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Justice for all: How race and American identity may affect politics

A recent study published in the National Review of Black Politics found that people who don't embody a typical white American identity may have complicated feelings of Americanness that affect their politics. The researchers analyzed data from the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey and found that racial and ethnic mino...

SourcePenn State·JournalNational Review of Black Politics·DateOct 16, 2020

Rutgers experts urge ban of menthol cigarettes nationwide

The American Medical Association joins forces with the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council in urging a ban on menthol-flavored tobacco products. Research shows that menthol cigarette smoking persists among vulnerable populations, despite declining overall cigarette consumption. Experts argue that banning menthol cigaret...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateOct 9, 2020

Black and Hispanic people in US face increased risk of testing positive for coronavirus

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals from Black and Hispanic backgrounds in the US are twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than their White counterparts. Despite this higher risk, there was no significant difference in mortality rates among those who tested positive across racial and ethnic groups....

Failure to calibrate for ethnicity in fracture epidemiology would do more harm than good

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) is widely used to predict major osteoporotic fractures, but experts warn that failing to calibrate for ethnicity could lead to large errors in fracture risk assessment. Ethnicity-specific models have been calibrated for specific populations, and their inclusion is crucial for accurate stratifica...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateSep 9, 2020

Familial incarceration negatively impacts mental health for African American women

Research reveals familial incarceration has a significant impact on mental health for African American women, leading to elevated psychological distress and depressive symptomology. Employment and social roles can alleviate the burden, contrary to previous studies that only examined parents or children of incarcerated individuals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 2, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 infection fatality ratios vary significantly by age, race, ethnicity, and sex. The overall noninstitutionalized infection fatality rate was 0.26%, with higher rates among older adults and non-whites, particularly those aged 60 or older, who had an IFR of 1.71%.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 2, 2020

Racial discrimination linked to suicide

Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateAug 3, 2020

Race and ethnicity did not affect outcomes for new moms with COVID-19, finds study

A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar across different racial and ethnic groups, defying previous expectations of disparate treatment. Researchers attribute this finding to close follow-up care implemented by the medical center.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 21, 2020

Racial disparities in COVID-19 are clear; better data, more targeted action needed

Racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths are clear, with African Americans disproportionately impacted by infection rates and death. The investigation calls for more complete surveillance data and targeted strategies to engage trusted community leaders and improve safer working and living conditions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 13, 2020

Running in Tarahumara culture

Researchers study Tarahumara runners to dispel stereotypes about their athletic prowess. They find that traditional long-distance running is a socially vital form of prayer and develops endurance through regular hard work and physical activities like walking and dancing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJul 6, 2020

Higher rates of severe COVID-19 in BAME populations remain unexplained

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or behavioral factors. The researchers used the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 19, 2020

The benefits of slowness

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that uses the 'slowness principle' to estimate age and ethnicity by ignoring rapidly changing facial features. The system achieves impressive accuracy, outperforming even human experts in face recognition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMachine Learning·DateJun 15, 2020