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Quality of neighborhood residence in early life may be linked to Body Mass Index (BMI) trajectories and obesity risk through adolescence

A new study found that living in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability can lead to lower mean BMI trajectory and lower risk of obesity in children. The study suggests that investing in neighborhood environments could help mitigate future chronic disease risk, particularly for marginalized communities.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 22, 2022

Physical fitness a demographic watershed

A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 22, 2022

Large-scale study led by Fred Hutch finds new genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer, paving the way for better screening, prevention

A comprehensive analysis of over 100,000 colorectal cancer cases identified 100 new genetic risk factors strongly linked with the disease. These findings could help clinicians determine who's at highest risk for early detection and potentially identify candidates for preventive treatments.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2022

Hispanic and Latino young males with higher education, greater acculturation are more likely to use e-cigarettes

A Rutgers study found that Hispanic and Latino young men with higher education who were born in the US and speak mostly English at home are more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study analyzed data from 11,275 adult participants and found a high use of e-cigarettes among those under 45 years of age.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2022

Sudden hearing loss following vaccination against COVID-19

A large Finnish study of 5.5 million residents found no evidence of an increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccination. The study controlled for previous disease and other potential confounding factors, providing reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateDec 15, 2022

New immune target to treat cardiovascular disease discovered

A recent study discovered a link between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and the development of atherosclerosis, a hardening of arteries that affects over a billion people worldwide. SuPAR was found to cause inflammation in blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular events and increasing risk of heart disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Blood-based metabolic signature outperforms standard method for predicting diet, disease risk

A new study found that a machine learning-based blood test can accurately predict an individual's entire diet over 19 food groups, outperforming traditional methods. The test, which uses molecular profiling, also identifies who is more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease based on each food group.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022

Strong connection to neighbors may improve health outcomes

Researchers found that participants who lived alone and reported strong cohesion with their neighbors had a similar risk of death compared to those living with others. Living alone is associated with various poor health outcomes, including depression, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and premature death.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

A unique clinical trial leads to a dramatic decrease in early deaths from the rare and aggressive—yet highly curable—acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

A unique clinical trial has achieved a remarkable 97% induction survival rate in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by providing a simplified treatment regimen and 24/7 support from APL experts. This collaborative care model, known as EA9131, significantly reduced early deaths and improved overall survival rates.

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Maintaining healthy lifestyle might prevent up to 60% of inflammatory bowel disease cases

A large international study found that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 60% of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cases. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and estimated that a low risk score for inflammatory bowel disease could have prevented a significant proportion of cases if an...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Using hearing aids decreases the risk of cognitive decline by 20%, a NUS Medicine study

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

Trouble sleeping? You could be at risk of type 2 diabetes

A study of over 1000 Australian adults found that people with trouble sleeping were more likely to have indicators of poor cardiometabolic health, including inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and body weight. Prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, according to researcher Dr Lisa Matricciani.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Catch a break: Higher vitamin K intake linked to lower bone fracture risk late in life

A long-term study found that eating more than 100 micrograms of vitamin K1 daily reduced the risk of fractures and hospitalizations by 31-49%. Dark leafy vegetables and one-to-two serves of vegetables are recommended for optimal benefits. Vitamin K1 has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and promote bone health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood & Function·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2022

Oncotarget | Association of fall rate and functional status by APOE genotype in cancer survivors after exercise intervention

A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Tell UK government to raise legal at-home drinking age from 5 for kids, doctors urged

Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeNews article·DateNov 21, 2022

Study challenges “good” cholesterol’s role in universally predicting heart disease risk

A study found that lower levels of HDL cholesterol increased the risk of heart attacks in white but not Black adults. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol did not provide protective benefits for either group. The research tested long-held assumptions about the role of HDL in cardiovascular health.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 21, 2022

Blood pressure highly likely to cause neurotic personality trait

Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Women with benign breast disease face higher risk of breast cancer in the long term

A large observational study found that women diagnosed with benign breast disease through screening are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the long term. The risk persisted for at least two decades and was found to be significantly higher among women with benign breast disease compared to those without.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Pregnant trauma patients with certain injury patterns should be screened for intimate partner violence during their hospital stay

Researchers identified key risk factors for intimate partner violence in pregnant women, including head injuries, multiple contusions, and certain injury patterns. The study highlights the importance of screening for IPV in pregnant trauma patients to prevent poor outcomes such as premature birth and low birth weight.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Personalized breast cancer screening could improve cancer survival and reduce overdiagnosis

A new model predicts individual breast cancer risk based on ten known risk factors, allowing for tailored screening strategies. The study found that the risk of developing breast cancer ranges from 0.22% to 7.43%, with some factors, such as exercise, having a greater impact than previously thought.

In utero exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety symptoms in adolescents

Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalDepression·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Adversity in childhood is linked to increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases in early adulthood

A large study found that children who experienced adversity, including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional relationships, are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed nearly 1.3 million children and found a 60%...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

Ankle replacement and fusion demonstrate similar effectiveness for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis

A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2022

Smoking & drinking means higher surgery risks, but health coaching before surgery could help

A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Is weakness the new smoking? Muscle strength tied to biological age, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022