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Does eczema increase the risk of developing shingles?

People with eczema face a higher risk of developing shingles due to an altered skin immune response. Researchers analyzed UK database data and found that eczema severity was directly linked to increased shingles risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft·DateAug 5, 2026

Most adults born very premature go on to thrive, but one in five face lasting economic and social struggles

A landmark study tracks preterm babies from birth to middle adulthood, identifying early cognitive development as the strongest predictor of who flourishes and struggles. Childhood IQ at age 8 is linked to adult outcomes, with a 15-point increase associated with a 79% reduction in poor economic and social functioning.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths

A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 23, 2026

Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests

A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2026

Discovering the “brain fingerprints” of chronic pain

A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Physical activity of adolescents and their parents' mood could be linked

A study by SWPS University researchers found that sedentary lifestyle in adolescents can negatively impact their parents' mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. The study also showed that teenagers spend more time sitting than their parents, highlighting the need for family-based health-promoting interventions.

SourceSWPS University·JournalMental Health and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

What if ADHD risk isn’t fixed at birth, but shaped by how early environments interact with a child’s sensitivity?

A longitudinal study of 125 children found that early environmental factors can predict ADHD, with infants showing high motor activity benefiting from rich home environments. This sensitivity is linked to better cognitive functioning and fewer ADHD symptoms in later childhood.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInfant and Child Development·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2026

How to reduce the risk of lymphedema

Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalOral Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

Partnerships boost life satisfaction

A new study by researchers in Germany and the UK found that living in a partnership leads to a sustained increase in life satisfaction, with the greatest gain occurring at the transition from singlehood into a relationship. The positive effect lasts for at least two years, regardless of age, sex, income, or education.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateSep 19, 2025

Is your health care provider really listening to you?

A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateAug 18, 2025

A new European study with the participation of GCAT reveals that the combination of urban environmental factors increases asthma risk

A new European study using geolocation technologies and satellite imagery found a clear link between urban conditions and increased asthma risk. The combined impact of urban environmental factors was shown to contribute to up to 11.6% of new cases, emphasizing the importance of health-focused environmental policies.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Protecting childhood mental health after preterm birth: key factors identified

Researchers have identified seven family and social actors linked to better mental health outcomes for preterm children, including self-regulation, strong parent-child relationships, and protection from bullying. These modifiable factors can be altered with interventions, suggesting a broader path to improving outcomes beyond medical i...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2025

Cycling promotes health and longevity in older adults, especially nondrivers

A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateApr 30, 2025

The effects of smoking, drinking and lack of exercise are felt by the age of 36, new research indicates

Research found that bad habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can lead to declines in health as young as 36, with effects more pronounced over the long-term. The study tracked hundreds of people for 30 years and found that three unhealthy behaviors were linked to poorer mental and physical health.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 24, 2025

Retinal clues to mental health

A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2025

Northwestern study yields insights for improving outcomes for justice-involved youth

A Northwestern University study found that justice-involved youth with higher doses of incarceration had poorer outcomes, including lower education and employment rates. The study suggests that early interventions are crucial to reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes for these young individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2025

Large population study identifies long-term health risks after COVID-19 hospitalization

A nationwide study found that COVID-19 hospital patients experienced a higher rate of deaths from any cause and were more likely to be hospitalized for specific conditions, particularly neurological and respiratory problems. The study also identified increased risks of chronic health complications up to 30 months after discharge.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2025

Performance-based reimbursement increases administrative burden and moral distress, lowers perceived quality of care

A longitudinal study of primary care physicians found that performance-based reimbursement increases illegitimate work tasks, moral distress, and lowers perceived individual and organizational quality of care. The study suggests that reducing irrelevant tasks could support physician well-being and healthcare delivery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2025

Longitudinal analysis of obesity drug use and public awareness

The study found a significant increase in obesity drug prescriptions from 0.76 million in July 2017 to 1.5 million in February 2024, mirroring rising public online search activity for semaglutide and tirzepatide. This correlation highlights the real-time association between public awareness and prescription trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 29, 2025

How did health insurance coverage changes affect older adults? Two new studies take a look

Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2025

Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch?

A new study found that early exposure to violent TV content in childhood is associated with increased risk of antisocial behavior in teenagers, especially boys. The study, led by Professor Linda Pagani, followed over 1,900 children from ages 3.5 to 15 and found that boys who watched more violent TV content had higher rates of aggressiv...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 20, 2025

NUS Medicine study: Brain connectome phenotype linked to cerebrovascular disease can track cognitive decline

Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2025

Developing an evaluation scale to predict the risk of requiring long-term care based on three simple physical performance tests

Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateNov 20, 2024

Study reveals importance of student-teacher relationships in early childhood education

A new study explores the significance of student-teacher relationships in promoting children's development during early elementary school years. The research highlights the importance of close and conflict-free relationships between students and teachers, with benefits extending across multiple grade levels.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

Two million ex-smokers currently vape in England

A new study found that approximately 2.2 million people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, with the majority using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. The prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers has increased sharply since 2021, particularly among younger age groups and heavier drinkers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 20, 2024

Social isolation, loneliness and frailty in older adults have a complex and sometimes mutually reinforcing relationship

A new study analyzed 21 years of data from over 2,300 older Dutch adults, finding that physical frailty can lead to social isolation and loneliness, while also being an indicator of future social isolation. Lifestyle changes such as better nutrition, exercise, and social activities can reverse these conditions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2024