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Genetic risk of schizophrenia affects men and women differently

Research highlights differences in genetic risk of schizophrenia between men and women, with men showing a specific association with positive schizotypy traits. The study suggests that environmental factors may modulate the expression of genetic risk differently in men and women.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 26, 2025

Beyond the burn: Harvesting dead wood to reduce wildfires and store carbon

A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Digital screen time and nearsightedness

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with a 21% higher odds of myopia. Researchers suggest that exposure to screens for less than 1 hour per day may be safe, but prolonged use increases the risk of nearsightedness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2025

Kennesaw State researcher earns American Heart Association award for innovative study on heart disease diagnostics

Kennesaw State researcher Chen Zhao has earned the 2025 American Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award for his innovative study on non-invasive blood flow prediction in cardiovascular disease diagnosis. His technology uses coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans to measure Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR...

Patient-doctor common tongue key to decreasing cardiovascular disease, longer life

A retrospective cohort study from the University of Ottawa and Manitoba found Canadians with hypertension whose preferred language was spoken by their doctor were 36% less likely to have a major adverse cardiovascular event. Patients with language-accessible care had a 28% lower risk of death compared to those without such access.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2025

A patient’s ability to perform a cardiac stress test offers a critical window on their mortality risk

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 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

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

We are no longer living longer, UEA study shows

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that European life expectancy has slowed down since 2011 due to factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The research suggests that prioritizing healthier lifestyles in younger years is crucial for extending old age.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Older patients can inadvertently be put at risk when they are taken off blood-thinning drugs

A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2025

A diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease medication is the first of its kind to significantly reduce both heart attacks and strokes

A new medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes and kidney disease also significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among these patients. Sotagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor, blocks proteins that help control blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events by 23%.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 14, 2025

Opioid prescriptions in the ED linked to small increases in future opioid use, hospitalizations

A study found that patients who received opioid prescriptions in the emergency department were more likely to receive additional opioid prescriptions or require hospital admissions in the following year. Patient characteristics, such as age and health conditions, played a significant role in determining risk.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2025

Study shows initial success but long-term challenges of 2019 Medicare opioid safety policy

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the 2019 Medicare opioid safety policy reduced initial opioid prescriptions and high-dose prescriptions from multiple prescribers among Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities. However, these reductions diminished over time, highlighting the need for ongoing research to unders...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2025

Born too late? Climate change may be delaying births

A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.

SourceCurtin University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 10, 2025