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Jet lag’s harmful health impacts found to be caused by biological clock misalignment

Research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that circadian disruption from jet lag can harm adult neurogenesis, which supports learning and memory. The study found that the Cryptochrome 1 gene regulates this process and that misalignment can lead to adverse health effects such as dementia and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

WVU researchers estimate cost of ‘injury deaths of despair,’ including suicide, exceeds $1 trillion annually in the U.S.

The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2023

Chemotherapy in the afternoon dramatically improves treatment outcomes in female lymphoma patients

Researchers found that female patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated in the afternoon had reduced mortality rates and cancer recurrence compared to those treated in the morning. The study suggests that timing chemotherapy delivery according to an individual's circadian clock may improve treatment outcomes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJCI Insight·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 24, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorder

The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates for initial treatment for osteoporosis in males and postmenopausal females diagnosed with primary osteoporosis

The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 2, 2023

Oral contraceptives impact on women’s health: Age and gut microbiome may be determining factors

Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroendocrinology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2022

Corporal punishment affects brain activity, anxiety, and depression

A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Cannabis not made safer by increasing its CBD content

New research from King's College London found increasing CBD content in cannabis does not significantly change the effects of THC on cognitive performance or psychotic symptoms. The study suggests that choosing cannabis with higher CBD:THC ratios may be safer due to lower THC levels, but CBD has no impact on intoxication quality.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

Elevated levels of arsenic and other metals found in Nevada's private wells

A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that many household wells in Nevada are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, which can cause adverse health effects. The study suggests that frequent testing and improved treatment systems are necessary to ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2022

Alligators exposed to PFAS show autoimmune effects

A recent study found that alligators in the Cape Fear River basin have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood serum, leading to clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The research team detected a significant association between PFAS exposure and autoimmune-like phenotypes in the affected alligators.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Early use of oral tecovirimat successfully eases pain in two patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis

Researchers report two cases of successful treatment with oral tecovirimat for patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis. The medication rapidly alleviated rectal pain with no serious adverse effects. Early use of tecovirimat may be a promising treatment option until randomized controlled trials can be conducted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2022

Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Pregnant women’s drinking correlates with their partner’s drinking

A new study found that pregnant women's use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, highlighting the importance of both parents reducing their alcohol consumption. The research, which analyzed data from 14,822 Finnish women and their partners, showed that exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects on fetal development.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 8, 2022

Researchers at the GIST develop deep learning model to predict adverse drug-drug interactions

Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2022

Inflammation markers associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy may signal adverse impacts to long-term infant health

A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateApr 25, 2022

Study: Black kidney transplant patients exhibit faster clearance rates of key immunosuppressive medicine tacrolimus

A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy·DateApr 18, 2022

Women in England had predominantly negative experiences of childbirth during pandemic in 2020, survey finds

A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Insurance data suggests state laws have little impact on opioid prescribing practices

A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2022

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Large U.S. study confirms most mRNA COVID-19 vaccine side effects are mild and temporary

A large US study found that 92% of reported adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were non-serious, with most side effects being mild and decreasing substantially after one day. The study also found that less than 1% of participants reported seeking medical care after vaccination.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Grandparents’ support for grandchildren may decrease when family with children faces challenges – except for maternal grandmothers

A study by University of Turku found that grandparents' support decreases with adverse experiences in children's families. However, maternal grandmothers' support remains consistent. The study suggests that future prospects for successful reproduction may impact grandparents' willingness to offer support.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2022

Mental health is an issue for people with spinal cord injury. Chronic pain makes it worse

Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSpinal Cord·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022