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Rutgers University


Knowing your Alzheimer’s risk may ease anxiety but reduce motivation for healthy habits

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Majority of Americans experience some form of gun violence in person

A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2025

Father’s mental health can impact children for years

Research from Rutgers Health finds that children exposed to paternal depression at kindergarten entry are more likely to have behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9. Fathers' mental health is crucial in supporting their children's development, and early intervention can help improve well-being for both parents and kids.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2025

Understanding vicarious trauma in research assistant roles

A Rutgers Health study surveyed 27 research assistants working on a multistate firearm violence project, finding that 26% lacked emotional support outside their teams. Research assistants used short breaks (89%) and informal peer interactions (41%) to cope with the emotionally difficult topics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gender-Based Violence·TypeSurvey·DateApr 14, 2025

Mapping mercury contamination in penguins of the Southern Ocean

Researchers from Rutgers University mapped mercury contamination in penguins of the Southern Ocean, revealing variations in mercury accumulation among different species. The study found that Adelie and gentoo penguins had low mercury levels, while chinstrap penguins showed significantly higher exposure due to their migration patterns.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 9, 2025

Tracking firearm violence and impact on dental health

A Rutgers University study found that higher firearm violence in neighborhoods is associated with lower rates of people going to the dentist and higher rates of total tooth loss. Chronic exposure to violence can lead to fear, stress, and unhealthy behaviors that impact oral health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2025

How researchers are shining a light on kidney disease

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a way to identify and track material carried by extracellular vesicles, which play a key role in the development of renal diseases like polycystic kidney disease. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for patients with PKD, a common genetic disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2025

Closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can sharply reduce emergency hospital visits

A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

Hidden in plain sight: the chemical burden of personal care products

A Rutgers University study found that people are exposed to over 100 chemicals through personal care products daily, with varying health concerns across product categories. Researchers recommend practical steps for consumers to reduce exposure, such as using fewer products and choosing safer alternatives.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2025

Rutgers Health researchers reveal health care disparities for people with disabilities

A Rutgers Health study reveals that people with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, including negative interactions with providers. The findings underscore the need for disability-competent and affirming care, particularly in light of recent policy changes impacting disabled patients.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

How parenthood may help keep your brain young

A new study found that parents show patterns of brain connectivity that directly oppose typical age-related changes, with the effect strengthening with each additional child. Parents also showed higher levels of social connection, with more frequent family visits and larger social networks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

Avoiding the workplace mediocrity trap

Rutgers researchers find that teams with high rates of envy often ostracize their best performers, leading them to intentional underperformance. To combat this, employers should encourage proactive behaviors and evaluate performance based on required outputs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateFeb 18, 2025

Study of female genital tract reveals key findings

A global research collaboration identified Lactobacillus crispatus as a key protective bacterium in the vaginal microbiome. The study also found significant variations in vaginal microbiomes across human populations, with implications for improved diagnostics and treatments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 11, 2025

Scientists harness AI to help protect whales, advancing ocean conservation and planning

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed an AI tool that combines whale monitoring and environmental data to predict endangered whale habitat. The tool guides ships along the Atlantic coast to avoid critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, preventing deadly accidents and informing conservation strategies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2025

Many adults report inaccurate beliefs about risks and benefits of home firearm access

A study by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center found that a majority of adults believe home firearm access protects against home invasions, but many also underestimate its impact on suicide risk. The researchers suggest that misinformation from the firearms industry and media may contribute to these skewed perceptions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2025

Common treatment for binge eating disorder shows mixed results

Researchers found that while lisdexamfetamine reduced binge episodes and improved appetite control in some patients, others experienced significant side effects and inconsistent efficacy. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the drug's effects on patients with binge eating disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychiatry Research Communications·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

A weekly injection could replace painful daily treatment for rare fat disorder

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that a weekly injection of diabetes medication can replace painful daily hormone shots for people with a rare genetic form of lipodystrophy. The study found that the drug tirzepatide improved insulin resistance and normalized blood glucose levels in patients, reducing the burden and pai...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

Adverse childhood experiences influence potentially dangerous firearm-related behavior in adulthood

Researchers at Rutgers University found that adverse childhood experiences increase threat sensitivity, depression, and defensive gun use in adulthood. This relationship is partly driven by threat sensitivity, suggesting that people with a history of abuse and neglect may be more likely to overreact in neutral situations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2025

Researchers track sharp increase in diagnoses for sedative, hypnotic and anxiety use disorder in young adults

Researchers tracked a sharp threefold to fivefold increase in diagnosed disorders from recurrent use of sedative, hypnotic and antianxiety medications among adolescents and young adults between 2001 and 2019. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and efforts to target nonmedical use of these drugs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2025

This tiny galaxy is answering some big questions

Researchers led by Kristen McQuinn used the Webb Telescope to find that Leo P formed stars early on but stopped for a few billion years during the Epoch of Reionization. The study provides insights into the growth of low-mass structures and the processes that led to star creation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

A common antihistamine shows promise in treating liver complications of a rare disease complication

A study found that chlorcyclizine, a decades-old allergy medication, could potentially treat erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition creating extreme skin light sensitivity and toxic liver buildup. Chlorcyclizine may work by helping the liver clear toxic porphyrin buildup and reducing inflammation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Bioengineered blood vessels show promise in trauma care

A new type of bioengineered blood vessel demonstrated superior infection resistance and better limb preservation compared to conventional synthetic grafts. The technology has the potential to reduce amputation numbers significantly, as it can be implanted immediately and is more resistant to infection than traditional options.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery

A Rutgers University study found that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids. Patients who received the non-opioid medication experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction compared to those receiving hydrocodone with acetaminophen.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2025