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Cutting back on alcohol may be more effective than immediately abstaining for preventing misuse among college students

A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateJan 30, 2025

Transforming longevity research: AI paves the way for personalised treatments in ageing science

A collaborative study investigates how advanced AI tools can make it easier to evaluate interventions for ageing, providing personalised recommendations. The researchers identified eight critical requirements for effective AI-based evaluations and found that following specific guidelines improved the quality of the recommendations.

Move more, age well: Prescribing physical activity for older adults as a recipe for healthy aging

A review article discusses the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and improving functional independence among older adults. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with improved cognition, mental health, and quality of life, and can potentially add years to an individual's life.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

Boosting this molecule could help retain muscle while losing fat

A new study from the Salk Institute has discovered that a protein called BCL6 plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy muscle mass. Increasing BCL6 levels successfully reversed muscle losses in mice, suggesting that pairing GLP-1 medications with a BCL6-boosting drug could help counteract unwanted muscle loss.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2025

Singapore ranks 10th globally in readiness for a rapidly ageing society: Study by NUS and Columbia University

A recent study by NUS and Columbia University ranked Singapore among the top 10 nations globally for its readiness to address the challenges of an ageing population. The study found that Singapore performed well in key domains such as well-being, security, and equity, with strengths in healthcare systems and social cohesion.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 27, 2024

Milan under stress due to heat waves: study reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies

A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies during heat waves in Milan. The research found that 23% of the city's population in 18 vulnerable districts face a 22% increased risk, while 20 low-vulnerability districts show no significant increase.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalPopulation and Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood linked to higher blood pressure and lower cognition

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and higher blood pressure and lower cognitive scores. The study analyzed data from over 500 adults aged 55+ and used the Area Deprivation Index to measure neighborhood disadvantage.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateDec 6, 2024

Developing an evaluation scale to predict the risk of requiring long-term care based on three simple physical performance tests

Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateNov 20, 2024

Do area-wide social and environmental factors affect individuals’ risk of cognitive impairment?

Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 20, 2024

Burden of liver cancer attributable to hepatitis B and alcohol globally, in China, and for five sociodemographic index regions from 1990 to 2021

This study analyzed liver cancer epidemiological trends attributed to hepatitis B and alcohol use, revealing substantial increases globally and in China. The burden varies by gender and age, with males and those aged 40-75 years bearing a higher risk.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 13, 2024

Can a positive outlook on aging lead to better cognitive performance?

A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...

SourcePenn State·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 29, 2024

Kumamoto University researchers identify key enzyme in aging cells to promote healthy aging

Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Common consumer product chemicals now tied to cardiac electrical changes

An interdisciplinary study found associations between exposure to environmental phenols like BPA and triclocarban and altered cardiac electrical activity, particularly in women with higher body mass indexes. Researchers identified moderate changes to cardiac electrical activity that could exacerbate existing heart disease or arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2024

Technology that listens: The benefits and challenges of voice assistants for the elderly

A review of studies found that voice assistants can make a direct contribution to reducing loneliness in older people, with 85% of studies concluding this. The use of devices provides a sense of social interaction and emotional support, mitigating feelings of isolation and improving mental health.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2024

Growing divide: Rural men are living shorter, less healthy lives than their urban counterparts

A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateSep 25, 2024

Study highlights importance of dedicated exits for vulnerable populations in building evacuations

A study highlights the importance of dedicated exits for vulnerable populations during building evacuations, with findings suggesting that centrally located dedicated exits can improve evacuation efficiency. Dedicated exits are most beneficial in low to moderate crowd densities and should be carefully considered in high-density scenarios.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2024

The Lancet Neurology: Air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors driving global increases in stroke, with latest figures estimating 12 million cases and over 7 million deaths from stroke each year

The global stroke burden has increased significantly over the past three decades, driven by rising levels of air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors. The study found that the number of people experiencing new strokes rose to 11.9 million in 2021, with an additional 93.8 million survivors and 7.3 million deaths.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2024

Games, puzzles and reading can slow cognitive decline in the elderly — even in those with mild cognitive impairment

Research from Texas A&M University School of Public Health suggests that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities such as word games and hobbies have better memory, working memory, attention and processing speed than those who do not. The study found that six million people in the US have deme...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Strolling around a Singapore town: What makes a neighbourhood ideal for walking?

A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateSep 9, 2024

New study finds Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared with Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2024

Aging population: Public willingness to pay for healthcare hinges on perceived benefits and risks

Researchers found that informing people about future self-benefits from the healthcare system can increase health insurance contributions, but only among those unaware of fiscal risks. The study suggests that policymakers should implement fiscal consolidation policies to build trust in public finance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

Waging war on ‘superbugs’ in aged care

A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Pesco-vegetarian diets best for reducing risk of death in elderly

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pesco-vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of mortality and certain neurological conditions in elderly individuals. The study analyzed data from over 88,000 subjects and found that pesco-vegetarians had an 18% lower risk of death compared to non...

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2024