Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A BU researcher received a three-year award to investigate factors associated with non-fatal firearm injuries across different regions of the US. The goal is to understand how regional differences impact gun injury risk, ultimately aiming to tailor prevention efforts to specific areas.
Scientists sequenced genomes of 2,092 Africans to uncover genetic basis of skin pigmentation, finding a light pigmentation variant introduced by gene flow from non-Africans. The study also identified the MFSD12 region as crucial for melanogenesis, a process in which skin produces pigment.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Rapa Nui samples, finding no genetic links to South Americans; instead, they suggest Native American ancestry may be a result of recent history. The study highlights the value of ancient DNA for testing hypotheses about past interactions.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women's facial contrast, including eyes, lips, and eyebrows, decreases with age across different ethnic groups. Observers perceive women with increased facial contrast as younger, suggesting facial contrast is a cross-cultural cue to age perception.
African American women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure that occurs during or after pregnancy. They also present with worse symptoms and take longer to recover compared to women of other ethnic backgrounds.
This special issue of the Journal of African American Studies marks 40 years since Prince went pro, featuring scholarly analysis of his groundbreaking debut album For You. The collection provides fresh perspectives on Prince's innovative approach to music production and control.
A recent study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that acculturation may be linked to psychological birth trauma among young Latina mothers. The sample of 66 Hispanic females aged 13-19 showed higher rates of depression and lack of support, contributing to increased risk of PTSD.
A new nationwide study found that people of color were consistently exposed to more air pollution than whites, with a relative gap that persisted across the decade. The study estimated that if non-white populations had breathed lower NO2 levels, it would have prevented an estimated 5,000 premature deaths from heart disease.
A study suggests that walkable neighborhoods reduce the risk of prediabetes among immigrant populations, with higher incidence rates found in less walkable areas. The research found significant differences in prediabetes development across ethnic groups, with some populations experiencing reduced risks in high walkability areas.
A University of Washington-led study explores the connection between microaggressions and racism, finding that whites who commit them are more likely to harbor negative feelings towards blacks. The research suggests that such subtle biases can be just as damaging as overt forms of racism.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that customers who prefer a sense of structure and predictability react negatively to authentic-language menu labels. The study suggests that restaurants should consider their customers' individual needs for cognitive closure when deciding on menu language.
A genetic variant found in African-Americans significantly reduces the accuracy of the HbA1c blood test used to diagnose and monitor type 2 diabetes. This means around 650,000 African Americans could have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes if tested with the HbA1c test alone.
The Affordable Care Act has expanded Medicaid coverage, leading to significant decreases in medical visits among uninsured patients across all racial and ethnic groups. However, disparities persist, with Hispanic patients experiencing smaller declines in uninsured visit rates compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks.
A recent UC Davis study found that early adolescents with cross-ethnic friendships had significantly higher GPAs and teacher expectations. Students who interacted with peers from other ethnicities experienced an average grade point increase of one-third of a point, corresponding to a B-plus to A-minus average.
A new study found that people of black or mixed ethnicities, as well as those from lower socioeconomic status, are less likely to have consistent monitoring for diabetes and its complications. The research suggests that these disparities may worsen existing ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes outcomes.
Researchers found a strong biological link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis (MS) across three racial groups. The study found that blacks, Hispanics, and whites who had mononucleosis were more than two to nearly four times more likely to develop MS than those who did not.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Andrea Gómez Cervantes explores the consequences of racial profiling on Latino immigrants and their family members. Indigenous-Latino immigrants face heightened risks of detention, institutional violence, and social exclusion due to their race and ethnicity.
The program will train staff at 20 health centers to offer group visits for diabetes patients, partnering with Care Message to implement a text messaging system. The goal is to consolidate services into one visit, provide education, and social support to help patients manage their blood sugar levels.
A study found that US transplant centers rejected donated kidneys a median of 7 times before accepting them for transplantation. The rejections varied by patient and donor characteristics, contributing to racial and ethnic disparities in access to kidney transplants.
A new US study reveals that noise pollution is most prevalent in black neighborhoods and segregated cities, with a strong correlation between noise levels and race. The research found that neighborhoods with higher proportions of black residents had higher median night-time noise levels.
A large-scale study has identified over 50 new genetic markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a common autoimmune disease. The research found that certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop SLE and experience more severe symptoms.
A new study reveals British East Asian students are more likely to receive negative media coverage than East Asian students from China and India, with racist undertones and biases prevalent in reporting. This bias is not apparent when referencing East Asian students studying in the UK, where their economic value is highlighted.
Researchers found that Western participants had more positive evaluations of social interactions involving handshakes compared to East Asians. Western men and women also rated interactions differently, reflecting subtle cultural differences in expectations around handshaking.
A recent study found that video advertisements from top tech companies feature predominantly white males, reinforcing traditional gender roles and perpetuating a lack of diversity in the tech industry. The researchers analyzed 54 videos featuring products and services, highlighting the underrepresentation of women, racial/ethnic minori...
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...
Researchers found that African Americans who had at least two modifiable healthy behaviors were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study also found that those who followed six or more of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 guidelines had a 90% lower risk of high blood pressure.
Research from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African-American preschoolers' storytelling skills affect reading achievement in complex ways. Girls' storytelling skills appear crucial for early reading development, while boys' skills have a stronger impact on rapid reading score increases over time.
Researchers analyzed 2.5 million selfies on Instagram to understand how people present themselves online. The study found that appearance-related selfies account for nearly half of all posts, followed by social selfies with friends and pets.
A new study found that students in ethnically diverse middle schools report better self-reported well-being and views on race, particularly when exposed to different ethnic groups in their academic classes. The researchers emphasized the importance of class placement to reap the social benefits of school diversity.
Middle school students from diverse backgrounds report feeling safer and less lonely in ethnically diverse classrooms. Researchers found that students in diverse schools showed more tolerance and less prejudice towards peers of other ethnicities. The study highlights the benefits of diversity on personal and social well-being.
Researchers analyzed national health statistics to understand demographic differences in diabetes rates and care sought. The study found that people with lower income or lower educational levels had a higher prevalence of diabetes, with American Indians and Alaska Natives having the highest rates.
A Wayne State University research team will conduct a five-year trial to test an intervention on tablet computers that helps parents engage in effective parenting to assist their diabetic adolescents complete daily care. The study aims to improve health outcomes and metabolic control among African American youth with Type 1 diabetes.
Adolescents' responses to verbal racism in school were influenced by age, ethnicity, and cross-group friendships. Younger and majority-ethnic adolescents showed more prosocial bystander responses, while older and minority-ethnic adolescents indicated aggressive or passive responses.
A new article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the recent U.S. presidential election could lead to negative health impacts, particularly among marginalized groups. The study found a link between hostile attitudes towards racial and ethnic minorities and increased risk of disease and premature death.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 18 journalists to participate in the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will focus on producing in-depth stories on aging issues such as disparities in hospice access, mental health treatment for African Americans, and isolation of older adults in ...
First Nations and Inuit babies were hospitalized at twice the rate of non-Indigenous infants for preventable illnesses like respiratory diseases and infections. This disparity highlights substantial unmet needs in Indigenous infant disease prevention and medical care.
Researchers found associations between Native American ancestry and various causes of death in Latin Americans. Mapuche ancestry was linked to gallbladder cancer and asthma, while Aymara ancestry was associated with increased risk of certain cancers.
A new study finds that most Americans, including Democrats, do not believe voter ID laws suppress turnout, contradicting party leaders' claims. The findings highlight the disconnect between public opinion and partisan rhetoric on voter ID laws.
African Americans with sleep apnea and insomnia are rarely diagnosed, with only 2.1% of those with sleep apnea reporting a physician diagnosis. Higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, being male, and older age were associated with sleep apnea severity.
A study found significant racial disparities in neurologic healthcare access and utilization in the US. Black and Hispanic individuals had lower rates of outpatient neurologist visits and more hospital emergency department visits compared to white individuals.
Researchers analyzed 548,055 single nucleotide polymorphisms to model Bantu-speaking peoples' migration paths and gene variations. They found that BSPs acquired adaptive genes from other African populations, including immune-related genes, and retained western RHG ancestry in modern African Americans.
Researchers have identified 111 new chromosome locations associated with type 2 diabetes susceptibility in a large-scale study. The new loci were found to regulate the expression of at least 266 genes that neighbour the disease sites.
A new study found that overweight and obese individuals with early stage type 2 diabetes have more severe and progressive brain structure and cognition abnormalities compared to normal-weight participants. The research suggests that managing insulin resistance may be crucial in preserving brain function.
A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.
The study found that incidence of type 1 diabetes increased by 1.8% annually from 2002 to 2012, while type 2 diabetes rose at a rate of 4.8%. Racial/ethnic minority groups experienced the most significant increases in new diagnosed cases.
A new special issue of the Journal of African American Studies explores the Black Panther Party's diversity, complexity, and impact on the Black Liberation Struggle. The issue features reflections, interviews with former Panthers, and insights into recent books on the BPP, offering a nuanced perspective on this militant group.
A new study from UT Austin found that impostor feelings worsen the effects of perceived discrimination on depression and anxiety among ethnic minority college students, especially African Americans. Researchers recommend including impostorism in mental health assessments to help overcome discriminatory experiences.
Researchers found significant ethnic differences in visual function among Chinese, Malay, and Indian participants with age-related macular degeneration. Visual acuity was poorer in Chinese participants with early or late AMD, while Malay participants showed a trend of worsening visual function with increasing AMD severity.
Research highlights the importance of social context, including policies, peer groups, and family relationships, in developing ethnic/racial identity among youth. Studies show that strong familial and religious identities can lead to better well-being, while peer group support can enhance cultural identity.
A University of Michigan study found that middle school boys who feel secure about their race are more likely to form diverse friendships. The researchers discovered that these boys tend to have more clarity about their ethnicity or race, which leads to greater friendship diversity.
A new study examined the Identity Project, a mental-health promotion intervention that explores ethnic and racial identities in young people. The program helps promote key developmental constructs that can enhance the positive development of youth from diverse backgrounds.
Canada dropped from sixth to seventh place in the 2017 World Happiness Report, but still ranked highly on key factors such as real GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy. The report highlights Canada's success in multiculturalism and integration, which helped build social trust and decrease economic and social segregation.
New research reveals a significant gap in statin eligibility for African Americans under different guidelines, highlighting the need for personalized treatment. The study found that stricter USPSTF guidelines may miss some individuals with vascular calcification and low or moderate risk.
A study found that approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under ACC/AHA guidelines are no longer eligible under USPSTF guidelines. This disparity highlights the need to personalize statin recommendation, leveraging targeted imaging measures.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports diverse voices and expert sources on aging issues. The program has produced over 450 news stories by its 118 alumni to date, educating journalists and disseminating information about new scientific findings, policy debates, innovations, and evidence-based solutions.
A recent study published in Environmental Health found that women of childbearing age in the US are eating more fish while having lower blood mercury concentrations. The research indicates that tailored fish consumption advisories based on region and ethnic group would help women eat healthier and monitor their mercury intake better.
A new study from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville shows that diversity within a wild songbird community enhances its members' access to food and increases their ability to solve problems. The research found that mixed-species groups are more effective in finding food sources and using problem-solving skills.
Research reveals PPCM is a global disease, presenting uniformly despite differences in healthcare systems and ethnic groups. Women with PPCM often experience heart failure and blood clots, highlighting the need for increased awareness and timely treatment.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that group tolerance is linked to perceptions of fairness and harm. People are more willing to coexist with others from different groups if they believe in universal moral values like fairness and harm.
A Yale-led study found racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha (AA) membership selection, with black and Asian medical school students less likely to be chosen than white students. The disparity suggests bias in the AA membership process, which could limit opportunities for minority medical students.