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FSU researcher: Unfair treatment by police linked to physiological impacts among black men

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found a strong link between unfair treatment by police and telomere length, a biological indicator of psychological stress, among black men. Telomeres were shorter for those reporting unfair treatment, and the link was more pronounced in black men.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 18, 2018

An end to arachnophobia 'just a heartbeat away'

A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 30, 2018

Low-income obesity patients lose weight in new study

Low-income obese patients lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight using a free phone app and coaching calls in a primary care clinic. The study found that 43% of participants lost more than 5% of their body weight, while 56% reached a healthy weight loss threshold.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 22, 2018

How to improve health care in Canada

A recent analysis suggests that improving health care in Canada requires expanding public funding for cost-effective treatments, investing in primary care, and embracing technology. The authors propose engaging patients to determine services and standardizing quality-improvement tools to improve healthcare quality.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 1, 2018

Fatty acids can slow down an overheated immune system

Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered a new type of fatty acid that can slow down the overactive STING protein, which is normally an important part of our immune system. This breakthrough has opened a new path to developing effective treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and SAVI.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2018

Researchers find children experience concussion symptoms three times longer than adults

Concussion symptoms in children under 13 typically last three times longer than in adults, according to a comprehensive review published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Active recovery, including academics and athletics, has emerged as a standard treatment, promoting progressive return to school and sports, whil...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateSep 17, 2018

Researchers identify marker for novel asthma treatments

Researchers have discovered a marker that can help identify patients with severe asthma who are likely to respond well to new treatments. The marker targets inflammatory cells called eosinophils, which play a key role in the condition.

SourceRCSI·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 6, 2018