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Human brains are getting larger. That may be good news for dementia risk

A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

Details in pregnancy history shed light on risk of dying of cardiovascular disease

Research found that certain patterns of pregnancy history, including early deliveries and multiple hypertensive disorders, are associated with high risk of heart attack and stroke. Others with fewer or no complications have lower risk, suggesting other factors may also play a role in predicting cardiovascular disease mortality.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Mind the mask!

An experimental study on over 6,000 unvaccinated individuals in Europe reveals that people perceive less risk of contagion when wearing masks and meeting in open spaces. The study highlights the importance of improving behavioral aspects of health policies and public health literacy.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Poor neighborhoods linked to elevated dementia risk and faster brain aging

A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.

SourceDuke University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

Wood condition, root constriction and improper pruning can be used as predictors of urban tree failure

A study in São Paulo's central area found that poor wood condition, sidewalk root constriction, and drastic pruning are major predictors of urban tree failure. The researchers propose guidelines for stakeholders to reduce the number of failures, which average 2,000 per year.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateMar 13, 2024

Recreational activities such as golfing, gardening may be associated with increased ALS risk among men

A study by Michigan Medicine found that recreational activities such as golfing, gardening, and woodworking may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in men. The study surveyed over 700 individuals with and without ALS to assess their hobbies and non-work related activities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Maternal obesity may promote liver cancer

A study found that maternal obesity increases the risk of developing liver disease and liver cancer in offspring, due to the transmission of an altered gut microbiota. The risk is significantly higher in mice fed a junk food diet, highlighting the importance of microbiome health.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeNews article·DateMar 12, 2024

Factors associated with age-related hearing loss differ between males and females

A study of 2,349 participants aged over 60 found that sex influences the association between various factors and age-related hearing loss. Low weight was linked to increased risk in males, while both low weight and obesity were associated with higher risks in females. Smoking was only linked to increased risk in males, while early mens...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Weight loss and diabetes management drug linked to increased residual gastric content before anesthesia

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that 56% of patients using GLP-1 RAs had significant gastric contents on ultrasound before elective procedures, despite adequate fasting. The study suggests that conventional fasting times may need to be reexamined for this patient subset.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Study: Historic racial covenants in property deeds linked to disparities in exposure to dangerous heat

A study by Rebecca Walker found that places with historic racial covenants had lower temperatures, more tree canopy, and less impervious surfaces, indicating reduced exposure to extreme heat. This is particularly pronounced in middle- and lower-income neighborhoods where the covenants have a significant impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

COVID-19 associated with increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases up to a year after infection

A large binational study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) extending up to 12 months after infection. Vaccination showed some protection against AIRDs, particularly among those who were vaccinated.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2024

Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

A study analyzing ELSA data found that osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor hearing increased frailty risk in men, while high fibrinogen levels, diabetes, and stroke were linked to higher risks in women. This highlights the importance of gender-specific action plans and intervention for older people.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Study identifies blood biomarkers to predict risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers identified six blood biomarkers associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These biomarkers improved the ability to predict arterial inflammation, an indicator of cardiovascular risk, compared to standard clinical indices.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2024

Understanding genetic risk could save sight and predict multiple sclerosis earlier in young people

Researchers have developed a genetic risk tool that combines genetic factors with demographic information to improve MS risk prediction in young people presenting with optic neuritis. The study shows that this approach can help identify patients at high risk of MS, potentially enabling earlier treatment and improving long-term health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Vest can detect earlier signs of heart muscle disease

A new vest can map electric impulses of the heart in fine detail, detecting abnormalities from a potentially fatal heart disease much earlier. The study found that the vest identified electrical changes among 1 in 4 individuals with a gene mutation for whom no signs of disease were detected via standard tests.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

For Type II diabetes prevention, tap into AI

A novel AI-driven model developed by Maytal Saar-Tsechansky predicts which patients are most likely to benefit from preventive treatment for Type II diabetes. The model, trained on electronic health records of 89,191 prediabetic patients, improved both health and economic efficiency, enabling data-driven allocation of resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Gardeners can help identify potentially invasive plants

Researchers have created an online survey to gather information from gardeners about ornamental plants showing 'invasive behaviour'. The results identified 251 potential invaders, including Mexican fleabane and Himalayan honeysuckle, highlighting the critical role of gardeners in early detection and prevention strategies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateFeb 27, 2024

New baby sleep planner tool could help save babies lives at risk of sudden infant death

A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) releases points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released a points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection. The statement concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support its clinical utility, and further research is needed.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2024