Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A large-scale study found rare genetic mutations in three genes (GRASP, GSDMB, and MTHFR) associated with asthma risk, but only in specific ethnicities. These findings suggest gaps in the current understanding of asthma genetics.
A new study reveals that Asian and Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have lower mortality rates compared to Black, White, or Native American patients. The risk for death among White patients is much lower than in Black and Native American SLE patients.
A study published in Sex Roles found that sexual objectification increases women's fear of face-to-face crime and physical harm. The researchers suggest that challenging social acceptance of sexual objectification can help transform unequal power distributions between men and women, reducing violence against women.
A study of nearly 375,000 US women with invasive breast cancer found that racial and ethnic groups had different rates of early-stage diagnosis and survival. Biological factors, such as tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential, played a significant role in determining stage at diagnosis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered new gene mutations specific to colon cancers in African Americans, offering hope for targeted treatments. The study found that these distinct molecular differences may hold the key to reducing devastating effects of the disease on this population.
A University of Tennessee professor is using plantations to examine race relations and history in the US. The study will analyze how Southern plantations are incorporating the history of slavery and how visitors interpret the information.
Research identifies strong genetic association between apolipoprotein L1 variants and FSGS in African Americans, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. Patients with these variants respond to immunosuppressant treatments but tend to progress more rapidly to kidney failure than others.
A new study found that magnesium intake, genes, and ethnicity interact to determine type 2 diabetes risk in postmenopausal women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and found specific interactions between diet, genetics, and ethnicity.
A new study reveals that men from disadvantaged groups are disproportionately represented in low-paid, part-time jobs traditionally associated with women. The research found that disabled men are three times more likely to have a disability and be in the lowest income bracket than women.
A recent study using 23andMe data reveals fine-scale differences in US genetic ancestry, reflecting African, European, and Native American influences. The research provides new insights into the complex history of the US population, shedding light on the impact of slavery, immigration, and colonization.
Researchers analyzed 160,000+ genomes to uncover subtle differences in genetic ancestry across US regions. Regional ancestry differences reflect historical events like immigration waves.
The article highlights the persistent health gap between whites and blacks, despite improvements in care access. Effective strategies for closing this gap include reporting clinical performance data by race, offering tailored interventions, and creating risk-adjusted scores.
A study found that racial and ethnic disparities in acute care narrowed significantly as hospitals improved quality, with nine major disparities mostly disappearing by the end of 2010. Hospitals serving minorities made faster improvements and delivered more equal care to white and minority patients over time.
Scientists at NTU and Penn State University have discovered one of modern human's ancient lineages by sequencing the genome of five living individuals from a hunter/gatherer tribe in Southern Africa. The study found that these individuals are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians, and all other Africans.
A large study by UC Davis researchers found that patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing differing treatment approaches from medical providers, including referrals to mental-health care and medications. Asian-Americans were the least likely to be assessed or counseled for mental-health problems, while ...
A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that greater income inequality is linked to more deaths among African Americans, with each unit increase resulting in an additional 27-37 deaths. In contrast, white Americans experienced fewer deaths, suggesting a protective effect for high-income whites.
Despite estimates suggesting that universal health coverage for US military veterans is within reach, over a million veterans remain uninsured. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion offer opportunities for coverage, but political hurdles and misinformation hinder progress.
Studies found significant disparities in access to pre-ESRD kidney care across the US, with certain geographic areas and racial groups receiving lower quality care. Disparities were more pronounced among black patients, who had a 10% to 54% lower odds of receiving care from a kidney specialist.
A study of 699 African American adults found that those with severe periodontal disease developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 4 times higher than those without. Targeting periodontal disease may be an important path towards reducing disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.
A new multi-center study has confirmed that specific gene variants in African American kidney donors are associated with a higher risk of organ failure after transplantation. The findings suggest that rapidly genotyping deceased donors for these variants could help inform organ allocation and consent processes.
Researchers found that African Americans have impaired blood flow regulation in the brain, contributing to a greater risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. The study suggests underlying mechanisms of blood vessel dysfunction occur in relatively young and healthy African Americans.
A new study found that fast-food outlets within 500m of non-white ethnic minority groups and socially deprived areas are associated with increased risk of Type-2 diabetes and obesity. The research suggests that for every two additional fast-food outlets, one extra diabetes case can be expected.
Research reveals that four out of five Maasai households face severe food insecurity and nearly 60% of Maasai children are chronically malnourished. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address the health needs of marginalized Maasai communities.
A family-focused intervention program for middle-school Mexican American children has been shown to reduce high school dropout rates and lower rates of alcohol and illegal drug use. The program, Bridges to High School, strengthens core competencies that allow youth to thrive, even when faced with adversity.
Genomic analysis of Rapanui people reveals significant contact with Native American populations between AD 1300 and AD 1500, suggesting a pre-European trans-Pacific route. The findings challenge traditional textbook versions of human colonization events.
A recent study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nearly 21% of youths screened positive for mental health issues requiring follow-up. Female detainees were more likely to screen positive than male detainees, with significant disparities in service utilization based on race/ethnicity. The findings underscore the need f...
A federal prescription-subsidy program improved adherence to hormone therapy among low-income women with breast cancer. The program's success was attributed to lower out-of-pocket costs, which reduced disparities in adherence rates across racial and ethnic groups.
The study found that Native American ancestry is associated with a lower asthma risk, while African ancestry is linked to a higher risk in Latino children. Lung function on average was also lower among children with greater African ancestry, even without asthma.
A study by UCLA psychologists found that white Americans view diversity negatively when exposed to current projections of future demographics, with those who believe they will no longer be the majority expressing lower levels of support. This phenomenon is linked to whites feeling threatened by their perceived loss of American identity.
A new study found that US non-citizens are more likely to receive prison sentences and longer terms compared to citizens. The research analyzed federal court data from 1992-2008 and found a 11% difference in sentencing between citizens and non-citizens.
A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 19 journalists to cover aging issues, including elder abuse, financial security, and mental health. The fellows will convene during the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting and develop major aging-focused stories or series.
Researchers found that low-density neighborhoods are more likely to stay integrated, while high-density areas become segregated. The study uses a mathematical model to simulate the movement of families between neighborhoods and shows that cities can quickly become segregated once a certain density threshold is reached.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that South Asians in Canada have a higher prevalence of heart disease, with rates of death from coronary artery disease being 42% for men and 29% for women. The study also highlighted the need for standardized surveillance systems to monitor non-communicable diseases a...
A new survey by the Media Insight Project finds that African Americans and Hispanics are using digital technology at similar rates as the US population, but face a lack of diverse content in their communities. Despite this, many believe their communities are under-represented in the media.
Researchers found that African Americans and Caribbean blacks who experience discrimination are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The type and frequency of discrimination matter, with hostile and character-based discrimination placing adults at considerable risk for mental health problems.
Research from Rush University Medical Center found that African American women and their female children have the highest obesity prevalence and tend to underestimate their body weight. The study showed a large chasm between biomedical and cultural definitions of body size, with many overweight women not considering themselves 'too fat'.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the winners of its 10 travel awards, totaling $18,500, to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients include students and postdoctorates from underrepresented groups, recognized for their participation at the SACNAS National Conference.
Researchers found that African American men with mid-section fat are at higher risk of heart disease, while Korean men with higher BMIs have increased fat around the heart. These findings suggest that race and ethnicity should be considered when designing obesity prevention programs to effectively reduce heart disease risk.
A recent WSU study found that participants were more likely to feel threatened by black people and take longer to shoot them than white or Hispanic suspects. The findings contradict public perception and previous studies, which suggest police are more willing to shoot black suspects.
A comprehensive DNA study reveals that the Paleo-Eskimos were a single group of people who migrated to the Arctic from Siberia around 5,000 years ago, surviving in near-isolation for over 4,000 years. Their culture developed into three discrete cultural units: Inuit, Native Americans, and Thule culture.
A study of 188 African American females found that gang involvement is associated with high-risk behaviors such as casual sex partners, substance abuse, and HIV testing. Low self-esteem, emotional problems, and housing instability are also linked to a higher likelihood of gang involvement.
Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to get vaccinated against flu due to missed opportunities by healthcare professionals. Offering flu shots more frequently could increase adult vaccination rates to 50% or above for all groups.
A new study from USC Eye Institute reveals that Native American ancestry is a significant risk factor for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among Latinos with Type 2 diabetes. The research found individuals with more than 50% Native American ancestry had an 87% higher chance of developing severe diabetic retinopathy.
A study published by Kessler Foundation found small but significant differences in self-care and mobility at discharge among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with non-Hispanic blacks showing less improvement compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The study used data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System...
Research found a strong association between low birth weight and type 2 diabetes in African American women, with those born very low weight facing a 40% increased risk. The study's findings shed light on the long-term health effects of low birth weight in this population.
The study highlights the need for improved screening and access to treatments for diabetic macular edema, a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients. African Americans have a higher burden of diabetes-related vision loss due to problems with access to care.
A CU Denver study found that government regulations are causing an inequitable distribution of marijuana dispensaries in disadvantaged areas. The majority of allowable land for marijuana businesses is located in the city's poorest and most ethnically and racially diverse neighborhoods.
Researchers found that older Mexican-American men are less likely to experience problem drinking when living in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by other Mexican-Americans. This is attributed to factors such as inter-household family networks, residential stability, and shared norms regarding alcohol abuse. The study also discover...
A new UCLA-led research study has found that racial and ethnic minorities who receive implantable devices to treat heart failure derive the same substantial survival benefit as white patients. The study, involving over 15,000 patients, monitored two years of data from a registry to improve heart failure therapies in outpatient settings.
A new study has identified the 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters, where they are viewed as more desirable than individuals from all other racial groups. Three multiracial groups - Asian-white women, Asian-white and Hispanic-white men, and black-white daters - were found to be on the receiving end of this preference.
A recent study by Indiana University researcher Samuel Kye found that suburban neighborhoods with a growing number of middle-class minority residents experience high levels of white flight and segregation. Despite their affluent status, these 'ethnoburbs' have lost a steady flow of white residents over the past 20 years.
A major study estimates that nearly half of the US adult population will develop type 2 diabetes by age 20, with Hispanic men and non-Hispanic black women facing the highest risk. The study found a significant increase in lifetime risk of diabetes over 26 years, driven by rising rates and longer life expectancy.
A study published in PSPB found that racial minority groups approach diversity differently, with African Americans prioritizing in-group representation and Asian Americans considering national statistics on discrimination. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating diverse teams and organizations.
New research by Michigan State University scholars suggests that women applying for jobs in male-dominated fields should emphasize masculine traits, such as assertiveness and independence, to be seen as a better fit. This approach is seen as an effective strategy to counteract bias in the hiring process.
African Americans in a VA health-care network have low participation in colorectal cancer screening, despite similar access to care. The study found that individuals with established primary care were nearly four times more likely to have had at least one CRC screening test.
A targeted outreach effort increased consent rates for organ donation by 27% among Hispanic Americans, compared to a 17% increase in the non-Hispanic population. The intervention resulted in over 25,000 contacts and led to a significant increase in organ donations from this demographic.
Children of immigrants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds have lower levels of physical activity than U.S.-born white children. Asian immigrant children are nearly three times as likely to have low levels of physical activity, while Hispanic and unspecified ethnicity children are nearly two times as likely.
Two rare variants in the AKAP9 gene are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans. Carriers of these variants have a 2.8-3.6 times greater risk of developing AD.
A CU Denver study explores the connection between preferred ethnic labels and cultural heritage among Latin American descent individuals. The research found that Hispanic students identified with traditional US values, while Chicana/o students were more likely to identify with their cultural heritage.