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Fact-checking can influence recommender algorithms

A Cornell University study found that encouraging fact-checking on Reddit led to a drop in story rank by an average of minus-25 spots, causing stories to be missed by readers. The research suggests that collective efforts to improve information environments can influence algorithmic recommendations.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 2, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Acute kidney injury not associated with worsening kidney function in persons with CKD

Researchers found that acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function trajectory in patients with CKD, suggesting that pre-existing kidney disease may be a major contributor. The study recommends focusing on flattening the eGFR slope and treating proteinuria to slow CKD progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Home measurement of blood oxygen levels by corona patients themselves easily applicable

A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Lower fracture risk for older wheelchair users

A University of Gothenburg study found that wheelchair users had significantly lower rates of fractures compared to ambulatory older adults. The study, which included 55,442 wheelchair users in Sweden, showed that wheelchair use was associated with a reduced risk of fractures, particularly osteoporotic and hip fractures.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Encouraging physical activity to upgrade quality of life

A Texas A&M University study found that an intervention program increased physical activity in older rural women, leading to improved quality of life and reduced health risks. The Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 program was successful in increasing exercise levels at both 12 and 24 weeks.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 8, 2023

Activity “Advent calendar” could help boost activity and cut sitting time

A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2022

Less gym time, same results: Why ‘lowering’ weights is all you need to do

New research from Edith Cowan University found that lowering weights sees the same improvements as lifting, despite only doing half as many reps. This focus on eccentric muscle contractions can allow people to spend their time exercising more efficiently and improve strength and size of muscles without needing to go to the gym.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022

Shopping vouchers help women to stop smoking during pregnancy

A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2022

High cholesterol, overweight and reduced physical stamina are long COVID sequelae in young adults

A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

A new Reichman University study warns: If someone’s flirting with you online, beware – it could ruin your relationship

A new study by Prof. Gurit Birnbaum reveals that online interactions, such as flirting, can be destructive to a relationship. The research found that participants who engaged in flirty chats perceived their current partner in a more negative light, both consciously and unconsciously.

SourceReichman University·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Transcranial stimulation lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, study shows

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 7, 2022

Reducing screen time increases physical activity in children

A family-based randomized controlled trial by University of Southern Denmark researchers found that reducing recreational screen media use increases daily physical activity in children. Children in the intervention group showed an average of 45 minutes more physical activity per day compared to those in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 23, 2022

Lifestyle coaching lowers blood pressure in Black adults

A Kaiser Permanente study found that culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, leading to long-term benefits. The coaching program resulted in better blood pressure control compared to usual care and enhanced medication management programs.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A new online program has been shown to improve health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors. The study found that participants who received access to the program had higher scores on health-related quality of life and reported fewer problems with personal care and daily activities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

Drug reduced frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea

A new University of Gothenburg study has found that a drug treatment can reduce the frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea by an average of over 20 per hour. The treatment, which involves carbonic anhydrase inhibition, showed promising results with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022

Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows

Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

For the first time: researchers identified brain wounds in IDF veterans with PTSD and relieved their symptoms using hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

Seeing ‘green’ can ease confusion, anger in navigating hospitals, WVU researcher says

Research by Shan Jiang found that introducing nature views into hospital corridors can significantly ease confusion and anger in navigating large medical complexes. The study revealed that participants used shorter time and walked less distance to complete wayfinding tasks when exposed to green spaces.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateFeb 18, 2022

Immunotherapy with house dust mite extract reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Researchers found sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The treatment, administered over 18 months, resulted in significant improvements in pruritus and lesions, with rare side effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

Well-known drug could help the most severely affected Covid-19 patients in intensive-care departments

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021