Add BrightSurf on Google Email

To beat hypertension, take the 'clinic' to the people

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that one-on-one coaching sessions with trained pharmacists and dietitians significantly reduced blood pressure among participants, especially those who were African American. The program's motivational interviewing approach helped patients set achievable goals and address medication concerns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateAug 4, 2016

Survey: Vision health a priority

A nationwide poll of 2,044 US adults found that loss of eyesight is the worst ailment respondents could imagine, ranking it alongside losing a limb or hearing. The survey also revealed high awareness of cataracts and glaucoma but low knowledge about other eye conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 4, 2016

Minorities less likely to have knee replacement surgery, more likely to have complications

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found significant racial disparities in knee replacement surgery, with minorities having lower rates of TKR utilization but higher rates of adverse health outcomes. The study also revealed that black, Native American, and mixed-race individuals faced significantly higher risk f...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 3, 2016

Switch from observation only to active treatment by prostate cancer patients varies by race/ethnicity

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that non-Hispanic black men were more likely than white men to begin active treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, independent of clinical measures. Ethnicity influenced this decision, suggesting a need for greater attention to race/ethnicity in disease management.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJul 27, 2016

Climate disasters increase risk of armed conflict in multi-ethnic countries

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that climate disasters like heat-waves or droughts enhance the risk of armed conflicts in countries with high ethnic diversity. The research analyzed data from the international reinsurance market leader Munich Re and a conflict dataset establishe...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2016

New study shows differences in blood pressure variation across ethnicity

A recent study by Binghamton University found significant ethnic differences in circadian blood pressure variation among African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and European American women. The research suggests that genetic and cultural factors contribute to these variations, which can inform personalized treatment approa...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateJul 13, 2016

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Study finds targeting 'ideal cardiovascular health' lowers diabetes risk, but with ethnic differences

A new study published in Diabetologia shows that significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and diabetes risk. Achieving four or more of the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health components resulted in lower rates of incident diabetes, with 34% and 75% reduction...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 8, 2016

West African genes lower the risk of obesity in men, suggests study

African American men with high West African genetic ancestry have lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, indicating reduced central adiposity. In contrast, African American women do not show a similar association, suggesting that genes from West Africa may offer protection against obesity in men but not women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJun 1, 2016

Moving beyond race-based drugs

A new approach to health care could involve tailoring treatments to individual genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment. This precision medicine method aims to replace the use of race in treatment decisions and reduce disparities in health outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 26, 2016

Scientists find sustainable solutions for oysters in the future by looking into the past

Researchers found that Native Americans' method of selecting and hand-collecting oysters likely resulted in more consistent average sizes and fewer very small individual oysters. This approach may inform modern-day oyster restoration efforts, which face challenges such as disease, poor water quality, and overfishing.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Raising a child with autism

A study by University of Miami researchers found that Hispanic parents of children with autism exhibit stress-buffering qualities like optimism and use religious faith as a positive coping strategy. The team hopes to tailor clinical interventions to strengthen these personal characteristics and responses.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 9, 2016

Study points to how low-income, resource-poor communities can reduce substance abuse

A recent study led by UC Riverside professor Ann Cheney found that low-income African American communities in the Arkansas Mississippi Delta have successfully reduced cocaine use through lifestyle changes and leveraging 'recovery capital.' Social networks and culturally appropriate interventions play a critical role in reducing substan...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateApr 21, 2016

Exposure to American Indian mascots activates stereotypes

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that exposure to American Indian sports mascots can strengthen negative stereotypes, especially among liberal individuals. The researchers also discovered that a person's political identity can predict how susceptible they are to adopting stereotypes associated with bran...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 13, 2016

Can urban gardeners benefit ecosystems while keeping food traditions alive?

A study found that urban gardens in Chicago's African American, Chinese-origin, and Mexican-origin communities provide important ecosystem services. The researchers identified non-native crops and synthetic fertilizers as potential issues, but also noted the cultural significance of gardening for food security and community connection.

Eating green could be in your genes

A genetic variation, known as an allele, has been found in populations that have historically favored vegetarian diets, such as in India and parts of East Asia. This adaptation allows these individuals to efficiently process omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is essential for early brain development and controlling inflammation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 29, 2016

Study: Autism intervention studies lack diversity

A recent study found that only 17.9% of published autism intervention studies reported racial and ethnic diversity of participants, with white children making up a majority. This lack of diversity presents a problem as response to interventions is not guaranteed, and it's unclear why some children respond positively while others don't.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education·DateMar 28, 2016

Study finds racial differences in smoking patterns, screening

New research reveals that African Americans are less likely to start smoking in late teens but continue smoking into later years, leading to lower average pack-years and reduced eligibility for lung cancer screening. This disparity results in higher risk of death from tobacco-related diseases among African Americans.

SourceYale University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 15, 2016

IUPUI psychologists explore pain in Hispanic Americans

A critical review of over 100 studies on pain experience among Hispanic Americans reveals lower rates of chronic pain, but also greater pain sensitivity and less tolerance compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights gaps in current research and calls for further investigation into the role of cultural factors and acculturation.

Profane relations: The irony of offensive jokes in India

A study by Dr. Andrew Sanchez shows how joking relationships between colleagues enable people to distance themselves from the values that inform religious and ethnic violence. This exchange of humorous insults implicitly critiques public life of ethnic difference, operating on more tolerant principles rooted in the present.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalHistory and Anthropology·DateMar 15, 2016