Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that people with low vitamin D levels experience rapid cognitive decline over time compared to those with adequate levels. Researchers recommend daily vitamin D supplements for individuals 60-plus due to the association between low vitamin D and faster cognitive decline.
A study found that vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a faster decline in cognitive functions among older adults. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, revealed that African American and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Participants with inadequate vitamin D levels exper...
Researchers discovered a consistent reduction in gray matter volume in the right anterior insula portion of the brain across all 4 ethnic groups studied. This finding suggests that this region may provide valuable information for diagnostic evaluations in various Axis I disorders.
A new study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that patients of minority race/ethnicity groups receive less information from their doctors about treatment rationale and scientific research. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent physician-patient communication to ensure equal care for all patients.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that children with broken bones or joint dislocations in northern Israel received equal pain relief, regardless of their ethnicity. The study, which lasted four years, including an 11-week period of armed conflict, showed that opioid therapy was administered to nearly all children...
A study published by a University of Missouri sociologist explores how the perception of authenticity in Mexican restaurants varies among owners, staff, and patrons. The research suggests that consumers' expectations and experiences play a significant role in determining what constitutes authentic Mexican food.
A study by King's College London found that one in five older people who drink alcohol consume it at unsafe levels, with median consumption being just 6 units per week. The research also revealed that men are more likely to be unsafe drinkers than women and those from higher socioeconomic status.
Researchers at NYU tracked 7.7 million 311 service requests to identify areas with neighborhood conflict, finding that fuzzier boundaries between homogeneous communities increase tensions, but clear boundaries reduce conflict
A new study from NYU uses 7.7 million 311 service requests to track where and when neighborhood conflict arises, finding it more likely in areas with 'fuzzy' boundaries between homogenous communities. Conflict is less common in areas without clear boundaries or with clearly defined community groups.
Researchers found that emails with 'black-sounding' names received a response 4% less often than those with 'white-sounding' names. This disparity was most pronounced in sheriffs' offices, where 'black-sounding' names were 7% less likely to receive a response.
A new study published in Administrative Science Quarterly finds that neutral language can build trust among divisive groups and stimulate economic growth. Using data on Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange, researchers identified mechanisms driving social segmentation and integration of disparate groups.
Early narrative skills are tied to kindergarten literacy among young African American children, suggesting that storytelling is crucial for their early reading development. The study found that preschool oral narrative skills predicted emergent literacy for poor and non-poor African American kindergartners, but not for the overall sample.
A study found that participants who mimicked a partner's dilated pupils were more likely to trust them in an investment game. The researchers suggest that group membership plays an important role in interpreting pupil signals, and that mimicry of dilating pupils is particularly beneficial in in-group interactions.
Black men in England face a double lifetime risk of being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts. The study reveals that Asian men have half the lifetime risk, highlighting the need for targeted awareness-raising and informed decision-making about PSA tests.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to bring scientific findings on aging to diverse communities through in-depth stories and workshops. Supported by The Silver Century Foundation, the program has been instrumental in producing over 300 news stories since its inception.
A study of ancient and modern genomes clarifies the history of Native American migration to the Americas, tracing their ancestry back to a single late Pleistocene event. Genetic analysis reveals two distinct populations: Athabascans and northern Amerindians, diverging from shared ancestors at around 23,000 years ago.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) and its partners have awarded funding to support 25 undergraduate and graduate students attending the SACNAS and GSA national conferences in November 2015. The students will gain knowledge, access to peers and colleagues, and career opportunities through networking and mentoring experiences.
Researchers developed an algorithm dubbed ENVE to detect genetic aberrations in tumors using deep sequencing data. The algorithm resolves most noise issues and reveals areas where genetic changes have gone awry, potentially leading to more effective treatments for multiple types of cancer.
A recent genetic study has uncovered a previously unknown wave of migration to the Americas, linking Native Americans in the Amazon to indigenous people in Australasia. The research suggests that Population Y, an ancestral group from the ice sheets, contributed to the DNA of today's Amazonians.
A new genomic analysis pinpoints the arrival of the first Americans to Siberia around 23,000 years ago, with subsequent migrations leading to distinct populations in North and South America. The study also reveals genetic admixture from East Asians and Australo-Melanesians, suggesting limited isolation from the Old World.
Ancient and modern genetic data reveal that Native American ancestors entered the Americas as a single wave approximately 23,000 years ago. The research also shows that ancestral Native Americans split off into two branches around 13,000 years ago, coinciding with glacier melt and the opening of routes into North America's interior.
A genome-scale study reveals that all present-day Native Americans descended from a single migration wave into the Americas, arriving no earlier than 23,000 years ago. The ancestral population diversified into two basal branches around 13,000 years ago.
Researchers identified a subset of genes known as biomarkers that define a genomic subtype of prostate cancer more common in African American men. This subtype signals a more aggressive disease and is defined by the absence or low levels of three genes: ERG, ETS, and SPINK1.
A new ingredient, SODA-LO Salt Microspheres, has been shown to reduce sodium intake in the US population by 230-300 milligrams per day, a significant decrease of 7-9%. This reduction can lead to substantial healthcare cost savings, estimated at $3.0 to $5.3 billion annually.
A recent study found that secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke by 30% for nonsmokers, regardless of other factors such as hypertension and heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 22,000 participants, suggests stricter smoking regulations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study found that nursing homes with higher concentrations of racial and ethnic minority residents have improved care, with increases in Medicaid payments associated with reduced clinical care deficiencies. Despite disparities remaining, the progress suggests a narrowing gap in quality of care over time.
A recent study examines the growing demand for goat meat in America, driven by immigrant desire to maintain ethnic identity. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding expressions of ethnic identity for marketers and policymakers.
Researchers at Columbia University found that students who wrote about values important to them showed improved academic performance and challenged negative stereotypes. The study used text mining to analyze thousands of essays written by middle school and college students.
A new study based on Kennewick Man's genome sequence shows that he is more closely related to modern Native Americans than to any other population worldwide. This contradicts earlier cranial morphology analyses that suggested a European or Asian ancestry, sparking controversy and legal battles over the skeleton's repatriation.
A new study on Kennewick Man's DNA reveals a close genetic link to Native American populations, particularly the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington. The findings challenge a previous study that suggested a connection to indigenous Japanese or Polynesian peoples.
A new report by MBRRACE-UK identifies regional variations in stillbirth and neonatal death rates in the UK, even after controlling for factors such as poverty, mother's age, and ethnicity. The report recommends setting national aspirational targets to improve services and reduce deaths.
A recent study by Omotayo Banjo found that black audiences are more comfortable watching black-oriented entertainment television with other black peers than with white counterparts. Black participants reported more positive excitement, attitudes, and absorption when viewing the program with all-black audiences. In contrast, white viewe...
A new study by University at Buffalo geographers found that Native American villages in Chautauqua County, NY, favored the growth of fire-tolerant tree species like hickory, chestnut, and oak. These trees produce edible nuts and are more likely to survive fires, suggesting that human activity altered the forest landscape.
A UC Riverside-led study identifies racial socialization strategies used by minority parents to promote school readiness, cultural pride, and identity. Approaches that gave children a sense of pride and identity provided protection against racism and promoted positive outcomes.
Research from the Jackson Heart Study found that African Americans in lower socioeconomic positions have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Women and younger adults, in particular, are more likely to experience cardiovascular events due to limited access to healthcare and preventive measures.
Springer announces a partnership with IMISCOE to publish their open-access journal Comparative Migration Studies and book series IMISCOE Research Series. The journal offers a unique comparative perspective on the science of migration and diversity, publishing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
Raúl A. Ramos, a UH associate professor of history, has been selected for the Organization of American Historians' 2015 China Residency to teach a one-week seminar on the American West in Beijing, China. This fellowship marks an opportunity for global academic collaboration and exchange between Chinese scholars and US faculty.
A recent DNA study reveals that all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope, providing the first genetic link between Iñupiat populations and their ancestral homeland. The research also suggests two major migrations to the east from the North Slope at different times in history.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that past-year heroin use rose significantly among individuals taking opioids like oxycontin, particularly among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The rate of heroin use for non-Hispanic whites increased by 75% in 2008-2011 compared to earlier years.
A study found that doctors struggle with end-of-life conversations, particularly with patients from different ethnic backgrounds, due to cultural and language differences. The survey revealed that medical interpretation is a significant barrier, and the researchers recommend training physicians to address these issues.
Researchers at Wayne State University are working on a new approach to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages. The goal is to develop affordable and portable tests that can be easily administered in senior centers or church basements, reducing barriers for African Americans who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
Research found a significant association between obesity and increased prostate cancer risk in African American men, with the risk growing nearly four times as body-mass index (BMI) increased. Obesity was also linked to a higher risk of aggressive disease and prostate cancer death among this population.
A new study finds that racial disparities in cancer outcomes are decreasing, with African Americans showing faster decreases in cancer mortality than Caucasians. The causes of these disparities include low education and income, as well as reduced access to quality healthcare.
A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.
A comprehensive literature review shows lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among minority women compared to White women. Ob/gyns can use data to support breastfeeding in clinical practices and public policy, helping to overcome cultural and social factors that affect minority women's decisions.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act's dependent care provision did not close the racial gap in coverage for young adult trauma patients. Despite improved insurance rates, significant disparities persisted among African-American and Hispanic youth.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...
A new study found that Massachusetts health reform did not decrease preventable hospitalizations or close the racial gap in such rates, contrary to expectations. Access to outpatient care remained limited due to high copays and financial barriers.
A study found that Mexican Americans spend a high proportion of their later years with some form of disability, highlighting the need for community assistance and long-term care. Women born in Mexico suffer from prolonged disability, emphasizing the importance of addressing health disparities.
A new study found that clinical therapists are more likely to misdiagnose mental illness when their patients belong to disadvantaged groups. The researchers followed patients and therapists during intake sessions, finding a twofold difference in diagnostic accuracy between advantaged and disadvantaged clients.
Researchers analyzed DNA from three enslaved Africans with highly degraded skeletal remains to uncover their origins. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for genomic data to identify ancient individuals' genetic ancestry, especially in cases where historical records are limited.
Research found that socially engaged middle-aged adults with good mental health are more likely to view their lives as stories of personal redemption. This narrative format is associated with healthy psychosocial adaptation in the midlife years and resonates particularly deeply with African American adults.
A new study found that Hispanics are more likely to develop alcoholic liver disease at a younger age than Caucasians, and are also more frequently obese and diabetic. Ethnicity is a major factor in the severity of different subtypes of ALD.
A new study by Duke University found that millions of African Americans who migrated from the rural South to urban areas during the 20th century experienced a significant increase in mortality rates. The study attributed this increase to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking, which were more prevalent in cities.
The rate of Latino physicians per 100,000 Latinos in the US has declined by 22% since 1980, according to a new study. The shortage of culturally familiar doctors negatively affects healthcare for U.S. Latinos, who face barriers to quality care due to language and cultural barriers.
African American women are at higher risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer due to unique genetic mutations. The study found novel genomic segments shared among family members with breast cancer, supporting the hypothesis that specific genes may be unique to this population.
A study of 115,538 older patients with diabetes found that geriatric conditions were more common than diabetic complications, but their prevalence varied little by ethnicity. The research suggests that culturally competent care is essential for addressing disparities in this population.
A study comparing citizenship programs in four European nations found that multiculturalism policies are still in place and being expanded to support ethnic minority integration. Researchers argue that the term 'multiculturalism' is being used less frequently with a positive connotation, but actual policies have not been repealed.
Research finds higher air pollution levels in England's most deprived neighborhoods, with ethnic minority areas also severely affected. The study highlights the need to reduce vehicle emissions in urban areas to address environmental inequality.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that urban living is not a significant risk factor for asthma, instead highlighting the importance of poverty, African-American race, and Puerto Rican ethnicity as potent predictors. The research found no differences in asthma rates between children living in urban areas and their suburba...