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Women survive crises better than men

Researchers found that women are more likely to survive crises like famines and epidemics due to biological factors, not behavioral differences. Newborn girls are particularly hardy, outliving newborn boys by up to 50%.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

Marshall School of Medicine team publishes longitudinal work on pneumonia

Researchers at Marshall University found that patients who recover from invasive pneumococcal pneumonia have a significantly shortened lifespan compared to life expectancy tables. The study suggests that pneumococcal vaccination is crucial for all adults over 65 and younger adults with chronic diseases.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

No detectable limit to how long people can live

A new study by McGill University biologists Bryan G. Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi found no evidence for a limit to human lifespan, challenging previous research that suggested an upper age limit of around 115 years. The study analyzed the lifespan of centenarians from various countries since 1968 and extended trend lines to predict pote...

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties

A study found large geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties, with a 20.1 year gap between the lowest and highest life expectancies. Life expectancy increased overall, but masked massive variation at the county level, with some areas experiencing much larger increases than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

UK health spending needs to grow faster than GDP

New research suggests UK health spending must increase at a rate faster than GDP to meet growing demand for healthcare services. The J-value model, developed by Professor Philip Thomas, indicates that developed countries like France and Germany are already prioritizing health care as a fraction of their income.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNanotechnology Perceptions·DateMay 3, 2017

Are dialysis patients being over-screened for colon cancer?

A new analysis reveals that dialysis patients are being screened at a higher rate than their counterparts without kidney failure, with the healthiest patients being more likely to receive screening. The findings suggest that there is substantial over-screening among patients on dialysis, and physicians should carefully evaluate patient...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 23, 2017

Yale-led study: Wild chimpanzees have surprisingly long life spans

A 20-year demographic study of wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Kibale National Park revealed that favorable ecological conditions, including abundant food supplies and low predation risk, drive high life expectancy. The study establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years, nearly twice as high as other chimpanzee communities.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 20, 2017

Life expectancy set to increase in developed nations

Life expectancies in developed countries are projected to continue increasing, with South Korean women potentially surpassing 90 years old by 2030. The study predicts significant gains in life expectancy for men and women in several countries, including Australia, France, Japan, and the UK.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2017

As life expectancy grows, men still lagging

A new study of mortality patterns in humans, monkeys, and apes reveals that men have yet to catch up with women in terms of life expectancy. Despite advances in medicine and public health, the gender gap remains unchanged, with females outliving males across all primate species.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016

Individual lifespans are becoming more similar

Researchers found a mathematical relationship between life expectancy and the convergence of ages at death, observed in various countries, historical periods, and populations. This rule suggests that fewer people are dying prematurely and living beyond average age of death as life expectancy rises.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016

Hospital choice could determine survival after a heart attack

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients treated at high-performing hospitals after a heart attack live an average of 9 to 14 months longer than those treated at low-performing hospitals. This improvement is largely due to better survival rates during the first 30 days post-heart attack.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2016

The Lancet Global Health: Arab uprising has had long-term effect on health, lowering life expectancy in several countries

The Arab uprising and subsequent wars have had a devastating impact on the region's health, with many countries experiencing downward turns in life expectancy. The study reveals that infant mortality rates are rising, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 24, 2016

How long do you want to live? Your expectations for old age matter

A study found that young and middle-aged adults in the US prefer to live longer than average life expectancy if they have positive expectations for old age, but those with negative expectations prefer shorter lives. The study used a telephone survey of over 1600 adults aged 18-64 years and found no relationship between age, gender, or ...

Unhealthy habits cost Canadians 6 years of life

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that unhealthy habits in Canada result in an estimated six years of lost life expectancy. The study identified the top risk factors for premature death as smoking and lack of physical activity, which accounted for a significant proportion of deaths.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Stand-up comics more likely to die prematurely than film comedians and dramatic actors

A landmark study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that stand-up comedians are more likely to die prematurely compared to comedy actors and dramatic actors. The study revealed a pattern of premature mortality among elite stand-up comedians, with those at the top being more likely to die at a younger age.

SourceAustralian Catholic University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2016

Study reveals substantial reductions in years lived without disability and overall life expectancy for men and women with diabetes

Research published in Diabetologia found that people with diabetes face reduced overall life expectancy and higher numbers of years living with disability compared to those without diabetes. The study estimated a loss of 3-9 years of life expectancy and 8-9 years of disability-free life expectancy for men and women with diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 14, 2016

Could a computer tell you when your time is up?

Researchers from University of East Anglia are launching a four-year project to predict life expectancy using Big Data and analyzing various chronic diseases. The project aims to provide practical benefits for retirement planning and medical decision-making, enabling individuals to plan for their future and make informed decisions abou...

New international research reinforces the link between public policy and life expectancy

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals that policy changes in three countries led to significant declines or gains in life expectancy. The research found that effective substance use policies can reverse declining trends, while failed policies can lead to abrupt and drastic drops in life expectancy.