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Influenza vaccine offers moderate protection against influenza A virus strains dominant in most European countries during the 2024/2024 season, according to early estimates

The influenza vaccine provided moderate protection against influenza A strains, but strong protection against influenza B. The vaccine was most effective in preventing severe disease among children and adolescents, with a high effectiveness rate.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2025

Improving the distribution of green spaces in Barcelona could prevent 178 premature deaths each year

A study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health estimates that increasing green spaces in the city could prevent 178 premature deaths per year. The proposed Green Corridors plan would lead to a 3.64% increase in green space, reducing mortality rates and heat-related deaths.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2025

Research shows restricting flavored e-cigarettes cuts vaping rates but raises smoking rates for young adults

A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2025

Alzheimer's disease, dementias chronically undiagnosed yet early detection rarely used

Only about 1 in 5 older Americans have undergone cognitive screening in the past year, highlighting a persistent barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Researchers emphasize the importance of early conversations about cognitive health to prevent progression and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateFeb 20, 2025

New toolkit empowers healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment

The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.

Researchers uncover surprising link to stroke risk

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Physically demanding work is not enough to stay healthy: Leisure-time physical activity is key for type 2 diabetes risk reduction

A new study highlights the importance of distinguishing between domains of physical activity. Researchers found that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity during leisure time reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, while occupational physical activity has no similar benefits. The study's findings suggest that current WHO phys...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Cholesterol metabolism byproduct linked to Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have discovered a critical link between a cholesterol byproduct and Parkinson's disease development in mice. The study highlights the role of 24-OHC in forming Lewy bodies and killing dopamine neurons, with potential therapeutic targets emerging as drugs that prevent its production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2025

NUS Medicine study: Inability of cells to recycle fats can spell disease

A new study from NUS Medicine has found that the protein Spns1 plays a key role in recycling fats out of cell compartments called lysosomes, preventing diseases like lysosomal storage disorders. The research uses cryoelectron microscopy to understand how Spns1 transports fats and highlights its importance for cellular health.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2025

NUS scientists develop realistic ‘micro-gut’ model to study the relationship between gut microbes and human diseases

Researchers developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines on a chip, allowing for real-time examination of gut microbes' interactions with the human intestine. The 'Gut-Microbiome on a chip' model enables the study of complex interplay between gut microbes and health, facilitating targeted microbiome-based interventions.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2025

Research unveils new strategies to tackle atrial fibrillation, a condition linked to stroke and dementia risks

A recent study explores the connection between chronic inflammation and arrhythmia development, identifying potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating AF. The research team discovered that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) triggers atrial fibrillation by activating its receptors on macrophages.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateFeb 6, 2025

Understanding aging requires more than counting birthdays

A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.

SourcePenn State·JournalAging Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Patient advocates from NCCN guidelines panels share their ‘united by unique’ stories for world cancer day

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is joining the global effort to improve awareness and knowledge of cancer risks through its 'United by Unique' campaign. Patient advocates from NCCN guidelines panels are sharing their personal stories to highlight the importance of a people-centered approach in cancer care, which recognizes ev...

Advanced wearable technology improves support for people with dementia and their caregivers

A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateFeb 3, 2025

Could the contraceptive pill reduce risk of ovarian cancer?

Researchers found that women who had used the oral contraceptive pill had a lower risk of ovarian cancer, with a 39% reduced risk for those who had given birth to two or more children. The study also identified certain biomarkers and lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, including lower body weight and short...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2025

A new approach to detecting Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to detect Alzheimer's disease by analyzing changes in brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit altered respiratory frequency, which may be an early indicator of the condition.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

COVID-19 pandemic drove significant rise in patients choosing to leave ERs before medically recommended

A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 30, 2025

Japan’s “soft” but not ineffective approach to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers from Osaka University found that Japan's state of emergency declarations led to increased hygienic behaviors and risk perception, which persisted even after the policy was lifted. However, older people became less fearful of COVID-19 and were less likely to wear masks.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2025

Most Americans favor school vaccination requirements, but support is rising for opt-out options

A new survey finds that nearly three-quarters of US adults support requiring children to be vaccinated against preventable diseases, while over half support prohibiting unvaccinated children from attending school. However, support for this prohibition has dropped significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is growing support f...