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Researchers discuss the ethical challenges of studying DNA from a 18th–19th century African American community

A population genetics team identified genetic relationship between 23andMe users and enslaved Africans in Catoctin Furnace, Maryland. The researchers consider ethics of sharing results with descendants and other relatives, highlighting importance of proper consent and minimizing harm.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 2023

CT with CTA versus MRI in patients with dizziness

Using MRI instead of CT with CTA alone in patients presenting to the ED with dizziness was associated with greater critical neuroimaging results and more frequent echocardiography. Patients with dizziness undergoing MRI showed a lower frequency of 90-day ED readmissions compared to those discharged after CT with CTA alone.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 7, 2023

Malaria in the Medici era

Researchers detected Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of malaria, in mummified tissues from Medici family members. The parasite was identified through microscopic and molecular analyses, revealing characteristic ring-shaped structures and Maurer's clefts.

SourceEurac Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2023 Issue

The US has implemented laws banning transgender youth from competing in sports according to their gender identity. However, existing evidence does not support these restrictions, as they would deprive vulnerable trans youth of physical, mental, and social benefits. The article proposes changes to promote a more inclusive and fair athle...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

When FMD hits a family, abdominal aortic aneurysms may too

Researchers discover a shared genetic basis between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), with males more likely to develop AAA when a family member has FMD. The study suggests that screening for AAA in male relatives of patients with FMD may be beneficial, along with established guidelines.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2022

Are older women being over-screened for cervical cancer?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that more public health data is needed on the utilization of cervical cancer screening-associated services among older women. The analysis showed that over 1.3 million women received cervical cancer screening-associated services after age 65, with costs exceeding $83 million.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 28, 2022

New University of Ottawa research provides theory on why women stopped menstruating upon arrival at Nazi death camps

A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2022

Smoking, vaping linked to higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications, including death

A recent study found that people who smoke or vape prior to hospitalization for COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe complications, including death. The study, which analyzed data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 CVD Registry, also showed that young individuals are particularly at risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 26, 2022

Access to hep C treatment reducing morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs

A longitudinal cohort study found significant reductions in liver disease and mortality among people with HCV infection who received treatment. The study's findings suggest that continued testing, treatment, and community-based interventions could lead to the elimination of HCV infection within the next decade.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

Pollution exposure associated with multimorbidity risk

A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2022

Patients with past cancer history not associated with higher risk of COVID-19-related death or hospitalization

A new study led by UTHealth Houston found that patients with recent cancer diagnoses had a higher risk of death and hospitalization, but those with cancer more than one year ago were not significantly associated with increased mortality. The research also confirmed racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients.

Getting to the heart of bedwetting

Researchers recommend expanding diagnostic workup to include cardiac arrhythmias for unexplained enuresis in adults and children. An electrocardiogram is a cost-effective and non-invasive test that can detect potentially fatal diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2022

Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says

Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 29, 2022

Artificial sweeteners may not be safe sugar alternatives

A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between consuming artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 102,865 French adults and discovered higher risks for overall cancer, breast cancer, and obesity-related cancers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022

Lipid profiling can predict risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease decades before onset

A new study reveals that simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease years in advance. The researchers found that individuals with a certain lipid profile are at increased risk, while those with a different profile have lower risk. This d...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2022

No more ‘patch and go’: Revolving emergency departments must deliver more for victims of child abuse and neglect

Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeCase study·DateDec 13, 2021

Human history and migration of disease: Study tracks spread of young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents

A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021

Deep learning for reticular opacity on chest radiographs with interstitial lung disease

A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021