Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
A new study by Tulane University found that dark chocolate is safe for consumption and even nutritionally beneficial, containing essential minerals like copper and zinc. Only four out of 155 dark chocolate bars sampled had cadmium levels that posed a risk to children weighing less than 33 pounds.
A new study found that people exposed to higher levels of airplane noise were more likely to have a higher body mass index, an indicator for obesity that can lead to cardiometabolic diseases. The study highlights the role of environmental factors in shaping health outcomes.
A new study found that tirzepatide significantly reduced weight in Chinese adults with obesity, with both 10mg and 15mg doses showing clinical benefits. The treatment also demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.
Early-life air and noise pollution exposure were associated with increased risk of psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety from adolescence to young adulthood. Interventions to reduce pollution exposure could potentially improve population mental health.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement reveals significant gaps in the application of obesity research to patient care, with widespread adoption varying by healthcare professional and institution. The statement emphasizes the need for better implementation of evidence-based treatments and strategies, such as lifestyle mo...
A cross-sectional study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in treatment delays and discontinuations among patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased cancer mortality among minoritized adults. The disproportionate burden varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Adult carriers of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome show a high incidence of onychopapillomas, a benign nail tumor. This finding suggests using these skin abnormalities to identify family members and patients with cancers associated with the syndrome.
New studies by University of Michigan physicians highlight the need for improved diagnosis coding to target efforts to optimize antibiotic use and reduce risk. Inappropriate prescriptions occur in up to 35% of adults treated in emergency departments, with similar rates seen in clinics serving Medicaid patients.
A study of over 2600 people found a significant correlation between loneliness and various mental health problems, including depression and psychosis. The researchers suggest that loneliness can increase the risk of developing these conditions, although causality cannot be determined.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that greater community mobility is significantly associated with better cognitive function in individuals aged 52 and older. The association was strongest among those at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
A new study examined the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion, other-compassion, and need fulfillment in midlife married couples. The results highlight the importance of need fulfillment, particularly relatedness needs, in connecting higher mindfulness and self-compassion to greater satisfaction.
The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that reflecting on one's teenage years can provide valuable insights for young adults. Participants advised their younger selves to create a safe space, look around and take perspective, and look inwards and trust themselves.
Researchers found that smokers skip meals more often, go longer without eating, and are more likely to snack between meals. They also tend to eat fewer sweet foods, but more fried foods, salt, and sugar than non-smokers.
A UK Biobank study suggests that adults living with obesity who were underweight or average weight in childhood may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that adult men and women who reported being thinner as children had higher mortality risks, with a 63% and 60% increase respectively.
A new IU study reveals that young infants' daily-life input is unique to their age, characterized by high-contrast edges and simple patterns, which serve as a foundation for human vision. This finding has implications for addressing lifelong visual deficiencies and improving AI visual systems.
Almost 90% of U.S. adults met criteria for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome (CKM) stage 1 or higher, with 15% meeting advanced stage criteria that did not improve between 2011 and 2020. Advanced stages were associated with increased risk among older age, men, and Black adults.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that adults with higher depression symptoms are less likely to engage in physical activity, while being more active is linked to better mental health. The research suggests that current physical activity can have a lasting impact on future depression symptoms and vice versa.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that children diagnosed with hypertension are at a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events later in life. Improved detection, follow-up, and control of pediatric hypertension may reduce the risk of adult cardiovascular disease.
A new study published by the University of Bath found that adolescents are more vulnerable to cannabis use disorder than adults, despite using cannabis less frequently. The study showed that adolescents reported greater negative impacts on daily functioning and symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
A recent study published in BJSM found that increased cardio fitness level can reduce the risk of death from any cause and heart disease by 11-17% and 18%, respectively. Regular aerobic exercise programs can achieve this, leading to a reduced risk of early death and chronic conditions.
A nationally representative study of 25,000 participants found that US adults with post-COVID-19 condition are more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms than the general population. Individuals with these symptoms reported higher rates of cost-related barriers to accessing mental health treatment.
Researchers developed an AI technique to estimate brain age based on EEG scans, making early screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible. The technology uses machine learning to analyze brain waves and can be used as a low-cost screening tool for large numbers of people.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease that can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and neurologic disorders. The measles vaccine is effective and safe, but individuals with immunocompromised conditions require careful consideration.
A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.
A study of 322 participants found racial discrimination to predispose Black young adults to metabolic syndrome through sleep issues and chronic inflammation. This discovery could inform targeted prevention strategies to address existing health disparities in minority populations.
The REACTIVA project aims to establish a new strategy for cardiac regeneration based on reactivating the heart's dormant endogenous mechanism. Researchers will investigate the role of diploid adult cardiomyocytes in cardiac regeneration and use this knowledge to induce their activation.
A new study from Israel found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with congenital heart disease developed an abnormal heart rhythm during a five-year study. Those who developed arrhythmias had twice the risk of early death and increased hospitalization rates compared to those without irregular heart rhythms.
Health behaviors in middle adulthood are relatively stable throughout adulthood, with positive changes observed during the 19-year follow-up period. Sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits, such as conscientiousness and agreeableness, significantly influence healthier behaviors.
Over five RSV seasons, researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized adults aged 50+ experienced an acute cardiac event, mostly heart failure. The risk of severe outcomes was nearly twice as high in patients with cardiac events compared to those without.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment can continue to impact mental and physical health into adulthood due to its effects on risk factors such as obesity, inflammation, and traumatic experiences. Researchers used MRI brain scans to confirm that widespread changes in brain structure were associated with childhood maltreatment.
A new American Heart Association Scientific Statement highlights the importance of patient-centered care in cardiovascular health, combining expert knowledge with consideration of patients' beliefs, preferences, and values. The statement provides practical guidance on incorporating person-centered care into routine clinical practice.
A study of 1,470 adults with chronic low back pain found that physician empathy was associated with improved outcomes over 12 months. Greater efforts to cultivate and improve physician empathy are warranted.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found that low youth cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with decreased work ability in adulthood. The association persisted until the end of working life, highlighting the importance of physical fitness assessment in childhood and adolescence.
Research from the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that increased neural activity in response to social interaction at 5 months predicted enhanced language development at later ages. The study used magnetoencephalography to monitor infant brain activity during social and nonsocial interactions wi...
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
Researchers found RSV was less common but similar in severity to COVID-19 and influenza among unvaccinated patients. Among vaccinated patients, RSV disease was more severe than both COVID-19 and influenza for serious outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that employees with volatile work schedules early in their career had worse sleep and more depressive symptoms at age 50. The study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 to examine the impact of employment patterns on health in middle age.
Long-term treatment with methylene blue (MB) and mitoquinone (MitoQ) did not alter age-related bone loss in mice. Antioxidant interventions are insufficient to inhibit skeletal aging, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed.
Research highlights a significant association between unfavorable social determinants of health and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Asian American adults. The study found varying relationships among different subgroups, emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences.
A growing number of young adults live with their parents beyond the age of majority, raising questions about economic dependence, self-confidence, and social relations. Dr. Daniela Wybrańczyk argues that legal regulations could provide a practical solution to these issues, potentially changing the trend of delayed adulthood.
A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.
Low HPV vaccine uptake among US adults aged 27-45 is a concern, particularly for men and Hispanic individuals. Experts stress the need to address disparities in vaccination rates to prevent cancer cases.
A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.
Individuals at high genetic risk of obesity needed higher daily step counts to reduce obesity risk. Population-based recommendations may underestimate physical activity needed among those at high genetic risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that earlier puberty onset is associated with higher adult cardiometabolic risk and mediates the effects of childhood risk factors. The research suggests targeting puberty onset may improve health outcomes in at-risk girls.
The study found that obesity rates have nearly tripled in adult men and doubled in women since 1990. The prevalence of malnutrition is now the most common form of malnutrition globally, affecting nearly 880 million adults and 160 million children. Obesity can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Researchers suggest a follow-up colonoscopy within defined periods after abnormal stool-based screening test results. The proposed measure aims to address low current performance rates and produce reliable results.
A study of 17,000 hospitalized adults found that inappropriate pneumonia diagnoses were common among older adults and those with dementia or altered mental status. Full-course antibiotic treatment for these patients may be detrimental to their health.
A study of 18,000 adults found that greater job flexibility and security are associated with lower rates of serious psychological distress and anxiety. The research suggests that these factors can have a positive impact on mental health among working adults.
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
Young adults in Korea with ideal cardiovascular health had significantly lower risks of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The study highlights the importance of achieving and maintaining ideal heart health during young adulthood to prevent these diseases.
A free, weekly home delivery program of fresh fruits and vegetables improved participants' nutrition levels, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The 16-week program resulted in significant improvements in food insecurity, diet quality, and indicators of cardiovascular health.
Research suggests that early-life tobacco exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in adulthood, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking habits may modify this risk, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Recent medications for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss have positive effects on cardiovascular and kidney health but are not always prescribed or accessible to those who need them. The studies highlight the need to address barriers to access and equity, particularly among Black adults with severe obesity.