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One in ten asthma cases can be avoided with a better urban environment

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that combining air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma. In contrast, a more favorable environment can prevent up to 11.6% of asthma cases, suggesting that urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2025

Estimates of illicit opioid use in the U.S.

A national survey found that 11.0% of adults reported using illicit opioids within the past year, with even higher rates of fentanyl use, indicating a pressing need for improved data collection efforts to inform policy and intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 9, 2025

Depressive symptoms among U.S. adults

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in depressive symptoms among US adults, with younger individuals being disproportionately affected. Worsening mental health trends were observed across the population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 5, 2025

Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids’ and young adults’ access to chronic disease medicine

A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

New analysis underscores health risks of e-cigarettes

A recent study of 249,190 individuals found a significant link between exclusive e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension in adults aged 30-70. In contrast, traditional combustible cigarette smoking was associated with increased risks for various cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateApr 15, 2025

With risk on the rise, University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care across the globe

A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2025

Study finds one in five US adults use multiple drugs, revealing new patterns in substance use

A recent US study found that nearly one in five adults have used multiple drugs in the past year, revealing new patterns in substance use. The study identified four distinct patterns of drug use among prescription, recreational, and illegal users, highlighting the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 2, 2025

Social factors help explain worse cardiovascular health among adults in rural vs. urban communities

A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.

Discrimination-related depression, anxiety pronounced among multiracial, White, Asian populations

A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over half of US adults experience some form of discrimination, which can lead to higher chances of depression and/or anxiety. Discrimination-related mental health issues were particularly pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian populations.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2025

Adulting is hard on the heart: Teen to young adulthood is a critical time to address risk

Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and emerging adulthood is a key time to address these risks. Interventions such as health practices, lifestyle changes, and improved access to healthcare can help reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 26, 2025

What does "that" mean in "Did you see that?"

A study from Kyushu University finds that children focus on literal meaning when interpreting phrases like 'Did you see that?', while adults use a more integrated approach to resolve ambiguity. The findings have implications for dialogue robot development and support systems for individuals with communication difficulties.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Offering paid time off dramatically cuts odds of employees quitting their jobs

A study published in the International Journal of Manpower found that offering paid time off (PTO) significantly reduces the likelihood of employees quitting their jobs, with a greater reduction for men. PTO does not affect job satisfaction, which independently reduces turnover by 30-40%. Flexible scheduling also reduces turnover, but ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Manpower·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

New study reveals high levels of anxiety and emotional distress following the April 2024 Iranian missile attack

A new study reveals high levels of peritraumatic distress (41%) and anxiety (19%) among adults in Israel five days after the Iranian drone and missile attack. The study highlights the need for early identification and timely therapeutic intervention to mitigate long-term psychological harm.

SourceReichman University·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Why are night owls at greater risk of depression?

A new study published in PLOS One found that people with an evening chronotype have poorer sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and act with less mindfulness than morning chronotypes. The association between chronotype and depression symptoms may be mediated by differences in mindfulness, sleep quality, and alcohol consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateMar 19, 2025

Two factors could help close the hiring gap for autistic job seekers, VCU researcher finds

New VCU research suggests that employer neurodiversity training, coupled with candidates' disclosure of their autism diagnosis during the hiring process, can help level the playing field for autistic job seekers. The study found that such training persisted in improving hiring outcomes even two months after the training.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 14, 2025

Blind to the burn: Misconceptions about skin cancer risk in the US

Researchers investigated skin cancer risk perceptions and sun-protective behaviors in US adults, finding associations between sociodemographic factors and sunburn risks. Higher education levels, Hispanic origin, and income groups were linked to lower sunburn risks, while married or partnered individuals had higher risks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 12, 2025

Weight loss increases risk of death for obese adults

A recent study published in Heart journal found that extreme weight fluctuations significantly increase the risk of death among obese individuals with cardiovascular disease. Both weight loss and gain above 10kg raise mortality risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable weight even within the obese range.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalHeart·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025

Direct exposure to mass shootings among US adults

A survey study found that US adults have regular exposure to mass shootings, which disproportionately affects younger generations and males. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the broader impacts of gun violence on public health and community well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 7, 2025