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Medically recommended vs nonmedical cannabis use among US adults

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2025

Sex differences in long COVID

A recent study found that long COVID is more prevalent in women than men, and the association was linked to factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The research highlights the need for targeted drug development and improved management strategies for long COVID.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 22, 2025

Long before the L.A. fires, America’s housing crisis displaced millions

A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2025

Older Australians turning to cannabis as cigarette prices rise

A study by Curtin University found that when cigarette prices increased, cannabis use among older Australians (aged over 50) rose, with 68,000 people expected to start using cannabis. Researchers used data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey and ran simulations to predict the impact of price increases.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Population Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Loneliness and social isolation among US older adults

A recent study found that US older adults aged 50-80 commonly experience loneliness and social isolation, with high rates reported across various sociodemographic groups. These findings highlight the significant impact of social isolation on physical and mental health in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2024

Re­cent stud­ies high­light the pos­i­tive im­pacts of artis­tic and cul­tural ac­tiv­i­ties on phys­i­cal and men­tal health

Researchers at the University of the Arts Helsinki found that art and cultural activities support social factors, foster a sense of belonging, and improve stress management. Engagement in creative activities positively impacts well-being across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 29, 2024

Cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25

A significant drop in cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25 has been observed, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network. The findings indicate that widespread HPV vaccination is driving this decline, reducing the prevalence of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer incidence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 27, 2024

Obesity prevention at an early age

The Greenlight Plus trial found that technological interventions and policies can help prevent childhood obesity at an early age. The study suggests that targeted prevention efforts can reduce the risk of obesity in children, setting a promising foundation for future prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 21, 2024

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.

E-cigarette brands are skirting the rules about health warning labels on Instagram

A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.

SourceBoston University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Melanoma incidence and mortality trends in Sweden

A recent study in Sweden found a significant decline in both melanoma incidence and mortality among individuals aged 30-49. The causes of this downward trend are unclear but may be attributed to increased UV protection, public health campaigns, demographic changes, or advancements in melanoma treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 8, 2024

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership

A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership. Individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction were more likely to own firearms as adults, possibly due to heightened vulnerability to physical violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2024

Early-childhood tablet use and outbursts of anger

Child tablet use at age 3.5 years was associated with more expressions of anger and frustration by the age of 4.5 years, suggesting a potential cycle deleterious for emotional regulation. Later, child proneness to anger/frustration at age 4.5 years was linked to increased tablet use by age 5.5 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 12, 2024

Body appreciation varies across cultures

A study published in PLOS ONE found that body appreciation varies across cultures, with significant differences between Western and non-Western countries. Black Nigerian women reported the highest level of body appreciation, while White Western women reported the lowest. The study also found that internalization of thin ideals and soci...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2024