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.
Patients taking non-selective beta-blockers for knee pain have a 54% reduced risk of undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Prolonged use and high adherence to treatment also showed strong protective effects.
Researchers at CARe argue that taxing pharmaceutical companies is not a feasible solution due to potential economic consequences. Instead, they propose a hybrid framework combining the 'polluter pays' principle with a 'capacity principle,' focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.
Researchers found that crowdsourcing contests with professionals and public voting yield the highest returns and lowest volatility in stock prices. However, new product development contests carry higher risks due to uncertainty about commercial success. Large brands benefit more from crowdsourcing than small or niche brands.
A new study using eye-tracking technology found that it can accurately predict autism diagnoses, comparable to expert clinical diagnosis. The research suggests potential for earlier diagnosis and assessment of autism in routine practice.
Researchers used objective eye-tracking technology to quantify social visual engagement in young children, revealing its potential as a tool for autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that these measurements can help identify individual levels of social disability and provide insights into verbal and nonverbal abilities.
Historically underserved communities are more likely to live behind subpar levees with fewer resources to maintain infrastructure. The study highlights the need for targeted funding to address these disparities and reduce the risk of catastrophic levee failure.
Researchers found a significant disparity in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates between Black and Hispanic EMS agencies in certain areas, with lower rates reported in these agencies. The study's findings suggest that further assessment is needed to address these discrepancies.
A new Danish study measured nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer materials in spring barley, finding that commercial fertilizers emit less N2O than previously assumed. Organic fertilizers, including livestock manure and digestates, emitted more N2O on average.
A study of over 170,000 students aged 15 found that one in five from low-income families or deprived areas are vulnerable to phishing. Teenagers with poor learning skills are also more likely to fall victim to email scams.
A new blood-based test called p-tau217 has shown great promise in identifying Alzheimer's disease by stratifying patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups. The two-step workflow reduces the need for confirmatory testing in uncertain cases.
A UNIGE team has developed a method to rapidly obtain valuable information about the structure of volcanoes. By analyzing three key parameters: height, rock thickness, and chemical composition of magma, scientists can identify the active volcanoes most likely to produce large-scale eruptions.
Research reveals that heart transplant recipients from economically disadvantaged areas are at a greater risk of graft failure and mortality, with a 10% increased relative risk compared to those from non-distressed communities. The disparity in outcomes has widened since the implementation of the 2018 UNOS Heart Allocation policy.
A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.
Patients treated by female surgeons have a lower risk-adjusted likelihood of adverse postoperative outcomes at 90 days and one year following surgery. The study of over one million patients suggests differences in patient outcomes based on physician sex warrant further investigation into underlying causes and potential solutions.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
A nationwide study found that modern blood thinners (NOACs) reduce the risk of serious bleeding by up to 45 percent compared to traditional drug Waran. Apixaban, a NOAC substance, is associated with a lower risk of bleeding in both short and long-term treatment.
Research found that e-cigarette manufacturers use psychographic targeting to appeal to new users based on lifestyles and attitudes, particularly among low-risk young adults. The study suggests that stricter marketing regulations are needed to reduce exposure to these advertisements and minimize the risk of initiation.
A study published in Radiology found that combining short- and long-term breast cancer risk models using artificial intelligence can improve cancer risk assessment. The combined model showed an overall improved risk assessment for both interval and long-term cancer detection, identifying women at high risk for breast cancer.
This study found a correlation between hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections and community-onset infections, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and prevention measures. The findings suggest that hospitals should be particularly vigilant when community incidence rates are high, in order to reduce in-hospital transmission.
Researchers study impact, risks of internet-connected dairy technology on farmers and consumers, highlighting potential data breaches and unwanted online access. The two-year study aims to enhance awareness of data privacy and security concerns in PDM systems and assess their threat level.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
Patients with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and the new guidelines recommend systematic screening, lifestyle changes, and medication to reduce this risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of managing heart failure, kidney damage, and atrial fibrillation in these patients.
A study by Texas A&M University found that pregaming is linked to unsafe alcohol use and other risky behaviors among college students. Pregaming was associated with a two-day increase in alcohol use frequency and was found to be around 2.5 times more likely to lead to cannabis or other drug use.
The new guidelines provide comprehensive advice on managing unstable angina and all types of acute myocardial infarction. Key findings include the importance of timely intervention to minimize heart muscle damage and the need for personalized care considering patient perspectives, needs, and beliefs.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
A new methodology, developed by USGS researchers, integrates earthquake-induced ground failures with ground shaking hazards to provide a comprehensive forecast for pipeline damage. This approach is crucial for identifying potential damage in buried gas pipelines covering hundreds of kilometers.
Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.
A large study found catheter ablation reduces dementia risk by 48% and death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age, sex, or health conditions. The procedure is an important consideration for treatment options.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to night shift work and rotating shift work is associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults. Cognitive function tests revealed impairment in memory and executive function, suggesting a potential link between shift work and neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that participants taking adult education classes had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. This association held true for both Caucasian and non-Caucasian individuals, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions.
Researchers from FAU will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease in rural residents along Lake Okeechobee. The five-year study aims to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of associated risk factors.
A statistician at Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to investigate the long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk. The researcher aims to better understand how geographic and socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
Scientists estimate annual probability of a mass shooting in every US state and public places like schools, using statistical methods and computer simulations. The study finds that mass shootings are low-probability but high-consequence events.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
George Mason University Assistant Professor Nora McDonald is investigating privacy ecosystems among vulnerable populations using qualitative research and participatory design. She will develop a toolkit to support healthcare providers in mitigating privacy harms for vulnerable individuals.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
Cancer patients undergoing certain treatments are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, but boosting can significantly reduce this risk. Boosting every three months cuts the risk in half, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
A long-term study of nearly 2,400 solid organ transplant recipients found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization rates, with a 75% decrease in later omicron waves. Despite this, post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 viral infections remain common, highlighting the importance of vaccination in high-risk populations.
A large-scale international collaborative study has identified new genes associated with breast cancer, which could lead to better risk prediction and improved clinical management. The study found evidence for at least four new breast cancer risk genes, with many others showing suggestive evidence.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.
Research tracking nuclear industry workers' deaths suggests prolonged low-dose ionising radiation exposure increases solid cancer mortality by approximately 52% per unit of radiation absorbed. The study's findings should inform current rules on workplace protection from low-dose radiation.
A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.
A new kidney function equation has been shown to be more accurate than the old equation in estimating kidney function, particularly for Black individuals. This new equation may reduce racial disparities in cardiovascular disease by making previously ineligible patients eligible for heart failure therapies.
A team of researchers has identified four metabolism-related biomarkers associated with an increased risk of metastatic prostate cancer in men of West African heritage. These findings could lead to improved testing and treatments for patients.
A new study identifies over 800 bivalve species that humans harvest and find to be more resilient to extinction due to their adaptability in various climates. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management to preserve these populations, but also warn of potential risks if human demand exceeds their capacity.
A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2023
Research reveals US municipal bonds are priced higher for communities with larger Black populations, despite lack of correlation with climate risk. This association adds up to an estimated $900 million cost penalty per year across all Black Americans.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies found no association between depression and anxiety and most types of cancer. However, the study found a link between depression and anxiety with a 6% higher risk of developing lung cancer and smoking-related cancers.
A high level of cardiac troponin is associated with a 76% increased risk of death, including non-cardiovascular causes, over medium-term survival. Researchers suggest that troponin may serve as a general indicator of health issues, including undiagnosed conditions.
A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to monitor critically ill patients with circulatory shock, which may help control blood pressure and heart function. The new approach uses tissue perfusion pressure to predict patient risk of death, length of hospital stay, and peak blood lactate level.
Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.