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Parenting plays key role when African-American boys move from preschool to kindergarten

A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African American boys' academic and social performance in kindergarten is influenced by their parents' engagement in literacy activities and teaching. Effective parenting practices can help African American boys achieve academic success and positive socia...

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 28, 2014

Racism may accelerate aging in African-American men

A study found that racism-related factors, including high levels of racial discrimination and anti-Black bias, are associated with accelerated aging in African American men. This is measured by shorter leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker linked to increased risk of premature death and chronic disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 2014

UT Arlington marketing study shows ethnically diverse workforce may improve customer experience

A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateDec 13, 2013

Eating burgers from restaurants associated with higher obesity risk in in African-American women

A recent study found that eating burgers from restaurants at least twice a week was associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity in young African American women. Higher sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption also significantly contributed to obesity risk, with a 10% increase seen in those who drank two or more per day.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateDec 11, 2013

Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty and ethnicity

A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 27, 2013

Genetics contribute to increased risk for end-stage renal disease for African Americans with CKD

A large study identifies genetic variants that contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease in African Americans. APOL1 risk variants were found to be associated with higher rates of end-stage renal disease and progression of chronic kidney disease among black patients compared to white patients, regardless of diabetes status.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 26, 2013

Minority parents fear for kids online

A collaborative study between researchers at Northwestern University and Microsoft Research found that Asian and Hispanic parents are significantly more likely to be concerned about all online safety-related issues. In contrast, white parents exhibit the lowest levels of concern across various online safety issues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPolicy & Internet·DateNov 21, 2013

APOL1 gene speeds kidney disease progression and failure in blacks, regardless of diabetes status

African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013

Genetic variation increases risk of kidney disease progression in African-Americans

African-American patients with chronic kidney disease have a faster decline in kidney function due to genetic variations, particularly the APOL1 gene variant. The study suggests that reducing the effect of this gene could lead to a significant decrease in progressive kidney and end-stage kidney disease in blacks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2013

3 'hands on' nutrition classes -- Enough to impact health behaviors in lower income women

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that three educational sessions on nutrition had a significant impact on the knowledge and behaviors of 118 low-income women. The classes used a holistic approach and experiential learning, covering topics such as shopping, cooking techniques, and food se...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 7, 2013

Study finds racial and social disparities in kidney allocation among young transplant recipients

A study finds that African Americans and individuals with less education are more likely to receive lower-quality kidneys, highlighting racial and social disparities in the allocation of transplanted organs. The findings suggest that addressing these inequalities is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 10, 2013

Lifestyle, age linked to diabetes-related protein

A study published in Clinical Chemistry found that SHBG levels are significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk in women, with age, estrogen therapy, and coffee consumption being key predictors. The research also suggests that adjusting these factors may impact SHBG levels and ultimately diabetes risk.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2013

Racism linked to depression and anxiety in youth

A review of 461 cases found strong associations between racism and detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, and behaviour problems in children and youth. The study identified an important issue that needs to be addressed in society, schools, and communities to improve child and youth health.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 17, 2013

What do liberals and conservatives look for in a date?

A recent study by University of Miami political scientist Casey Klofstad found that liberals and conservatives are looking for partners who share their characteristics, regardless of ideology. The research team analyzed data from a popular online dating site and discovered that both groups prioritize similar traits in a potential partner.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateSep 10, 2013

Life purpose buffers negative moods triggered by diversity

A study conducted on Chicago trains found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life are less affected by negative moods triggered by diversity. Those who had written about their life aims or had a strong sense of purpose did not experience worsened mood, unlike those without a clear direction.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 4, 2013

Socioeconomic status a significant barrier to living kidney donation for African Americans

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that African Americans with lower incomes have lower rates of living kidney donation compared to White Americans. However, among high-income African Americans, they actually have higher rates of donation. The findings highlight the importance of targeting soci...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2013

Stroke declines dramatically, still higher in Mexican-Americans

A new study reports that ischemic stroke rates among Mexican Americans have declined over the past decade, while still being significantly higher than those of non-Hispanic Whites. The study found that this disparity has not changed, with Mexican Americans accounting for 34% of all stroke cases.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 13, 2013

1 size doesn't fit all

A new study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that ethnicity-based birth weight charts are more accurate than traditional population-based standards. These charts can help identify small but healthy babies, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 31, 2013

Teen eating disorders increase suicide risk

A new study found that adolescent girls who experience depressive and anxious symptoms, and have a history of binge eating behaviors, are more likely to report suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting individuals at high risk of psychiatric problems could be effective in reducing suicide attempts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateJul 22, 2013