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Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Does a woman’s heart health affect cognition in midlife?

A new study found that Black women with poor cardiovascular health may face an elevated risk of early signs of cognitive decline in midlife. Processing speed, a leading indicator of early cognitive decline, appeared to decline in these women starting in midlife but not in white women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

Good heart health in middle age may preserve brain function among Black women as they age

A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

Women’s heart disease is underdiagnosed, but new machine learning models can help solve this problem

Researchers built more accurate cardiovascular risk models using machine learning, finding that women are underdiagnosed due to sex-neutral criteria. The study used the UK Biobank dataset and found that electrocardiogram (EKG) tests were most effective in improving detection of cardiovascular disease in both men and women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

The consumption of certain food additive emulsifiers could be associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A large French study found a link between chronic exposure to certain emulsifiers and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 104,000 adults and observed an association with several emulsifiers.

Being treated by a female physician associated with lower risk for death

An observational study of over 700,000 patients found that female physicians treated male and female patients with lower mortality and readmission rates. The effect was particularly pronounced in female patients treated by female physicians, possibly due to patient-centered communication and reduced sociocultural taboos.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 22, 2024

Shorten the blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation, experts say

Research published in Heart Rhythm suggests that the three-month blanking period after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation may not be necessary, as early AF recurrence is a predictor of late recurrence. The authors propose shortening the blanking period to one month, citing studies that show higher risks of long-term recurrence for patie...

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

New findings in JNCCN illustrate pathway for screening high-risk individuals for pancreatic cancer in PRECEDE study

The PRECEDE study found that nearly 80% of participants in the highest-risk cohort completed baseline imaging, highlighting the feasibility of improving early detection and prevention for pancreatic cancer. Researchers recommend sorting individuals into three groups based on family history and genetic mutations to tailor surveillance.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateApr 16, 2024

PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

A smarter city skyline for flood safety

Urban flooding is increasing due to climate change and urbanization, posing a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Researchers found that building configurations can significantly impact flood vulnerability; staggered layouts provide more danger zones, while rounded or circular footprints reduce high-floodwater areas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 9, 2024

Cleveland Clinic, Tufts University research ties gut microbial TMAO pathway to chronic kidney disease

Researchers discovered that participants with elevated TMAO blood levels were at increased risk for future development of chronic kidney disease, even after adjusting for other known risk factors. The study also found a faster rate of declining kidney function in people with normal or impaired kidney function.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2024

A natural touch for coastal defense

A new study found that hybrid coastal defenses, which combine natural and hard measures, are more cost-effective and provide higher hazard reduction in low-risk areas. In contrast, soft measures such as restoring or rehabilitating natural ecosystems are also beneficial in terms of environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2024

Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024

First time moms with breech pregnancies experience reduced risk of complications if they plan cesarean rather than vaginal delivery - but have increased risk of uterus rupture in subsequent pregnancies

Researchers found that first-time mothers carrying a breech baby may experience reduced risks if they choose a planned cesarean delivery instead of attempting a vaginal birth. However, these women also have an elevated risk of experiencing uterine rupture during their next pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2024

Companies ignoring climate risks get punished by markets, new study reveals

A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

Clear shift in arterial diseases in diabetes

Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Late surgical repair for preterm babies born with inguinal hernia shows better results compared to early repair, study finds

A randomized clinical trial has shown that delaying surgical repair of inguinal hernias in preterm infants until after discharge from the NICU reduces serious adverse events. The study found a high likelihood of hernia resolution with late repair, allowing for quicker hospital discharge.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Better prostate cancer care for highly educated

A study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with advanced degrees and higher incomes are more likely to receive comprehensive care for prostate cancer, including MRI scans and curative treatment. This leads to lower mortality rates from the disease compared to those with lower education and income.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

New evidence-based guideline for the management of osteoporosis in men

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalNature Reviews Rheumatology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2024