Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
New research estimates the overall disease burden of genetic risk factors on healthy life years lost, prioritizing interventions using genetic information. The study found that common genetic variants for cardio-vascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease have a substantial population-level impact.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found a significant increase in suicide rates among women and younger age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Excess suicide deaths for men and women were recorded, with sub-group analyses revealing a positive correlation between increased mortality and specific age ranges.
A budget impact analysis found that catheter-based TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients, with lower total costs compared to surgical SAVR. The study showed that the upfront cost of TAVR is partially offset by reduced healthcare resources, making it a more efficient option.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that adolescents who experienced a concussion in the past 12 months were 25% more likely to be in poor academic standing. This association was stronger with a history of repeated concussions, and varied by race/ethnicity.
The study found that pregnant individuals younger than 25 years, non-Hispanic Black individuals, unmarried individuals, and those with obesity before pregnancy experienced higher gestational weight gain. The pandemic also led to a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain among these groups.
Poor periodontal health is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss alone increases the odds of cognitive decline by 23% and dementia risk by 13%.
A large French study found a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that these food additives should not be considered a healthy alternative to sugar.
Research using genetic variants as proxies for physical activity levels found a link between higher activity and lower invasive breast cancer risk. A higher overall level of genetically predicted physical activity was associated with a 41% lower risk of invasive breast cancer.
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
Two large studies found a link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, bowel cancer, and death. The findings support policies limiting ultra-processed foods and promote eating unprocessed or minimally-processed foods for improved public health.
A large retrospective study found that visceral fat area from fully automated and normalized abdominal CT analysis predicts subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke in Black and White patients. The study suggests that body composition analysis using machine learning could be widely adopted to add prognostic utility to clinical practice.
A study of NASA astronauts found DNA mutations associated with spaceflight, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood cancer. Regular screening is recommended to monitor astronaut health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
A study found that genetic testing before pregnancy can detect the risk of severe developmental disorders in 44% of cases if parents are related. However, non-hereditary mutations play a larger role in children of non-consanguineous couples, and many genes remain undetected.
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that AI-based risk profiling can improve treatment outcomes for women with heart attacks. By accounting for sex-related differences, the novel score refines current risk models and reduces mortality rates among female patients.
A combination of anemia and weak muscles in older people increases the risk of death by 64% for men and 117% for women. The two conditions together pose a significant risk, especially for elderly women, according to a study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
A new risk score can help predict mortality for patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful TAVR and been discharged home. The risk score was developed using data from the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, which found that patients with certain clinical risks were more likely to die within a year of discharge.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst psychologist is using a $428,000 NIH grant to develop a home-based system that tracks preschoolers' tantrums and predicts mental illness risk. The system uses wearable devices and machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk children and provide critical information to parents.
A new wireless sock monitoring system reduced fall rates among 'fall-risk' patients by zero falls, compared to a historical rate of 4 falls per 1,000 patient-days. The system uses pressure sensors and interrelated devices to detect patient attempts to stand up and alert nurses through a notification system.
Research suggests that regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death. Adults who engaged in at least 500 MET minutes per week had a significant reduction in risk, with the highest protective effect observed at this threshold.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
A recent study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of myocarditis compared to vaccination, with a 11-fold higher risk in unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed nearly 43 million people in England and found that COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is rare.
A new study estimates that over 5.5 million U.S. adults used hallucinogens in the past year, with a significant increase in LSD use between 2002 and 2019. The study found that PCP use decreased during this period, while Ecstasy use also declined since 2015.
A large Canadian study found no association between Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risks of preterm birth or stillbirth. The study analyzed data from over 85,000 births and concluded that vaccination is effective against Covid-19 in pregnant individuals and their newborns.
Intravenous (IV) nutrition is being used by professional athletes as a regular routine, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential risks. The 'food first' approach is crucial to avoid normalization of unproven treatments.
The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of adding a Pfizer-BioNTech booster to two doses of CoronaVac, finding reduced risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study used national data from nearly 14 million vaccinated individuals in Malaysia.
Simultaneous extreme heat and drought events have significant consequences on various sectors, including economy, health, and food production. The analysis of eight extreme events in Europe, Australia, and Africa highlights the need for more systematic risk assessments to improve adaptability and resilience.
A study found that concurrent heat and drought events can have devastating effects on multiple sectors, including human health, energy, and agriculture. The research highlights the importance of considering compound extreme events in adaptation efforts to improve resilience.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm using individual ECG heartbeats to accurately predict diabetes and pre-diabetes. The DiaBeats algorithm detected the diseases with an overall accuracy of 97%, irrespective of factors like age, gender, and coexisting metabolic disorders.
A new analysis shows that combining two anti-platelet drugs can reduce the risk of graft failure after coronary artery bypass surgery, but also increase the risk of bleeding. The study found a significant reduction in graft failure rates with dual therapy, but more bleeding events requiring medical attention.
A systematic review found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical lesions recurrence, especially in cases related to high-risk HPV types. The study's results suggest that women treated for precancerous cervical lesions may benefit from receiving an HPV vaccine alongside surgical treatment.
A new study by Edith Cowan University identified the most common injury types and body regions affected among police recruits, with knee injuries having the greatest impact. The study also found that men under 30 had a substantially reduced injury risk, highlighting the importance of tailored training programs to reduce injury rates.
Researchers at MIT estimate the probability of getting Covid-19 on a plane flight was about 1 in 2,000 from June 2020 to February 2021. The study provides a general estimate of air travel safety with regard to Covid-19 transmission and a methodology that can be applied to future studies.
A recent study by Renmin University of China found that a good media reputation consistently reduces the risk of termination for administrative agencies. The research analyzed over 4.95 million articles published between 1949 and 2019 in the People's Daily, an official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
A pooled data analysis of 11 international studies found that NAFLD is associated with a 50% heightened risk of developing heart failure. The severity of NAFLD also increases the risk, especially with extensive liver fibrosis.
A large prospective study found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to those without the condition. The study analyzed data from over 112,000 women and found an association between endometriosis and stroke risk, suggesting that clinicians should consider the whole woman's health...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
A world-first study has confirmed the link between Alzheimer's Disease and multiple gut disorders, revealing shared genetic architecture. The study suggests that abnormal cholesterol levels play a key role in both conditions, and may lead to new potential treatments for Alzheimer's and gut disorders.
A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.
Young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption, while older adults without underlying conditions may benefit from small amounts. The study recommends age and region-based guidelines to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
A study of 6,335 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease found that risk factor profiles have not improved over the last two decades. Despite advancements in therapies and guideline recommendations, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet all showed worse...
Researchers assessed popular MSW pre-treatment technologies and cement kiln co-processing techniques in China, highlighting environmental risks and opportunities. The study revealed characteristics of mainstream MSW pre-treatment technologies and provided important reference data for optimization design.
Researchers estimate a 6-10% chance of casualties from uncontrolled re-entry of abandoned rocket stages within the next decade. The study suggests that governments should mandate safe re-entry guidelines to minimize risks and save lives.
A study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment found that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by human cells, particularly those in the small intestine and liver. The absorption of these particles is influenced by their size and chemical properties.
Researchers used machine learning techniques on a statewide database of handgun transactions to forecast firearm suicide risk. The study found a significant association between handgun sales and subsequent firearm suicides.
Researchers found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients treated in the ICU had greater discrepancies between SpO2 levels detected using pulse oximeters versus levels detected in blood samples. These discrepancies led to lower rates of supplemental oxygen being administered to these groups compared to white patients.
Grieving a close family member can significantly increase stress levels, contributing to poor prognosis in heart failure patients. The study found that bereavement was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly after death of a child or spouse/partner.
Researchers developed an automated method to create 3D images of leaked gas clouds, enabling precise location, volume, and concentration determination. This technology can provide early leak warnings, assess risk, or determine the best way to fix leaks in large facilities with stored toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
A University of Houston study found that 61% of Black and Hispanic adolescents have low vitamin D levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. The research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about social determinants of health and providing culturall...
A systematic literature review found that existing chemical risk assessments are inadequate and contradictory. The review of 74 toxicology studies and 74 epidemiological studies revealed an underestimation of the levels of flame retardants needed to cause harmful health effects.
A new IU screening tool, Convergent Functional Information for Suicidality (CFI-S), has been validated to predict 80-90% of future suicidality. The tool identifies top risk factors such as feeling useless or unneeded, history of suicidality, and social isolation.
A nationwide study found that nearly 8 out of 10 physicians believe the chances of a desired outcome are greater than the probability of individual steps leading to that outcome. This phenomenon, known as conjunction fallacy, can lead to unnecessary delays and harm to patients.
A long-term study has found a connection between abdominal aortic calcification and late-life dementia risk. Researchers discovered that women with medium to high levels of AAC were twice as likely to be hospitalized or die from late-life dementia.
Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.