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Skin-deep resilience: Hidden physical health costs for minority youth overcoming adversity

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high-striving minority youth in early adolescence may experience accelerated puberty development, a potential indicator of 'skin-deep resilience,' which can lead to physiological changes such as inflammation and metabolic disorders.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientist identifies a connection in the brain between stress and emotional eating

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

University of Miami receives $1.8 million NOAA grant to study South Florida’s coastal ecosystems

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School will conduct multi-stressor experiments on 16 key reef species to assess the impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and hypoxia on South Florida's coastal and marine ecosystems. The project aims to characterize the effects of climate change stressors under present and future scenarios.

Neighborhood stressors dangerously elevate pregnancy hormones

Research found that pregnant women living in neighborhoods with high levels of known stressors have significantly higher levels of testosterone, which can disrupt hormone regulation and lead to complications during and after childbirth. The study suggests that interventions to reduce neighborhood stress may improve pregnancy outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2023

Physicians advocate to combat physicians' moral injury and lift the stigma associated with it

The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine addresses the rising stressors causing mental health issues among healthcare professionals, including revenue generation, administrative issues, and patient satisfaction metrics. Physicians advocate for meaningful reforms, including adjustment of healthcare system expectations, cultural ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 2, 2023

Adverse life experiences and brain function

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that prior adversity exposure alters adult brain reactivity and increases susceptibility to mental health problems. This study may help identify how adversity impairs coping mechanisms and produces enduring mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2023

Food insecurity, job loss contributed substantially to worldwide mental health decline during first COVID phase

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

Warmer and murkier waters favour predators of guppies, study finds

Changes in water conditions impact how Trinidadian guppies protect themselves from predators. The interaction of increased temperature and reduced visibility causes fish to form looser protective shoals. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics between prey and predators in a rapidly changing world.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Shock to the crop system

A new study by University of Delaware researchers assesses the effects of climate variability on crop production in the US. The study reveals that fluctuations in planted and harvested areas contribute significantly to crop production shocks, which can have severe impacts on food stability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 15, 2023

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalmSphere·DateMay 25, 2023

Sudden infant death syndrome may have biologic cause

Researchers found altered serotonin 2A/C receptor binding in brain stems of infants who died from SIDS, suggesting a biological basis for the condition. The study suggests that specific combinations of genetic vulnerability, external stressors, and critical developmental periods may contribute to SIDS.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Life stressors may contribute to multiple sclerosis flares, disability

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBrain and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

Evidence of ‘pandemic brain’ in college students

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that college students were less consistent in their decision making during the 2020 fall semester compared to previous years. Students were more likely to cycle between relying on gut instincts and thoroughly evaluating information depending on how scenarios were described.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateMay 17, 2023

How love, health, and neighborhood intersect for Black Americans

A new study from the University of Illinois explores how romantic relationships, neighborhood quality, and mental health intersect among Black Americans. The research reveals significant effects of neighborhood quality on mental wellbeing, with a notable interaction between relationship functioning and neighborhood quality for Black men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2023

Coping Under COVID: Study provides lessons from the pandemic on how to cope with large-scale traumatic events

A new study in PLOS ONE examines how individuals coped with stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies were associated with higher quality of life. Emotion-focused coping strategies may be most helpful when stressors are unpredictable or outside of individuals' control.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 10, 2023

“Concerning” anxiety levels among women in farming linked with isolation, financial worries and workload

A recent study found concerning levels of anxiety among female farmers in England and Wales, with factors including financial pressures, workload, and isolation contributing to moderate to severe anxiety. The research also highlights the need for greater support and social connections to improve mental health in this group.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Agromedicine·DateMay 3, 2023

Hanging on for dear life

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identify a novel focal adhesion remodeling process that strengthens cell-matrix adhesion in response to genotoxic stress. This mechanism involves the replacement of FAK with FRNK, leading to increased firm cell attachment.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateApr 26, 2023

UMD psychologist finds daily occurrences’ impact on suicide, self-harm ideation in LGBTQ+ teens

A University of Maryland study found that LGBTQ+ teens experience more suicidal thoughts and self-harm ideation on days when they face high levels of minority stress, including microaggressions and internalized stigma. The study suggests that daily interventions are crucial to reducing these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·DateApr 18, 2023

Research Brief: Genetic background, social rank identified as factors in aging and lifespan in animals

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that genetic background and social rank are critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in animal models. They discovered that low social status corresponds to a shorter lifespan, but with varying effects depending on the individual's genetic predisposition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

With fewer salmon to eat, Southern Resident killer whales spend less time in the San Juan Islands

The Southern Resident killer whale population is spending far less time in the San Juan Islands as their primary food source, Chinook salmon, declines. This decline is likely an effort to find alternative food sources, and research shows a strong relationship between the whales' presence and salmon returns.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

Social workers experienced depression, PTSD, and anxiety at alarming rates during pandemic

A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Social Work·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Study examines COVID-19 pandemic's effect on Black, Latina women's mental health

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that nearly one-third of Black and Latina women experienced depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Women who prayed reported different effects on depression rates among these two groups, highlighting the need for targeted coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2023

When chronic stress activates these neurons, behavioral problems like loss of pleasure, depression result

Scientists found that chronic stress increases the activity of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, leading to behaviors such as anhedonia and depression. Inhibiting POMC neuron activity reduced these behavioral changes. The study suggests that POMC neurons play a key role in increasing susceptibility to stress-related behavioral problems.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2023

Measuring the stress of moving house

A study by University of Auckland researchers found that the average stress level of homeowners is significantly higher than renters. Individuals dealing with high stress levels are predisposed to move house, while social housing tenants have much higher baseline stress levels than both homeowners and renters.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalUrban Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

University of Cincinnati research examines workplace stress in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study from the University of Cincinnati examined workplace stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that increased workload and perception of COVID-19 exposure were major stressors. The research aimed to provide insights for organizations to reduce workplace stress and improve worker mental health.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Work Exposures and Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 28, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022