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How little things can reduce hip fractures

A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2023

AI helps ID cancer risk factors

A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

UEA researchers develop new tool to reduce stroke risk

Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2023

Statistician earns $1.7M to study long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk

A statistician at Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to investigate the long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk. The researcher aims to better understand how geographic and socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.

Research aims to uncover genetic and environmental risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A new study led by Wayne State University aims to discover gene-heavy metal interactions in human livers that contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will investigate how naturally accumulated metals interact with the liver genome.

Do prisons hold the key to solving the opioid crisis?

A Rutgers-led study found that improving prison reentry programs for highest-risk users can help reduce opioid overdose deaths in the US. Strengthening healthcare services, such as psychiatric medication and syringe services, is crucial to engage individuals in opioid use treatment after release.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function

Researchers have discovered a possible link between mitochondrial function and schizophrenia, highlighting impaired energy production as a key factor in its development. Mitochondrial dysregulation can cause psychiatric symptoms and disorders, and its effects are seen not only in the brain but also in other cells, such as kidney cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Children and adolescents of the 1959-61 Chinese famine: Survivors face increased risk of non-communicable diseases 50 years later, with those exposed in utero or under age 2 at double the risk

Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 16, 2023

Social determinants of health contribute to higher CVD mortality rates in Black persons

A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2023

Study compares youth detained for sex trafficking with more serious offenders

A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2023

Consuming added sugars may increase risk of kidney stones

Researchers have shown a positive association between added sugar consumption and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Participants with higher intakes of added sugars had greater odds of developing kidney stones over the course of the study.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study links long-term artificial sweetener intake to increased body fat adipose tissue volume

A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study shows Hmong stroke patients are younger, other unique stroke patterns

A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

For people with diabetes, healthy eating is not enough if their diet is rich in ultra-processed foods

A study by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods significantly increases mortality risk among people with type 2 diabetes. Even those following a Mediterranean diet are at increased risk if ultra-processed foods account for a large share of their diet.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

Could early induction of labor reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes?

A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Acute kidney injury not associated with worsening kidney function in persons with CKD

Researchers found that acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function trajectory in patients with CKD, suggesting that pre-existing kidney disease may be a major contributor. The study recommends focusing on flattening the eGFR slope and treating proteinuria to slow CKD progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Researchers uncover how a genetic mutation can cause individuals with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease at a young age

A novel molecular pathway has been identified, explaining how a mutation in the ACTA2 gene can cause individuals in their 30s with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease. The mutation leads to stress in smooth muscle cells, triggering the production of excess cholesterol and driving atherosclerotic plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 7, 2023

Do investors incorporate financial materiality of environmental information in their risk evaluation?

Researchers found that investors evaluate a company's environmental performance based on financial materiality, providing a better perspective for understanding environmental risks. The study analyzed data from 1,766 companies and identified three key findings: varying evaluation criteria, shareholder risk perception, and the importanc...

SourceKyushu University·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateJul 7, 2023

No increase in mortality for most overweight people, study finds

A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023