prevent lingering malaria cases. Despite widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying, Zanzibar struggles to eliminate the disease due to residual cases. Human behavior is key to addressing this issue.
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identifies viruses as the main causes of severe childhood pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounted for nearly a third of all cases, with other top causes including rhinovirus and S. pneumoniae bacteria.
A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that high sodium intake increases bloating among individuals, particularly those on high-fiber diets. Reducing sodium intake may be an effective way to reduce bloating and maintain a healthy, high-fiber diet.
A new white paper from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research concludes that handgun licensing is more effective at reducing gun deaths than comprehensive background checks alone. States with licensing requirements have been shown to experience significant reductions in gun homicides and suicides, while comprehensive back...
A majority of current gun owners (almost four out of five) support the sale of both traditional and personalized guns through licensed dealers. However, only 18% are likely to purchase a personalized gun for themselves due to added costs. Personalized guns offer safety features to prevent unauthorized use, but their high cost may limit...
A large majority of people who use heroin and fentanyl are willing to use safe consumption spaces where they can obtain sterile syringes and medical support in case of overdose. The study found that 77% of participants reported a willingness to use such spaces, with higher rates among those who rely on public spaces.
A new study found that Medicare spending is higher for older adults with disabilities who experience negative consequences such as going without eating or bathing due to lack of help. The study emphasizes the importance of non-medical care and supports for community-living older adults with disabilities.
A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.
Despite great progress in reducing under-five mortality rates, India still has a long way to go to meet the UN MDG target of 39 deaths per 1,000 live births. Infectious diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis account for a significant proportion of child deaths.
A 14-year investigation in Bangladesh found that older male patients and those with respiratory issues are at higher risk of transmitting the Nipah virus. The study analyzed 248 cases and identified key factors associated with transmission, recommending public health measures to prevent outbreaks.
A computer simulation found that health care facilities using a patient registry could reduce CRE spread by 15.5% over three years, even with modest participation rates. The study suggests that maintaining a registry can help contain the enemy of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new model maps a country's progress towards measles elimination onto a 'canonical path,' which helps tailor vaccination efforts. The path reflects birth rate and vaccination coverage, guiding countries to adapt their control efforts as they progress towards elimination.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that patients treated by Medicare providers committing fraud and abuse are more likely to be minorities, disabled, and dually-enrolled in Medicaid. The study analyzed data from 2012-2015 and identified over 1 million beneficiaries treated by excluded providers.
A new study finds that brand-name prescription drugs in the US are 3.2-4.1 times higher than in the UK, Japan, and Canada. Adopting external reference pricing could reduce Medicare spending by up to 70% and improve affordability for beneficiaries.