Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
A large-scale study published in The BMJ found that taking neuraminidase inhibitors during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The study analyzed nearly 6,000 women who received these medications and did not find a link to low birth weight, stillbirth, or birth defects.
Researchers found that interactive health apps with back-and-forth conversations can promote healthier lifestyles. However, a conversational tone may lead users to feel less susceptible to health risks like obesity and diabetes.
A new risk model developed by researchers at the University of Delaware allows lima bean growers to assess their fields' risk of downy mildew, a fungal-like disease. The tool provides a numeric scale from 1 to 10 and takes into account individual tolerance levels.
The International Potato Center launched an online mobile-accessible Pest Risk Atlas for Africa to assess potential pest risks under current and future climate conditions. The atlas provides detailed information for pest risk analysis, including detection and identification, means of movement and dispersal, and phytosanitary measures.
Scientists have developed a new modification to the Gutenberg-Richter law to better predict large earthquakes. This improved model takes into account the finite size of the Earth and provides more accurate estimates of seismic risk. The researchers hope their findings will be useful in evaluating economic losses from potential disasters.
A new study finds that CMS and care providers lack predictive models needed to assess risks patients face after joint replacement. Hospital systems are apprehensive of getting penalized inadvertently because CJR's current payment model does not include a risk adjustment method.
Experts recommend using risk assessment to regulate endocrine disrupting substances, considering exposure and effects on sensitive species. Hazard assessments are suitable in absence of sufficient data.
Analysis of US data from 2002 to 2012 reveals significantly higher cervical cancer mortality rates among black women (77% higher) and white women (47% higher), with disparities increasing over time. Black women's corrected mortality rate is 10.1 per 100,000 women, compared to 5.7 for uncorrected rates.
A UMass Amherst researcher argues that a historical investigation error led to the adoption of the LNT model, which challenged fundamental beliefs about ionizing radiation effects. The corrected research supports a threshold rather than linear dose response for carcinogens.
A new analysis of eight studies reveals that elderly individuals who experience a hip fracture are at higher risk of dying in the short term after the injury. Long-term risks also exist, with fractures linked to nearly twofold increased risk of dying eight years or more after the injury.
A study published in The BMJ found that surgical patients with migraines are at a higher risk of stroke and hospital readmission. Patients with migraine with aura were found to be at the highest risk, with an estimated 6.3 strokes per 1,000 patients.
New research highlights the importance of including physical, political, cultural and socio-economic factors in natural hazard risk assessments. Syrian refugees living in seismically active regions of Turkey could boost the death toll from a major earthquake by up to 20 percent.
A large analysis of current research reveals that consuming at least 20g of nuts per day can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, cancer, and premature death. The study found a 30% reduction in heart disease risk, a 15% reduction in cancer risk, and a 22% reduction in premature death risk.
Researchers found that estimating fitness can predict future risk of premature death from all causes, making it an easy and cost-effective tool for medical professionals. The study analyzed data from 38,480 men and women and found no need for complicated risk score algorithms.
Research from Binghamton University finds that pupil dilation in response to negative emotional faces predicts risk for depression relapse among women with a history of major depressive disorder. High or low reactivity to angry faces is associated with increased risk, while low reactivity to sad faces may be protective.
The new research framework lays out two sets of options for support: curative measures to address unavoidable risks, and transformative risk management to build resilience against climate-related impacts. This analysis provides a way to work towards consensus and principled action for dealing with critical climate-related risks.
Researchers found no association between sex and risk of kidney damage when analyzing studies that took patient characteristics into account. Women are more likely to develop kidney damage following cardiovascular surgery, but this link is disputed when adjusting for comorbidities.
Healthcare workers who cared for Ebola patients in Sierra Leone described relying on training, guidelines, and equipment to manage risks. They also emphasized the importance of being prepared to face highly contagious and deadly diseases, a concern relevant to global health, according to Dr. Asa Hornsten.
The BfR has updated its joint research strategy to focus on application-safe and environmentally friendly nanomaterials development and use. The new approach aims to ensure sustainable material use across the entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
Researchers have identified three objective criteria to quickly identify patients with zero chance of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who can be considered for organ donation. These criteria include lack of witness emergency medical services personnel, nonshockable initial cardiac rhythm, and failure to return spont...
Eating red meat increases significant risks for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. The production of red meat also creates an environmental burden with impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
A recent study assesses the climate change vulnerability of cities across the US, finding that many city planners have yet to prepare for climate-related risks. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach, focusing on human health impacts and sector-specific strategies to address specific challenges in urban areas.
A study found that alcohol-related hospitalization is associated with a doubled risk of ischemic stroke in low-risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The study included over 25,000 patients and showed that age and alcohol-related hospitalization were significant predictors of stroke risk.
A global analysis of environmental risk from invasive alien species reveals that one sixth of the world's lands are 'highly vulnerable' to invasion. The study highlights the need for proactive policies and international cooperation to combat these threats.
A new study suggests that Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers may need to use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to cases of chronic neglect. The researchers found that families with chronic neglect often have multiple significant stressors, including extreme poverty and parental substance abuse. A mor...
Increased LDL-C levels increase CAD risk, while increased HDL-C and TG levels lower diabetes risk. This study uses genetics to investigate lipid associations, providing insights for drug development and potential effects on dysglycemia.
Researchers aim to reduce errors in warning decisions by considering all three key aspects: who, what, and when. Effective warnings are crucial for mitigating casualties and increasing transparency.
Direct medical costs of surgery put an estimated 43.9% of the world's population at risk of financial catastrophe. Every year, approximately 30 million individuals face financial ruin and 11 million fall below poverty lines due to surgical expenses.
A study of 19,158 women who underwent IVF treatment and 5,950 women starting other fertility treatments found no association between IVF and increased breast cancer risk. Women with 7 or more IVF cycles had a significantly decreased risk compared to those treated with 1-2 cycles.
Researchers studied six years of bull runs to identify risks affecting runners and bulls, finding that the primary risk comes from bulls themselves, with minimal impact from route conditions or runner fitness.
A recent study using a highly sensitive blood coagulation test called dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) found that non-Atrial Fibrillation patients with high CHADS2 scores exhibited hypercoagulability. DBCM detected small changes in blood coagulation, particularly in those at higher risk of stroke.
A new analysis of UK workers found a significant association between certain occupations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study identified the greatest risk in workers within the chemical, rubber, and dye industries, as well as those in electrical, chemical, and transport roles.
Researchers have developed a new risk assessment tool to aid in strategic planning for security, focusing on natural disasters, terrorist events, and major accidents. The Deliberative Method for Ranking Risk has been tested on 26 individuals and found that pandemic influenza, hurricanes, and earthquakes prompt the highest concerns.
A recent meta-analysis in Scientific Reports supports the link between omega-3s and reduced mortality. The analysis showed a 9% reduced risk of all-cause death associated with high versus low omega-3 intake.
A study found that male GPs are less likely to assess cardiovascular risk in female patients due to insufficient information in medical files. Female patients were also less likely to have their CVD risk assessed using the SCORE scale when seen by a female GP.
A recent Australian study found that no method is reliable for assessing suicide risk in mental health patients. The meta-analysis suggests that traditional approaches may be ineffective and that a more patient-focused approach is needed.
Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.
A new meta-analysis of US recidivism risk assessment instruments found them to be accurate but with unclear impact on reducing bias against offenders based on race or other factors. The study evaluated 19 commonly used RAIs and assessed their accuracy in predicting recidivism, ease of use, and inter-rater reliability.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that drivers can see trains from a distance, but struggle to estimate their speed. On average, drivers overestimated the train's speed by 36% at 750m away and 29% at 350m away.
A recent UK lung cancer screening trial found that patients with high-risk disease can be identified and have a 73% chance of surviving five years or more. The trial's results provide crucial evidence for implementing a national screening programme in the UK.
A new study has confirmed the accuracy of the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator, which estimates a patient's risk of postoperative complications. The calculator will undergo recalibration to improve its performance, addressing minor distortions in estimating risk for low- and high-risk patients.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that the majority of women with endometriosis do not experience infertility, contradicting previous estimates. The study found a higher risk of subsequent infertility in women under age 35, but only half of cases previously thought to be related to endometriosis.
A massive analysis of DNA samples from over 13,000 U.S. soldiers has identified two statistically significant genetic variants associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings suggest a possible link between PTSD and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.
A new blackspot identification method developed by QUT uses a Bayesian latent class model to analyze multiple crash risk processes. The model identifies additional high-risk sites, resulting in improved prediction ability and accuracy.
A new assessment tool has been developed to gauge the risk of patients with mental illnesses committing crimes, improving upon the current evaluation system. The tool aims to strike a balance between patient rights and freedoms and public safety, facilitating quicker evaluations and hospitalizations for high-risk patients.
A large study validates TBS as a standalone predictor of fracture risk, independent of FRAX, with robust results across diverse populations. The combination of TBS and clinical risk factors shows enhanced risk gradients for hip and non-hip fractures.
A mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults by identifying those at risk of complications. The study found that preoperative scores on the Mobility Assessment Tool: Short Form (MAT-sf) were predictive of early postoperative complications, longer hospital stays and discharges to nursing homes.
Breast cancer survivors undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy did not experience greater risk of lasting cognitive decline, according to a recent study. Neuropsychological tests revealed comparable cognitive function between groups up to seven years after treatment.
Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.
Researchers developed a novel method to measure mortality risk in elderly cancer patients with multiple diseases, providing a more accurate assessment than current survival rates. The approach uses machine learning and calculates the 'omega factor,' which compares a patient's cancer mortality risk to their overall mortality risk.
A new study suggests that a tax on individual transactions between financial institutions could eliminate systemic risk in the financial system. The proposed tax relies on an analysis of banking network data and would go into a government fund to bail out struggling banks.
A new Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions showed potential in assessing studies with higher risk of bias. Exclusion of high-risk studies altered estimates of clinically pertinent outcomes in two systematic reviews, highlighting the need for further testing of the new instrument.
Researchers propose a new strategy integrating linear no-threshold (LNT) and hormetic dose-response models to optimize public health benefits. This approach reconciles conflicting methods, offering significant improvements in cancer risk assessment.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a faster and more accurate flood risk assessment method that relies on an algorithm to extract key causative events driving major floods. This new approach reduces the time taken for modeling while maintaining high accuracy, potentially saving properties and lives.
A recent study by researchers at Kyushu Dental University found a significant evidence-practice gap for sealant application among Japanese dentists. The findings suggest that dentists' beliefs about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment are strongly associated with their recommendation of dental sealants.
A new risk model and risk score have been developed to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). The cumulative incidence of SCD was found to occur continuously over time, with a rate of approximately 1 percent per year.
A clinical risk score developed among children presenting to an emergency department with a concussion was significantly better than physician judgment in predicting future persistent postconcussion symptoms. The study found that approximately 33% of children experience ongoing symptoms, which can have serious adverse effects.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that US workers without paid sick leave are three times more likely to delay medical care than those with paid leave, regardless of income or occupation. This delay can lead to more complicated and expensive health conditions.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that people are worried about the increase in global population, focusing on food and water shortages, species extinctions, and catastrophic consequences. The researchers discovered that individuals who perceived greater risk were generally those who indicated a willingness to adopt mi...