A recent study by the Lifebrain consortium found that brains shrink at the same rate in highly educated and less educated individuals. Despite slightly larger brain volumes in highly educated people, their brains age similarly throughout life. The researchers measured brain aging using MRI scans from over 2000 participants and tracked ...
Research suggests that social anxiety disorder has a high genetic component, with environmental factors playing a significant role in its short-term development. The study found that while the risk of developing social anxiety is strongly influenced by genetic factors, environmental events have little impact on stability over time.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health confirms that obesity is more common among those with lower education levels in wealthy countries. The research, which analyzed data from 70 countries, suggests that economic growth and increasing calorie-rich food availability contribute to this trend.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study finds that maternal levels of DDE associated with rapid infant growth, while PCB153 in milk linked to decreased growth. The study highlights the need to reduce environmental pollutants to protect children's development.
A recent study found that paternal obesity may be a greater risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in children than maternal obesity. The research analyzed data from over 90,000 Norwegian children and found a doubled risk of developing autism if the father was obese compared to a normal-weight father.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found a doubled risk of developing autism and Asperger's syndrome if a father is obese compared to a normal-weight father. The researchers also found that maternal obesity had little association with the development of autism in children.
Researchers found that these young men had developed a fragile, achievement-based self-esteem in adulthood, leaving them vulnerable to rejection and failure. This vulnerability led to unbearable thoughts of shame, anger, and a life not worth living.
A study found that magnesium protects against hip fractures for both men and women, but calcium has no independent protective effect. Enriching drinking water with dolomite may also be beneficial, according to the researchers.
Research found that boys are at greater risk for delayed language development than girls, with family reading and writing difficulties increasing the risk. The study also highlights the importance of early identification and enabling language environments to support children with delayed language development.
A new study suggests that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may increase the risk of adverse effects on child development, including poorer gross motor skills and behavioral problems. The study found that occasional use for short periods is likely not harmful to the fetus, but more research is needed to confirm these results.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that maternal anxiety and depression can lead to increased risk of emotional and disruptive problem behaviors in children as early as 18 months old. The study also highlights the importance of early prevention and intervention, particularly for mothers with high levels of ...
Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.
A new study using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study found no increase in problematic behaviour among siblings who spent more hours in child care. The researchers suggest that Norway's favorable work-family policy, including paid parental leave and easy access to quality childcare, may be a contributing factor.
Women with severe pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy should opt for vaginal delivery over caesarean section to avoid increased risk of persistent pain. The study found a significant association between planned or emergency caesarean sections and severe pelvic girdle syndrome six months after delivery.
A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found no increased risk of fetal death associated with pandemic vaccination. The study analyzed data from pregnant women who received COVID-19 vaccines and compared them to those who did not receive vaccines.
A Norwegian study found that triclosan exposure in children is associated with elevated IgE levels and rhinitis. Triclosan has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies due to its ability to change bacterial flora on the skin, in the mouth, and in the intestines.
A twin study found that genes involved in satisfaction and positivity give protection against major depression, with a heritability of 34% for depression and 72% for overall life satisfaction. Environmental factors play a smaller role in protecting against depression than genetic factors.
A recent study found that two-thirds of the variation in avoidant and dependent personality disorder traits can be explained by genes, highlighting the importance of genetic influences in their development. The study's use of both questionnaire and interview measures provided a more comprehensive understanding of heritability.
Recent studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reveal that long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in cognitive functioning. However, a separate study found no alteration in the formation of new nerve cells, providing some relief for methadone patients.
Researchers found anxiety is a stronger risk factor for prolonged and frequent sick leave than depression alone. The study, which followed 13,436 participants over six years, also showed that pain can impact the association between common mental disorders and sick leave.
A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that silver nanoparticles can suppress cellular growth and multiplication, causing cell death depending on concentration and duration of exposure. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles also caused DNA damage but with weaker effects.
A recent study has found that mothers with high levels of the environmental pollutant PFOA during pregnancy have daughters who are three times more likely to be overweight at 20 years old. Elevated insulin and leptin levels were also observed in girls, while a weaker association was seen in sons.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that children delivered by cesarean section have an increased risk of developing asthma by age three. This increased risk was particularly seen among children without a hereditary tendency to asthma and allergies.
A new mouse model has been developed to study allergy to fenugreek, a common ingredient in Asian dishes. The model can also be used to understand suspected cross-reactivity with peanuts and other legumes, which may pose a special problem for food-allergic people.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.
Researchers used genetically modified mice with human-like enzymes to assess the health risks of food mutagens from well-done meat and fish. The results showed a significant increase in intestinal tumors after consuming substances from meat crust, highlighting the need for better models to predict human health effects.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found significant differences in mortality rates between urban and isolated rural communities during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Mortality rates were much higher in isolated communities, with up to 90-100% of adults over 30 years dying from the virus.
A Norwegian study found that mothers' satisfaction with their relationship during pregnancy is a strong predictor of overall satisfaction, peaking at 6 months old. However, both forms of satisfaction decline over time during infancy and toddlerhood.
A recent Norwegian study found that nearly one in ten pregnant women consumes organic food regularly, with organic eggs and vegetables being the most popular choices. Women who consumed organic food were more likely to have higher education, lower incomes, and frequent exercise habits.
A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that children in formal centre-based and family-based child care were less likely to be late talkers compared to those cared for at home. This effect was strongest between the ages of 1 to 1.5 years.
Children with severe congenital heart defects are twice as likely to experience anxiety at 18 months old compared to healthy peers. The research, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, also found that maternal anxiety and depression contribute to these emotional problems.
A recent study found that overweight children in Norway consume more healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also drink more juice and sugary soft drinks than their normal-weight counterparts. The research highlights the importance of balancing food choices with physical activity to manage weight gain.
A study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found no link between increased sales of new antidepressants and lower suicide rates. The researchers also ruled out a connection between declining sales of older, more toxic medications and reduced suicide rates.
A study published in Eurosurveillance found that nearly 60% of Norway's population had measurable immunity to the pandemic H1N1 virus by January 2010. Vaccination and infection contributed to this increased immunity, with herd immunity also playing a role.
A new study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery reveals that the relative importance of genetic factors in tinnitus is low. The research found that environmental factors account for 89% of tinnitus variance, with only 11% attributed to genetic effects.
The Norwegian Influenza Study (NorFlu) aims to understand the effects of influenza in pregnancy on maternal health and childhood development. Pregnant women in Bergen and Oslo will participate in the study, providing a blood sample and completing a questionnaire.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study analyzed children's diets combined with psychological and sociodemographic variables in mothers. The results show that mothers with high negative affectivity are more likely to give their children unhealthy food, but not the opposite for healthy food.
A new study found a positive link between high levels of zopiclone in the blood and impaired driving assessments. Researchers also noted that drivers with zolpidem had no such association, suggesting that these substances have varying abuse potentials.
A new Norwegian study suggests that HPV vaccination can prevent up to 35-128 preterm births per 100,000 births by reducing the risk of surgical treatment after cervical cell changes. The vaccine may have an important impact on preventing extremely preterm births.
A new study published in Epidemiology found that smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of cleft lip in newborns. The study suggests that 19% of cases may be due to maternal smoking, with a two-fold increased risk from heavy smoking and 1.6 fold risk from passive smoking.
A study of over 20,000 first-time mothers found that repeated miscarriages and hormone treatment for infertility increased the risk of pre-eclampsia. Women with one or two miscarriages were not at higher risk, but those who had three or more miscarriages saw a 50% increase in pre-eclampsia risk.
A study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found no significant link between human parechovirus infections and typical symptoms in infants. However, researchers noticed an increase in parechovirus infection between 6-18 months, which could be due to factors such as maternal antibody loss or nursery exposure.
A new study found that a fractional dose of a commonly used meningitis vaccine is as effective as the full dose, allowing for more efficient use of scarce vaccine resources. The research was conducted in Uganda and suggests that using 1/5 doses could be an alternative in mass vaccination campaigns during epidemics.
A new study found that women with diabetes have a seven times higher risk of severe pelvic girdle syndrome. Hormonal factors, such as relaxin, may play an important role in the development of the condition.
Women who have had two or more induced abortions have a 60% reduced risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those with no history. Physical activity during pregnancy shows some protection against pre-eclampsia, particularly among women under 25 BMI.
Norhealth is a web-based system monitoring health trends and risk factors in Norway, creating a knowledge base for health strategies. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has developed this leading public health information system in Europe.
A study found that estrogen therapy reduced the risk of fractures after menopause, particularly in women aged 50-64 years. The use of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy increased greatly during this period and was estimated to cause nearly half of the decline in fracture rates among women.
Research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reveals that low weight among middle-aged men increases the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Conversely, stable weight is recommended for optimal bone health. The study found that weight loss, rather than gain, was linked to increased osteoporosis risk.
A new study found that pregnant women with bulimia have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without eating disorders. They also report lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationships.
A three-dose pneumococcal vaccination program has shown a 70% reduction in serious infections among young children in Norway. The vaccine protects against seven serotypes of pneumococcus, responsible for 70% of severe cases.