How common are food allergies?
A nationally representative survey of over 40,000 US adults found that at least 1 in 10 have a food allergy and nearly 1 in 5 report having one. Shellfish and milk were the most common food allergens.
Adults
Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
One in 10 adults in US has food allergy, but nearly 1 in 5 think they do
A study of over 40,000 adults found that one in 10 has a confirmed food allergy, while nearly half develop an allergy as an adult. Nearly 1 in 5 adults believe they have a food allergy despite inconsistent symptoms.
No compelling evidence for health benefits of non-sugar sweeteners
A comprehensive review of 56 studies found no statistically significant differences in health outcomes between those consuming non-sugar sweeteners and those not consuming them. Non-sugar sweeteners were associated with slightly less weight gain, but the evidence was low-quality.
Adults with cerebral palsy at increased risk of depression, anxiety
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, particularly those without intellectual disabilities. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 adults with cerebral palsy and 5,100 adults without the condition.
Serious loneliness spans the adult lifespan but there is a silver lining
A recent study found that moderate to severe loneliness persists across the adult lifespan, particularly during late-20s, mid-50s, and late-80s. However, researchers also discovered a strong inverse association between wisdom and loneliness, suggesting that wiser individuals are less lonely. The study highlights the need for solutions ...
High-dose antipsychotics place children at increased risk of unexpected death
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that high-dose antipsychotic medications increase the risk of unexpected death in children and young adults. The study analyzed data from over 250,000 children and young people aged 5-24, revealing a 3.5-fold increased risk of unexpected death compared to those taking lower doses.
Brain activity shows development of visual sensitivity in autism
Research on brain activity shows that sensory responses to visual patterns change between childhood and adulthood in people with autism, mirroring a genetic change associated with autism in fruit flies. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying sensory issues in autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers alleviate Schizophrenia symptoms in new mouse models
Researchers have developed two new mouse models to study schizophrenia and found that restoring ErbB4 receptors alleviates symptoms regardless of brain development. The study suggests a therapeutic approach focused on improving brain cell signaling associated with the ErbB4 receptor.
SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2018
Study shows high costs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) carries significant healthcare costs, with an average of $23,000 per person per year for children and $24,000 for adults. The condition also leads to substantial productivity losses and costs in corrections systems.
'Boomeranging' back to a parents' home negatively affects young adults' mental health
A recent MPIDR study suggests that young adults who move back home after independence experience an increase in depressive symptoms. The study also found that men and minority groups are more likely to be living with their parents, while those who live independently are less depressed and financially better off.
Firearms more likely to be stored unsafely in households if adults misuse alcohol
A study of 5,200 Washington residents found that 55% of children living in firearm-owning households had access to a firearm not stored safely. Adults who misused alcohol were more likely to store firearms unsafely, increasing the risk of child firearm injuries and deaths.
Communal rearing gives mice a competitive edge
Researchers found that communal-reared males were more competitive towards unrelated males and displayed higher exploratory tendencies. These traits are advantageous in a high-density population or when dispersing from the natal territory.
Stress in early life has a lasting impact on male birds' song
A study found that male birds' song complexity and frequency are linked to their early life conditions, with healthier nestlings producing more intricate songs as adults. Researchers monitored 18 wild white-throated dippers and discovered that better nutrition during the nestling period led to improved singing skills.
Is the rise in blood pressure with age a consequence of the western lifestyle?
Researchers studied two remote communities in the Venezuelan rainforest, one heavily Westernized and one less so, to investigate the relationship between age and blood pressure. The results suggest that the rise in blood pressure with age may be a consequence of Western lifestyle influences.
High blood pressure poses heart/stroke event risk for people under age 40
A new study by Duke University Medical Center reveals that people under 40 with high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart failure, strokes, and blood vessel blockages as they age. The study used the 2017 guidelines to assess risks for younger individuals.
For adults, the terrible twos are a confusing earful
A study by Angela Cooper and colleagues found that adults have difficulty distinguishing between children's voices, with only about 40% correct identification rate. The researchers used a space alien interactive game to elicit recordings from 2-year-olds and their mothers, which led to the development of new training methods for improv...
Lifetime peer influences, and parenting, predict adult coercive relationships
Researchers found that adolescent deviancy training, such as crude talk among friends, signals a pathway to antisocial behaviors and unhealthy adult relationships. Adults who exhibited more deviancy training at age 16-17 were more likely to display coercive behavior in their relationship at age 28-30.
Study: Dad's exercise before conception impacts child's lifelong health
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that paternal exercise improves glucose metabolism, reduces body weight, and decreases fat mass in offspring. Exercise also alters genetic expression in sperm, potentially transmitting beneficial effects to next-generation offspring.
Validating a new definition for respiratory failure in children
A new definition of PARDS, issued by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference, has been validated through an international study. The study found that two-thirds of children with mild and moderate PARDS would not have been accurately diagnosed using adult definitions.
Childhood abuse linked to increased arthritis risk in adulthood
A survey-based study of 21,889 adults found that severe childhood physical abuse and frequent intimate partner violence exposure increased the risk of arthritis. The study suggests potentially enduring immune and metabolic abnormalities caused by childhood abuse may play a role in the development of arthritis.
Downward mobility link to violent crime and self-harm
A major new study finds that children from families who fall on hard times are more likely to be involved in violent crime and harm themselves as young adults. Children from the poorest fifth of society were 7-13 times more likely to commit violent crime or self-harm compared to those from wealthier backgrounds.
Southern diet is top factor associated with higher risk of high blood pressure among black adults
A study of 6,900 black and white adults found that a Southern diet was the top factor associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The diet, characterized by high consumption of fried foods, organ meats, and processed meats, was linked to higher blood pressure among black adults.
Digital media and child development
Research explores digital media's effects on children, revealing enhanced phoneme learning and potential links to aggressive behavior. Early media exposure also affects attention in young minds.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018
Increasing BMI from age 10 to adulthood is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than a high BMI throughout life
Research shows that weight gain between childhood and adulthood increases type 2 diabetes risk more than a stable high body mass index. Children who were overweight at age 10 and remained so have lower T2D risk compared to those who were normal weight but became overweight later in life.
Children found capable of using the 'wisdom of crowds'
Research led by the University of Bristol found that children aged 11-19 can effectively use collective intelligence to make group decisions, revealing a geometric mean rule-of-thumb approach. The study revealed that pupils used their original guesses to come to a final consensus, even in cases of disagreement.
Green space near home during childhood linked to fewer respiratory problems in adulthood
A new study found that children who have access to green spaces near their homes are less likely to experience respiratory problems as adults. The research, conducted by RHINESSA, analyzed data from over 5,400 participants and found a significant association between exposure to greenness and reduced respiratory symptoms.
Updated Estimates of frequency of adverse childhood experiences
A new study finds that people from black, Hispanic, and multiracial backgrounds, those with lower education levels and income, and the unemployed are more likely to have experienced childhood trauma. The most common adverse childhood experiences include emotional abuse, parental separation, and household substance abuse.
Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood
Researchers found that people with regular spiritual habits in childhood and adolescence reported greater life satisfaction, positivity, and lower depressive symptoms. They were also less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, illicit drug use, or sexually transmitted infections.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 14, 2018
The Lancet Psychiatry: ADHD medication use is increasing but some patients in some countries are still not receiving the treatment they need
The study found that prescription rates for ADHD medications are still lower than diagnosis rates worldwide, highlighting disparities in clinical approaches to treating the condition. In contrast, regions like North America have higher medication use rates, but also face concerns of overdiagnosis and overmedication.
Understanding family involvement in Chinese immigrant women's health and healthcare
A study by Northwestern University researchers explored the attitudes and beliefs of Chinese immigrant women regarding their children's and spouse's involvement in their health and healthcare. The findings suggest opportunities for culturally tailored interventions to improve these women's health outcomes.
Stress wracks worm nerves, leaving lasting memories
A recent study published in Nature found that stress caused by starvation before sexual maturation can prevent normal changes in the wiring patterns of key neuronal circuits in male worms. As a result, adult male worms act immaturely during behaviors controlled by these circuits. The study suggests that environmental stress can permane...
Higher depression risk in young adulthood associated with autism spectrum disorders
Research found individuals with autism spectrum disorders, especially without intellectual disability, have greater risk of depression in young adulthood. This association highlights the importance of identifying and treating depression in people with ASD to improve their quality of life.
For children, immersion in a rainforest lifestyle can lead to more diverse gut microbes
A study found that immersing children in a rainforest lifestyle for 16 days led to more diverse gut microbes, with higher proportions of helpful bacteria. In contrast, adult participants showed little change to their microbiome, suggesting dietary interventions may be most effective in children.
Anxiety, depression, other mental distress may increase heart attack, stroke risk in adults over 45
A large study of Australian adults found that psychological distress was linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers estimated that among women, high/very high psychological distress was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of stroke.
Teenagers have a hard time reading one another's tones of voice
Researchers found that teenagers have difficulty reading the emotions expressed in their peers' voices, particularly when it comes to tones of voice conveying anger, meanness, or happiness. However, they can accurately interpret adult tone of voices. This challenges the social interactions and relationships among teens.
Post-epidemic seroprevalence of Zika virus in Nicaragua
Researchers studied blood samples from 3,740 children and 1,074 adults in Managua, Nicaragua, after the 2016 Zika epidemic. The study found a high post-epidemic seroprevalence of 36% in children and 56% in adults, with immunity rates higher in females and increasing nonlinearly with age.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018
Many young adults lack financial literacy, economic stability, study finds
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that nearly a third of young adults are financially precarious due to poor financial literacy and income instability. These individuals often rely on alternative financial services, which can lead to high interest rates and fees.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 24, 2018
Study suggests need to include overweight subjects in metabolic research
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles investigate the impact of obesity on metabolism and body temperature control, finding that post-prandial uridine levels increase in obese individuals. The study suggests including both lean and overweight subjects in metabolic research to prevent misleading outcomes.
Adults play a key role in children's participation in school recess, researchers suggest
Researchers found that adult engagement and supervision during recess are the strongest predictors of children's engagement in activities. Longer recess periods also led to more physical activity, with boys being more active than girls. The study highlights the importance of a high-quality recess experience for children.
Our perceived birth status can affect our adult relationships
Research found that people who believe they were unwanted or unplanned pregnancies tend to have more insecure relationship styles as adults. This perceived birth status affects attachment styles, leading to increased anxiety and avoidance in relationships. The study suggests that revealing such information can increase insecurities and...
Secondhand smoke increases risk of children developing arthritis later in life
A new study published in Rheumatology indicates that exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as an adult. The study found that passive smoking during childhood can lead to an increased risk of arthritis and earlier onset, even in non-smokers.
Adult-child conversations strengthen language regions of developing brain
A study found that regular conversations with young children strengthen connections between critical brain regions for language, regardless of socioeconomic status. The research suggests that early language exposure can promote language skills and brain development.
Late effects of treatment hinder independence of adult survivors of childhood brain tumors
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that over half of pediatric central nervous system tumor survivors do not achieve complete independence as adults. Cognitive impairment and physical performance limitations are strong predictors of non-independence.
Benzodiazepine and related drug prescriptions have increased among young people in Sweden
The study found a significant increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions for children, adolescents, and young adults in Sweden between 2006-2013. Nearly 30% of young adults were prescribed benzodiazepines for longer than 6 months, contradicting international guidelines.
The Lancet Psychiatry: ADHD medications: Of all available drugs, methylphenidate should be first option for short-term treatment in children
A network meta-analysis and systematic review found methylphenidate to be the most effective and safe ADHD drug for short-term treatment in children, with amphetamines being the preferred choice for adults. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term effects of ADHD medications.
Latent TB treatment: Shorter is better
A new study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that a four-month rifampin treatment is as effective as nine months of isoniazid in preventing tuberculosis, with significantly fewer side effects. The treatment was also more acceptable to patients, particularly those with liver toxicity.
BU: Almost half of US adults who drink, drink too much, and continue to do so
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use found that approximately 40% of adult drinkers in the US exceed safe consumption levels. The research identifies factors associated with starting or stopping excessive drinking, including younger age, social status, and health conditions.
Incarceration of parents impacts health of their children into adulthood
A new study found that young adults who had a parent incarcerated during childhood are more likely to skip needed healthcare, smoke cigarettes, engage in risky sexual behaviors, and abuse alcohol and prescription drugs. Young Black adults were disproportionately affected, with a higher prevalence of parental incarceration.
Individual characteristics that predict multiple chronic conditions are identified
A 10-year study found that age, low socioeconomic status, obesity, and low physical activity are positively associated with the risk of developing multimorbidity. Promoting healthy lifestyles and targeting an internal locus of control may help empower patients to achieve behavior change and reduce multimorbidity incidence.
Foot fossil of juvenile hominin exhibits ape-like features
A nearly complete foot from Dikika, Ethiopia, exhibits ape-like foot characteristics that challenge the long-held assumption of bipedalism in A. afarensis. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of bipedality and highlights the importance of juvenile specimens in understanding trait development.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2018
Visual impairment associated with a decline in cognitive function
A study of over 2,500 adults found that visual impairment is strongly associated with cognitive decline. Maintaining good vision through prevention and treatment may help reduce age-related cognitive changes.
Many survivors of childhood cancer are unconcerned about their future health
A substantial proportion of adult survivors of childhood cancer report a lack of concern about their future health, despite being at elevated risk for serious chronic health conditions and subsequent cancers. The study suggests that this may lead to less engagement in cancer screening and healthier behaviors.
Adolescent binge drinking disrupts mouse memory in adulthood
Research reveals that adolescent binge drinking can disrupt the brain's ability to form short-term memories, affecting the prefrontal cortex and behavior-management abilities. This link may help scientists develop better treatments for alcohol-related negative effects on the brain.
Obesity in childhood and adulthood shown to increase risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis
A study published in EULAR 2018 found that childhood and adult obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing hip and knee osteoarthritis, but not hand osteoarthritis. The research used genetic variants to investigate the causal relationship between obesity and OA.
SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018
Diet quality among adults in SNAP food assistance program
A study of 38,696 adults found that SNAP recipients showed less improvement in diet quality over time compared to those who did not participate in the program. The findings suggest that disparities in diet quality persisted or worsened for SNAP participants for most dietary components.
Binging, purging and fasting more common in overweight, obese young adults
A new study from UCSF found that overweight and obese young adults are more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors, such as bingeing and purging. The study also found associations between disordered eating and race and sexual orientation, with Asian/Pacific Islanders and homosexual individuals at increased risk.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 12, 2018
How physically active are adolescents, young adults?
Adolescents girls reported less physical activity than their male counterparts, with activity dropping off sharply during the transition to young adulthood. The study highlights disparities in physical activity among certain groups, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and young adults.
What does the future hold for the children of the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil?
Researchers developed a mouse model to investigate the potential long-term symptoms of congenital Zika virus infection, finding weight loss, cognitive deficits, and impaired motor function. Infliximab, a TNF-α inhibitor, showed promise in reducing seizures in young mice, offering new hope for public health crisis
Research finds pain expectation is pain reality for children
New research from UC Riverside psychologist Kalina Michalska finds that children's experience of pain is significantly influenced by their expectations. The study, involving healthy and anxious children, reveals that simply telling them they will experience pain can actually increase the severity of their pain. In contrast, distracting...
Infantilism as a norm
According to the study, people are preserving signs of infantilism due to various factors such as delayed self-identity, changing socialization conditions, and traditional roles being devalued. This phenomenon is often accompanied by emotional immaturity, lack of confidence, and a tendency to delay important decisions.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalRussian Education & Society·DateMay 25, 2018