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Occurrence of young-onset dementia

A meta-analysis of 74 studies found young-onset dementia affects approximately 4.3% of people under age 65 worldwide. The study's results provide a more precise estimate of dementia's global occurrence in younger populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 19, 2021

The reproductive advantages of large male fish

Researchers found that larger male mosquitofish are preferred by females and produce more sperm. They also excel at driving off rivals and using forced mating strategies due to their small size and agility. The study analyzed 36 studies and provided new insights into the relationship between body size and reproductive success in fish.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 7, 2021

Benefits of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive function: Why do 50% of studies find no connection?

A recent meta-analysis found that acute aerobic exercise temporarily improves cognitive performance. However, approximately 50% of studies failed to show a link between the two. The analysis revealed that benefits were greater in those with lower pre-test scores and were more generalized across different types of cognitive performance.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateJul 1, 2021

Role of diet in risk of colorectal cancer

A new study published in JAMA Network Open examined the association between diet and colorectal cancer risk. The research found that a diet high in processed foods and added sugars is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 16, 2021

What makes a happy couple, a happy family?

A new University of Rochester meta-analysis suggests that being psychologically flexible is a critical factor in maintaining happy family and romantic relationships. Higher levels of flexibility are linked to adaptive parenting strategies, lower child distress, and greater relationship satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateNov 25, 2020

Tart cherry juice concentrate found to help improve endurance exercise performance

A new meta-analysis found that tart cherry concentrate significantly improved endurance exercise performance when consumed for seven days to 1.5 hours before cycling, swimming or running. The study pooled results from 10 previously published studies and concluded that tart cherries improved performance in endurance-trained individuals.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateFeb 19, 2020

Largest study ever finds that urban green space can prevent premature deaths

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine longitudinal studies involving over eight million people found that increasing green areas can prevent premature all-cause mortality. The analysis revealed a 4% reduction in premature mortality per each increment of 0.1 in vegetation score within 500 meters of the residence.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 20, 2019

Cannabis found not to be a substitute for opioids

Research at McMaster University found that cannabis use didn't reduce illicit opioid use during treatment and failed to retain people in treatment. The study involved over 3,600 participants and provided limited insight into the potential benefits of cannabis as an 'exit drug' for opioid use disorder.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 19, 2019

The Lancet Digital Health: First systematic review and meta-analysis suggests artificial intelligence may be as effective as health professionals at diagnosing disease

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that artificial intelligence can detect diseases from medical imaging with similar accuracy to health-care professionals. However, the true power of AI remains uncertain due to limited high-quality studies, and researchers call for higher standards of research and reporting.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateSep 24, 2019

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

Overweight, obesity in children across Europe

A comprehensive review of 103 studies involving nearly 478,000 European children aged 2-13 found that nearly 20% were obese and over 15% were overweight. The study highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies to address childhood obesity in Europe.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 5, 2019

Change the bias, change the behavior? Maybe not

A recent meta-analysis of research on implicit bias found that changing people's biases may not necessarily lead to changes in related behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, reviewed 492 studies and found no evidence of a causal relationship between biased thinking and behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 2, 2019

Study estimates frailty, prefrailty among older adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the rate of new cases of frailty and prefrailty among older adults, with a high risk of progressing to frailty. The study combined results from 46 observational studies involving nearly 121,000 non-frail adults from 28 countries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 2, 2019