Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques using large stones, fire, and elbow grease. They analyzed discarded copper pieces found on the ground of a 'copper workshop house' in Cahokia and determined that coppersmiths likely hammered and heated copper to create thin sheets.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that Massachusetts' pioneering pay-for-performance program did not identify or reduce racial and ethnic disparities in Medicaid patient care. The program aimed to improve quality of care, but its assumptions about diverse hospital populations were proven incorrect.
A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that racial-ethnic differences in exercise type do not narrow with increasing education, but rather expand. More educated blacks and Mexican Americans are less likely to participate in 'high-status' sports like golf or tennis.
Linguist Mihailo Antovic's study reveals that children from diverse ethnic backgrounds can comprehend musical tones in a similar way. He hopes to prove this phenomenon is not unique to Serbia but rather a global understanding of music.
Research highlights the importance of supporting Inuit community institutions in adapting to climate change, fostering resilience through community-led initiatives and preserving traditional knowledge. Community resource centers like Ilisaqsivik play a vital role in connecting local voices to resources and decision-making processes.
African Americans with multiple sclerosis have lower vitamin D levels than those without the disease. The study suggests low vitamin D may be a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis, but other factors such as genes and environmental triggers also play a role in disease severity.
The MetLife Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to support a fellowship program that brings aging-focused reporters to the Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting. The program aims to increase media coverage on aging issues, which are expected to grow significantly in the next 40 years.
A prospective study of 59,000 African American women found that those with diets rich in vegetables and fruit gained less weight than those with diets low in these foods. This association was strongest among younger women, who experienced significant weight gain over the 14-year period.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that being able to see a preferred GP reduces emergency hospital admissions. The research, led by Dr John Bankart, discovered that patients who reported having continuity of care were less likely to be admitted to hospital.
According to a Northwestern University study, African Americans are more likely to start using Twitter, particularly those interested in celebrity news and having higher Internet skills. The research found 37% of black students used Twitter in 2010 compared to 21% of white students.
According to a new study, most African Americans and the general public support banning menthol in cigarettes, with 83% of African American smokers using these products. The study found that support for the ban was highest among African Americans under 24 years old (71.2%) and those with less than a high school diploma (64.7%).
A University of Georgia study found that informal mentor relationships significantly reduced behaviors like anger, substance abuse, and breaking the law among young adults experiencing hardship. These relationships helped youths develop self-control and set goals, compensating for difficulties in their own lives.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that Canadian Inuit have similar diabetes levels to the general population, contrary to previous assumptions. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 participants and found that obesity rates were high among Inuit, with 28% being overweight and 35% obese.
A group of prominent social scientists weigh in on topics such as the future of African American studies and intra-minority group relations. The authors explore how racial minorities will react to demographic shifts, with some finding that a separate line of research suggests distinct racial minority groups may react differently.
A University of Delaware doctoral student conducted a study on how racial prejudice affects perceptions of President Barack Obama's 'Americanism' and performance. The results show that white Americans who hold prejudiced views against black people are more likely to rate Obama as performing poorly in office.
Researchers tested an intervention targeting multiple health-related behaviors in African American couples where one partner is HIV-positive. The study found that the intervention led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and cancer screenings among participants.
A study of 326 African American women found a high prevalence of central hair loss with clinical signs of scarring, linked to diabetes, bacterial scalp infections, and hairstyles causing traction. Hair styles associated with braids and weaves may lead to prolonged folliculitis and scarring.
A new study aims to improve the care of African Americans with cancer pain by providing a five-week program called Power Over Pain - Coaching or POP-C. The program addresses the challenges to pain care in this urban community and seeks to reduce suffering, distress, and burden among patients and caregivers.
A comprehensive survey study confirms the enormous value of science museums in shaping public knowledge and attitudes. The California Science Center was found to be a highly effective institution in inspiring visitors, particularly from diverse backgrounds.
A study by Indiana University sociologists found that Americans have varying beliefs about college access, with some perceiving minority and low-income students as having more opportunities than middle-class students. Qualified students from low-income families were perceived as having less opportunity than other groups.
Research by Brian Duncan and Stephen Trejo found that third-generation Mexican youth are more successful than previously reported, as many fail to identify as Mexican due to intermarriage with non-Mexicans. This 'ethnic attrition' skews results, leading to a downward bias in measures of attainment.
A National Eye Institute-funded study found Asian Americans' glaucoma risk to be 6.5%, similar to U.S. Latinos. The study identified ethnic groups with higher rates of narrow-angle and normal-tension glaucoma, emphasizing the need for targeted eye care.
A Baylor University study reveals Native Americans significantly altered the eastern North American landscape and floodplain development hundreds of years prior to European settlement. The research found that prehistoric indigenous land use caused widespread ecological change and increased sedimentation in hydrologic systems during the...
A new study finds that ethnicity, depression, lack of exercise and social support are major risk factors for CFS. Moderate exercise halves the risk, while social status and cultural background play a significant role.
Researchers found that only 1 in 4 studies reported on participant ethnicity, with most being superficial in scope. The study highlights the importance of considering ethnicity when conducting research on heart disease and stroke prevention to target prevention strategies effectively.
A recent study at Michigan State University found that individuals with a strong sense of racial identity tend to be happier in life. The research suggests that this connection is particularly pronounced for women, who experience increased happiness due to a stronger sense of belongingness within their racial group.
A study found racial disparities in kidney transplantation rates, with non-Hispanic whites and Asians receiving transplants at higher rates. Barriers to transplantation vary among racial and ethnic groups, including socioeconomic factors and regional organ availability.
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher odds of developing generalized anxiety disorder, while Afro-Caribbeans did not. Non-Hispanic whites also showed an association between non-racial discrimination and GAD.
The UK survey found that employment status significantly affects financial and life satisfaction. Young people exhibit different patterns, with economic inactivity linked to higher life satisfaction.
The UK's largest household longitudinal study has published its early findings, providing a glimpse into the lives of 40,000 households. The study's breadth of topics and large sample size offer opportunities for diverse research on social networks, health, well-being, and more.
Research by Iowa State University economist David Frankel found that school segregation between blacks and whites has improved only slightly from 1987 to 2007. Despite increased integration among other racial groups, black-white interaction remains limited in public schools.
Researchers found a significant link between neighborhood liquor-store density and at-risk drinking among African Americans who consume alcohol. Women who drink were disproportionately affected by higher concentrations of liquor stores, suggesting that stress may be a contributing factor to this association.
A new study has found that Native Hawaiians are at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age compared to other ethnicities. The study, which analyzed data from 573 people hospitalized for intracerebral hemorrhage, also showed that more Native Hawaiians had diabetes, with 35% vs 21% in other racial groups.
A study by Physicians for Human Rights found that 91.9% of households in Chin State reported forced labor and other human rights violations. The authors conclude that widespread reporting of rights abuses may amount to crimes against humanity.
A new study found that Native American ancestry is associated with a greater risk of relapse in young leukemia patients. Administering an extra phase of chemotherapy can help eliminate this risk, according to the research published in Nature Genetics.
The report finds progress in reducing cancer death rates for lung and prostate cancers among African American men. However, disparities remain, with higher mortality rates from breast, colorectal, and lung cancers in women. The study highlights the critical role of socioeconomic status in cancer disparities.
African American women have lower incidence rates yet poorer survival rates for ovarian cancer compared to women of other races. The study aims to determine how risk factors differ between African American and white women, with the goal of preventing this deadly disease.
Researchers found that African Americans have a lower mortality rate after being hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke compared to whites. They were also more likely to receive aggressive treatment measures during their hospitalization.
A study found that African American men avoid doctor visits due to stress and lack of practical advice. The study suggests that physicians need to provide more support and resources to encourage men to follow medical recommendations.
A recent study found significant disparities between the race of kidney disease patients and physicians who care for them. Increasing diversity among kidney specialists could improve patient trust and care. Recruiting more African Americans into nephrology training programs may alleviate health disparities in ESRD patients.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic young women are screened for chlamydia at a significantly higher rate than young white women, contributing to nationwide reporting of higher rates of this sexually transmitted disease among minority young women. Screening likelihood varied by insurance status and age.
A new study suggests that a storytelling approach can help African-Americans with hypertension control their blood pressure through diet and medication adherence. The approach, which involves recognizable community members sharing positive messages, was found to be effective in improving blood pressure control among patients.
New research from UC Davis Cancer Center found that colon cancer screening rates vary significantly across geographic regions, with African Americans and Hispanics facing lower rates. In contrast, Asian-Pacific Islanders in Hawaii had the highest screening rates among any group, suggesting potential cultural factors at play.
A new study by Professor Ruth Striegel-Moore and team found that Native American (NA) women are more likely to report behavioral symptoms of eating disorders than men. Research also revealed a parallel between NA women and ethnically white women when considering binge eating, purging and eating disorder diagnoses.
Researchers found that accents were more important than physical appearance when categorizing people. The study showed that participants primarily relied on the spoken accent while assigning statements to depicted persons. This highlights the significance of language in social integration and ethnic categorization.
A comprehensive medical education reform significantly improves failure rates of the Step 1 licensing exam and increases graduation rates among underrepresented minority medical students. The integrated curriculum shows a nearly 70% decrease in failure rates and a 94% decrease in failure rates for African American students.
A study of 1,106 Mexican heritage youth found that perceived ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress increase with age and lead to higher risks of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. The study suggests that prevention programs should address discrimination and encourage effective coping strategies for young people.
A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.
A study found that African American patients with Parkinson's disease have more severe parkinsonism and greater disability compared to white patients. Lower socioeconomic status is also associated with increased disease severity and reduced access to effective treatments, such as newer dopaminergic medications.
Harvard researchers found that biracials are consistently perceived as belonging to their lower-status parent group, with only 68% needed to be white for a black-white biracial to be seen as white. Further studies aim to understand why this persistence of the 'one-drop rule' occurs
The NSF has extended its support for an alliance of research universities and HBCUs that encourages African American students to pursue graduate training and research careers in robotics and computer science. The ARTSI Alliance has served over 300 undergraduates, provided mentoring and technical assistance to 23 HBCU faculty, and deliv...
A new study by a University of Kansas sociologist shows that U.S. employers fail to pay Asian American men as much as similarly qualified white men. First-generation Asian American men earn 29% less, while 1.25-generation men have incomes 14% lower than whites.
Researchers found that African Americans have a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaque, which is more vulnerable to rupture and causing cardiovascular events. The study suggests that coronary CT angiography may be a more effective screening tool for this patient group.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that making people believe their efforts will be successful motivates them to take action against racism. Participants who felt they could make a difference took more actions and had more positive attitudes towards African Americans.
African Americans who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with heavy smokers at greatest risk. The study found that limiting cumulative smoking exposure to less than 10 pack-years could prevent roughly one in six new cases of RA.
A study found that individuals with a common gene variant are 1.5 times more likely to have progressive kidney disease than those with other genotypes. The MYH9 variant was present in 55% of African American patients and associated with a 50% higher risk of death, ESRD, or significant drop in kidney function.
A new study found that social pressures differ for teens in different racial/ethnic groups and that school characteristics play a role. For African American and Native American teenagers, higher GPAs led to decreased feelings of social acceptance, while White teens and others saw increased social acceptance with higher GPAs.
Researchers found that black students and Native Americans who achieve high grades experience increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation, while their white peers tend to feel more accepted and connected.
Researchers found that strong genetic influences determine a person's loyalty and adaptability within a group, with family ties having less impact. Ethnicity and religion are also influential factors.
Researchers will test culturally relevant intervention, behavior activation (BA), to prevent cognitive decline in older African-Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The 24-month study aims to demonstrate that BA can boost public health efforts and encourage active lifestyles.