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Rutgers University


Is there a common link between the physical and social worlds? Two brothers think so.

The Rutgers biophysical chemist and his brother, a political scientist, propose that parallels exist between the microscopic world of cells and molecules and human-forged organizations and political systems. They identify similarities in rules that apply to both realms, including stability concepts and cooperative phenomena.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 10, 2024

Exposure to air pollution in utero may affect reproductive system development

Research from Rutgers University found that air pollution during critical periods of prenatal and early infant development may negatively alter anogenital distance, a measure of hormone exposure. Higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were associated with shorter anogenital length at birth and in males at age one.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Marijuana component offers opioid alternative by effectively treating dental pain

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces dental pain intensity by 70% and improves bite force. While side effects occurred more frequently than placebo, promising results suggest CBD may be an effective alternative to opioid painkillers for managing acute toothache.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

States with legalized medical marijuana see decline in nonmedical opioid use

A Rutgers study found that states with legalized medical marijuana experience a 0.5 to 1.5 percentage point decrease in regular nonmedical prescription opioid use among people who reported using opioids in the previous year. However, this reduction is concentrated in individuals with cannabis addiction, highlighting the need for compre...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Neighborhood stressors dangerously elevate pregnancy hormones

Research found that pregnant women living in neighborhoods with high levels of known stressors have significantly higher levels of testosterone, which can disrupt hormone regulation and lead to complications during and after childbirth. The study suggests that interventions to reduce neighborhood stress may improve pregnancy outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2023

Empathetic cancer clinicians promote psychological well-being in breast cancer patients

A Rutgers study examines how oncology doctors facilitate psychological well-being, finding that providers who show more empathy promote better psychological health among breast cancer patients. The research also highlights the importance of addressing uncertainty throughout the cancer trajectory to facilitate psychological adjustment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2023

Plastic use in agriculture must be reduced, according to new research

A recent study emphasizes the need to reduce plastic use in agriculture to mitigate pollution and prevent toxic chemicals from entering the soil and food chain. Innovative recycling methods are crucial to protecting the environment and human health. The researchers suggest adopting a strategic approach, including responsible usage, red...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2023

Family planning and the fear of missing out

A Rutgers study found that fear of missing out (FOMO) is a significant driver for regretful parents to have children, with 7% of parents saying they would not have children if they could do it over again. The study analyzed narratives from Reddit's /r/childfree community and identified FOMO as a key discourse among regretful parents.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Six numbers predict life-threatening COVID-19

A new machine-learning model, PLABAC, predicts coronavirus disease progression in hospitalized patients based on five routine tests and patient age. The model has shown strong results in predicting mortality for patients with COVID-19 variants, offering improved outcomes for patients hospitalized with the virus.

SourceRutgers University·JournalmBio·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Safer neighborhoods may mitigate risk of child abuse

A Rutgers study finds that safer neighborhoods can reduce the risk of child abuse by providing a stable environment and reducing stress. Improving the built environment, reducing poverty, and providing adequate housing services can help mitigate maltreatment risks in low-income communities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Rutgers scientists develop method to detect deadly infectious diseases

Rutgers researchers have developed a method to detect the early onset of deadly infectious diseases using a test that can flag 'quiet infected' patients who don't exhibit symptoms. The ultra-sensitive biosensor combines nanoballs and advanced electronics to detect viral nucleic acid material, enabling early infection detection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2023

Climate change-induced drought may transform parts of the Amazon’s rainforests into savannas

A Rutgers-led study reveals that Amazonian lowland rainforest areas critical for absorbing carbon dioxide and buffering climate change may morph over time into dry, grassy savannas. The findings highlight the impact of double-stress conditions, where alternating flooding and drought limit forest establishment and favor short-lived gras...

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2023

Only severe COVID cases disrupted oral microbiomes

Researchers found significant reductions in microbiome diversity among people with severe symptoms soon after infection. The oral microbiomes of people with shorter cases changed in consistent ways during infection, while those with long cases changed in many different ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Do prisons hold the key to solving the opioid crisis?

A Rutgers-led study found that improving prison reentry programs for highest-risk users can help reduce opioid overdose deaths in the US. Strengthening healthcare services, such as psychiatric medication and syringe services, is crucial to engage individuals in opioid use treatment after release.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function

Researchers have discovered a possible link between mitochondrial function and schizophrenia, highlighting impaired energy production as a key factor in its development. Mitochondrial dysregulation can cause psychiatric symptoms and disorders, and its effects are seen not only in the brain but also in other cells, such as kidney cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Unlocking a mystery of fetal development

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalToxics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2023

Hobbies and healthy habits surged during the pandemic

A Rutgers study found that people turned to hobbies and health-conscious activities to cope with pandemic-related stresses, increasing physical activity, exercise, and social connections. The study suggests that individuals adapted to negative impacts by adjusting behavioral lifestyle habits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Why ongoing worker safety training is critical to effective disaster response

Rutgers researchers emphasize the importance of core disaster training for responders and workers prior to an emergency event. The inadequate provision of personal protective equipment remains a weakness in disaster response infrastructure. The authors recommend supplementing training with site-specific critical training and prioritizi...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNEW SOLUTIONS A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 19, 2023