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Steroid use during cardiac bypass surgery did not reduce risk of severe kidney injury

A randomized controlled trial conducted across 18 countries found that steroid use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients at high risk of death. The study included 7286 patients and found no significant difference between those receiving steroids and those on placebo.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Consuming garlic and onions may lower colorectal cancer risk

Consuming garlic and onions has been shown to lower the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese study involving 833 patients. Adults who ate high amounts of allium vegetables had an 79% lower chance of developing the disease compared to those who consumed low amounts.

SourceWiley·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Should we screen people for irregular heartbeat?

Screening for irregular heartbeat has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce stroke risk, but experts disagree on its effectiveness. Mark Lown suggests that trained clinicians can accurately identify positive cases, while Patrick Moran raises concerns about the lack of evidence on screening's benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 13, 2019

Research shows hidden fire risk of emollients

A recent study published in the Fire Safety Journal found that commonly-used emollients can increase fabric flammability, posing a hidden fire risk. The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, tested various emollients and found that even paraffin-free products can ignite fabrics quickly.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateFeb 4, 2019

New physical activity guidelines for Americans released

The US Department of Health and Human Services has released updated physical activity guidelines for Americans, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise in improving health and reducing chronic disease risk. The guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity or muscle-strengthening activities p...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 12, 2018

REDUCE-IT reveals high dose of pure EPA in omega-3 drug cuts risk of cardiovascular events

The REDUCE-IT trial found that icosapent ethyl reduced the risk of death due to cardiovascular causes, heart attack, and stroke by 25%, including a 20% reduction in death and 31% reduction in heart attack. This may set a new standard for patients with elevated triglycerides and increased cardiovascular risk despite statin therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2018

Appendix removal tied to decreased Parkinson's disease risk in about 20 percent of cases

A large-scale Swedish study found that removing the appendix reduces Parkinson's disease risk by about 19.3%, with a greater effect seen in rural populations potentially counteracting environmental risk factors like pesticide exposure. Early intervention strategies targeting alpha-synuclein accumulation could be promising.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Eating leafy greens could help prevent macular degeneration

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that consuming vegetable nitrates, primarily from green leafy vegetables and beetroot, can reduce the risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration by 35%. Eating 100-142mg of vegetable nitrates daily was associated with this reduced risk.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 18, 2018

Even light drinking increases risk of death

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.

Earthquake risk estimation

Researchers developed a method to estimate seismic risk by modeling various earthquake scenarios and identifying common impacts. The study suggests that most scenarios produce lower impacts than the worst-case scenario, with urban areas posing less risk than rural western Nepal.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

New earthquake risk model could better inform disaster planning

Researchers developed a new seismic risk modeling approach to assess earthquake impacts and identify common hazards across multiple scenarios. The 'ensemble modeling' method provides critical information on likelihood and probable scale of future earthquakes' impacts, enabling targeted disaster mitigation resources distribution.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Do rock climbers seek out high-risk climbs?

A study found that rock climbers seek out sites with more single-pitch routes, better landscapes, and lower median difficulty to reduce injury risk. The results suggest that decreasing injury risk generates significant welfare gains for climbers, with estimated values ranging from $18 to $327 per site.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateSep 17, 2018

FSU researchers: Most fire in Florida goes undetected

A new study from FSU researchers indicates that common satellite imaging technologies have underestimated the number of fires in Florida. Strategically prescribed burns are proving effective against wildfires, while fire experts' reliance on faulty data may be flawed. The study found that only 25% of burned area is detected by satellites.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 13, 2018

Weight gain after smoking cessation linked to increased short-term diabetes risk

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who gain weight after quitting smoking may face a temporary increase in type 2 diabetes risk, directly proportional to the weight gain. However, quitters can still reap significant health benefits, including lower cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 15, 2018

Wearable device can predict older adults' risk of falling

A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a wearable device can accurately predict the risk of falls in older adults. The device uses motion sensors to measure walking patterns and combines this data with an individual's fall history to determine future risk. This prediction could enable preventative measures...