A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.
A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
The new comprehensive guideline from Osteoporosis Canada provides recommendations for exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment, treatment, and more to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures. The guideline recommends screening in men and younger women, reflecting advances in risk assessment and nonpharmacologic and pharmaco...
A new American Heart Association advisory introduces the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which affects nearly every major organ. The approach highlights the importance of screening for CKM-related conditions and addressing social factors to prevent progression.
Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.
A Singaporean study found that unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors are at a heightened risk of heart complications almost a year after recovery. The study revealed a 56% higher risk of developing new heart complications among unvaccinated survivors compared to uninfected individuals.
A Rutgers study found diverse firearm owning communities across five states, including varying levels of risk for injury and death. States like Mississippi and Texas showed more dangerous behavior, while New Jersey residents were less likely to grow up in homes with firearms or use them unsafely.
Researchers developed a low-cost, ultrasensitive blood test to detect a highly specific biomarker for multiple common cancers. The test showed promise for early cancer detection and disease monitoring, detecting levels of the biomarker in the blood of patients with many types of cancers.
A new study reveals that immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants depends on previous exposure and vaccination history. The research found significant differences in immune responses to various variants, highlighting the need for personalized vaccine approaches.
A large epidemiological study found a higher incidence of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction in patients taking GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. The study, published in JAMA, highlights the need for updated warning labels to inform patients of these potential risks.
Rates of opioid prescribing to US adolescents have decreased in recent years, mainly for non-surgical procedures. Opioid prescribing for surgical indications has remained relatively stable during the same period. This analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys data from 2015-2020 reveals a significant shift in prescribing patterns.
A post hoc analysis of 10,678 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found no significant difference in heart attack, stroke, or death risk between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin. Enteric-coated aspirin may offer reduced bleeding risk, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
A coordinated network of space lasers could prevent collisions with manned and unmanned space assets by nudging debris off potential collision courses. The artificial intelligence-powered lasers can maneuver and work together to respond rapidly to debris of any size.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that women living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, particularly postmenopausal breast cancer. Neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity and reduced car-dependency.
A machine learning model developed by researchers can predict lung cancer risk with an 83.9% sensitivity, identifying those who need screening for the disease. The model uses just three predictors: age, smoking duration, and pack-years of smoking, making it a simplified approach to determine high-risk populations.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2023
A UK study found that emergency department screening for type 2 diabetes could identify tens of thousands of previously undiagnosed cases every year. The study used the glycated haemoglobin test to screen 1,388 patients, yielding an additional 9% of type 2 diabetes cases and 30% of prediabetes cases.
A real-world study confirms the reliability and effectiveness of the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk, regardless of statin use. The PCE performed well across different demographics and retained accuracy with measurement factors outside its original risk profile range.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
A new study published in JAMA found that a consensus-based risk-stratification algorithm reduced unnecessary ovary removals in girls with benign masses from 16.1% to 8.4%. The algorithm accurately identified lesions highly likely to be benign, allowing for ovary-sparing surgery.
SourceNemours·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023
A new model developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can more accurately prioritize patients waiting for a lung transplant, taking into account their disease severity and time on the waiting list. This approach may help reduce waitlist mortality for patients with end-stage lung disease.
A new size threshold for retropharyngeal lymph nodes is proposed to improve risk stratification and treatment decisions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Using a 6-mm threshold, the study found significant differences in overall survival between stage-I and stage-II disease.
A new study examines the pros and cons of advanced maternal age, finding that while older mothers face increased risks, they also have significant advantages due to their socioeconomic status. The research aims to untangle the truth about this complex issue by investigating how biomedical knowledge is produced and disseminated.
A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attacks and strokes. Adults with cannabis use disorder in Canada experienced a 60% higher risk of first-time cardiovascular disease events compared to those without the disorder.
Research identifies genetic overlap between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, particularly smoking initiation and BMI. The study found that people with schizophrenia have a genetic propensity to smoking and a reduced genetic risk of obesity.
People with fewer financial resources have lower life expectancies due to factors like healthcare costs and economic inequality. Longer-term financial planning is associated with a lower risk of death, even after accounting for other factors.
Soil liquefaction, a destructive phenomenon during earthquakes, is redefined by this groundbreaking study. Liquefaction can now be understood to occur in drained conditions with low seismic-energy density levels, triggered by seismic shaking facilitating interstitial fluid flow within the soil.
A study of 1.84 million US adults from 2008 to 2019 found registered nurses and healthcare support workers were more likely to attempt or die by suicide than non-healthcare workers. The findings highlight the need for improved mental health protections for these workers.
A team of researchers has created an optical fiber sensor that can detect thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, providing early warning and improving safety. The sensor measures internal temperature and pressure during the thermal runaway process, enabling battery safety assessment and warning.
A new study found that living donor liver transplant access optimizes the timing of transplant for older, frail cirrhosis patients. Patients with moderate to severe frailty, short stature, and low MELD scores benefited from LDLT, reducing waitlist mortality and improving post-transplant outcomes.
A study of 69,000 adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found no difference in sustained virologic response across alcohol use categories. This suggests that restricting access to direct-acting antiviral therapy based on alcohol use may create unnecessary barriers for patients. The findings challenge HCV elimination goals.
A new MU study found that APRNs recognize the importance of breast cancer survivorship care and can benefit from standardized education. The findings suggest that formalizing education on breast cancer survivorship could lead to improved healthcare for patients, including symptom management, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.
A new Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
A scoping review identified four key themes: everyday language, thorough information, adequate discussion time, and a trusting relationship. The study also highlighted the impact of racism on Black men's medical interactions. Researchers suggest strategies to support men's communication preferences.
The CARE program, a rapid risk assessment tool, gathered data on immunization status, general health risk, and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. Automated dashboards provide secure, real-time information on resident needs, enabling health professionals to mitigate risks associated with homelessness.
Researchers have identified 11 genes associated with aggressive prostate cancer, which could lead to more effective treatments and earlier detection. The findings come from a large-scale study of over 17,500 patients and may help personalize care for individuals with the disease.
A study published in eBioMedicine identified 9 sets of biomarkers, both metagenomic and transcriptomic, associated with 30-day mortality in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. The biomarkers were validated with an accuracy of 85%, significantly higher than existing clinical prediction models.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A new study uses AI to predict mortality rates in patients with hip fractures, identifying key biomarkers for poor outcomes. The model achieved accurate predictions using basic blood and lab test data as well as demographic information.
Researchers recommend strategic use of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) screening on populations with developmental delays, rather than universal genomic sequencing. This approach aims to prevent over-diagnosis and stigma, while providing targeted support for children at risk.
A new study reveals that people with high social vulnerability are more exposed to wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with the number of exposed individuals tripling between 2011 and 2021. The study highlights the need for tailored wildfire preparation and response strategies for individual communities with different risk factors.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham find that traumatic brain injury increases risk of cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction. Non-neurological conditions associated with TBI, such as hypertension and changes in the brain-gut connection, contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk.
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.
A new electroenzymatic assembly transduction strategy-based biosensor has been developed for simultaneous detection of glucose, lactate, and cholesterol in clinical samples. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and efficiency, with a detection time of under 30 seconds, and good agreement with laboratory results.
Researchers found that patients prescribed amoxicillin-clavulanate had higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and yeast infections than those prescribed amoxicillin. The study showed no difference in treatment failure rates between the two antibiotics, with treatment failure occurring in less than 2% of cases.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds an association between vaping and asthma in US adolescents who have never smoked conventional tobacco products. The study highlights the need for strategies to tackle e-cigarette use and its adverse health effects.
A study warns that Brazil's hydroelectric power plants are threatening the Williams' side-necked turtle, which depends on rapids for survival. The study estimates that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction due to highly suitable areas becoming increasingly rare and less interconnected.
A new study suggests that people who bought firearms during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have higher rates of recent suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, and intimate partner violence compared to other firearm owners and non-gun owners. Pandemic firearm buyers also tend to hold extreme beliefs, including anti-vaccination view...
A new study finds that human activities are impacting the planet, breaching six planetary boundaries and increasing the risk of triggering dramatic changes. The study highlights the need for a global focus on interactions between boundaries, particularly Climate and Biosphere Integrity.
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that injectable extended-release buprenorphine is limited by cost and treatment retention, while oral buprenorphine may be a more cost-effective option. The opioid overdose crisis requires a broad range of effective treatments, including injectable formulations.
A new study suggests that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a common cause of spontaneous brain hemorrhages, can be transmitted via blood transfusion. Patients who received blood from donors with CAA were more than twice as likely to suffer a brain hemorrhage themselves.
Climate experts predict a decline in tropical storm frequency by 50% by 2050 across the Ganges and Mekong basins, but an increase in intensity, with high-resolution models showing significant increases for intense storms. This shift could impact disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.
A new study published in JAMA found that adults over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day engaging in sedentary behaviors like sitting are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study used wearable accelerometers to track physical activity and found that the total time spent sedentary each day was a significant predictor of dem...
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that evening 'chronotype,' going to bed late and waking up late, is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes. Participants with later sleep and wake times had less healthy lifestyles and were at greater risk of developing diabetes than those with early-bird sleep habits.
Researchers analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that 10-year conditional survival was similar between biventricular and most single-ventricle CHD patients. Biventricular CHD patients also showed better 10-year survival compared to non-CHD heart transplant recipients.
A new study by Duke University found that urban parks built on former waste incineration sites can still contain high levels of lead in their surface soils, posing potential health risks to children. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and mapping of contaminated soil hotspots across hundreds of cities.
A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that the color of their phlegm can indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict future outcomes. Patients with darker green or brown-colored sputum were at a higher risk of exacerbations, hospitalizations, and death.
A study from Amsterdam UMC followed over 250 elite athletes who had contracted COVID-19 and found no severe heart issues impacting their careers. Despite some athletes showing slightly elevated resting heart rates, there were no significant differences in overall heart function or ventricular arrhythmias.
A large US study found that long- and short-term heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The study's results may inform strategies to prevent severe maternal morbidity in a changing climate.