Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UC researchers looking for the Goldilocks of exosuits

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are searching for the ideal exosuit design to reduce muscle load and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The study found that commercially available exosuits have limitations, with the Auxivo LiftSuit being stiff and uncomfortable during prolonged wear.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2022

A combination of three simple treatments may reduce invasive cancer risk by 61% among adults aged 70+

A combination of high-dose vitamin D, omega-3s, and a simple home strength exercise program (SHEP) showed a cumulative reduction of 61% in cancer risk among healthy adults aged 70 or older. The study, published in Frontiers in Aging, highlights the potential benefits of combining multiple public health interventions for cancer prevention.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging·DateApr 25, 2022

Risk score seems to accurately identify patients at low risk for syncope in Emergency Department

A new study validates the Canadian Syncope Risk Score as a reliable tool to identify patients at low risk for serious outcomes after 30 days, potentially reducing hospitalization rates. The score showed better performance than another validated score, but its clinical utility remains uncertain and warrants further research.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2022

Obsession with failure and hunt for perfection linked to burnout, sports study uncovers

A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 22, 2022

Making a game of it: Contests help new moms increase their steps

Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2022

Study: Mediterranean-style diet further linked to reduced risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women of all races

A new study found that following a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of preeclampsia by at least 20% in pregnant women. The research surveyed over 8,000 women and found that racial differences in rates of preeclampsia were more related to socioeconomic factors than genetic or biological ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 20, 2022

Following a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia

A Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy was associated with reduced preeclampsia risk, particularly among Black women. The study found that following this diet resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of developing preeclampsia, which is a major cause of complications and death for mothers and their unborn children.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 20, 2022

Study explores what food sector needs to know about how to reduce sodium

A comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production identifies five main approaches: salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification, and functional modification. These methods can help food companies reduce sodium content while maintaining palatability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 18, 2022

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients

Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Simple changes in care reduced heart exposure during lung cancer radiation treatment

Raising awareness about cardiac radiation exposure reduced the number of patients receiving high heart doses in lung cancer patients. The study found that standardized cardiac dose constraints improved patient care without minimizing tumor treatment or increasing dosage to other at-risk organs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Alzheimer’s brain barrier damage theory could pave way for new treatments

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports suggests that damage to the blood-brain barrier is the determining cause of Alzheimer's disease. The Lipid Invasion Model proposes that lipids entering the brain due to barrier damage lead to brain shrinkage, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2022

Cleveland Clinic-led trial finds that experimental ‘gene silencing’ therapy reduces lipoprotein(a), an important risk factor of heart disease, by up to 98%

A Cleveland Clinic-led trial found that an experimental 'gene silencing' therapy significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 96%-98%. The therapy targets the gene responsible for Lp(a) production and has shown strong efficacy with no major safety concerns reported.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 3, 2022

Wireless pain management for drug-resistant conditions offers promising alternative to surgery, study finds

A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 31, 2022

Warmer nights may lead to more cardiovascular deaths among men

A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 28, 2022

Study: With masking and distancing in place, NFL stadium openings in 2020 had no impact on local Covid-19 infections

Researchers found that opening stadiums to fans with safety protocols in place did not lead to an increase in local Covid case counts. The study used synthetic control method to analyze data from 16 stadiums, which mirrored the trajectory of surrounding counties without stadiums.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers call for Federal and State policy changes to make naloxone widely available

Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2022

Scientists led by NTU Singapore produce oils from microalgae that could replace palm oil in food production

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2022

Trial testing cocoa flavanol supplement shows promise for reducing cardiovascular risk

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a cocoa flavanol supplement reduced cardiovascular death by 27% and total cardiovascular events by 10%. The study also showed no significant effect on cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to understand the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 16, 2022

Study finds association between cigarette tax and reduced infant deaths

A study analyzing data from 159 countries found that raising tobacco taxes is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests that implementing recommended WHO tobacco tax rates could lead to substantial decreases in these deaths, potentially saving up to 231,220 infant lives annually.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2022

Are statin side effects all in the mind? International experts recommend ways to improve adherence to statin therapy

The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 10, 2022

The Green Mediterranean diet modifies the bacterial population in our gut, with specific bacteria mediating weight loss and cardiac risk reduction

The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022

Hospitals risk losing key services during disaster

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that UK hospitals face significant challenges in maintaining capacity and vital services during extreme events, with an average staff capability of attendance at 61%. The research highlights the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies to mitigate against risks.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2022

Keep taking the tablets - ‘big data’ provides clues on how to help prevent repeat heart attacks

Research found that individuals who have previously taken cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering medications before a heart attack were less likely to adhere to these medications afterwards. Despite the proven benefits, fewer than one-third of patients continued taking their prescribed tablets for over a year after hospitalization.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

AI helped protect businesses from COVID-19 risks

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that AI-powered apps reduced business risks during the pandemic by 3.1%. The use of AI apps was also linked to lower profits (2%) and overall business risk (1.2%). Only 26% of small enterprises are currently using these applications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInformation Systems Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2022

Study: Cities not fully engaging public health agencies in climate change planning

A study of 22 large cities across 14 countries reveals that more than one-quarter did not involve public health agencies in their climate change plans. Despite this, 73% reported having a public health department on their climate-plan teams. The researchers recommend enhancing public health agency involvement to target activities to th...

Meta-analysis of 15 studies reports new findings on how many daily walking steps needed for longevity benefit

A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that taking more daily steps helps lower the risk of premature death, with benefits seen in adults younger and older than 60. The study suggests that walking at least 6,000-8,000 steps per day for older adults and 8,000-10,000 steps per day for younger adults may be optimal for longevity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

COVID-19 restrictions linked to nearly 750,000 fewer dengue cases in 2020

A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2022