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Countries bet on forests and soils to reach net-zero

A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 7, 2022

National study confirms breakthrough COVID cases are less severe than COVID in unvaccinated adults

A national study confirms that vaccination significantly reduces disease severity and hospitalization risk for COVID-19, even among individuals who develop breakthrough cases. Hospital stays are shorter, ICU admissions are less common, and hospital deaths are lower among vaccinated adults compared to unvaccinated individuals.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 7, 2022

Doubling in proportion of male professional footballers’ hamstring injuries and lay-off days over past 20 years

The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Common workplace fumes and dusts may heighten rheumatoid arthritis risk

Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Trial compares therapies for reducing cardiovascular risk among people with rheumatoid arthritis

A randomized clinical trial found that two anti-inflammatory strategies reduced disease activity and arterial inflammation in patients with moderate to high rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments had no differences in cardiovascular risk reduction, highlighting the importance of specific clinical trials for this population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

Women with elevated breast cancer risk could see mortality benefit from estrogen-blocking drugs

A new study suggests that estrogen-blocking drugs can not only prevent breast cancer but also reduce the risk of dying from the disease. Researchers used computer models to determine the lifetime benefits and harms of these treatments for women at high risk, finding a significant impact on mortality.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2022

New driver training developed at Cincinnati Children’s keeps teens with ADHD safer behind the wheel

A new driver training program has been shown to reduce the frequency of long, distracted glances away from the road among teen drivers with ADHD. The FOCAL+ training program improved teen drivers' attention to the roadway and reduced crash risk by 40% compared to a control group.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Simulated driving program reduces crash risk for teens with ADHD in small study

A small study funded by NIH found that a simulated driving program can reduce crashes and near-crashes among teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by nearly 40%. The program, called FOCAL+, teaches teens to avoid long glances away from the roadway.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

How women can reduce the risk of hip fracture

A new study found that increasing protein intake by 25g a day and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee can reduce the risk of hip fracture in women by up to 14% and 4%, respectively. The study, which analyzed data from over 26,000 middle-aged women, also discovered that underweight women may experience greater reductions in risk.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

Catch a break: Higher vitamin K intake linked to lower bone fracture risk late in life

A long-term study found that eating more than 100 micrograms of vitamin K1 daily reduced the risk of fractures and hospitalizations by 31-49%. Dark leafy vegetables and one-to-two serves of vegetables are recommended for optimal benefits. Vitamin K1 has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and promote bone health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood & Function·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the association of influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and associated outcomes

A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Keep your cats inside for the sake of their health and the surrounding environment

A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve survival after 30 years

A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Got the sniffles? Here's how to make the right decision around family gatherings

A new University of Colorado Boulder study shows that people tend to prioritize others' health and wellbeing when taking a moment to reflect on their behavior. When instructed to practice 'structured reflection,' participants were more likely to cancel gatherings and minimize public health risks, valuing others' health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2022

New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

Smoking & drinking means higher surgery risks, but health coaching before surgery could help

A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 9, 2022

Hypertension is associated with 22% higher odds of severe COVID-19, in UK Biobank study of over 16,000 infected people - though successfully reducing blood pressure through medication is linked with a corresponding reduction in risk

A UK Biobank study found that people with hypertension have a 22% higher chance of developing severe COVID-19. Successfully managing blood pressure through medication can significantly lower this risk. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 infected individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2022

National study suggests it’s time to rethink how we treat atrial fibrillation

A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that early intervention with catheter cryoablation can halt disease progression and reduce serious health risks. Cryoablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of persistent AF, hospitalization, and adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely, particularly if they have microscopic inflammation in their intestinal mucosa. This association was not seen for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

Fire in the Amazon is associated more with agricultural burning and deforestation than with drought

A recent study analyzing Amazon Rainforest fires from 2003-2020 reveals that most fires are caused by uncontrolled human use of fire for agriculture and deforestation. The study found that Brazil accounted for an average of 73% of detected fires, with pasturelands and natural grasslands being the main burned areas.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateNov 4, 2022

Wearable device study in 88,000 people shows the heart health benefits of more intense physical activity

A new study using wearable devices found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk, even when total physical activity volume is increased. Increasing the proportion of intense physical activity within overall activity levels has an additional substantial benefit.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

Controlling gut flora can reduce mortality in critically ill patients on life support

A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

PACS, EHR tool identifies incomplete, clinically necessary follow-up imaging

A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that a PACS tool improved completion rates of clinically necessary follow-up imaging. The tool identified socioeconomically disadvantaged patients at increased risk of failure, and referrer agreements played a crucial role in improving recommendations.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death

A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022