A study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that disease-modifying gene therapy treatments improve motor function, bulbar function, and pulmonary function in infants with spinal muscular atrophy. The real-world data from a large patient registry confirms improved safety profiles for early treatment opportunities.
A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024
A new study found that high-dose influenza vaccine significantly improved humoral response in patients with heart failure or prior myocardial infarction. Vaccination remains crucial in preventing influenza-related complications in high-risk populations.
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is leading a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement grant to support underserved farmers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project aims to increase agricultural production, provide working capital, and create farm-to-institution markets.
A recent study by MIT scholars reveals that widely disseminated school quality ratings are heavily dependent on the preparation and family background of their students. The study finds that many schools with low ratings perform better than expected, and conventional ratings are highly correlated with race.
Researchers found a link between miscarriage and increased risks of developing gestational diabetes (44% higher) and pre-eclampsia (37% higher), but not with abortion. The study analyzed over 4 million pregnancies and suggests new ways to mitigate risks or prevent these conditions from progressing.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that 60% of stroke survivors experience depression within 18 years, significantly higher than the general population. Depression typically occurs within five years of surviving a stroke and can limit mobility and increase mortality.
A new study reveals the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location for Homo sapiens during their early migration out of Africa. The research highlights the plateau's significance as a hub for early human settlement, with genetic and palaeoecological evidence supporting its role in shaping human history.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.
The study found that 90.98% of participants obtained a definitive result from colorectal cancer screening, with 31.71% being normal and 5.49% having non-neoplastic polyps. The results suggest the importance of primary care physicians in promoting secondary prevention and informing the population about the program.
The UC3M study highlights the need to address structural discrimination and promote person-centered care models. It emphasizes the importance of considering people in need as subjects of rights and promoting social participation and inclusion in the community.
The Almodóvar lab is studying the link between HIV and pulmonary hypertension, a condition that increases pressure in lung arteries. By examining the interactions between different cell types and using a humanized mouse model, researchers hope to propose novel therapies to prevent lung diseases in people with HIV.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
A new study found that 17% of young mothers in Wales experienced at least one child being taken into care between 2014 and 2021. The study also revealed that many care-experienced mothers experience early motherhood and placement instability, leading to concerns about family separation.
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
Scientists have created a low-cost imaging device suitable for endoscopic screening programs, offering excellent contrast between healthy and malignant tissue. The new system uses ultraminiature spatial frequency domain imaging technology to detect cancerous lesions with high specificity and sensitivity.
A systematic analysis by MedUni Vienna's Center for Public Health found that people experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to develop cancer due to increased exposure to risk factors. Key barriers include lack of access to preventive services, inadequate support from healthcare systems, and traumatic experiences.
Researchers identified kynurenine as a key biomarker affecting RBC storage quality and efficacy. High levels of kynurenine indicate fragile blood, prone to rupture, while lower levels suggest better storage stability.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...
Researchers found that the life expectancy of AIAN individuals is seven years less than that of White populations, with rapid increases in suicide mortality rates between 1999 and 2020. The study suggests historical trauma and ongoing inequality contribute to high suicide rates among AIAN people.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.
A UK study found that between a third and a half of the population had not received the recommended number of COVID vaccinations by summer 2022. The research suggests that this under-vaccination led to over 7,000 hospitalisations and deaths that might have been avoided with better vaccine coverage.
A study of nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
A Lancaster University-led study found improvements in mental health and reductions in burglaries among residents involved in the Big Local community empowerment initiative. However, benefits were unequally distributed, with men and those with higher education reporting better outcomes.
The US East Coast is experiencing subsidence rates of up to 5 mm/year, affecting 2.1 million people and 867,000 properties. Rising groundwater extraction and sediment compaction are common causes, while some areas like the Chesapeake Bay experience differential subsidence, posing significant risks to structures.
A survey study found that Ukrainian refugees in Vienna, Austria, had higher education levels, work experience, and willingness to stay compared to those in Kraków, Poland. In contrast, those in Kraków were more likely to plan a return to Ukraine.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals exposed to childhood trauma are at an increased risk of experiencing chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address adverse childhood experiences.
The study of 146 ancient Balkans reveals a diverse, cosmopolitan Roman Empire with African and Eastern European immigrants. The team identified three individuals of African origin and a large demographic influx from the Anatolian Peninsula during Roman rule.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials found daily tooth brushing may reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by up to 50% in high-risk patients. This study suggests that widespread toothbrushing policies could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers found that women are more likely to have children in the same month as their own birth, a phenomenon influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. This is due to family members sharing similar backgrounds and behaviors, which can affect fertility and birth seasonality.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.
A recent study found that successive waves of migrations from Western Anatolia, central and northern Europe, and the Pontic-Kazakh Steppe shaped the Balkan population during the Roman Empire's reign. The influx of Slavic-speaking populations resulted in present-day residents having 30%–60% Slavic ancestry.
A study by UNIGE researchers found that six psychological interventions had a small and temporary impact in preventing the spread of climate misinformation. The interventions targeted factors such as trust in climate scientists, transparency, and accuracy, but only one group showed a slight advantage in resisting disinformation.
Research reviews 98 articles worldwide, finding suicide rates among men increase during and after economic crises. The study highlights the need for governments to fund health services and social support systems to mitigate mental health impact.
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
Jenny Wilkerson receives $1.94 million grant to develop novel models and investigate antinociceptive profiles of basal sex hormone alterations in patients with chronic post-op pain. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of altered sex hormone levels on recovery times, drug effectiveness, and long-term health.
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
A study published in PLOS ONE found correlations between climate change and human population trends in Central European regions. During warm periods, populations increased due to improved crops and economies, while during cold periods, populations decreased, leading to cultural shifts and potential social inequality.
The study analyzed genome sequences from two skull fragments dated to 36,000 and 37,000 years ago, revealing genetic proximity to current and ancient Europeans. The findings suggest that these individuals contributed to the population that gave rise to the Gravettian culture around 5,000 years later.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that homeless individuals have a 7 times higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. Non-cardiac causes, such as overdoses and unrecognized infections, are more common among homeless people.
A new study by researchers at UC Irvine and the University of Arizona found no consistent relation between COVID-19-related jail decarceration and violent or property crime in California. The study suggests that downsizing, on average, did not drive crime increases statewide, but notes limitations such as a short measurement period.
A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.
A study of over 13 million US infants found maternal Medicaid insurance associated with higher infant mortality rates. Novel strategies are needed to improve outcomes among women and infants enrolled in Medicaid.
Research reveals that the illegal killing of orangutans on Borneo remains a significant threat to the species, with 30% of villages reporting killings in the last 5-10 years. Conservation efforts may not be effectively preventing killing and addressing human-orangutan conflict is crucial.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that every additional 360m of green space is associated with higher odds of anxiety and depression. The study, which analyzed data from over 2 million adults in Wales, highlights the need for improved public green spaces to address mental health inequalities.
A new UC Davis study investigates the complex mix of attitudes and concerns about the state of democracy in the US. While most respondents reject political violence altogether, some believe it is usually or always justified to advance political objectives.
New research finds that cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by affecting various metabolites in the bloodstream. A unique metabolic signature, identified through analysis of over 93,000 UK Biobank participants, can predict which smokers are more likely to develop the condition.
Moderately sized groups of hominins may have successfully scavenged carcasses, even competing with giant hyenas, according to a new study. The research suggests that scavenged remains were an important source of meat and fat for early humans.
A new study found that living donor liver transplant access optimizes the timing of transplant for older, frail cirrhosis patients. Patients with moderate to severe frailty, short stature, and low MELD scores benefited from LDLT, reducing waitlist mortality and improving post-transplant outcomes.
A new Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
A study of 288 skeletons and rock art reveals a surprising consistency in rates of violence over time, with an increase in lethal violence during the Formative Period. The absence of centralized political systems may have contributed to these violent tensions.
A new analysis of COVID-19 cases in Africa found that the rate of infection was likely much higher than reported in the initial stages. The researchers estimated that approximately 66% of all infections were asymptomatic, while about 5% were severe and 27% were mild.
The grant aims to recruit, enroll, educate, and graduate undergraduate students from minority backgrounds and increase faculty diversity. By enhancing curricula with student support services and collaborative partnerships, the program seeks to reduce health disparities and provide culturally aligned care.
The Aztec Empire's highly centralized tax collection system and extreme income inequality allowed Spanish conquistadores to quickly overrun the empire. The richest 1% earned 41.8% of total income, while the poorest 50% earned just 23.3%, making for a skewed distribution.
A new analysis of liver cancer identified racial and ethnic differences in cause, as well as emerging trends for this highly fatal disease. The study found that liver cancer disproportionately affects people of low socioeconomic status, immigrants, veterans, and incarcerated populations.
A new study by Yale researchers found that despite reductions in fine particulate air pollution, racial and ethnic minorities still experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. The study found that Black people face the highest burden, with a mortality rate 4.59 times higher than white people in 2001.
Patients with cancer had disparate COVID-19 mortality rates during the winter Omicron wave compared to the general US population. The study suggests that immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a significant threat, requiring prioritized efforts to prevent transmission.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.