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A new technique offers improved diagnostic precision and a route to personalized therapy for a common arrhythmia that affects more than 10 million people in Europe

A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Study aims to assess impact of physical activity intervention on cognitive development of young children in low socioeconomic areas

A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.

Study reveals significant difference in cardiomyopathy genes between Black and White patients

Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Scientists tie obesity to sex- and age-specific genes

Researchers identified five genes influencing BMI in women and two in men, with faulty variants of three genes linked to higher BMI in women. Age-specific factors also emerged, with genes OBSCN and MADD associated with childhood body size and fat.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

ACP issues updated guidance for colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic adults

The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 31, 2023

Ancient pathogens emerging from melting ice and permafrost risk eroding ecosystems

A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

Researchers develop machine learning models that could improve suicide-risk prediction among children

Researchers designed machine learning models to identify children at risk of self-harm, finding that incorporating more data points and diagnostic codes improved detection rates. The models were particularly effective for detecting underrepresented groups, such as Black and Latino youth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJMIR Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

Climate change threatens 771 endangered plant and lichen species

A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2023

Young adult women may be more likely to engage in risky behavior when descending stairs than young adult men

An observational study of college students found that young women are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like multitasking and conversation while descending stairs. This is compared to young men who were less likely to engage in these behaviors, suggesting that women may be more distracted while descending stairs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

NIH-funded study explains link to increased cardiovascular risks for people with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with reduced blood oxygen levels being the leading factor. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea could help prevent future cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 26, 2023

Older adults who identify as sexual and gender minorities experience disproportionate age-related decline

A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that older adults who belong to sexual and gender minorities experience higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages, compared to non-OSGM participants. The research highlights the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and potential targets to mitigate frailty.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJul 25, 2023

International workgroup of cancer genetics experts convened by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics develops guidance on clinical management of CHEK2 pathogenic variants and cancer risks

A new clinical practice resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with pathogenic variants in the CHEK2 gene. The resource assesses personalized risk estimates based on family history, specific variant, and other factors.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Fathers’ psychiatric diagnosis increases risk of preterm birth

A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Majority of older adults with cognitive impairment still drive

A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Could early induction of labor reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes?

A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces risk of death years after heart surgery, still underutilized

A Michigan Medicine study finds that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have a decreased risk of death years after surgery. The greatest reduction in mortality was found in patients who completed 36 or more sessions, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve participation and adherence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Alien invasion: Study reveals alarming economic costs of biological invasions to the European Union

A recent study led by McGill University estimates that the European Union will face significant economic losses due to biological invasions, with costs projected to reach over €142.73 billion by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective management and collaboration to address this threat.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2023

Blood pressure patterns in the first half of pregnancy improve early prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 12, 2023

Gene mutations linked to hereditary kidney cancer predisposition but potential Achilles' heel identified

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center confirmed genetic variants of unknown significance are verified mutations that increase the risk of kidney cancer. The findings could lead to new treatment options for people with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC).

A neurobehavioral signature of risk for mania

Researchers identified three neurobehavioral profiles that distinguish individuals with elevated mania vulnerability based on reward sensitivity and sleep-circadian characteristics. These profiles can help detect mania risk and provide targets for early interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 11, 2023

Acute kidney injury not associated with worsening kidney function in persons with CKD

Researchers found that acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function trajectory in patients with CKD, suggesting that pre-existing kidney disease may be a major contributor. The study recommends focusing on flattening the eGFR slope and treating proteinuria to slow CKD progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Massachusetts drinking water may contain unsafe levels of manganese

A new study found that manganese concentrations in a Massachusetts community's drinking water often exceeded recommended guidelines, posing a risk to children and vulnerable communities. The study suggests the need for an enforceable primary drinking water standard for manganese to better protect public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

New comprehensive review of biochemical markers of bone fragility in diabetes

A comprehensive review of biochemical markers for bone fragility in diabetes identifies low bone turnover and alterations in bone quality as key factors. The study suggests that glycemic control, AGEs, and serum IGF-1 may have predictive value for fracture risk in patients with diabetes.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

Do investors incorporate financial materiality of environmental information in their risk evaluation?

Researchers found that investors evaluate a company's environmental performance based on financial materiality, providing a better perspective for understanding environmental risks. The study analyzed data from 1,766 companies and identified three key findings: varying evaluation criteria, shareholder risk perception, and the importanc...

SourceKyushu University·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateJul 7, 2023

Treating childhood ADHD with stimulant meds not associated with increased substance use later in life, study finds

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2023

No increase in mortality for most overweight people, study finds

A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023