Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that more than one in four people in Michigan identify as child-free, exceeding previous estimates. Child-free individuals showed limited differences in life satisfaction and personality traits compared to parents and others.
A Washington State University study of over 700 young adults aged 18-25 found that those casually dating drank more than those in serious relationships or not interested in dating. This contrasts with previous research showing young adults in relationships tend to drink less.
A new study has found a significant association between childhood consumption of ultra-processed foods and weight gain in early adulthood. The researchers examined data from over 1,000 children and found that those who consumed more ultra-processed foods were more likely to be overweight or obese in their early twenties.
A new study suggests that earliest memories can start from the age of two-and-a-half, contrary to previous estimates. The research, which reviewed decades of data and analyzed 992 participants, confirms that children's earliest memories come before when they think it happened.
Researchers found that a mother's birth weight and litter size were associated with early neonatal death, but not adult maternal characteristics. The study suggests that current approaches to understanding perinatal mortality are incomplete and highlight the need for further research on structural and intergenerational factors.
Recent studies challenge the long-held assumption that variability in children's speech is solely due to developmental delays. Instead, factors such as socioeconomic status, dialects, and exposure to languages play a significant role. Experts argue that caregivers can aid in this process through conversations about different words and ...
A new study suggests that consuming high amounts of sugar from childhood can lead to significant weight gain, persistent hyperactivity, and learning impairments. Reducing sugar intake has been shown to prevent these issues, supporting World Health Organization recommendations.
A new study found that healthy lifestyles are associated with lower cognitive impairment risks in adults over 80, regardless of APOE ε4 status. The analysis confirmed that individuals with healthier lifestyles had a 55% and 28% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to those with unhealthy lifestyles.
Research comparing adults born very preterm or very low birth weight to those born full term found a significant difference in average IQ scores, with VP/VLBW individuals scoring approximately 12 points less than term-born adults.
Researchers found that Japan's mimamoru approach allows children to nurture social and interpersonal skills on their own by not intervening in conflicts. This approach maximizes learning through minimal intervention, encouraging kids to solve problems independently.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that preschoolers around age three start going along with the crowd more than following authority. Children tend to stick to their initial choices but may switch if presented as a group norm, suggesting they're developing moral reasoning capacity and sense of shared identity.
A recent study provides valuable insights into how adults can navigate the often awkward experience of moving back in with their parents. Key findings include framing the decision as an investment in the future, clearly defined expectations, contributing to the household, laying out intended timelines, and embodying adult behavior.
The USPSTF now recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for most adults, with selective offers for those aged 76-85. Nearly one-third of eligible adults were not up to date with screening in 2018.
A Yale-led study discovered that children with multi-system inflammatory response (MIS-C) exhibit unique immune system signatures, including elevated alarmins and adaptive immune responses. These findings may aid in diagnosis and early treatment of the condition, which can be fatal if left untreated.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that young children in deprived areas associate nature with happy places, with elements like trees and outdoor spaces often featured in their drawings. The research suggests that nature underpins children's consideration of wellbeing.
Researchers analyzed age-specific and sex-specific data to understand the life-expectancy gap between males and females. They found excess mortality among infant boys and men aged 60 years and older as primary causes of the gap.
Research published in Gut journal reveals a strong association between daily sugar-sweetened drink intake and increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Women who consumed two or more drinks per day were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer before age 50, according to the study.
A new study found that adults are up to twice as likely to donate to charity when children are around, indicating a 'child salience effect'. The presence of children influences compassionate motivations and behaviors in adults. This effect was observed across different age groups, parents, and non-parents.
A multidecade study found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among young adults exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during childhood and adolescence. The link between air pollution exposure and mental health symptoms was observed across sub-domains of psychopathology, with strongest links to thought disorder symptoms.
The study estimates that only about 24% of young adults aged 18 to 21 in the United States have been fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The low vaccination rate is a cause for concern given the significant health risks associated with HPV infection, including cervical cancer and other types of cancer.
A study tracking young people from Switzerland found that those who experienced bullying or aggression had a marked increase in violent fantasies. The likelihood of these thoughts increased with the number of forms of mistreatment, with boys more prone to violent thinking overall.
A study analyzed the association between hearing loss and level of physical activity among U.S. adults aged 60 to 69. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation, indicating that lower levels of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in older adults.
The CRISIS survey revealed that perceived risk of COVID-19, prior mental health status, and lifestyle changes were key predictors of mental health during the pandemic. Lifestyle factors such as social distancing, financial insecurity, sleep, and exercise were also found to impact mental well-being.
A new study led by UCSF reveals that maintaining physical activity during young adulthood, especially at higher levels than previously recommended, is crucial in preventing hypertension. Among the four groups, Black men were found to be the most active in early adulthood but saw significant declines in exercise intake by age 60, mirror...
Data from two large studies published by The BMJ found that socioeconomic status is the dominant factor in health disparities between US and UK adults. While healthy lifestyles reduce disease burden, they only explain a small proportion of excess risks. Other measures tackling social determinants of health are warranted.
A study found a significant association between rapid decreases in resting heart rate from childhood to adulthood and larger left ventricle, higher blood pressure, and increased cardiovascular risk. Exercise might help intervene in individuals with such trajectories.
A survey study examined changes in diet quality among US children and adults from 2003 to 2018. The analysis found that diet quality declined significantly over the 15-year period, with important consequences for public health.
A new study finds that pre-pandemic children have higher frequencies of convergent B cell clones for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, while adult blood shows few such clones. The research suggests that early childhood B cell clonal expansions may stimulate cross-reactive memory, leading to better responses to novel pathogens.
A new study found that Americans generally consume poor-quality food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other sources, except at school. However, significant improvements were observed in the nutritional quality of school meals over a 16-year period, particularly among low-income, Black, and Latinx children.
A new study published in Physiology & Behavior found that exercise and a healthy diet in childhood leads to adults with reduced anxiety levels and increased brain mass. The research also revealed that early-life exercise reduces anxious behaviors in adulthood.
A new study has found that childhood cognitive problems can lead to mental health issues in teenagers and young adults. The research highlights the potential impact of early cognitive deficits on young people's mental health, suggesting specific associations with certain conditions.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of males and more than one-third of females with psychiatric disorders at the time of detention still had a disorder 15 years later. The findings highlight the need for expanded mental health services during detention and upon release.
A study of 80 people shows that prenatal exposure to proinflammatory cytokines is associated with different responses to stressful stimuli in adults. Women prenatally exposed to cytokines have altered brain activity and connectivity compared to men.
Adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide face numerous challenges to their wellbeing, including social injustice, inadequate mental health, and climate change. Governments and health leaders are calling for concrete policies and sustained investments to address these issues and empower today's adolescents to solve the problems they will inherit.
Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.
A Kaiser Permanente study reveals that Black middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of stroke due to high blood pressure. The research highlights the importance of raising awareness among young and middle-aged Black adults about the dangers of hypertension.
A recent study by Syracuse University and Pennsylvania State University reveals that unmarried young adults without children are mostly likely to misuse opioids. The researchers found that the presence of children in the household is associated with lower probabilities of prescription opioid and heroin use, especially among those who h...
A recent study found that foster youth aged 14-20 struggle with basic financial skills, such as opening a bank account or building savings. The researchers recommend incorporating financial literacy courses and increased support from case workers to help them transition to independence.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that adolescent binge drinking is associated with changes in the volume of the cerebellum in young adulthood. Heavy drinkers showed reduced posterior cerebellar lobules compared to light drinkers, affecting motor and cognitive functions.
A study of over 14,000 U.S. young adults found that adverse childhood experiences, such as physical and sexual abuse, predict greater performance-enhancing substance use. The likelihood of using anabolic-androgenic steroids increased nine times among men and six times among women who experienced sexual abuse.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that health problems like high blood pressure and obesity in one's 20s can lead to cognitive decline decades later. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 participants and found that cardiovascular risk factors were strongly associated with thinking skills decline.
A recent study found a significant increase in telemedicine utilization among those with private insurance, particularly in affluent and metropolitan areas. The rate of office-based medical encounters declined by nearly 50%, further exacerbating existing health care disparities.
Researchers compared rates of psychotropic drug prescriptions during adolescence and young adulthood between individuals born preterm and at term. Individuals born preterm were found to have higher rates of psychotropic drug prescriptions, suggesting a potential long-term impact on mental health.
A smartphone app called Harbor teaches young adults how to support their peers who engage in risky substance use behaviors. The app provides prompts and feedback to help users have a supportive conversation without being confrontational or enabling.
Research found a strong association between birthweight of 2.5kg or more and lower IGF-1 levels, which are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study involved 112,736 women and 68,354 men from the UK Biobank study.
A new study found that the Binax NOW rapid antigen test is comparable to PCR testing in adults with symptoms of seven days or less. However, the test detected lower rates of COVID-19 cases in symptomatic children, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and potential use of PCR confirmatory tests.
A modeling study suggests that pre-existing conditions like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure contribute to most COVID-19 hospitalizations. The study found that improving cardiometabolic health through lifestyle changes could reduce hospitalizations and health care strains.
A new Stanford-led study investigates air pollution's effects at the single cell level and its impact on cardiovascular and immune systems in children. The analysis reveals that brief exposure to fine particulate matter can alter gene regulation, potentially leading to increased risk of disease later in life.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers reveals that material hardship is linked to poor health, depression, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts in young adults aged 24-32. The study found that struggling to meet basic needs increases the likelihood of reporting these negative health outcomes.
A study from Oregon State University found that dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but not as much as they do with adults. The researchers observed that dogs exhibited behavioral synchronization with children at a higher rate than expected by chance, particularly in terms of active synchrony and proximity. However, the leve...
Researchers analyzed gut microbiomes from over 9,000 people, finding distinct signatures linked to healthy aging and survival. The unique microbial compositions were correlated with specific metabolites in blood plasma, suggesting a direct link between the microbiome and health as we age.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that high levels of IgG antibodies may drive MIS-C in children, while increased IgA antibodies may contribute to severe disease in adults. The findings suggest a common immune mechanism underlying different COVID-19 outcomes in children and adults.
A new study found that children's innate immune systems rapidly target and clear the new coronavirus, preventing severe disease. The research showed that special cells in the immune system activate neutrophils to heal damaged tissues and resolve infections, providing protection from COVID-19.
A new analysis found that people under 20 are 43% as susceptible to COVID-19 infection as adults and less likely to spread the virus. This discovery could help inform public health policy and control measures.
A new Northwestern University study found 2.9% of US adults have a current peanut allergy, with approximately one in five experiencing severe reactions each year. The study also revealed that patients who developed their peanut allergy after age 18 are less likely to report having an epinephrine auto-injector prescription.
The updated guidelines provide holistic approach to care, emphasizing quality of life and health beyond traditional medical issues. Key areas covered include bowel function, mental health, mobility, and sexual health, aiming to improve patients' lives across the lifespan.
The Drosophila headcase gene regulates adult progenitor cell development, including metamorphosis, by controlling growth, proliferation, survival and resistance to stress. It maintains an equilibrium between hormone-stimulated growth control and the stress response.
A new study reveals that adults between 20 and 49 years old are driving the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States. The research suggests that lifting school closure mandates did not lead to significant increases in COVID-19 attributable deaths, contrary to initial concerns.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered the biomedical basis of the Barker hypothesis, which suggests that infants with low birth weight are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. The research team discovered that fetuin-A, a serum protein, plays a crucial role in fetal protective mec...
The new ELSO guidelines provide a practical guide to implementing ECPR and early management following establishment of ECMO support. Children undergoing ECPR generally have better survival rates than adults, but long-term outcomes are limited.