Research on what raises a person's risk of disease and injury. Covers cardiovascular and aneurysm risk, medication in pregnancy, youth behavior, and suicide risk.
A new study published in Stroke Journal found that having multiple social disadvantages can increase stroke risk by 50% or more. Researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 adults and found that those with three or more social determinants of health were nearly two and a half times more likely to experience an incident stroke.
A nationwide study of over 2,000 adults with COVID-19 found that 35% died within 28 days of ICU admission. Factors independently associated with death included older age, male sex, and hospital bed capacity.
A new study published in Neurology found that midlife thinking skills may suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Five percent of participants experienced accelerated cognitive decline over five years, while those with high blood pressure had a 7.5% faster decline rate compared to non-hypertensive individuals.
A combined analysis of 23 studies found that episodes of delirium are a risk factor for long-term cognitive decline. The research suggests that individuals who experience delirium may be more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive impairments over time.
A large-scale survey found that meditation was associated with reduced rates of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease. The study controlled for other factors connected to cardiovascular risk and still showed a significant effect of meditation on cardiovascular health.
A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.
Research highlights the link between unhealthy lifestyle habits, emotional stressors, and increased risk of respiratory infections. Social isolation, loneliness, and interpersonal conflicts are also major contributors to the spread of COVID-19.
The STRIDE study found that a personalized approach to falls risk reduction resulted in an 8-10% reduction in serious fall injuries among older adults. However, potential barriers such as transportation availability and copayments may have contributed to the lesser effect size seen in the trial.
Two studies by European and US researchers found that higher consumption of these foods is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake by 66 grams per day was linked to a 25% lower risk, while whole grain consumption was also significantly related to reduced disease risk.
A large, NIH-funded trial found that a nurse-managed, individually tailored falls prevention plan did not significantly reduce the risk of serious fall injuries in older adults. The study assessed the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention implemented by trained Falls Care Managers.
Researchers have successfully linked UK public health monitoring systems with the UK Biobank, enabling analysis of genetic and epidemiological factors associated with severe COVID-19. The resulting pooled data can provide near-to-real-time insights into SARS-CoV-2 spread, testing, and disease characteristics.
A new Canadian guideline found no benefit to routine screening for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and its precursor conditions in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The guideline recommends physicians continue current practice, not screening patients without alarm symptoms.
The level and activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the blood may predict COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Research suggests that increased VWF levels are associated with severe COVID-19 complications, including thrombosis and respiratory distress.
A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between income and survival after surgery for lung cancer. Patients with low household disposable income had significantly worse long-term survival compared to those with high income, even after adjusting for common comorbidities.
A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.
A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found that preterm delivery is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women throughout their lives. Women who gave birth before 37 weeks are at an increased risk of developing IHD, with risks remaining elevated even decades after delivery.
A new study found COVID-19 has a disproportionate impact on minority and non-English speaking communities, with increased risk of diagnosis and death in rural and urban counties. The study highlights the need for standardized collection of sociodemographic characteristics and targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found COVID-19 infection to be significantly associated with acute ischemic stroke. After adjusting for age, gender, and risk factors, the researchers showed a 3.9-fold increased risk of stroke among patients with COVID-19 compared to control subjects.
A new study identified a significant common genetic component in BECTS, suggesting potential new treatments, and found maternal smoking in pregnancy quadrupled the risk of BECTS. The association with CHRNA5 gene opens up research possibilities into how epilepsy is caused.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate outdoor air pollution is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and death worldwide. The study analyzed data from 157,436 adults across 21 countries and found a significant link between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular events.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.
A University of Cambridge team found striking differences in COVID-19 mortality between NHS trusts, with some patients in certain trusts over four times more likely to die than those in average trusts. The researchers are calling for urgent research to understand these differences and inform ICU optimization.
Researchers identified six domains of nonbiological factors that contribute to mortality risk, including health behaviors, psychological characteristics, and socioeconomic conditions. The study highlights the importance of behavioral, psychological, and social factors in mortality risk assessments.
A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or behavioral factors. The researchers used the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity...
A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.
A combination of physical activity, not smoking, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, high-quality diet, and cognitive activities reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 60% among those with four or five healthy behaviors. The study included data from nearly 3,000 participants from two NIH-funded longitudinal study populations.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming lean beef as part of a healthy diet does not negatively impact cardiovascular health or type 2 diabetes risk. The study compared two diets: one with an additional 5.3 ounces of lean beef and another without it, both following US-style eating patterns.
A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine identified common barriers to using risk stratification tools for evaluating pulmonary embolism in emergency departments. The study found that provider-level factors such as risk avoidance and lack of knowledge of the tools dominated as barriers, while inner-setting factors were i...
A study estimates that 22% of the world population, around 1.7 billion, have at least one underlying health condition increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 if infected. The share is highest in countries with ageing populations, African countries with high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and small island nations with high diabetes prevalence.
A recent study at Nationwide Children's Hospital explores the intersection of parental history of suicidal behavior and emotion regulation in children aged 6-9. The research suggests that early intervention with emotion regulation strategies may decrease the likelihood of risk factors associated with future suicidal behaviors.
A Finnish study used machine learning to analyze the economic burden of alcohol use disorders, finding that patients with multiple chronic conditions faced significantly higher care costs. The study highlights the importance of rehabilitation services and non-alcohol related treatment for individuals with alcohol use disorders.
Researchers discovered a link between small airways and increased COPD risk in non-smokers. People with smaller airways relative to their lungs may have lower breathing capacity, making them more susceptible to COPD.
A new study found that women living within six miles of oil and gas wells in California were 8-14% more likely to experience spontaneous preterm births. The study analyzed 225,000 births from 1998 to 2011 and focused on how exposure to wells may affect health outcomes.
A study analyzed 363 young dialysis patients and identified key risk factors for 5-year mortality, including low albumin and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Multimodal intervention strategies are crucial to reduce mortality risk among pediatric and adolescent dialysis patients.
A study found that 36% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had heart damage, leading to a three times higher risk of death. Patients with mild myocardial injury still faced a 75% higher risk of death compared to those with normal levels.
An observational study tracked stroke cases caused by intracerebral hemorrhage from 1948 to 2016. The rate of this deadly type of stroke decreased significantly during the 10-year period, contradicting previous findings.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that outdoor light at night was associated with a 10% higher risk of developing breast cancer. The research analyzed satellite data on residential outdoor light exposure and followed 186,981 postmenopausal women for 16 years.
A study of nearly 1.7 million women found that benzodiazepine use before conception is associated with a 50% higher risk of ectopic pregnancies. This increases the risk of complications and infertility, highlighting the need for more research on safe treatment options.
A study of Chinese families found that wearing face masks at home was 79% effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among household members before symptoms developed. However, daily contact and certain hygiene practices were associated with an increased risk of transmission.
Researchers found an unexpected connection between electron imbalance in liver cells and many metabolic problems, including cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. The study identified a biomarker, alpha-hydroxybutyrate, to test for reductive stress and suggests LbNOX as a potential treatment.
A new study suggests that implementing orbital-use fees for satellites in orbit could reduce collision risk and increase the industry's long-run value. The fees, which would be calculated based on projected costs of additional collision risk and space debris production, could quadruple the value of the satellite industry by 2040.
The largest cohort study to date found age, male sex, obesity, and underlying illness risk factors for severe COVID-19 or death. The study analyzed 43,000 patients hospitalised in the UK with COVID-19 and their outcomes.
A large prospective study of critically ill COVID-19 patients in New York City hospitals confirms that critical illness is common among hospitalized patients. The study found that critically ill patients frequently required mechanical ventilation and had high death rates.
Researchers at McMaster University have established a strong association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. The study found a nine-fold increased risk of IBD in patients with a previous diagnosis of celiac disease, highlighting the importance of proper screening and treatment for both conditions.
A large-scale study of Danish workers found that physically demanding jobs are associated with shorter working life expectancy, more sick leave, and unemployment. The research highlights the need to address physical work demands in relation to increasing statutory retirement ages.
The study reveals nearly 303 million existing cases of hip and knee osteoarthritis globally, with an estimated prevalence of 3754.2 per 100,000 people. Disability attributed to the condition has risen by nearly 10% since 1990.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between the loss of green space and an increase in cardiometabolic risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and hyperglycaemia. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 adults living in an area south of Hyderabad undergoing urbanization.
Research shows that young refugees exposed to traumatic experiences, abuse, and poverty are at risk of mental illness. The study found that multiple risk factors increase the likelihood of functional deficits and behavioral problems.
This meta-analysis found that Indo-Mediterranean style diets significantly reduced parameters of pre-heart failure and heart failure, as well as incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-inflammatory effects may be a key mechanism behind this reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
A new study found that childhood obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood, due to persistent effects of obesity over many years. Lowering weight in adulthood may reduce these long-term adverse effects.
A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that posting edited photos on Instagram increases weight and shape concerns in college students. Digitally editing pictures before posting also contributed to greater anxiety and urges to restrict food intake and exercise compared to not posting photos.
A genetic study found a strong association between higher alcohol consumption and increased risk of stroke and peripheral artery disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to identify genetic variants associated with these conditions, suggesting that blood pressure may be the underlying mechanism.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) into traditional risk factor assessments improves mortality risk prediction accuracy. CRF was strongly associated with a lower risk of mortality, particularly when combined with age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking.
A Norwegian study found that women who experience complications during their first full-term pregnancy are more likely to deliver preterm in subsequent pregnancies. The researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 women and discovered a significant link between term complications and increased preterm risk.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Black, Native American, and lower-income people are more likely to have underlying conditions increasing the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 people and estimated that 43% of American adults have at least on...
Researchers found rare variation in the TET2 gene nearly doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. The study used whole genome sequencing of over 1,100 people to confirm the association.
The study demonstrates that genomic information can identify individuals with a lifetime risk of more than 60% of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Combining genetic risk data with clinical risk calculators improved the accuracy of current risk estimation approaches.
A recent study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that Fijians carrying a pneumonia-causing bacteria are more likely to be of iTaukei ethnicity, young, living in urban areas, or with low family income. The study also linked toddlers and children under six years old to a higher burden of pneumococcal bacteria.
A new UCI-led study suggests that metabolic alterations, rather than just amyloid accumulation, contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with Down Syndrome. The study found similar energy metabolism deficits in adults with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, opening up new avenues for prevention.
A new study found that implementing a national household energy strategy in Cameroon to increase adoption of LPG for clean cooking could avert 28,000 premature deaths. The strategy is expected to reduce global temperatures and mitigate climate change.