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U of M Medical School study finds point-of-care ultrasound enhances early pregnancy care, cuts emergency visits by 81%

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds in the first trimester enhances care for pregnant patients and reduces emergency visits. This integrated approach allows comprehensive care during a single visit, improving diagnosis and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Trends in screening for social risk in physician practices

Social risk screening in US physician practices increased from 2017 to 2022, but only about one-third systematically screen for common social risks. The study's findings highlight the need to assess the association between screening and referrals with patient outcomes as policies prioritize social risk screening.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 3, 2025

Does having more chronic conditions increase older adults’ risk of declining kidney function?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are at a higher risk of declining kidney function. The study followed 3,094 older individuals for 15 years and found an independent dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions and kidn...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2024

Toxic air in Texas high schools

A recent study of Texas high school indoor air revealed the presence of phthalates and PBDEs, linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, and nervous system damage. Researchers found correlations between SVOC concentrations and building characteristics, such as flooring type and classroom design.

SwRI-led study explores risks of chemical exposure from household products

Researchers analyzed 81 common household items for chemical makeup and exposure risks. The study used advanced chromatography and machine learning methods to identify chemicals that could pose negative health effects, such as synthetic antioxidant BKF, when exposure reached a certain threshold.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2024

Over 4 million US adults with chronic liver disease can be grouped into unique risk groups based on barriers to care

A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

Experts urge complex systems approach to assess A.I. risks

The study emphasizes the need for a coherent approach to understanding A.I. threats, recognizing the intricate interplay between technology and society. Experts propose involving laypeople and experts in risk assessment processes, as well as promoting social resilience to ensure better decision-making.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeCase study·DateNov 12, 2024

First genome-wide comparison of vapers and smokers finds similar DNA changes linked to disease risk

Researchers compared epigenetic changes across the genome in young adults who vaped, smoked or did not use nicotine products, finding a tumor-suppressor gene among the key findings. The study found substantial overlap in DNA methylation patterns between people who vaped versus those who smoked.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

The risk of global water scarcity is greater when accounting for the origin of rain.

A new study reveals that risks to global water security are significantly higher when considering the environmental conditions and governability of areas where moisture evaporates before falling as rain. This approach identifies regions with high water scarcity risk, including those dependent on neighboring countries for upwind moisture.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2024

Does low lipoprotein(a) increase the risk of diabetes? New research suggests it does not

Researchers used genetic method Mendelian randomization to show high levels of fasting insulin cause reduction in Lp(a), rather than the other way around. Low Lp(a) is unlikely to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, independent of pre-existing hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Obesity and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

A recent study analyzing electronic medical records found obese individuals have a 34% increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The research highlights obesity as a significant transmission risk factor for the virus among exposed individuals, regardless of age or sex.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 27, 2024

Brigham-led study estimates 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with high body mass index may qualify for anti-obesity drug

A new study estimates that 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with elevated body mass index (BMI) may qualify for semaglutide, a popular weight loss medication. The study found that maximum annual costs to Medicare could exceed $10 billion if different definitions of cardiovascular risk are considered.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

People who recover from dengue are at higher risk of long-term health complications than those who recovered from COVID-19, Singapore study finds

A nationwide study by Nanyang Technological University found that individuals who recovered from dengue are at a 55% higher risk of long-term health complications, including heart problems and cognitive disorders. This is compared to those who recovered from COVID-19.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Can flexibility help people live longer?

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that reduced body flexibility is associated with poor survival in middle-aged men and women. After analyzing data from 3,139 participants, researchers discovered an inverse relationship between Flexindex scores and mortality risk.

SourceWiley·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 21, 2024

Korea University offers new breakthrough for Hepatitis C to improve life expectancy

A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

A simple test can predict whether smokers will manage to quit

Researchers found that a simplified two-question test can predict smoking abstinence in cancer patients with equal accuracy as the full Fagerström Test. However, the test may not work well for Non-Hispanic Black people with a cancer diagnosis. The study aims to help doctors tailor tests for different groups.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2024