Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
A new study from Anglia Ruskin University suggests that reaction times could be an early indicator of cognitive decline and dementia risk. Researchers found that people screening positive for mild cognitive impairment performed significantly worse on visual tasks, taking longer to respond than cognitively healthy adults. This could lea...
A survey of over 30,000 US adults found that nearly a quarter endorse childhood vaccination or acetaminophen use as autism risk factors. Sociodemographic differences and political affiliations strongly correlate with these non-evidence-based beliefs. Targeted interventions may be necessary to limit public health impact.
University of Missouri researchers are studying how sleep, family structure, and social support affect caregivers and those they care for. The projects aim to improve the health and well-being of families affected by dementia, with a focus on accessible treatments and interventions.
A significant spike in suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts among older US adults was found in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings suggest that traditional risk factors may not be the only factors at play, and that a broader risk assessment approach is needed to identify older adults at risk.
Adults create more original and effective ideas, while preschoolers are more confident and enjoy creative activities more frequently. The study suggests that adults' low self-confidence and anxiety inhibit their creativity, whereas preschoolers' enthusiasm and motivation drive their creative pursuits.
US vaping rates have increased substantially between 2013-14 and 2023, with daily vaping rising by 230% and vaping among under 21s quadrupling. The increase in vaping frequency among adults has contributed to the overall rise in vaping rates, with vaping days among those under the minimum legal age of 21 more than quadrupling over the ...
Researchers discovered the STING signaling pathway is activated in bone marrow macrophages during aging, contributing to bone loss. The pathway is activated by fat cells, leading to inflammation and NAD+ depletion, which prevents bone formation.
A recent study from the University of Jyväskylä found that identity development continues into adulthood, with a positive association between identity and mental well-being. The study, which followed individuals from age 27 to 61, revealed that a well-developed identity is characterized by clear views formed through personal exploration.
A study found that positive parenting in early years is associated with increased joy and satisfaction in children, and may reduce the risk of depression. The research, conducted over 15 years, tracked 465 children and their parents, and found that positive parenting behaviors were linked to larger brain responses to rewards.
Researchers found that lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and living environment contribute to faster biological ageing in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescent lifestyle and environmental exposures explained approximately 28% of the variation in biological age at the age of 22.
A cross-sectional study found that structural brain volumes are associated with delay discounting, a key component of impulsive decision-making, in college-aged adults. The multilayer perceptron model provided an accurate estimate of delay discounting, shedding light on the neural basis of impulsive behavior.
A new study reveals that workers with variable hours and incomes are more likely to rely on Medicaid or ACA Marketplace plans, which may be affected by 2027 changes. Millions of low- and middle-income workers with irregular schedules will be particularly susceptible to Medicaid disenrollment due to fluctuating work hours.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.
Exposure to suicide attempts within social networks was linked to increased risk of subsequent suicide attempts and higher depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Assessing recent exposure to suicide attempts may help identify high-risk youths undetected through symptom-based screening alone.
This study of 186,823 US adults reveals an increasing prevalence of moderate-to-severe cannabis use disorder among males and females between 2021 and 2024, while moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder prevalence remained stable. The findings highlight significant age and sex disparities in cannabis and alcohol use disorders.
A multisite cohort study of 346 adults receiving psilocybin services in Oregon found significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, as well as enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. The study suggests that Oregon's regulated psilocybin services are generally safe and effective for mental health treatment
A study by Michigan State University found that individual demographic characteristics are more strongly associated with being childfree than state factors. California and Michigan have the highest percentages of childfree people, but reducing cost of living or changing abortion laws won't lead to an increase in births.
A hybrid lifestyle program showed potential benefits for cardiometabolic health among adherent participants with obesity, but failed to achieve significant weight loss. The study suggests further investigation into the program's effects on metabolic health.
Researchers develop two virtual culturally grounded interventions to address substance use among urban American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. The studies show reduced substance use, including cannabis and alcohol consumption, as well as social connections with tribal communities.
A cohort study finds that childhood history of maltreatment is associated with increased biological age in late midlife, potentially impacting health outcomes. The study's epigenetic clock analysis sheds light on the long-term effects of early life trauma on aging processes.
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on Obesity definition of obesity was found to have similar diagnostic accuracy as other definitions. The study compared the commission's definition with those from other reputable sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A cohort study evaluates histotripsy's short-term outcomes for liver tumors, highlighting its potential as a treatment option. The study also examines national practice patterns and adult patient results.
A cohort study analyzing factors associated with abandoned buprenorphine prescriptions found that US adults are increasingly dropping their medication for opioid use disorder. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examines the decline of prescribed buprenorphine from 2020 to 2024.
A randomized clinical trial found video laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade (VLM) and hyperangulated blade (VLH) to have significantly higher first-pass success rates compared to direct laryngoscopy (DL). The study supports the use of video laryngoscopy as a new standard for routine airway management in adult patients.
A cohort study identified risk factors for bacterial infection after firearm injury and found an association between bacterial infection and increased mortality among US adults. The study assesses the impact of firearm injuries on health outcomes in this population.
Autonomous oxygen titration increased the proportion of time spent in normoxemia and decreased time spent in hypoxemia compared to usual care. The intervention safely increased targeted normoxemia range time in acutely ill adults.
A noninferiority randomized clinical trial found that an alternative first-line regimen containing doravirine, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate produced less weight gain than a combination of dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. The regimen was noninferior for viral suppression at 48 weeks.
A decision analytical model and microsimulation study found that expanding alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary care could reduce premature mortality from major alcohol-related causes of death in US adults. By 2030, this expanded approach is projected to decrease annual alcohol-related potential years of life lost by −5...
A cross-sectional study examines trends in US FDA-approved cancer medicines for adult solid tumors between 2006 and 2025. The analysis reveals significant increases in approvals, particularly for original indication approvals.
This study found that young, non-Hispanic white women who are physically active and drink heavily are more likely to engage in intentional outdoor tanning. Intentional tanning is associated with increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce this behavior.
A landmark study tracks preterm babies from birth to middle adulthood, identifying early cognitive development as the strongest predictor of who flourishes and struggles. Childhood IQ at age 8 is linked to adult outcomes, with a 15-point increase associated with a 79% reduction in poor economic and social functioning.
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline reclassified approximately one-quarter of adults, with two-thirds reassigned to lower-risk categories and one-third to higher-risk categories. This shift was driven by differences in risk factors among males, non-Hispanic Black indivi...
A new University of Michigan poll reveals that 31% of people aged 50 and over have never heard of any mental health crisis line, while 69% are unfamiliar with 988. Despite this, most participants expressed willingness to use these services in a mental health emergency, highlighting the need for increased awareness-raising efforts.
The study found that primary care clinicians can make a significant impact on diabetes management by initiating continuous glucose monitoring, leading to improved glycemic control and reduced acute care utilization. This scalable strategy has the potential to improve diabetes outcomes in underserved populations.
A UMD-led study reveals that wild bats balance different types of immune defenses based on sex, age, and competition for mates. The researchers found that male bats rely more on rapid-response immune defenses, while females invest in targeted responses to pathogens.
The study's findings suggest that adults can reduce their likelihood of severe COVID-19-associated outcomes by obtaining a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. Receipt of the vaccine was associated with additional protection against medically attended COVID-19, including emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations.
A cohort study found that demographic, clinical, and healthcare factors influence the uptake of metabolic bariatric surgery among US adults with obesity. The study suggests improving access to this life-changing procedure through targeted policies and interventions could have a significant impact.
Adults with prediabetes who undergo lifestyle intervention show a lower burden of multimorbidity compared to those not receiving the intervention. Lifestyle programs can persistently reduce the development of chronic conditions in this population.
A new study published in JAMA found no significant difference between sodium bicarbonate and placebo in sustaining return of spontaneous circulation. The findings suggest that routine administration of sodium bicarbonate for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest may not be necessary.
In this serial survey study, wearable device use increased among U.S. adults, but daily use and clinician-directed data sharing remained limited. The findings suggest a need for approaches to help realize the potential of wearable devices as health care tools.
An integrated telehealth-based rehabilitation strategy improved 90-day health-related quality of life in mechanically ventilated adults, potentially reducing mortality. The study suggests that this approach can be delivered across intensive care unit, hospital, and postdischarge phases.
A new study found that one in three middle-aged American adults can't consistently read prescription instructions correctly or recall details from doctor visits involving chronic conditions. The researchers recommend simplifying health information using plain language to improve patient outcomes and reduce harm.
Adults with lower measured glomerular filtration rates had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, kidney failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Lower GFR values were also associated with increased hospitalization for heart failure and acute kidney injury.
A difference-in-differences analysis found that Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program worsened mental health among low-income adults. This suggests that work requirements may create barriers to coverage and care access, affecting population health and equity.
A nationally representative survey of US adolescents and young adults found that a fifth used AI chatbots for mental health advice. Proactive discussion with parents and clinicians about chatbot use is necessary to promote safety and linkages to evidence-based care.
A study found that 14 million workdays are lost annually due to menopause, while women rely on online misinformation for medical advice. The authors advocate for open conversation and inclusive approaches to combat stigma and support women's health during this transition.
A recent study published in JAMA examines the effectiveness of hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, highlighting the benefits and limitations of both prescription and over-the-counter devices. The research suggests that personalized fitting and follow-up care are crucial for optimal outcomes.
A cohort study found that Medicaid prescription caps were associated with lower overall prescription medication use and greater frequency of acute care visits among young adults with opioid use disorder. This suggests that the implementation of these caps may have unintended consequences for individuals struggling with addiction.
A cohort study found chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with reduced life expectancy. Adults with COPD had shorter lifespans compared to those without the condition, regardless of smoking history.
A longitudinal study found that mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy had children with suboptimal cardiovascular health and arterial injury in early adulthood. Optimizing pregnancy health may support offspring cardiovascular well-being.
A national study found almost half of Australian men aged 30-59 exceed the recommended weekly alcohol intake, with factors such as smoking, illicit drug use, and psychological distress linked to risky drinking. The research highlights the need for targeted approaches to reduce alcohol-related harms among middle-aged men.
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.
The study found significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after the US launched its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Larger reductions were observed in states with the highest adoption of the 988 Lifeline services.
A study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma found that feeling safe with a trusted adult during childhood reduces the risk of depression, chronic disease, and poor health. The presence of protective adults significantly mitigates the long-term impact of abuse.
A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.
A new study by Lancaster University found that cognitive ability, education, and employment status are key factors influencing internet use among older adults, not age itself. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 people aged 50+ and found that most older adults in England regularly use the internet.
A notable minority of US youth and young adults, particularly those facing structural disadvantages and mental health distress, engage in intentional online searches for gun-related harm. Public health strategies combining digital interventions with structural reforms offer promise to reduce gun-related harm among vulnerable populations.
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.