Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
A new study suggests that a widely used criminal risk assessment tool is no more accurate than untrained people in predicting recidivism. The researchers found that with fewer features, human predictions were just as accurate, and false positives were equally unfair to black defendants.
A study published in PNAS found that conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks due to displaced people moving from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission. The research suggests that harm reduction services should be scaled up and international support provided to prevent further transmission.
Scientists analyzed various natural hazards like earthquakes, space weather events, and floods to understand their impact on power grid recovery time. The report highlights the importance of integrating risk assessment and management efforts across policy areas and improving cross-jurisdictional emergency management capabilities.
A new study found that an individual's history of past falls can significantly increase their risk of a new fracture. Even after accounting for FRAX and bone mineral density tests, past falls were associated with a 63%-71% increased risk of a new fracture occurring.
Researchers are using a new 3D mapping technique to assess the risk of space weather events on the US power grid. The method uses data from EarthScope to create detailed maps of ground conductivity, which can help identify vulnerable sections of transmission lines and inform real-time power-flow management.
A new study analyzed data from 60,000 parents and children to establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk. The research found that previous studies had underestimated the harmful effects of being overweight, with high BMI linked to increased mortality risk.
A new analysis of published studies found a 45% increased risk of congenital heart defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study included 25,856 children from IVF and 287,995 from spontaneous conception, finding 1.30% and 0.68% cases of congenital heart defects respectively.
Mucosal healing is crucial in treating ulcerative colitis, as it reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. The study by Flores and colleagues reaffirms that ongoing inflammation increases cancer risk and may impact surveillance colonoscopies.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to accurately estimate cardiac risks for older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The 'Geriatric-Sensitive Perioperative Cardiac Risk Index' considers age-specific risk factors and significantly outperforms traditional tools.
Induction of labor at 40 weeks is associated with a lower risk of in-hospital perinatal death and meconium aspiration syndrome in nulliparous women over 35. The study analyzed data from 77,327 mothers giving birth between 2009 and 2014.
A pilot project tests a community-level assessment tool from Cuba on reproductive-age women and their families in Englewood, aiming to enhance provider awareness of home life and environments. The goal is to address maternal health and infant mortality outcomes, such as low birth rate and pre-term births.
Carnegie Mellon University researcher Kasey Creswell has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in young adults. The study will examine how participants respond to alcohol in a laboratory setting and translate findings to daily life experiences.
A new analysis found an approximate 80% increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth when women conceive through in vitro fertilization. This risk is significant enough to warrant ultrasound cervical screening to apply preventive strategies.
New research suggests that greater reductions in mean blood pressure may harm the kidneys, rather than benefiting them. In hypertensive patients, intensive blood pressure treatment was found to be associated with an increased risk of kidney function decline.
Researchers found TAVR to be highly cost-effective compared to SAVR in intermediate surgical risk patients with aortic stenosis. Over two years, follow-up costs were substantially lower with TAVR than SAVR, resulting in lifetime cost savings and improved quality-adjusted life expectancy.
The FRAX calculator has been widely adopted globally, helping clinicians make informed decisions based on multiple scientifically validated risk factors. A recent study confirms that intervention thresholds based on fracture probabilities are highly effective in targeting high-risk individuals.
The Energy efficiency Data Portal & Protocol (EeDaPP) Initiative aims to create a standardized reporting template for loan-by-loan energy efficient mortgage assets. This will enable large-scale tracking of performance and facilitate earmarking for energy efficient bond issuance.
A 28-study analysis reveals night shift workers are more likely to develop abdominal obesity and experience an increased risk of obesity compared to permanent day workers. Modifying working schedules to avoid prolonged exposure to long-term night shifts might help reduce this risk, according to the study.
The study reveals an association between body size and extinction risk among vertebrate species. The results indicate that lightest vertebrates are most at risk of habitat degradation due to human activities, while the heaviest vertebrates face a higher risk of direct killing by humans.
A new study suggests that specific genetic variants increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in later life, including after the age of 30. The research found that individuals with certain HLA genotypes have a higher likelihood of developing late-onset T1D and being diagnosed at an older age.
Lower levels of alcohol may decrease the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm until approximately 15-20 g/day, according to a large analysis of published studies. The study found that quitting smoking remains the most effective way for people to stay healthy and active for longer.
A study from MIT suggests that cervical mucus analysis can predict preterm births, potentially allowing doctors to intervene earlier. Researchers found significant differences in mucus permeability and adhesiveness between women who delivered prematurely and those who did not.
A new assessment predicts fracture risk for patients in long-term care, identifying key factors such as age, mobility, and cognitive impairment. The tool has the potential to standardize fracture prevention efforts and save lives among nursing home residents.
A new study predicts shorter flood intervals for US coastal cities when considering both ocean water level rise and river flow, increasing overall flood risk. Researchers warn that as sea levels continue to rise, compound effects will further exacerbate coastal flooding.
A post-hoc analysis of the SPRINT trial suggests that a universal blood pressure target may not be suitable for all patients. For those with high systolic blood pressure readings, intensive treatment might not always be beneficial, and the harms of aggressive treatment could outweigh the benefits.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and two other organizations will attend the GAIN Annual Convention to promote careers in departmental research. The event offers job opportunities and networking platforms for young German academics.
Three large trials found that screening for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors does not reduce mortality in the general population, but individuals diagnosed with diabetes experience reduced mortality rates. The studies suggest that benefits to the general population may be increased by targeting screening to those at grea...
Many young cancer patients are not receiving adequate fertility information and support, according to a new Psycho-Oncology review of published literature. The analysis found that clinicians' lack of knowledge and unclear roles hinder the provision of fertility preservation services.
A recent study found that vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of heart failure in older individuals, with a 12.2-times higher risk observed. The study also revealed increased risks in men, obese individuals, and those with heart arrhythmias.
A meta-analysis of nearly 200 studies involving over 230,000 adults found a significant association between sexual assault and increased risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that sexual assault survivors are at higher risk of mental health problems regardle...
Researchers found that trend-based methods identified high-risk species with declining populations, while trait-based methods showed little pattern. The study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and caution when using historical data for climate change risk assessments.
A global framework study shows that new dikes can effectively address flood risk, with benefits outweighing costs. The research provides critical information for policymakers, identifying regions where efficient investment in flood protection is needed.
A new study suggests that assessing orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure, within one minute of standing is more predictive of future falls and adverse outcomes. The study found that this measurement time was associated with the highest rates of fractures, fainting, and death.
A new study found that bone strength is an inherited measurement that can be used to identify genes important for skeletal health. High-resolution images allowed researchers to estimate bone strength, revealing a significant link between genetic determinants of bone mineral density and fracture risk.
A new global analysis shows that species most at risk live in areas just beginning to see the impacts of human activities. Intact forest landscapes deserve higher priority for conservation dollars than heavily impacted areas, according to researchers.
The Bundesgesundheitsblatt special issue explores the assessment strategies for possible health risks posed by contaminants in food, including dioxins, PFAS, nano and micro materials, and metals. The study highlights the need for regular updates to understanding the risks due to changing environmental conditions and industrial processes.
A new risk assessment tool has been developed by Cedars-Sinai researchers to predict and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. The score is calculated using widely available and inexpensive 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) technology, and patients with scores above 4 have a 20 times increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Berkeley Lab awards $4.6 million for two projects to mitigate risks in California's natural gas system, focusing on risk management and ground deformation monitoring. The projects will help facility operators detect leaks early and prevent catastrophic events.
A new analysis suggests that non-selective beta-blockers are associated with a 22% increased risk of falling compared to selective beta-blockers. The study of over 10,000 individuals found no association between selective beta-blocker use and fall risk.
A new report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre presents the state-of-the-art in disaster risk management, highlighting the importance of science in preventing disasters and saving lives. The report identifies knowledge gaps and needs for further research to improve responses to natural hazards.
A recent analysis of 16 studies found that fluoxetine use during the first trimester is associated with a 18% increased relative risk of major malformations and a 36% increased risk of cardiovascular malformations.
A new USC study found that most US air travelers (60-80%) are unwilling to trade off convenience and wait longer for equal treatment in aviation security screenings. Only about half of respondents would be willing to pay up to $15 or tolerate more contraband on flights.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with ADHD who received medication had lower rates of motor vehicle crashes compared to those without medication. The study analyzed over 2.3 million US patients with ADHD and found a significant association between medication use and reduced MVC risk, regardless of gender.
A Cleveland Clinic survey found that individuals with healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, were less likely to have a personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps. However, less than 10% of respondents met daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations.
A new computer model assesses real-time Zika epidemic risk in US cities by combining population dynamics, historical infection rates, socioeconomics, and mosquito density. The model predicts that certain counties in Texas have the highest risk of Zika transmission, while others have nearly no risk.
A study published in The BMJ found no association between long-term gluten intake and the risk of coronary heart disease in people without celiac disease. However, restricting dietary gluten may lead to a low intake of whole grains, which are associated with cardiovascular benefits.
A new study found that cervical cancer incidence rates among women without a hysterectomy increase with age until 70 and do not begin to decline until 85. Many women over 65 have inadequate screening history, highlighting the need for continued surveillance.
US bridges may be more vulnerable than previously thought, according to a new Stanford study. The research found that frequent flooding and extreme events driven by climate change could lead to increased collapses, with up to $250 billion in direct costs.
Researchers at New York Institute of Technology found that the radial artery may be useful for assessing heart disease risk, as it exhibits positive correlations with key risk factors. This discovery could lead to a new way to measure systemic atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular health monitoring.
Gambling addiction is characterized by excessive risk-taking despite negative results, according to Kyoto University research. The study found that addicts have a poor ability to assess and adapt to high-risk situations, leading to an unhealthy bent towards risky choices.
Researchers developed a novel network-based climate stress-test methodology to assess climate risks in investments portfolios, considering policy scenarios. Combined exposures of financial investors' equity portfolios to climate-policy relevant sectors are large, amplifying risk through indirect exposures.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, automated technology to analyze the potential for rockfalls from cliffs onto roads and areas below. The system, called a 'rockfall activity index,' uses LIDAR technology to map large areas quickly and accurately assess risks.
A modified Fistula Risk Score (FRS) based on ACS NSQIP data helps surgeons identify high-risk patients for anastomotic leak after pancreas resection. The risk score also assesses the quality of patient care and evaluates new interventions to prevent fistula development.
A recent review suggests that a family history of prostate cancer does not increase the risk of more aggressive cancer progression. Men with a family history should discuss risks and options with their doctor, and further research is needed to confirm these findings, particularly among African American men.
Researchers argue that new international banking regulations would not be effective in reducing the risk of financial crises. Instead, they propose restructing financial networks to increase resilience while avoiding efficiency loss. A state-of-the-art model suggests capital surcharges are insufficient to control systemic risk.
Experts call for improved surveillance, latest testing technology, and further research on glyphosate's impact on human health and the environment. The current safety standards may fail to protect public health and the environment from potential harm.
A study of 9,410 women without prior childbirth found that fetal fibronectin levels and transvaginal cervical length had poor predictive performance for spontaneous preterm birth. These tests are often used to identify women at risk of preterm birth, but their accuracy is lower than expected.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has found no evidence of increased transmissibility or sustainable human-to-human transmission of the highly pathogenic A(H7N9) virus. New genetic mutations have been detected, but their impact on poultry and human risk remains unclear.
Researchers created high-resolution risk maps for clonorchiasis in China, highlighting provinces with the highest risk of infection and important predictors. The study found that elevation, distance to freshwater bodies, and land cover type were associated with infection risk, informing targeted control activities.
A new study assesses potential climate damage to 19 major European coastal cities, predicting annual economic losses ranging from $1.2 billion to over $40 billion by 2100. The study emphasizes the need for adaptation measures to avoid critical damage and major losses.