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New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Artificial intelligence may reduce frequency of adverse drug events

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted a scoping review of 78 articles to identify key use cases for AI in preventing or mitigating adverse drug events (ADEs). Genetic information is thought to be critical in improving AI algorithm performance, but systematic evaluations are necessary to generate evidence for this field.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2022

Electric soot collector shows promise in mitigating emissions from residential biomass combustion

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland introduces an electric soot collector that achieves a 45% fine particle reduction efficiency in logwood-fired masonry heaters. The technology uses natural charges of flames to collect particles, but further optimization is needed for higher reduction efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 3, 2021

The dark side of social media networks

A systematic review of social media research identified 46 harmful effects, ranging from psychological harms like jealousy and loneliness to security and privacy issues. The study highlights the need for user moderation and software development strategies to mitigate these negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Global Information Management·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 12, 2021

Is low-fat or whole-fat milk better for kids? Science says it makes no difference

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

Racial, ethnic differences in opioid prescribing

A study analyzing Medicare data found that racial and ethnic minority groups received fewer opioid prescriptions for new low back pain compared to white patients. This disparity persisted during the first wave of the opioid epidemic, despite growing awareness of its adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 10, 2021

Tailoring treatment of patients with the lung disease COPD

The study found that patients with low risk of exacerbations do not benefit from low to moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids, while high doses are associated with severe side effects. Tailoring treatment according to patient characteristics, such as age and blood cell count, can minimize over- and underuse of inhaled corticosteroids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeNews article·DateAug 25, 2021

Wind turbine night noise

Researchers find wind turbine night noise contains 'amplitude modulation' (AM) sound that worsens sleep and annoyance after sunset. The 'swoosh' sound is detected up to 60% of the night-time at distances around 1 km from a wind farm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Engineered botox is more potent and safer in mice

A new study engineered a form of botulinum toxin B with improved binding to nerve cells, increasing potency and reducing diffusion into surrounding tissue. The modified toxin demonstrated enhanced therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2020

High rates of opioid prescriptions may be linked to poor labor force participation

A new US study found that prescription opioids are negatively affecting labor force participation and unemployment rates nationwide. The study discovered a strong adverse effect of opioids on labor markets, with a 10% increase in opioid prescriptions per capita leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in labor force participation rates.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Human Resources·DateJan 28, 2019

New study shows evidence that health information exchanges improve care, reduce costs

A recent systematic review found that health information exchanges can significantly reduce healthcare costs and usage. Community-based exchanges showed more promising results than proprietary ones. The study's lead investigator attributed the difference to more mature systems being examined in the current review.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 30, 2018