Articles tagged with Disease Prevention
A new study from IHME found that chewing tobacco use contributed to an estimated 251,000 deaths globally in 2023, with health loss concentrated in South Asia. Chewing tobacco use was more common among males than females, with significant variations by age and sex.
University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...
A new immunization, nirsevimab, has been shown to provide strong protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, reducing hospitalizations and ICU admissions by 97% and 79%, respectively. Most infants with RSV infection were otherwise healthy, highlighting the value of a universal approach to RSV prevention.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that global snakebite envenoming incidence is much higher than previously estimated, with 2.1-7 million cases per year and 274,000-513,000 annual deaths. Low-income countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, exhibit the highest incidence and mortality rates.
A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.
A randomized clinical trial found that daily zinc supplementation at 20 mg reduced all-cause infections in children with sickle cell anemia over 6 months compared to placebo. No adverse events were observed in the study, suggesting zinc supplementation may be a useful preventive measure for these children.
A new study found TB preventive treatment to be effective in six countries with high TB and HIV rates, demonstrating program data showing scale-up impact. The study supports the critical role of TB preventive treatment in HIV care programs, highlighting the importance of sustained funding for global health programs.
A recent study covering 46 countries found that smokers are largely unaware of the cardiovascular risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning given the high number of cardiovascular deaths worldwide linked to tobacco use.
A new theory proposes that critical illness arises from loss of physiological coordination, not just organ failure. The Entropic Critical Illness Theory views living organisms as open systems with a continuous need to regulate entropy.
A pioneering study will examine the role of human-dog interactions in spreading hydatid disease, a parasite that poses risks to livestock welfare and human health. The research aims to identify practical strategies to reduce zoonotic transmission by analyzing canine movement patterns and diet.
A study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease found that patients with early Alzheimer's disease are often not adhering to brain health recommendations, including exercise and healthy eating. Most patients pursue anti-amyloid antibody therapy but still fall short of optimal brain health guidelines.
The US government's withdrawal of funding for global HIV programs led to a sharp reduction in the number of people entering HIV care across East Africa. New patient enrollment dropped by 59% and viral load testing declined by 33% within weeks, according to findings from researchers at UC San Francisco.
Researchers found that risk calculators used to estimate heart attack and stroke risk perform about as well for predicting certain cancers. The tools estimated cancer risk based on factors such as age, BMI, smoking status, and blood pressure, which are also linked to a higher risk of cancer.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
A cohort study found that a dietary pattern with lower inflammatory potential was associated with lower dementia risk among individuals with Alzheimer disease pathology. Targeted dietary strategies may help prevent dementia in those already at elevated risk.
Researchers discovered blood RNA biomarkers that could support earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing the need for invasive tests. They identified brain-specific markers in circulating blood nanoparticles, which may offer a minimally invasive approach for diagnosing the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Aberystwyth University experts Dr Kate Parsons and Dr Simon Payne will lead sessions on boosting vaccine uptake at the upcoming international meeting in Colombia. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world impact by applying behavioural science principles to improve vaccine acceptance and delivery.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
In a phase 1 clinical trial, researchers found the LASSARAB vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing strong immune responses against Lassa fever and rabies. The vaccine demonstrated robust neutralizing antibody levels against the rabies virus, exceeding WHO's established threshold for protection.
A pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that a culturally adapted health program helped low-income Latina and Indigenous Mexican women make healthier changes in their daily lives. The program, led by trusted community health workers called promotoras, focused on nutrition education, healthy cooking...
A new study projects that climate change will significantly increase the risk of heat-related cardiovascular disease in the US by 2050. The Pacific Northwest and Southern/Midwestern states are expected to experience the highest and steepest increases, respectively. Targeted interventions for vulnerable communities are crucial to mitiga...
A mobile app is being developed to identify disease-carrying insects from their wing patterns using machine learning, aiming to reduce the risk of disease transmission in low-income communities. The technology will enable rapid and accurate identification of vectors, tracing disease clusters and responding effectively to outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new marker, FOXA1, which shows high sensitivity in diagnosing small cell carcinoma of the prostate. This breakthrough offers hope for improving patient care and prognostic decisions.
A systematic review of point-of-care testing found that rapid tests improve people's understanding of their condition, increase confidence in self-management, and motivate lifestyle changes. This leads to better medication adherence and improved clinical markers, ultimately reducing the risk of serious complications.
A new handbook produced jointly by Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg aims to improve decision-making and preparedness for future pandemics. The handbook provides practical guidance on how mathematical models can be used to inform decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
Researchers found that connected habitats enhance the ability of amphibian skin microbiome to defend against diseases by increasing beneficial bacteria presence. This study highlights a critical link between environmental disturbance, microbial defenses, and disease dynamics.
A study found that higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with later onset of chronic disease, lower overall disease burden, and longer life expectancy. Adults with higher fitness levels developed fewer chronic diseases and spent more years free from serious illness.
A new study found that influenza was detected in 11% of winter deaths, but only 17% had a confirmed diagnosis before death. The study highlights the gap between detection and official mortality records, suggesting influenza may play a larger role in winter mortality than routine surveillance captures.
Researchers found that two species of ticks, Gulf Coast and lone star, can live at least one week and up to three weeks on hard-surface and carpeted floors. The study emphasizes the importance of taking protective measures to prevent tick bites.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that obesity control is a potentially effective strategy for cancer prevention. The research reveals that successful weight management can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of various cancers, making it an underutilized approach in cancer prevention.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, McGill University, and the University of Ottawa have launched ARCHIMEDES, a national health data platform providing Canadian researchers with secure access to diverse health data. The platform enables collaboration, supports advanced analyses, including AI algorithms, and prioritizes public trust.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing
A nationwide study found that adolescents and young adults with prior cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The study suggests that women with prior HSIL should be more closely monitored for cardiovascular disease and prevention strategies should be imple...
A new study uses AI to predict which ulcerative colitis patients with low-grade dysplasia are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model integrates risk factors from narrative clinical notes, enabling more accurate and timely surveillance and potentially reducing treatment delays.
A new study found semaglutide to be an effective treatment for preventing secondary cardiovascular disease in US adults. The medication meets conventional thresholds when used alone, but its cost-effectiveness is improved with combination therapy.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new zinc oxide formulation that significantly reduces the white, chalky cast associated with traditional mineral sunscreens. The tetrapod-shaped particles provide strong protection against UV radiation while staying evenly distributed in the sunscreen.
Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) significantly lowers risks of limb events, cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, and kidney disease progression compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with diabetes. GLP-1 RAs are preferred for secondary prevention in this high-risk population.
Researchers found that an increasing number of preexisting maternal chronic conditions increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with multiple chronic conditions may benefit from preconception counseling, earlier identification of complications, and enhanced newborn supports to optimize outcomes.
A comparative effectiveness study found that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment may be an effective strategy for preventing kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Population risk-based screening using 5-year invasive breast cancer risk is associated with similar or greater benefits than age-based screening, as well as reduced false-positive recalls. As personalized medicine advances, risk-based screening is poised to become a cornerstone of breast cancer prevention.
Researchers have developed a web-based tool to identify people at risk of developing chronic kidney disease through subtle abnormalities in kidney function. The study shows that individuals with an eGFR below the 25th percentile had a markedly higher risk of developing kidney failure.
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a condition affecting ICU survivors, characterized by fatigue, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. Treatment strategies focus on symptom management and prevention of complications.
This study reveals an increase in nonmedical childhood vaccination exemptions from 2010 to 2024, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, with wide regional disparities.
Recent research aims to refine understanding of oral-systemic disease connections, exploring how oral health affects systemic risk and vice versa. Studies investigate mechanisms underlying oral and systemic disease links.
Research from Florida Atlantic University strengthens evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Higher intake and specific groups, such as African Americans and those with obesity or diabetes, are found to be more vulnerable to the risks.
A comprehensive review of 19 multi-day events found that nearly 70% of reported emergencies were infectious disease outbreaks, with influenza, measles, and meningococcal disease being the top causes. Foodborne illnesses accounted for over one in five incidents, often linked to poor food handling practices.
Researchers develop ex vivo treatment of blood stem cells with Rhosin, a RhoA inhibitor, to rejuvenate them and improve the production of healthy blood cells. This strategy targets the core of the ageing process, making blood stem cells more capable of regenerating and producing new healthy blood cells.
Two new Cochrane reviews show that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus. Girls vaccinated before the age of 16 were found to be 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer.
A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new influenza vaccine practice points that recommend standard-dose trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines for healthy adults aged 18-64, and high-dose trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines for those 65 years old. The guidelines aim to prevent seasonal epidemics caused by highly infectious fl...
Approximately 1 in 30 clinical trials were disrupted due to grant funding terminations, disproportionately affecting infectious disease and prevention studies. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable financial support to ensure trial operations and participant safety.
Rapid rise in early measles vaccination observed in February 2025, ahead of CDC guidelines. The study suggests clinician and parental concern drove increased vaccination rates.
Leading experts urge universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns in the US, citing a 95% decline in infant infections since 1991. The policy has prevented an estimated one million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths.
Researchers have created a method for simultaneous imaging of DNA and RNA in living cells using harmless infrared light, allowing for high-precision detection of all stages of cell death. This breakthrough enables the early detection of cellular damage that leads to aging or death.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.