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Inflammation during childhood linked to onset of mental health issues in early adulthood – study reveals

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children with persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders, including psychosis and depression, in early adulthood. The research also discovered that those who experienced inflammation at a young age were more likely to devel...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2024

Korea University offers new breakthrough for Hepatitis C to improve life expectancy

A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

New research identifies early sensorimotor markers for autism spectrum disorder

A study published in iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research suggests that a higher IQ may confer resilience to atypical sensorimotor functioning, highlighting the need for more pr...

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2024

Swipe up! Health apps deliver real results en masse

A new study found that digital health tools can improve health and wellbeing by keeping people active, boosting steps, and improving diet and sleep. The research synthesised data from 206,873 people across 47 studies, indicating that electronic and mobile health interventions can help people achieve positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study adds to increasing evidence that sugar substitute erythritol raises cardiovascular risk

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that consuming foods with erythritol increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The artificial sweetener makes platelets more active, which can raise blood clot risks. This research adds to evidence that erythritol may not be as safe as previously thought.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 8, 2024

Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems

Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Evening activity for better sleep – Otago study

Researchers found that participants who completed activity breaks during prolonged sitting sessions slept for 30 minutes longer than those who sat continuously. Short bursts of light-intensity exercise, such as chair squats and calf raises, were used in the intervention.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateJul 16, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Smoking behavior is linked to personality traits

Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024

Suicide mortality during the perinatal period

A recent study investigates maternal suicide mortality during the perinatal period, revealing complex factors and opportunities for further research. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based interventions targeting mental health, substance use, and intimate partner problems to prevent maternal suicide and enhance matern...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 27, 2024

Clinical ageing clocks: NUS and SGH develop algorithm-powered tests to indicate mortality risk

Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2024

New study: Unplanned healthcare utilization increases cost burden for patients with cognitive impairment

A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAnnals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore·DateJun 18, 2024

Using digital technology and data to sustain intermittent fasting and improve health outcomes: one man’s journey

A researcher's 7-month journey of 20-hour fasts, fitness regimen, and clean eating shows significant improvements in weight loss, grip strength, and overall health. The study uses digital health technologies to monitor biomarkers and achieve a personalized 'metabolic switch', promoting sustained user engagement for better health outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Use of WhatsApp messages by public health service to treat depression in older people produces results, study shows

A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 11, 2024

Translating the Surgeon General’s framework on social isolation and loneliness to actionable steps in primary care

The US Surgeon General's framework highlights three pillars for addressing social isolation and loneliness: training clinicians, assessing and supporting patients, and expanding public health surveillance. Primary care can be instrumental in preventing, identifying, educating, and intervening to address this growing epidemic.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 28, 2024

I’ll have what she’s having!

A new study from Flinders University found that feeling connected to a social group can lead people to make healthier food choices. The research tested the idea that people are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if they feel like they belong to the same group as those promoting healthy eating.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAppetite·TypeSurvey·DateMay 22, 2024

Researchers develop “game-changing” blood test for stroke detection

Researchers developed a game-changing blood test that can quickly and accurately identify large vessel occlusion strokes, which have the potential to bring life-saving care to patients globally. The test combines biomarkers with a clinical score to detect strokes with 93% specificity and 81% sensitivity.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalStroke Vascular and Interventional Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Long-term effect of home blood pressure self-monitoring plus medication self-titration for patients with hypertension

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that home blood pressure self-monitoring plus medication self-titration reduces BP in the longer term without increasing healthcare use or adverse events. This simple, inexpensive intervention has potential to improve long-term hypertension control in routine clinical practice.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 10, 2024