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People with arthritis 20% less likely to be in work

A new study published by the University of Leeds reveals that people with arthritis are 20% less likely to be in work compared to their peers without the condition. The most striking finding is that non-university educated women aged 60-plus are at least 37% less likely to be in work if they have arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalSocial Science & Medicine Part C Medical Economics·DateJan 30, 2023

Tweezers untangle chemotherapeutic’s impact on DNA

Etoposide's impact on DNA structure has been untangled by Cornell researchers using optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers. The study found that etoposide promotes DNA loop trapping and barrier formation by topoisomerase II, enabling the creation of sensitive screening tools for improving patient treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 30, 2023

Working from home has benefits, drawbacks for employee wellbeing

Research from Cornell University finds that replacement work-from-home (working during regular hours) boosts psychological well-being and engagement, while extension work-from-home (working outside of regular hours) leads to lower well-being, higher turnover intentions, and conflict between work and family. Women are particularly affec...

SourceCornell University·JournalILR Review·TypeSurvey·DateJan 30, 2023

Transcendental Meditation effective in reducing burnout and depression symptoms in physicians

A randomized controlled study found significant reductions in both burnout and depression symptoms among academic physicians who practiced Transcendental Meditation. The technique produced large effect sizes in decreasing burnout and depression symptoms, with improvements also observed in emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishmen...

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2023

Analyzing the blueprints of redlining in Ohio

Researchers examined factors that led to discriminatory lending decisions in Ohio's 1930s loan applications, finding neighborhoods with Black families were 40 times more likely to be redlined. The study highlights ongoing consequences of racist policies, including poverty and life-expectancy disparities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Enforcement key to mandatory voting

A new study by University of Georgia researcher Shane Singh found that mandatory voting laws increase voter turnout when enforced, not the severity of the law. Turnout can increase by nearly 20 points with credible sanctions, compared to 8-10 points without them.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·DateJan 24, 2023

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Finding the right doctor: can online rating platforms direct patients to higher-quality physicians?

A new study finds that online physician rating platforms can help disseminate important quality information to patients and direct them to higher-quality physicians. The research examines the impact of user-generated online ratings on healthcare choices and highlights their positive association with conventional measurements of physici...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 18, 2023

The link between mental health and ADHD is strong – so why aren’t we paying attention?

A new UK study led by psychologists at the University of Bath reveals that adults with high levels of ADHD symptoms are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those with autistic traits. The study, published in Scientific Reports, uses innovative analytical techniques to confirm a strong link between ADHD personality tra...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Cutting costs and emissions in beef production

A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a tool to guide the global beef industry in reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that as much as 85% of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit, by opting for more efficient feeds and locations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 11, 2023

Poetry and meditation power new research understanding - study

A new study reveals that 'poetic meditation' can improve qualitative data analysis by offering researchers a unique sensory experience and approach to data collection. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and Kedge Business School found that this technique allows them to capture unexpected insights and deal with uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Marketing Management·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Cherry-picking profitable patients: New research identifies unintended consequences for some Medicare patients

A new study in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management finds that Medicare Advantage (MA) programs unintentionally incentivize health plans to cherry-pick profitable patients from traditional Medicare. The researchers propose a modified medical loss ratio mechanism to address this risk selection problem.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2023

Climate warming reduces organic carbon burial beneath oceans

A new study reveals that climate warming can reduce the burial of organic carbon beneath the ocean, leading to increased atmospheric carbon release. Researchers analyzed over 50 years of seafloor sediment cores, finding a significant decrease in organic carbon burial during certain periods, particularly during the mid-Miocene era.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 4, 2023

Michigan State University researchers uncover potential climate change-nutrition connection in plant metabolism

Researchers at Michigan State University have found a link between climate change and nutrition, showing that increased carbon dioxide levels can affect plant metabolic processes. The study highlights the importance of understanding how plants use amino acids to produce proteins, as this may impact their nutritional value.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 22, 2022

OB-GYN research lacks racial, ethnic inclusivity

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that all U.S. OB-GYN subspecialties lack racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials and research publications. This absence has negative consequences, including biased tools for diagnosing endometrial cancer and unacceptably low sensitivity in the Black female population.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 21, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of people living with obesity

A recent study by University College London reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and food insecurity among individuals living with obesity. Nearly half of participants reported worsening mental health, while nearly a third experienced severe depression. Food insecurity also increased significantly, wi...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSurvey·DateDec 21, 2022

COVID ‘motherhood penalty’ affects academic research productivity

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in research productivity across various fields, but women between the ages of 35 and 49 experienced no detectable gain. The study revealed that younger professors and those in top-ranked departments saw substantial increases in research output.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Four decades of NCI-funded NCTN trials: 14.2 million life-years, at $326 per year

The study estimated that the NCI-funded NCTN trials have added at least 14.2 million life-years to cancer patients in the US, representing a cost of $326 per year. The trials have had a significant impact on clinical care, with 87.7% of their findings cited as evidence in guidelines and package inserts.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Inequities, research gaps in ophthalmology

A review of 75 publications found significant knowledge gaps on health inequities affecting the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups, including American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating barriers to clinical studies and medical trainee recruitment in under-resourced areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2022

Nearly 1,000 overdoses reversed using naloxone distributed through vending machine

A self-service vending machine filled with harm reduction supplies such as naloxone helped prevent overdoses and contributed to a decrease in Hamilton County's overdose deaths in 2021. Nearly 900 people used the machine since its installation, with nearly 16% of users reporting they had never used harm reduction services before.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Common workplace fumes and dusts may heighten rheumatoid arthritis risk

Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Long COVID patients and those with other illnesses experience similar, negative lingering effects during the pandemic

Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

Long-lasting insecticidal malaria nets’ biological effectiveness may be short-lived

Research suggests that long-lasting insecticidal malaria nets lost their effectiveness after just one year in Burundi, contradicting the recommended replacement every 3 years. The study found that malaria incidence rose again after two years, highlighting the need for continued epidemiological monitoring and improved resource allocation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Grape consumption helps counter UV damage to skin

A recent human study published in Antioxidants found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. The study showed increased resistance to sunburn and unique microbiomic and metabolomic profiles in subjects who consumed whole grape powder, suggesting a correlation between the gut and skin.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalAntioxidants·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Controversial Alzheimer's drug approval sparks surprising impact

A survey by UCI MIND found that media coverage of the FDA's decision made people less willing to volunteer for Alzheimer's pharmaceutical trials. The study highlights the powerful influence of media coverage on scientific research and emphasizes the need for diverse populations in clinical trials.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Egyptian mothers’ employment early in children’s life help their daughters stay in work

Research by Lancaster University found that Egyptian mothers' employment during their daughter's adolescence has a long-lasting impact on their daughters' employment stability in adulthood. Employed mothers are more effective role models and bolsters daughters' aspirations, leading to stable public sector employment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalSex Roles·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists convert waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a technique to convert waste paper into lithium-ion battery electrodes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing durability. The new method uses carbonisation and laser cutting to create reusable batteries with superior properties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022