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 found that nearly 10 million Americans gained coverage under the ACA, but twice as many remained uninsured. The researchers discovered major gaps in coverage and access to care for low-income Americans and communities of color.
Researchers analyzed RNA sequence data from human stem cells as they developed into cardiomyocytes, identifying hundreds of genes associated with varying expression. These 'shooting star' differences may explain complex diseases like cancer and heart disease.
A large UK study found that middle and older adults who became more active had a lower risk of death, regardless of past activity levels. Meeting minimum public health recommendations could prevent nearly half of all-cause deaths linked to physical inactivity.
Researchers found that each additional year of schooling lowered risks like smoking and depression in adulthood. Higher education also linked to reduced heart disease due to higher incomes allowing better food and healthcare access.
A Finnish study found that even moderate physical exercise, such as walking or cycling, can reduce the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage by up to 20%. Quitting smoking is also crucial in preventing SAH, with exercise having a significant impact on risk factors like high blood pressure.
Around half of hospital patients in Vietnam carry multiresistant intestinal bacteria, posing a significant risk to treatment and transmission. The study highlights the need for forceful measures to reduce infection spread through improved hygiene practices and follow-up care.
A new study reveals that chronic diseases such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and lung cancer are now the leading causes of premature death in China. The study's findings show a significant shift from communicable to chronic conditions over nearly three decades, largely due to economic growth and increasing education levels.
Postural sway is a significant independent risk factor for bone fractures in postmenopausal women, doubling their fracture risk compared to those with the lowest postural sway. A combination of high postural sway and low bone mineral density increases overall and osteoporotic fracture risks five- and eleven-fold respectively.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...
A Finnish study finds that food neophobia, a fear of new foods, is associated with poorer dietary quality and increased risk of chronic diseases. Food neophobia was linked to lower intakes of fibre, protein, and monounsaturated fatty acids, and higher intakes of saturated fat and salt.
Researchers propose a personalized model to study age-related cognitive decline, considering individual risk factors, genetic variants and lifestyle. The goal is to maintain brain health throughout the entire adult lifespan.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies found associations between sexting and increased rates of sexual activity, multiple sex partners, and mental health risks like anxiety and depression among teens. Younger adolescents were more likely to experience stronger links between sexting and these outcomes.
Researchers found that young adults burned significantly more kilocalories per minute while standing than sitting or lying, with no significant association between energy expenditure and body composition. Increasing standing time is a simple way to boost energy expenditure, lending support to efforts to counteract sedentary lifestyles.
A large US study found that increasing red meat intake is associated with a 10% higher risk of death. Swapping red meat for healthier options like fish, eggs, and whole grains may lower the risk of death, particularly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
A new study reveals that occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout in women by 27%. The study also confirms known risk factors for gout, such as alcoholism and obesity. Gout is a disabling disease caused by uric acid deposits in joints, leading to inflammation and flares.
A new research study uses polygenic risk scores to predict heart disease risk in French Canadians, with high accuracy and sensitivity, similar to other populations. The score can identify individuals at high risk for cardiac disease, allowing for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions.
Adults with parents struggling with addiction, intimate partner violence, and mental illness are more than 30 times likely to be victims of childhood physical abuse. The study found a strong correlation between these risk factors and childhood abuse, highlighting the importance of screening for children in vulnerable homes.
A recent study published in Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that removing the gallbladder can reduce the risk of stroke by 40% in patients with gallstones. The study analyzed data from 310,712 patients and observed a lower risk regardless of age or medical conditions.
A study of over 600 urban black men hospitalized for serious injuries found that those with violent injuries had more severe mental health symptoms. Prior life experiences, including adverse childhood experiences and neighborhood disadvantage, were identified as key risk factors for post-injury depression and PTSD.
Research highlights increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases among people with HIV due to interactions between traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Additionally, stigma and barriers to healthcare can exacerbate these risks, emphasizing the need for better awareness and patient-focused care.
Early-onset colorectal cancer incidence has been increasing rapidly in Western US states, despite low rates of smoking and physical inactivity. The study found that rates rose faster for rectal tumors than colon tumors, with average increases exceeding 2.5% per year in ten states.
Researchers found a link between high LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset Alzheimer's, suggesting LDL may play a causal role in the development of the disease. APOE E4 and other gene variants also explain some cases, but the study suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor.
A study of 102 participants, including those with anorexia and healthy controls, found that 30 years later, the majority were healthy but some had persistent eating disorders. The study identified age as a factor in recovery prospects, with teenagers who started anorexia at a slightly older age having better health outcomes.
A new longitudinal cohort study aims to understand the causes of high burden of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in rural Southern US communities. The RURAL study will examine 4,000 participants from 10 low-income counties, using a self-contained mobile examination unit and smart phones to collect health data.
A study published in The BMJ found that lifestyle factors like weight, blood pressure, and smoking explain around 40% of the protective effect of education on heart disease risk. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors could lead to reductions in cases of heart disease, but more than half of the overall effect remains unexplained.
Researchers are conducting a six-year study to investigate the factors contributing to poor health in rural communities. The study will recruit 4,000 participants from 10 rural counties and collect data on lifestyle, behavioral factors, medical history, and environmental elements.
Nearly one in 10 young adults who had a heart attack met the clinical definition for familial hypercholesterolemia. Many patients continued having elevated cholesterol levels a year after their heart attack, highlighting opportunities for more aggressive treatment.
A large observational study found that rapid weight change and cardiometabolic risk factors significantly increase dementia risk in older adults. Continuous weight control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended for preventing dementia development.
Researchers have identified protective factors that play a strong role in preventing diabetic kidney disease. The study found that certain enzymes, including PKM2, are present in people with good kidney function and may be used as biomarkers and targets for personalized clinical intervention.
Researchers found that the risk of stroke at middle age declined by 39% and at older age by 53% between 1998-2005 and previous periods. Lifestyle choices like exercise and a healthy diet can reduce stroke risk across all ages.
A new study found FMT safe and effective in treating children with C. difficile, with success rates of 87% and predictors including fresh stool, colonoscopy, and recent treatment. The procedure was associated with fewer complications compared to adults, paving the way for future research.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that 10% of people who rated themselves in excellent health had measurable cardiovascular disease without symptoms. Combining self-reported perceptions with definitive risk tools like coronary artery calcium scans provides a more accurate indication of heart health.
A new study estimates that lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and unhealthy diet, account for 114,497 annual cancer cases in Brazil, representing 27% of all cancer cases. Eliminating these risk factors could halve the number of certain types of cancer cases, according to Brazilian researchers.
A study by York University researchers found that individuals with a history of eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive traits, and poor body image are more likely to develop orthorexia nervosa. The review of studies also showed that strict eating schedules, being lacto-vegetarian, or having depression can increase the risk.
The FRAX tool accurately determines fracture risk for women with breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors when combined with bone mineral density measurements. However, using the tool alone without bone mineral density can lead to overestimation of fracture risk.
A 14-year investigation in Bangladesh found that older male patients and those with respiratory issues are at higher risk of transmitting the Nipah virus. The study analyzed 248 cases and identified key factors associated with transmission, recommending public health measures to prevent outbreaks.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that optimism, wisdom, and social connections protect against declining cognitive and physical health. Conversely, loneliness increases the risk of mental decline. The findings can inform new interventions for aging populations.
A Swedish study found that preterm and early term birth are strong risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease from childhood into mid-adulthood. Preterm birth interrupts kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons forming and an increased risk of high blood pressure and progressive kidney disease.
An international study found that countries with high rice consumption have lower obesity levels, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The researchers estimate that increasing average rice intake could reduce the worldwide prevalence of obesity by 1%.
Researchers found that childhood oral infections, such as caries and periodontitis, are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. A 27-year follow-up study showed that the more signs of oral infections present in childhood, the higher the risk for adulthood atherosclerosis.
Lung cancer in non-smokers is under-recognized, with an estimated 6,000 deaths per year in the UK. The risk factors include second-hand smoke, occupational carcinogen exposure, and outdoor pollution.
A study by ISGlobal found that particulate matter exposure takes away 125,000 years of healthy life from European children each year. Air pollution is the leading cause of disease burden, followed by passive tobacco smoke.
Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity is associated with larger brain volume and healthy brain aging. The study suggests that achieving even moderate levels of physical activity may be beneficial for preventing dementia.
A Canadian study of over 2,400 families found that spending two hours or more of screen time per day is associated with clinically significant behavioral problems in preschoolers. Organized sports and good quality sleep were also identified as protective factors against the negative effects of screen time.
A large study of over 670,000 primary hip replacement patients found that patients under 60, males, and those with chronic pulmonary disease are at increased risk of developing severe infection. The study also showed that liver diseases or inflammatory arthropathy increase the risk of revision for infection in the long-term.
Women may be at greater risk of developing surgical site infections after coronary bypass surgery, re-vascularization of arterial occlusion, and hernia repair. Men are more likely to develop infections after orthopaedic and trauma procedures.
A new study found that nearly half of dementia cases in low- to middle-income countries, such as China and India, could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like education, hearing loss, and obesity. Improving childhood education and health outcomes throughout life may lead to significant reductions in dementia rates.
A study of 230 travelers found that staying in hotels increases the risk of contracting multi-drug resistant bacteria by four times. Younger travelers aged 20-30 are particularly at risk, and people visiting certain regions face a higher risk of infection with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
The Penn-developed tool uses big data to identify risk factors for incisional hernias, including history of abdominal surgery, smoking, and recent infection. The app combines this data to generate a real-time risk score, potentially helping surgeons make informed decisions about patient care.
A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified 14 new variants associated with the development of kidney stones, including four linked to obesity and high blood uric acid levels. The findings may be useful for predicting individuals' risk of developing kidney stones and identifying new targets for prevention and treatment.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that diets with high-quality protein sources from plants like legumes and nuts lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure compared to those with red meat. This study provides evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new method calculates aggregated genetic risk for depression, identifying young people at highest risk before symptoms emerge. The polygenic risk score is linked to childhood abuse, offering hope for targeted interventions and prevention strategies.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with the risk increasing by 2.6 times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS has now incorporated the findings into its Saving Babies' Lives care advice information for pregnant women.
Veterinary professionals have sounded the alarm on the first reported UK case of dog-to-dog transmission of leishmaniosis, a potentially fatal infection. The infection was passed from one dog to another through direct contact, highlighting the need for extra vigilance against its spread.
A study of 5,000 UK children found that exposure to genetic data and observable traits can predict the likelihood of being bullied. The research identified specific risk factors linked to bullying behavior in young people.
A study published in The Lancet found that globally, 11 million deaths (1 in 5) were associated with poor diet, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Diets high in sodium and low in whole grains, fruits, and nuts were found to be major contributors.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that shorter stature is associated with higher risk of heart disease, primarily due to impaired lung function. The researchers suggest assessing lung function alongside height to better predict heart disease risk.
A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes (CKDu) is present in rural India, particularly in Southern areas, and shares similar risk factors as in Central America and Sri Lanka. The disease affects mainly working-age populations and has a faster clinical evolution compared to traditional CKD.
Polygenic scores developed using European data are more accurate for people of European ancestry than those of African or East Asian ancestry. Researchers recommend increasing minority population representation and making data accessible to improve healthcare outcomes.
A recent study found that advanced paternal age significantly increases the risk of early-onset schizophrenia in offspring, with a 30% higher risk for every 10-year delay. The association remains after accounting for parental predisposition to schizophrenia, suggesting an independent role of paternal age.