Add BrightSurf on Google Email

After 25 years of AI health tech research computers are slowly beginning to listen to patients

A review of 25 years of AI health tech research found that only 24% of studies include patient-reported outcomes, but there has been an increase in recent years. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating patient voices into AI models to support personalized care and prevent digitalization of healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2023

Preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth

A new study examines the associations between preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth. Women with preconception diabetes or prediabetes were found to be at increased risk of preterm birth, with elevated HbA1c levels linked to a higher risk among those without stable healthcare coverage.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Community co-design model targets Indigenous diet and diabetes

A community co-design model targeting Indigenous diet and diabetes uses a ketogenic eating plan, which aligns with pre-colonisation eating patterns for Australian Indigenous people. The project aims to explore how Indigenous peoples are advantaged by adopting a keto diet and monitor physiological, social, and economic outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Smart necklace to help you stop smoking

A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateFeb 13, 2023

Research aims to expand understanding of link between chronic stress and heart disease, among other age-related conditions

A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.

Metabolites better reflect consumption of the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy compared to self-reported dietary measures, study finds

Researchers found that metabolites associated with the Mediterranean diet may serve as an objective measure to assess adherence among pregnant individuals. The study identified several key metabolites linked to maternal physiology and outcomes, including gestational diabetes and chronic diseases.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Phthalate exposure may increase diabetes risk in women

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that phthalate exposure may contribute to a higher incidence of diabetes in women. The research, which studied 1,308 women over six years, showed that White women exposed to high levels of certain phthalates had a 30-63% higher chance of developing diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 8, 2023

Neighborhood walkability linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Insulin underuse in primary care requires clinicians to remove barriers to patient access

A survey of primary care clinicians revealed that 44% of patients experience cost-related insulin underuse, with those experiencing poor diabetes control not being more likely to report underuse. Clinicians can address this issue by using empathy to discuss cost barriers and increase the likelihood of changing insulin prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Mother’s health and lifestyle during pregnancy shape neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children

A new study conducted at the University of Turku found that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus may have unfavourable effects on the neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports child's neurodevelopment, while higher maternal body fat percentage is associated with weaker cognitive and motor skills.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPediatric Research·DateJan 19, 2023

Another step toward an insulin tablet

Researchers have developed an orally administered tablet powered by chemical micromotors that deliver insulin to the colon, reducing blood glucose levels for over five hours. The mini-tablets protected from stomach acid and used hydrogen gas bubbles as micromotors to propel insulin into the bloodstream.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 9, 2023

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023

Where do reproductive-age women receive preventive health care?

A UMass Amherst study reveals that 61% of wellness visits for reproductive-age women (15-49) were with OB-GYNs, while chronic condition patients also relied heavily on these specialists. Key preventive services like pap tests and pelvic exams were more common in OB-GYN settings, whereas lipid testing was rare.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2022

Trigger in MODY3 diabetes: Insulin hypersecretion precedes pancreatic β cell failure

Researchers discovered that MODY3 patients experience hypersecretion of insulin from β cells due to more efficient membrane depolarization. This phenomenon precedes pancreatic β cell failure and can be targeted for prevention or delay with treatments, such as diets or drugs.

Research brief: Organizing care for diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that high-performing practices used proactive approaches to organize staff and manage patient interactions, leading to comprehensive addressing of patient care needs during in-person visits. The study suggests incorporating proactive patient care processes into primary care delivery to improve diabetes outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Detrimental secondary health effects after disasters and pandemics

Researchers at Osaka University found that disasters and pandemics increase major non-communicable diseases and mental disorders, especially among certain age groups. The study highlights the need for improved post-disaster health policies and prevention strategies to mitigate these effects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

Pollination loss removes healthy foods from global diets, increases chronic diseases causing excess deaths

A new study finds that inadequate pollination leads to a 3-5% loss of fruit, vegetable, and nut production, resulting in 427,000 excess deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption. The health burden is greater in middle- and higher-income countries with high rates of non-communicable diseases.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022

Aging | The potential benefit of metformin to reduce delirium risk and mortality: a retrospective cohort study

A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Oncotarget | Expression of p-STAT3 and c-Myc correlates with P2-HNF4α expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Researchers found that P2-HNF4α expression is associated with p-STAT3 and c-Myc expression in NAFLD patients, suggesting potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Additionally, p-STAT3 expression was linked to hypertension, while c-Myc expression was associated with advanced fibrosis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

New mobile health technology for sleep apnea care to address individual patient needs

Researchers developed an app to track CPAP use, sleep patterns, and other health metrics to provide a new adherence metric that aligns therapy with individual need. This tool can help patients and providers deliver more effective sleep apnea treatment by tracking progress toward a personalized dose of therapy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 5, 2022

Adoption of front-of-pack nutrition warnings can help decrease obesity, cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers in the Americas

A recent study led by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization suggests that the adoption of front-of-pack nutrition labeling can help reduce poor-nutrition related non-communicable diseases in the region. Improved FOPNL systems have been associated with improved diet quality and reduced risk of NCDs.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateDec 1, 2022

Finding the answers hidden in our antibodies

A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 30, 2022

The Green Mediterranean diet reduces twice as much visceral fat as the Mediterranean diet and 10% more than a healthy diet

A recent clinical trial found that the Green Mediterranean diet reduced visceral adipose tissue by 14%, outperforming both the traditional Mediterranean diet and a healthy diet. The new diet incorporates dietary polyphenols and lower red meat intake, resulting in significant weight loss benefits.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 28, 2022