Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
A 6-month randomized clinical trial found that a low-carbohydrate diet intervention resulted in larger reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to usual diet among adults with elevated untreated HbA1c. The study suggests that this dietary approach may be useful for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.
A study of over two million individuals in Denmark found that mothers with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy have a higher mortality risk in their offspring. The study shows an association between maternal HDP and various cause-specific deaths, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A deep learning algorithm trained on adult populations shows improved sensitivity for diagnosing thyroid nodules in children, with higher accuracy than traditional ACR TI-RADS. The study suggests the potential benefits of this new approach for evaluating thyroid nodules in younger patients.
The US ranks last in vaccination rates among the world's richest countries, with a mortality rate from COVID-19 30 times higher than influenza. Boosters can reduce the risk of dying and hospitalization by over 90%. All US adults and eligible children should receive booster shots to protect against future variants.
A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.
A study finds that menthol cigarettes are used by nearly two out of five adult smokers, with Black smokers using them at an alarming rate. The CDC is considering banning menthol-flavored cigarettes due to concerns over their impact on public health, particularly among young people and marginalized groups.
A study of over 100,000 emergency room visits and 95,000 mental health hospitalizations found that less than half received follow-up care within 30 days. Having established primary care and mental health care before an acute psychiatric service use is crucial for improving follow-up rates.
Research shows that children learning to navigate complex social situations are often given mixed messages about honesty and dishonesty by their adult caregivers. The study found that adults judge blunt truth-tellers more harshly when they lie to be polite, but reward subtle truths that protect others.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
A study of 18 countries found that adults with good mental health reported more blue space experiences as children. This was associated with greater intrinsic value on natural settings and more frequent visits as adults, leading to better mental wellbeing.
Scientists have identified long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) RNA as a promising new target for treating progeroid syndromes. Increased L1 RNA expression in cells from patients with these disorders led to deactivation of an enzyme, causing cell aging.
A nationally representative study of 594,000 persons in England found an increased risk of suicide associated with dementia diagnosis before age 65. The study identified younger patients diagnosed within the 3-month post-diagnostic period as high-risk groups for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A recent study published in Acta Oncologica found that young women who have had cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual problems, including loss of libido and intimacy issues. The study, which surveyed nearly 700 women, suggests that the type and intensity of cancer treatment can influence a patient's sex life.
A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.
The use of voice control smart devices in children may impede critical thinking, empathy, and compassion. Devices can't teach children how to behave politely and lack non-verbal communication skills.
The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis in asymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals who have ever been sexually active. Syphilis cases increased from a record low in 2000 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2019.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that gender-affirming top surgery significantly improved chest dysphoria and gender congruence among transmasculine and nonbinary individuals designated female at birth. The procedure was also associated with enhanced body image, with minimal surgical complications reported.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.
The study estimated vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic Delta and Omicron infections and severe outcomes. Vaccines showed moderate protection against these variants' serious consequences.
A new study estimates that up to 17.5 million people worldwide will live with Type 1 Diabetes by 2040, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. The modeling study predicts a significant increase in global deaths due to T1D, highlighting the need for improved surveillance, diagnosis, and care.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that cancer and chemotherapy do not appear to increase the risk of stillbirth among adolescent and young adult women who later become pregnant. The study included data from 11,696 deliveries to over 8,400 women diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2015.
The study found that nearly 9% of Americans aged 12 or older experienced a past-year major depressive episode. Depression was particularly common among adolescents (16.9%) and young adults (17%), with increased prevalence among various demographic groups, yet low help-seeking rates remained consistently low.
Researchers found associations between financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation difficulties with increased mortality risk among adults with new cancer diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health for improving patient outcomes.
The Regional Transition Navigator program aims to connect youth and young adults aged 14-25 with needed resources, emphasizing those at risk of homelessness, human trafficking or substance use disorders. The program's long-term goal is to teach problem-solving skills and provide support for a healthier transition into adulthood.
Researchers found that adults' face processing system remains rigid and unimproved despite prolonged exposure to masked faces during the pandemic. This suggests that the adult brain's ability to process faces does not adapt over time, even in the face of extensive natural exposure.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among unvaccinated adults were significantly higher than those with booster doses. The study suggests continued vaccination efforts for eligible persons to mitigate hospitalization rates.
A study of 219 patients with long COVID and neurologic symptoms found that 64% had an impaired sense of smell. Patients with impaired smell may experience severe and lasting loss of smell, even after recovery from acute COVID-19.
A large French study found a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that these food additives should not be considered a healthy alternative to sugar.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that the TV drama 'This Is Us' reduced stigma around Alzheimer's disease and encouraged family discussions about aging plans. The narrative was developed in consultation with experts and met with the show's writers to ensure accuracy.
A new study finds that COVID-19 orphanhood is significantly higher in poorer countries due to pre-existing health and vaccine coverage inequity. The risk is driven by factors like poverty prevalence, lower GDP per capita, and non-communicable diseases.
A new UCL-led study found that most British adults support stricter tobacco regulations, including banning sales near schools and raising the legal age to 21. The survey of over 1,700 adults in England and Scotland showed strong majority support for these policies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. In contrast, higher sedentary time was linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of genetic predisposition for longevity.
Research on mice reveals that older fathers produce pups with reduced vocal complexity and lower body weights, similar to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study provides evidence for the risk factor of advanced paternal age on infant development.
The USPSTF recommends prescribing statins for adults aged 40-75 with one or more CVD risk factors and estimated 10-year CVD risk of 10% or greater. For those aged 76 or older, the evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation. Statin use can significantly reduce CVD events and mortality in this population.
A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.
A survey study of 135,000 adults found that less than half had received a booster dose, with marked variations across regions and sociodemographic groups. Targeted efforts may be needed to improve booster vaccine coverage in these populations.
A recent study in Los Angeles County found that more than half of adults with Omicron variant infection were unaware of their infectious status. Health care employees had higher awareness rates than non-employees, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and testing to prevent transmission.
Researchers discovered that face centering, not saliency, plays a key role in guiding attention to faces in videos as people age. The findings have implications for children's television programming and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
A recent study reveals racial and sex disparities in gout prevalence, with Black adults more commonly affected. Culturally informed efforts targeting diet and social determinants may help reduce these disparities.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 250,000 patients found that those infected with COVID-19 used more healthcare services in the 6 months following their infection. The study revealed a 4% increase in encounters, including virtual visits and emergency department visits, resulting in over 27,000 extra encounters.
Adults with vision or hearing disabilities have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to those without disabilities. The study suggests that initiatives promoting equitable and accessible vaccination may be necessary to address these disparities.
A Kessler Foundation neuroimaging study found that older individuals reported less state fatigue and showed greater brain activation to combat fatigue. The study also revealed women show greater resilience when faced with a fatiguing task, highlighting age and gender differences in fatigue responses.
A University of Queensland-led research found that children's noses have a more effective anti-viral response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 than adult noses. The study suggests that this may contribute to the lower infection rates and milder symptoms in children compared to adults.
A study of 2,031 U.S. adults found that half intended to get their child vaccinated, but only one-fifth planned to do so within three months. The findings highlight the need for increased efforts to boost parental confidence in COVID-19 vaccines for children under four years old.
Adult and pediatric mechanical ventilators increased substantially at US acute care hospitals between 2020 and 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a substantial increase in adult and pediatric mechanical ventilators reported by acute care hospitals in the U.S.
Binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption increased significantly among pregnant women between 2011 and 2020. The average annual percentage change for these behaviors was greater among pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.
A survey of 1,086 adults found that negative views towards harassing public health officials increased from November 2020 to July-August 2021. Higher earners and those with more education were more likely to hold such views.
A study investigated total and out-of-pocket costs of genetic counseling among commercially insured adults with cancer, finding that these costs can significantly impact patient care. Factors contributing to higher costs were identified, highlighting the need for more affordable genetic testing options.
Regular cannabis use is associated with a decreased likelihood of having sinonasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and changes in smell in adults. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that making small behavioral changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Participants who received a lifestyle intervention showed improvements in physical activity, diet, and sedentary time, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that adults who perform two to four times the currently recommended amount of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week have a significantly reduced risk of mortality. The analysis found that this range of activity resulted in a 21-23% reduction f...
Research finds that pre-teen children in Singapore associate brilliance with men more than women, with the stereotype strengthening as they grow older. This bias can lead girls to doubt their abilities, limiting their interests and career aspirations.
A study of 994,000 US adults found a slight decrease in current e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020, mainly among young adults aged 18-20. Daily e-cigarette use increased, particularly among those aged 21-24, indicating greater nicotine dependence.
Researchers found that federal rental assistance programs are associated with lower HbA1c levels among middle-age and older adults. The study assessed nearly 40,000 participants across the US, revealing a significant correlation between program participation and improved blood sugar control.
A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.
Research on Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy found that it was associated with larger reductions in consumption among heavier drinkers, but not among women or those who tend to drink less heavily. Consumption actually increased among the heaviest drinking men following MUP introduction.
A new study from Arizona State University found that childhood loneliness is strongly linked to increased stress levels and problem drinking in young adults. The research suggests that mitigating childhood loneliness could be a key strategy for reducing the risk of alcohol use disorders in adulthood, particularly among women.
A survey study of 1,240 adults with cancer found racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care during the pandemic. Black and Latinx adults reported more delayed cancer care and adverse social and economic effects compared to their white counterparts.
Children with complex congenital heart defects are 5 times more likely to receive an anxiety diagnosis, highlighting the need for mental health assessment and treatment. For adults, 50% experience mood or anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health care in CHD specialty teams.