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New breast cancer genetic mutation found in Chinese population and will help refine screening and target drug development

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with a high risk of breast cancer in the Chinese ethnic population. The RECQL mutation was found to be present in 0.54% of Southern Chinese women, suggesting it may be an important factor in genetic screening for women with a family history of breast cancer.

Identity unearthed

A new study published in American Anthropologist reveals the transformation of Egyptian and Nubian culture through cultural entanglement. The researchers found that individual choices played a significant role in shaping the development of the Nubian state, allowing it to eventually conquer Egypt.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateMar 1, 2016

Health care for older adults should honor diversity

By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 5, 2016

New research uncovers hidden bias in college admissions tests

A new study found that standardized tests like SAT and GRE can predict student success with varying degrees of accuracy across different colleges and universities. The researchers argue that admissions policies, grading approaches, and academic support resources differ greatly between institutions, leading to biases in test results.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJan 25, 2016

Race a factor in repeated victimizations of people with mental illness

Research at Georgia State University reveals that African Americans with serious mental illness are more likely to experience recurring victimization over time. The study, published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, found that racial disparities in mental health services access and social barriers contribute to these outcomes.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateJan 19, 2016

Why white, older men are more likely to die of suicide

A recent study by Colorado State University's Silvia Sara Canetto highlights the link between cultural scripts of masculinity and aging with increased suicide risk among white, older men. These men are less likely to experience widowhood, have better physical health, and more economic resources compared to other demographics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalMen and Masculinities·DateJan 5, 2016

Research finds parents can play a role in preventing teen fighting

A study by LA BioMed suggests that involving parents in violence prevention programs and tailoring them to specific racial/ethnic groups can improve their effectiveness. The research found that Latino parents condoned fighting only as a last resort, while African American parents sometimes saw it as necessary.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateDec 30, 2015

Growing diversity in doctoral programs

A new coaching program at Northwestern University is boosting the persistence of underrepresented minority and female Ph.D. students towards academic careers. The program, which includes guidance from diverse coaches and peers, has shown positive results in increasing confidence and reducing feelings of pressure and isolation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateDec 16, 2015

UMD study explains racial and ethnic disparities in unintended pregnancy

A new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health examined why African American and Hispanic women have higher rates of unintended pregnancies than White women. Researchers found that unique factors such as maternal age, income, health insurance status, US born status, and educational level contributed to these dispar...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 23, 2015

Young whites usually more optimistic than minority peers about likelihood of living to 35

A new study finds that young whites are significantly more optimistic about their chances of living to 35 compared to minority peers. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that foreign-born Mexicans were the most pessimistic about their future survival, even after accounting for socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 18, 2015

Ancient babies boost Bering land bridge layover

Two infants buried in Alaska, 11,500 years ago, share genetic material with Native Americans in North and South America. The study supports the Beringian standstill model, suggesting that Native Americans descended from Asian migrants who spent time in Beringia before moving to the Americas.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Health care, research failing to adapt to US's growing multiracial population

New research suggests that multiracial individuals may be healthier than minority peers who consistently identify as monoracial. Health care systems continue to use outdated approaches to racial categorization, masking health conditions and obscuring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among multiracial populations.

Study: Ancestral background can be determined by fingerprints

A study found that fingerprint characteristics can identify an individual's ancestral background, with significant differences between European American and African American ancestry. Researchers analyzed right index-finger fingerprints of 243 individuals from diverse backgrounds to determine if patterns were specific to sex or ancestry.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 28, 2015

Over 50 percent don't go for new bowel cancer test

A new bowel cancer screening test has seen low uptake in pilot areas, with only half of those invited taking the opportunity. Despite its potential to reduce cases by up to 33%, more men than women took the test, and people from poorer neighbourhoods were less likely to participate.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·DateSep 21, 2015

Popular hypertension drugs linked to worse heart health in blacks compared to whites

A new comparative effectiveness research study found that African Americans with high blood pressure have poorer cardiovascular outcomes when treated with ACE inhibitors compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from nearly 60,000 patients and found a significant racial disparity in the effectiveness of these drugs.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2015