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Paper refutes assertion that effects of bottom trawling on blue carbon can be compared to that of global air travel

A Bangor University paper quantifies the carbon benefits of ending bottom trawling, finding only a small fraction of seabed carbon reacts to disturbance. The study challenges the validity of previous claims and suggests using 'carbon credits' for banning trawling may actually increase overall CO2 emissions.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 10, 2023

Diabetes drugs associated with fewer adverse cardiac events in older veterans

A retrospective cohort study of U.S. veterans found that adding a GLP1 receptor agonist to diabetes treatment reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure hospitalization by about 20% compared to DPP4 inhibitors. The study's findings will aid clinicians in choosing a diabetes drug regimen for older patients.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2023

Canadian e-waste has tripled, new study finds

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that Canadian electronic waste (e-waste) has more than tripled in the last two decades, generating close to a million tons in 2020. E-waste generation per person has increased from 8.3 kg to 25.3 kg between 2000 and 2020.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateMay 8, 2023

Physical activity crucial for poststroke recovery

A University of Gothenburg study shows that increased physical activity, with four hours of weekly exercise, doubles the chances of recovering well by six months after a stroke. Men and people with normal cognition tend to maintain an active lifestyle more often, leading to better recovery outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2023

New decision aid to help with screening to prevent fragility fractures

A new interactive online Fragility Fracture Decision Aid can help clinicians and patients visualize their individual risk of fracture. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends a "risk assessment–first" screening process for women 65 years and older, centered around shared decision-making with primary care providers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

Fred Hutch study highlights racial disparities in ovarian cancer risk for women

A recent Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center study found that fibroids were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in both Black and white women, while hysterectomy modified this risk for white women but not Black women. The study highlights the need for further research into racial disparities in ovarian cancer risk.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023

Behavior patterns of people who achieve clinically significant weight loss

Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults, finding that those who lost at least 5% of their body weight showed higher diet quality and more moderate physical activity. However, the study also found that many individuals relied on unsustainable non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, highlighting the need for a paradig...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

Columbia University study finds that improved access to mental health care is associated with reductions in suicide risk

Researchers at Columbia University found that increased access to mental health care is associated with lower suicide rates in the US. The study used a new method to measure access to care and found that areas with shorter travel times to providers had significantly lower suicide rates.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Novel biomarker score could help measure adherence to Mediterranean diet

Researchers developed a novel biomarker-based indicator of the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates levels of fatty acids and carotenoids in blood. The study found that those with higher scores had lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, suggesting a stronger link than self-reported diet adherence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023

The antipsychotic clozapine linked to significantly less insomnia in people with schizophrenia

A new meta-analysis found that clozapine is associated with decreased insomnia and a lower risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that clozapine's ability to improve sleep quality may be linked to its reduced suicide risk, and highlights the importance of assessing and treating insomnia in these patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateApr 26, 2023

Study: Treatment for opioid addiction lags despite policies designed to increase it

A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Fishermen-developed “banger bar” helps reduce risk of injury on crab boats, OSU study finds

A study by Oregon State University found that a metal bar installed on the crab-sorting table can reduce the strain on fishermen's bodies and prevent injuries. The researchers tested different banger bar configurations and found that higher bars and triangular bars were the most effective in reducing muscle activity and joint moment.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Estimated 6.5 million Californians know someone at risk of harming themselves, others

A new study finds that an estimated 6.5 million Californians are concerned about a friend or family member who may harm themselves or others due to substance misuse, history of violence, or firearm access. The survey shows that 85% of respondents who knew someone at risk took actions to reduce the risk, but few addressed firearm access.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Reduced access to TAVR to treat aortic stenosis in Canada compared to the US may affect mortality risk, potentially threatening lives

A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Neutralizing monoclonal antibody use and COVID-19 infection outcomes

A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 24, 2023

A myth no more: Cranberry products can prevent urinary tract infections for women

A global study published in Cochrane Reviews found that consuming cranberry products reduces the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter. The review also showed benefits for children and people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions, with minimal side effects reported.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023

Online tool found to be effective at assessing dementia risk

A new online tool, CogDrisk, has been found to be effective in assessing dementia risk, providing a personalized report for patients and GPs. The tool uses a combination of statistical methods and modifiable risk factors to predict dementia risk, including physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023

Risks of removing ovaries at benign hysterectomy may outweigh the benefits for women at low risk for ovarian cancer

Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Machine-learning technique identifies people who would benefit most from treatment to reduce future cardiovascular disease risk

Researchers used a novel machine-learning technique called causal forest, which found that treating individuals with high estimated benefits provided better population health outcomes than the traditional high-risk approach. This approach targets those with high blood pressure and could lead to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2023

Reduced health risks with new epoxy resin monomer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new epoxy resin monomer based on isosorbide, a substance produced from glucose, to reduce contact allergies. The new monomer is far less allergenic and not based on Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

Higher dose corticosteroids associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy (The Lancet / RECOVERY trial)

A new study published in The Lancet found that higher dose corticosteroids are associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy. The RECOVERY trial also identified an excess of pneumonia and hyperglycaemia in the higher-dose corticosteroid group.

Study shows patterns of opioid prescribing linked to suicide risk

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 11, 2023

Researchers find comprehensive sex education reduces homophobia, transphobia

A randomized controlled trial of High School FLASH, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive evidence-based sex education curriculum, found that the program reduced homophobic and transphobic beliefs among both LGBTQ and straight/cisgender students. The study also showed improved feelings of safety and connection to peers among LGBTQ students.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalPrevention Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2023

Costs of natural disasters set to spiral with continued rise in CO2 and global temperature, study shows

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that climate change-related natural disasters have increased since 1980 and cost the US over $2 trillion in recovery costs. The analysis suggests that rising CO2 levels and temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe disasters, with exponentially increasing costs.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2023

Community-based prevention system linked to reduced handgun carrying among youth growing up in rural areas

A study published by the University of Washington found that a community-based prevention system called Communities That Care (CTC) reduced handgun carrying among adolescents growing up in rural areas. By the 12th grade, adolescents in CTC communities were 24% less likely to report carrying a handgun than those in control communities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2023

Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia

The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateApr 5, 2023

Smart watches could predict higher risk of heart failure

A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Use of monoclonal antibodies reduces death, hospitalization risk by more than one-third after COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Purified curcumin instead of artificial additives can be used to preserve and enhance probiotic yogurt

Researchers successfully add purified curcumin to probiotic yogurt, preserving its dissolved form and enhancing its health properties. The study shows that the curcumin inhibits yeast, fungi, and bacteria growth while maintaining the recommended levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2023

Late HIV diagnosis still an issue in Aotearoa

A University of Otago study finds that 40% of people diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa were diagnosed late, highlighting the need for improved awareness and access to testing services. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and preventing transmission to sexual partners.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of STD & AIDS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2023

Shedding pounds may benefit your heart — even if some weight is regained

Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateMar 28, 2023

Study finds fish assess misinformation to avoid overreaction

Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2023