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Boston Medical Center study finds individualized assessments reduce CPS reports for infants with prenatal substance exposure

A new study at Boston Medical Center found that a trauma-informed clinical guideline can reduce reflexive Child Protective Services reporting by 50% without compromising child safety. The study analyzed birth hospitalizations involving infants exposed prenatally to opioids and compared reporting rates to 17 other hospitals.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 13, 2026

New study suggests rural-urban mortality gap comes down to stress, rural infrastructure

A new study suggests that chronic stress, obesity, and diet are major factors contributing to the growing rural-urban mortality gap. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 people across a 20-year span and found that rural health disadvantages exist across various adult populations. The study highlights the need for policies and pro...

Predicting the financial strain of cancer

Researchers developed a personalized risk prediction model to identify cancer patients who may struggle with treatment costs, medical debt, and anxiety. The model uses patient information to estimate the likelihood of financial toxicity, balancing detection sensitivity with minimizing false alarms.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2026

Racism and socioeconomic stress may alter pregnancy biology, leaving black women nearly three times more likely to die

A study by the University of Cambridge found that racism and socioeconomic stress can alter key physiological processes in the body during pregnancy, leading to higher rates of preeclampsia and preterm birth in black women. These changes are not due to genetic differences but rather persistent socio-environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTrends in Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2026

Novel study shows physical activity reshapes neural connectivity and makes the brain more resilient after childhood trauma

Research in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reveals that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, strengthening the brain's internal communication and optimizing its response to stress. The study challenges traditional deficit-focused views of adversity, offering a more dynamic and hope...

SourceElsevier·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2026

Early life stress linked to long-lasting digestive issues

A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalGastroenterology·DateMar 16, 2026

Humans are evolved for nature, not cities

A new paper argues that modern life has outpaced human evolution, leading to chronic stress and health issues. The researchers suggest that societies need to rethink their relationship with nature and design healthier environments to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2025

MDMA psychiatric applications synthesized: Comprehensive review examines PTSD treatment and emerging therapeutic indications

The review synthesizes clinical evidence on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and existential distress. It identifies consistent patterns across diverse clinical applications and highlights the therapeutic potential of MDMA, including its oxytocin-mediated ...

SourceGenomic Press·JournalPsychedelics·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 14, 2025

Study: When stress helps — or hurts — at work

A study by Portland State University's Liu-Qin Yang and colleagues found that challenge stressors can energize employees, boosting performance and collaboration, while hindrance stressors lead to emotional downs. The research also highlighted the importance of motivational mindsets in responding to stress.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2025

Feeling in control helps beat daily stress, researchers find

Researchers found that feeling in control over everyday stressors can lead to a 62% increase in resolving the issue. The relationship strengthens with age, suggesting that controlling one's sense of control can be a resource for managing daily life and impact health outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2025

Physically cold, mentally strained

A recent study found that cold temperatures combined with mental fatigue impair endurance exercise performance. Individuals experiencing increased subjective fatigue showed decreased performance. The Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary system is involved in the increase of fatigue rather than the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2025

Experts urge shift in heatwave strategy to save lives

Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2025

Long-term obesity and biological aging in young adults

Chronic health issues may emerge from long-term obesity in young adults, leading to epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, and impaired nutrient sensing. The study found a significant association between long-term obesity and accelerated biological aging, highlighting the importance of addressing obesity early on.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 11, 2025

Insects are disappearing due to agriculture – and many other drivers, new research reveals

A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2025

Prenatal maternal stressors linked to higher blood pressure during first year after birth, study shows

Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalHypertension·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Prevalence and control of diabetes among US adults

The study found that the prevalence of adults with diabetes did not significantly change between 2013 and 2023. However, glycemic control among those with diagnosed disease worsened, particularly among young adults. This trend is concerning due to its potential impact on lifetime risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 2025

Optimism can encourage healthy habits

A study by Syracuse University researchers found that optimism promotes healthier behaviors and better psychological well-being in the face of stressors like the pandemic. Individuals with higher optimism levels engaged in more physical activity, perceived greater social support, and were less stressed and lonely.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateFeb 21, 2025

Impacts of workplace bullying on sleep can be “contagious” between partners

Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025