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Crucial gaps in climate risk assessment methods

A study by University of Zurich researchers identified critical shortcomings in current climate risk assessment methods, which often rely on simplified and proxy data. The new methodology provides a more accurate picture of climate risks, highlighting the need for granular data in risk assessments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 2, 2024

Palliative care beneficial to manage symptoms, improve quality of life for people with CVD

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJul 1, 2024

AI successfully helps detecting more breast cancers around Danish capital

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that AI has helped detect significantly more cases of breast cancer and reduce radiologist workloads. The AI system has been used to analyze tens of thousands of X-rays every year, resulting in a 12% increase in detected cases, including more small tumours of one centimetre or less.

Early warning systems and plans to avert disasters due to extreme rainfall are still flawed, study shows

A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.

More than a quarter of ‘healthy’ over-60s have heart valve disease, according to new research

A study of over 4,500 healthy adults aged 60 and older found that nearly 28% had some form of heart valve disease, with age being the main risk factor. The majority of cases were mild, but the study highlights the need for more research into screening methods to identify and manage the disease in the elderly population.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Fight the late-night bright light

A Flinders University study found that exposure to brighter light at night is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used data from approximately 85,000 people and tracked their light levels for nine years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Comprehensive science review shows fuel treatments reduce future wildfire severity

Researchers found that reducing surface and ladder fuels through thinning, coupled with prescribed burning or pile burning, can significantly reduce future wildfire severity. The study's findings support the effectiveness of proactive ecological forest management in changing fire behavior and mitigating wildfire severity.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Risky drinking even riskier for women

A significant number of Australian women (over 300,000) are drinking at very high-risk levels, with a greater proportion of men consuming alcohol at similar rates. Women are more susceptible to health problems from excessive drinking and may be affected by their natural biological rhythms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 20, 2024

Wildfire smoke and health

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, resulting in increased exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke. Health care practitioners play a crucial role in mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke by providing guidance and support to vulnerable populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2024

Significant reduction in alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers: personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information

A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 17, 2024

Shedding light on the state of genetic counseling for hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis

A retrospective study of 202 participants found that only 83 presymptomatic carriers underwent predictive testing, highlighting limitations in current genetic testing methods. The researchers advocate for a comprehensive clinical approach combining genetic counseling, predictive testing, and monitoring, as well as psychosocial support.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAmyloid·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Adding genetic information to health checks improves identification of people at risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Taking the fall: How stunt performers struggle with reporting head trauma

A new study by Ohio University researchers shines a light on the challenges stunt professionals face regarding self-reporting of head injuries and the potential long-term consequences for their health and livelihoods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological toll of health conditions on in...

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2024

Comparative study on dual vs single cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in obese patients

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 4, 2024

Korea University study reveals that gastric cancer surgery may reduce heart disease risk reduced

A Korea University study reveals that gastrectomy decreases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with gastric cancer. The research analyzed data from 2004 to 2013 and found a significantly lowered risk of cardiovascular disease in those who underwent gastrectomy.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

RNA inhibitor is shown safe and effective in reducing a wide range of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood in Mount Sinai-led clinical trial

A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers shows zodasiran, an RNA inhibitor targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces various types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The therapy also lowers apolipoprotein B, a lipid-transporting protein linked to heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 29, 2024

Study finds older adults hospitalized for heart failure had high risk of kidney complications

Researchers found that 6% of patients with heart failure progressed to dialysis within a year, highlighting the need for integrating heart and kidney care. The study emphasizes prioritizing kidney function assessment in all patients with heart failure and promoting systemic changes to manage both conditions simultaneously.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Semaglutide significantly reduces risk of major kidney disease events, cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, groundbreaking study reveals

A groundbreaking study reveals semaglutide significantly reduces the risk of major kidney disease events, cardiovascular outcomes, and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Semaglutide also shows improved safety and efficacy profiles.

SourceBeyond·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2024

Poor access to essential surgery is costing lives - study

A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 23, 2024

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to increased risk of childhood neurobehavioral problems, study finds

A new US-based study examines the link between prenatal fluoride and childhood social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Higher fluoride exposure levels during pregnancy were associated with a higher chance of children showing neurobehavioral problems, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2024

Second Phase 3 clinical trial again shows dupilumab lessens disease in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation

Researchers report that dupilumab substantially decreases exacerbation frequency and improves lung function as well as symptom burden in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation. The study's findings are promising for these patients, who have a high risk of exacerbations.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

New guideline: Barrett’s esophagus can precede esophageal cancer, but not all patients need a procedure to remove abnormal cells

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends considering endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with low-grade dysplasia after discussing risks and benefits. For patients with high-grade dysplasia, the AGA suggests removing abnormal pre-cancerous cells to reduce esophageal cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 17, 2024

Study suggests that air pollution promotes inflammation in the brain, accelerating cognitive decline and increasing risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Adverse social determinants of health linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans

A recent NIH-funded study found that adverse social determinants of health are linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans. The risk was higher among Black adults than white adults, with factors including lower education and income levels contributing to the disparity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 16, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.