Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Corporate influence linked to slow implementation of public health policies globally

A study found that only a third of public health policies had been fully implemented globally by 2020, with low-income countries and those with high corporate influence showing slow progress. The researchers suggest that corporate influence cancelled out the positive relationship between democracy and implementation, highlighting the n...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

USC researchers find that interrupting a high-fat, high-calorie diet with regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet helps mice live a longer, healthier life

Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Exposure to childhood adversity is linked to early mortality and associated with nearly half a million annual US deaths

A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Expanded lung screening rules provide more equitable care

A Kaiser Permanente study found that the 2021 USPSTF guidelines will likely increase lung cancer screening of women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This is expected to lead to an estimated 30% increase in lung cancer diagnoses compared to the 2013 recommendations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2021

The bridge between public health education and government workforce needs fixing

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a long-term underinvestment in the US public health workforce, with staff losses and underfunding for public health education. Experts recommend increasing access to education for future public health professionals and investing in the existing workforce to address this critical shortage.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 13, 2021

Researchers observed association between standing and insulin sensitivity – standing more may help prevent chronic diseases

A Finnish study discovered a positive association between standing and improved insulin sensitivity in adults with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers found that increasing daily standing time can help prevent chronic diseases, even if physical activity recommendations are not met.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Rice lab dives deep for DNA’s secrets

Yang Gao's lab has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of proteins that produce copies of genomic DNA, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The research aims to understand how DNA replication and repair processes can be targeted to develop new therapies.

Making patient care easier: Self-powered diaper sensors that monitor urine sugar levels

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a self-powered diaper sensor that monitors urine sugar levels, providing an alternative biomarker for blood sugar monitoring. The sensor uses a biofuel cell powered by glucose in the urine, detecting sugar levels within 1 second and simplifying caretaking tasks.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Shorter weekly course of rifapentine-isoniazid associated with much higher treatment completion rates compared to longer daily course

A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 2021

Existing drugs kill SARS-CoV2 in cells

Researchers have identified several drug contenders that can block or reduce SARS-CoV2 infection in cells, including lactoferrin and MEK-inhibitors. These findings suggest potential efficacy against COVID-19 variants, with ongoing clinical trials to examine their ability to reduce viral loads and inflammation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Specific testing required to assess frailty in older adults

A study of 1800 Japanese citizens aged 65 found that low weight and insufficient exercise are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Those with possible sarcopenia exhibited higher degrees of frailty despite normal Specific Health Checkup results, highlighting the need for a test to identify sarcopenia early on.

SourceKobe University·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

How society’s inequalities showed up in COVID outcomes

A new study from University of Utah researchers explores how socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Utah's Salt Lake County, contributed to racial minority groups being unequally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that residents of affluent areas had lower rates of infection compared to those in low-income zip codes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCOVID·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

CHOP researchers develop coating for endotracheal tubes that releases antimicrobial peptides

Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Laryngoscope·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

The Lancet: Many countries falling behind on global commitments to tackling premature deaths from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lung cancer and heart disease

The Lancet report highlights that many countries are falling behind on their commitments to reduce premature deaths from chronic diseases. Despite a decline in death rates from some diseases over the past decade, others such as diabetes and lung cancer are not showing sufficient progress. The report warns that if current trends continu...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2020

Scientists discover protective Alzheimer's gene and develop rapid drug-testing platform

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a naturally suppressive gene that prevents Alzheimer's Disease in brain cells, leading to the development of a rapid drug-screening system. The system demonstrates proof-of-principle for early preventative-drug testing and identifies a potential biomarker for risk assessment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2020

Chronic disease prevention could ease opioid crisis

A study from the University of Georgia found that over 90% of opioid-related hospitalizations are among patients with two or more chronic diseases, highlighting the association between chronic disease and opioid misuse. Researchers argue that prioritizing chronic disease prevention could alleviate the opioid epidemic.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 5, 2019