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ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities

A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2025

Why some heavy drinkers develop advanced liver disease, while others do not

A study by Keck Medicine of USC found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high waist circumference are more than twice as likely to develop advanced liver disease. The research highlights the importance of considering preexisting health issues when making decisions about alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 6, 2025

Korea University researchers analysis of income-related disparities in mortality among young adults with diabetes

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with Type 2 diabetes and low income have a significantly higher mortality risk compared to those with high income. The research team analyzed over 600,000 patients and found that patients under 40 with low income had a 2.88 times higher mortality risk.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

College commuters: Link between students’ mental health, vehicle crashes

A study at Florida Atlantic University reveals a correlation between commuter students' mental health status and increased risk of being involved in a crash while driving. Researchers found that students with anxiety or depression may be more likely to be distracted or exhausted, impairing their ability to focus on the road.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2025

Diabetes-linked amputations surge in Oklahoma amid national decline, OU study finds

A new University of Oklahoma study found that diabetes-linked amputations are rising in Oklahoma, with the statewide rate nearly doubling between 2008 and 2019. The study analyzed over 1.3 million anonymized discharge records and found that rates were highest among males, American Indians, and those with poor health insurance coverage.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Innovative program helps seniors manage stress

A six-week stress management program, O'stress, has been shown to improve the emotional health of seniors by increasing problem-solving strategies and reducing anxiety. The program also addresses emotional contagion, a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2025

Nearly half of adults mistakenly think benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.

UT-led study finds vulnerable communities face greater risks from multiple environmental hazards

A new UT Knoxville study reveals that over 37 million people in the US are at high risk from compounded effects of environmental hazards such as water shortages, air pollution, and wildfires. Socially vulnerable populations, including low-income households and those with limited access to healthcare, face disproportionate burdens.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·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

Avoiding the double-edged sword of energy storage technology

The study reveals that battery production depends on over 35 materials and critical minerals, posing significant human health and environmental risks. Sustainable solutions like green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy strategies are proposed to mitigate these impacts.

SourceReichman University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

Cutting back on alcohol may be more effective than immediately abstaining for preventing misuse among college students

A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateJan 30, 2025

New tool predicts stroke outcome with 93% accuracy, guiding better carotid surgery decisions

A predictive model developed by Ochsner Health researchers uses data-driven insights to determine whether urgent carotid-intervention patients will regain functional independence. The model has been shown to have a 93% accuracy rate and can help physicians tailor treatment plans and optimize intervention timing.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 29, 2025

Standardizing provider assessments reveals important information about gun and opioid access for veterans at risk of suicide

Researchers found that fewer veterans reported having access to firearms than expected, with only 5% included in discussions. The study also revealed that most veterans with opioid access did not accept overdose-reversing medication, highlighting the need for improved suicide safety planning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 28, 2025