A study by Texas A&M researchers found that navigation systems frequently guide drivers to take paths with a greater risk of crashes, despite reducing travel time. The study analyzed road and traffic characteristics in five metropolitan areas and proposed a new system architecture for finding the safest route using navigation systems.
A new hourly high-resolution precipitation dataset, ERA5@2km, has been developed using reanalysis over 20 European cities for the recent past thirty years. The dataset provides a basis for impact analysis at city scale, in terms of extreme hourly precipitation.
An analysis of over 11,000 older Japanese adults found that current dog owners were approximately half as likely to have a disability. Regular exercise among dog owners further reduced the risk. In contrast, cat ownership showed no association with increased or decreased disability risk.
The number of wildfires is projected to increase by 50% by 2100 due to climate change and land-use changes. Governments are called to radically shift their investments to focus on prevention and preparedness.
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
Annual MRI screenings starting at ages 30-35 may reduce breast-cancer mortality by more than 50% among women who carry certain genetic changes in three genes. The predictions involve pathogenic variants in ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes – which collectively are as prevalent as the much-reported BRCA1/2 gene mutations.
Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found that veterans who received emergency treatment at VA hospitals had a 20% lower mortality rate compared to those treated at non-VA hospitals. The survival advantage was consistent across different patient groups, including men, women, age, and pre-existing conditions.
A new study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with statistically significant declines in multiple psychological distress factors. Vaccination was linked to reductions in perceived risks of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
A new study found that statin intolerance is over-estimated, affecting only 6-10% of patients worldwide. Researchers identified risk factors for statin intolerance, including age, sex, ethnicity, and medical conditions.
The Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis recommends banning direct marketing to prescribers and curbing industry influence on medical education. The group also suggests standardizing addiction care within health systems and improving access to medication-assisted treatment.
A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.
A new study found that businesses run by minorities, women, and veterans were more likely to experience negative effects from the pandemic than non-HUGO businesses. The researchers analyzed responses from over 1,350 businesses and found that demographic factors played a significant role in determining a business's resilience during the...
Patients with severe coronary artery calcium have a significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events during thoracic radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that patients with severe coronary artery calcium had a 21.4 times increased risk compared to those with no coronary artery calcium.
A meta-analysis of 33 interventions targeting STI/HIV risk reduction found that including pleasure can improve knowledge and attitudes around sex, as well as condom use. The review suggests revisiting sexual education approaches that acknowledge the pleasurable aspects of human experience.
Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.
A study of drivers with past-year alcohol and cannabis use found that two in five reported driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or both. Simultaneous use was associated with a higher risk of DUI, particularly among young adolescents.
Computer simulations found that risks of COVID spread on Underground rail were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with mitigation measures. The model predicted low exposure to the virus through routes such as aerosol inhalation and direct droplet deposition.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
A study found that risks of preterm birth, infant sepsis, and other adverse outcomes associated with CIN-3 treatment have decreased over time. Pregnancies after CIN-3 treatment should be managed as 'high risk' to reduce these risks.
A new study suggests that preventing pandemics could save around 1.6 million lives and reduce mortality costs by $10 trillion annually by investing just 5% of the estimated annual economic losses associated with human deaths from COVID into environmental protection and early-stage disease surveillance.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing air pollution exposure can slow cognitive decline in older women, with benefits seen across various demographics. The research followed 2,232 women for up to 20 years, revealing a significant association between improved air quality and reduced cognitive decline.
A quality improvement initiative at 10 US children's hospitals has led to an almost 80% reduction in opioid prescribing for children after appendectomy, without harming patient outcomes. The study used a standardized prescribing protocol and ACS NSQIP Pediatric data to minimize opioid prescriptions.
A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.
A study published in Risk Analysis found that individuals who endorse libertarianism and anti-egalitarianism attitudes are more likely to disregard COVID-19 risks. This suggests that simply identifying as liberal or conservative may not capture the full scope of political ideology's impact on attitudes toward science issues.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new model using 'double Mellin transforms' and the 'method of dimension reduction' to accurately price vulnerable exchange options. The model provides an effective and accurate mathematical solution, enabling quick deployment without long calculations.
A trial found that parents bought fewer sugary drinks when products displayed pictorial warnings about type 2 diabetes or heart damage. Pictorial warnings are being explored as a strategy to reduce children's intake of sugary drinks and related health outcomes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2022
A new Irish survey found that no trauma sites capture all fracture patients, with only 50% receiving osteoporosis medication within four months of a fracture. Implementing a national Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) would bring services in line with international standards and reduce hospital admissions.
A study by the University of Leeds found that changing drills from air-powered to electric drills can significantly reduce aerosol spray and create a safer environment for patients and dental teams. The research resulted in a 99.98% reduction in virus spread, potentially allowing millions more treatments to be carried out.
A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
A new study found that the Pfizer vaccine was 91% effective in reducing coronavirus transmission in Israeli households before the emergence of the delta variant. However, with waning immunity, the vaccine's effectiveness decreased to only 40% against infection and transmission.
A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.
Researchers studied Paradise, California's response to the 2018 Camp Fire. They found that community responses vary greatly due to distinct fire and demographic characteristics.
A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
A recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis found that increased voting by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic did not jeopardize election safety. The research analyzed potential risks identified in a mail voting attack tree and concluded that expanding mail voting increases voter access and reduces adversarial interference.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
Remote consultations in primary care have been found to improve access to care, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses who can adjust their medication over the phone. However, face-to-face consultations may be intimidating for some patients and result in a loss of valuable non-verbal communication.
A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Akshaya Jha finds that risk aversion drives the purchasing of coal primarily from long-term contracts, resulting in premium prices. The study estimates that if power plants purchased all their coal from the spot market, annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion on average.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
A CHOP study found that infants born via uncomplicated cesarean delivery have a low risk of early-onset sepsis and should not receive antibiotics at birth. The study's findings could help clinicians tailor antibiotic use in newborns, reducing complications and unnecessary treatment.
E-cigarette medicinal licensing may help smokers quit, but its effectiveness and societal risks are debated. Critics argue that licensed e-cigarettes could weaken sustainable cessation strategies and distract from other efforts to achieve the UK's smoke-free goal by 2030.
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center created a new resource to manage long-term heart disease risk after specific pregnancy complications. The review synthesizes recommendations for primary care clinicians to assess and manage risk, focusing on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery.
Aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be individualized based on benefit-to-risk assessment, not age. The authors' updated meta-analysis shows a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease with similar benefits at older ages.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that prior weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was associated with a 60% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had better clinical outcomes, including reduced hospitalization and need for supplemental oxygen.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified the gut microbial gene cluster responsible for converting carnitine into TMAO, which promotes heart disease and stroke. The study found that dietary modifications may help reduce diet- and TMAO-associated cardiovascular disease risk by targeting the gbu gene cluster.
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of risk management to deal with complex environmental risks. Experts from academia and government have identified key sources of data and interventions to reduce multiple types of risk, including air pollution, food insecurity, and zoonotic diseases.
A study of 62,000 adults aged 65+ found that increased physical activity, including light-intensity levels, lowered dementia risk. Regular physical activity may help prevent or delay dementia onset in older age.
A new study warns that Omicron could lead to 100,273 fewer elective operations performed over the three winter months due to increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients. The model used NHS England data from September 2020 to July 2021 to project elective surgery activity based on the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital.
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
A new poll of people over 50 finds most are finding joy and staying resilient amid the pandemic, but a sizable minority feel significant stress, particularly about COVID-19 risk. The poll highlights the importance of focusing on those in poor health and finding safe ways to enjoy favorite activities.
Researchers found that adapted D-dimer thresholds are safe and efficient for ruling out acute pulmonary embolism, even in high-risk patient subgroups. Strategies with adapted thresholds have up to 3-fold increased efficiency, but also higher predicted failure rates.
Researchers found that urinary incontinence can distract from balance and stability, increasing the risk of falling in older adults. The study showed that the feeling of having to pee acts as a distracting factor, leading to changes in gait patterns similar to those caused by other distracting tasks.
A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.
A large-scale study found that regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of developing pneumonia and dying from it. The research, led by the University of Bristol, analyzed data from over 1 million participants and showed a strong association between exercise and reduced risk of pneumonia-related death.