A recent study found that Oregon middle school students received office discipline referrals for substance use offenses 30% more often after recreational marijuana legalization. Schools with nearby marijuana outlets showed the most significant increase in ODRs.
Researchers predict two nicotine biomarkers, NMR and TNE, in smokers of multiple ethnicities using machine learning approaches. These models can estimate nicotine biomarker levels from DNA data or existing genomic information.
Researchers found a 95% increased risk of frailty among those who self-reported regular use of prescription pain and/or sleep medications. Co-use of multiple prescription medications also increased frailty risk, with effects observed for pain-only and sleep-only prescriptions.
A recent Oregon Research Institute study found that recreational marijuana legalization had no significant effect on the number of youth who used marijuana, but increased the frequency of use among those already using it. The study suggests that community sales policies may not reduce teenage marijuana use and highlights the need for p...
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that e-cigarette use among 8th and 9th graders is higher than national samples, closely linked to marijuana and tobacco use. The study tracked usage patterns from 8th grade through 9th grade, revealing high rates of addiction.
A new study found that a brief dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program alters how young women's brains respond to images of thin supermodels. The program reduces pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards and changes brain responsivity to normal-weight women, suggesting a shift in valuation towards healthy weight.
Researchers at Oregon Research Institute found that watching junk food ads can activate reward regions in the brain of adolescents, leading to increased risk of weight gain. This study suggests that individual differences in neural vulnerability may identify youth at risk for excess weight gain.
A longitudinal study found that children with lower conscientiousness tend to experience worse health, including greater obesity, as adults. Childhood conscientiousness was significantly associated with decreased cardiovascular and metabolic system function, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study funded by the National Institute of Aging investigates the link between personality traits and telomere length, a measure of cellular aging. The research examines whether personality traits influence telomere length through healthy lifestyle and traumatic life events.
Restrictive eating habits increase the brain's response to pleasurable foods, making it harder for dieters to maintain weight loss. Healthy, balanced meals are more effective for sustainable weight management.
A novel study found that increased brain activity in reward regions predicts future substance use onset among initially healthy weight adolescents. Even a limited history of substance use was related to less responsivity in the reward circuitry, suggesting a potential contributing factor to the escalating spiral of drug use.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a tailored Tai Chi training program significantly improved postural stability and walking ability in Parkinson's disease patients. The program resulted in reduced falls and demonstrated potential as an add-on to current physical therapies.
Recent study finds that adolescents at risk for obesity exhibit heightened brain activity when consuming palatable foods like chocolate milkshakes. This suggests that their brains may be more responsive to rewarding stimuli, potentially increasing the risk of overeating.
A high-density of fast food outlets was associated with a 3-pound weight increase and 0.8-inch waist circumference rise among frequent eaters. In contrast, high-walkability neighborhoods were linked to a 2.7-pound weight loss and 0.6-inch waist size decrease.
Research suggests that individuals with weaker activation of brain reward circuitry when eating are more likely to be obese and gain weight over time. Those with a genetic variation associated with compromised dopamine signaling in this region are at even greater risk.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with low mixed-land use and high fast-food density were more likely to have overweight residents. In contrast, areas with high street connectivity, public transportation, and green spaces promoted neighborhood walking and physical activity.
A body image program called the Body Project has been shown to reduce the risk of onset of eating disorders by 61% and obesity by 55% in young women. The program, which consists of four one-hour weekly sessions, helps participants challenge negative body ideals and adopt healthier attitudes towards food and exercise.
Researchers found that cobblestone walking improved balance, mobility, and reduced blood pressure in older adults. The activity, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to be therapeutic and can be done at home with manufactured mats.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that cobblestone mat walking improves pain relief and mental well-being in older adults. Participants who walked on the cobblestone mat experienced enhanced physical activity and reduced stress levels compared to those in an attention control group.
The Oregon Research Institute has received significant NIH grants to investigate the causes of early alcohol use and its effects on adolescents. The studies will explore the role of family, friend, school, and neighborhood influences on alcohol use among White and African American youth.
Renowned researcher Lewinsohn has made significant contributions to understanding depression in adolescents, adults, and older individuals. His work on treatment interventions continues to be widely used globally.