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To be less sedentary, you may need a more active friend

A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

ACP says federal government needs to improve health support for indigenous communities

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2022

New MIT Sloan research identifies which countries may be better positioned to accept a “new normal” of living with COVID-19

Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management studied 93 countries and found more than half willing to tolerate higher death rates without NPIs. The US, however, may face high daily death rates exceeding 1,000 per day during winter months if past responsiveness continues.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalSystem Dynamics Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2022

Children in low-income countries 16 times more likely to die from most common eye cancer

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals stark differences in survival rates for children with retinoblastoma between high- and low-income countries. In low-income countries, the risk of death from retinoblastoma within three years of diagnosis is significantly higher, with over two-fifths of children dying within t...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 12, 2022

Both heat and cold increase risk of death in England and Wales but rates vary across geographical areas and population groups

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

Built infrastructure, hunting and climate change linked to huge migratory bird declines

A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

Brazilian dataset of whole-genome sequences brings more diversity in international databases, study says

A new Brazilian database of whole-genome sequences brings diverse genetic information to international databases, shedding light on the genetics of aging and disease in Brazil's elderly population. The study identified over 2 million novel genetic variants, providing insights into the health and well-being of older adults.

New model shows how cities can safely lift COVID-19 restrictions

A new model developed by NYU Tandon School of Engineering researchers provides a data-centric approach to reopening towns and can serve as a blueprint for areas with low vaccine rates. The model shows that increasing access to social gatherings and public transportation at a certain rate supports a safe, rapid reopening.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2021

Solving the Easter Island population puzzle

A new study reveals Easter Island's maximum population size could have reached 17,500 people, supported by the island's agricultural potential. The research, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, aims to unravel the mystery of the giant statues and population crash.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 20, 2017

Florida's monkey river

A study by San Diego State University researchers found that only a small percentage of the Silver River macaque population's diet comes from human-provided food, with most relying on environmental sources. Human-monkey interactions were also largely benign, with concerns about disease transmission appearing to be overblown.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 18, 2016

Reducing population is no environmental 'quick fix'

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that even stringent fertility restrictions or catastrophic mass mortality would not significantly reduce the world population by 2100. Instead, researchers suggest focusing on policies and technologies that reverse rising consumption of natural resources...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2014

New theorem determines the age distribution of populations from fruit flies to humans

A new theorem provides a fundamental approach to estimate the age structure of any population, from fruit flies to humans. This discovery can be applied to predict rates of infectious diseases and anticipate healthcare needs. By understanding age distribution, researchers can better comprehend risks and make informed decisions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Biology·DateOct 6, 2014

Sporting success does affect birth rates

A study published in The BMJ found a significant increase in births in Catalonia nine months after FC Barcelona won three major football trophies. Births rose by 16% in February 2010, with some areas experiencing even higher increases, although the findings fall short of earlier media reports.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 17, 2013

Male fertility genes discovered

A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 2012

Mapping human vulnerability to climate change

Researchers have created a global map suggesting climate change will disproportionately affect the world's poorest regions. The study forecasts potential changes in local populations for 2050, predicting that those living in hot, low-latitude areas such as Africa and South America will be most vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMar 3, 2011

Treating TB from beyond Canada's border

A study analyzing Ontario data found that immigration officials' referrals and region of origin are key determinants of tuberculosis risk. Immigrants from Vietnam had the highest incidence rate, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention efforts to protect both migrant populations and native Canadians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 2, 2000

How safe is the wait?

Patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Ontario face higher mortality risk compared to the general population. However, a new study found that those on the waitlist may actually have similar or decreased vital risk when compared to patients living with coronary artery disease.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 20, 2000

Segregated cities mean higher death rates

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that living in segregated cities with high levels of poverty is associated with higher mortality rates, particularly for cancer. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between segregation and increased susceptibility to illness and death among both black and white populations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSociological Forum·DateOct 20, 1999