Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
COVID-19 cases and mortality rates are significantly correlated with temperature and latitude across 221 countries, according to a new study. The research suggests the disease may be seasonal, like the flu, and could help inform pandemic strategies.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 mortality rates were significantly higher among pregnant mothers than similarly aged individuals, with a 3.5 times higher hospitalization rate for pregnant women with COVID-19.
Atrial fibrillation death rates in Europe are highest in wealthier countries, with women more likely to die than men. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption in wealthier nations contribute to these disparities.
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to younger and older populations. The research, which analyzed over 1,000 studies, shows that the odds of infection becoming fatal increase with age.
A health impact study estimated the mortality burden attributable to air pollution in over 1,000 European cities. The research found that 51,000 premature deaths could be prevented annually by reducing PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations to recommended levels.
A new study led by US and Indian researchers found that air pollution in India resulted in 1.67 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 17.8 percent of all deaths in the country. The economic loss was $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36 percent of GDP.
A new study found that COVID-19 mortality rates in hospitals are linked to the number of cases in the surrounding community. Hospitals with high case rates had worse outcomes, while those with declining case rates saw significant improvement over time.
Researchers found that while lockdowns lowered excess deaths for many Californians, they had little impact on Latino residents and those without a high school degree. These groups faced increased risk due to crowded living conditions and essential work, leading to higher excess death rates during the pandemic.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, COVID-19 has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the US. This finding highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 on public health in the country.
A study found a moderate-to-strong correlation between atmospheric pollutants and COVID-19 incidence rates in Italian territories. PM10 and PM2.5 showed higher correlations than NO2, suggesting these pollutants may contribute to pandemic diffusion.
Researchers found that greater eGFR variability is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality independent of other factors. In contrast, eGFR variability was not linked to cardiovascular disease events.
A new UCLA-led study reveals that older patients who undergo emergency surgeries on their surgeon's birthday have a 23% higher mortality rate compared to those treated on other days. The study, published in the BMJ, suggests that surgeons may be more distracted on their birthdays than other days.
National mortality trends following cancer surgery improved for Black and white patients, with a 0.12% and 0.14% decline per year, respectively. However, the racial gap in mortality rates persisted, indicating a need for targeted efforts to address disparities in cancer surgery outcomes.
A new study found that Chicago neighborhoods with limited internet access and low health insurance coverage had higher COVID-19 death rates. Neighborhoods with high rates of COVID-19 mortality were often characterized by social vulnerability factors such as low educational attainment and high percentages of Hispanic/Latino residents.
A recent supplement to Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need to address maternal mortality and morbidity in the US. Research suggests that focusing on prenatal care, addressing inequities and disparities, and improving healthcare access are crucial steps forward.
The UK is facing an uphill battle in meeting its target of halving maternal mortality by 2030 due to increasing social inequalities and health risks. Maternal age, obesity, and caesarean sections are contributing factors. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has highlighted these issues and recommended improvement...
A Canadian study found that people with frequent alcohol-related emergency department visits have a high mortality rate, especially among young adults, urban dwellers, and those from low-income neighborhoods. The risk of death doubles for those with five or more visits.
A new mattress flammability standard has been shown to prevent 65 deaths annually from bed fires. The standard, established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), requires mattresses to maintain a heat release rate under 200 kW after being ignited.
A global study found that macronutrient supplies are associated with lower mortality rates across different age groups. The researchers discovered that the optimal diet composition for reducing mortality risk varies significantly depending on age, with specific ratios of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates recommended for each life stage.
A study analyzed 18 songbird species and found that postfledging bottlenecks increased the survival rate of at least one offspring, suggesting parental manipulation can harm fledglings. The findings imply that parent-offspring conflict may impact other animals' life transitions.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...
A national study by Penn Medicine researchers reveals a significant link between food insecurity and cardiovascular death rates among adults. The analysis found that counties with increasing food insecurity levels had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers found a significant disparity in fatal police shootings between Black and white individuals, with Black victims experiencing lethal encounters at a rate three times higher than their white counterparts. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of police violence on marginalized communities.
A study aims to identify geographic and racial disparities in mammography screening rates among Black and Hispanic women. The research will inform targeted interventions to improve access to screening and reduce mortality from breast cancer.
Research found a significant drop in death rates among severe COVID-19 patients in English hospitals between March and June. Death rates declined by half for both high dependency unit and intensive care admissions during this period.
A new study shows that COVID-19 death rates have dropped in New York due to a shift towards younger, healthier patients and improved healthcare practices. The study found that patients with chronic conditions were less likely to be hospitalized, and those who were treated earlier received better care.
A recent study by Syracuse University professor Shannon Monnat found that mortality rates are higher for U.S. working-age residents living in rural areas compared to metro areas. The gap is widening, driven by increased mortality from metabolic and respiratory diseases, suicide, alcohol-related disorders, and mental/behavioral disorders.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant rise in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases and mortality rates in Japan between 2005 and 2014. The incidence rate increased by an average of 6.4% per year, with the most prominent increase seen among individuals over 70 years old.
Researchers at McMaster University analyzed historical documents and found that plague outbreaks in London sped up four times between the 14th and 17th centuries. The disease spread from doubling every 43 days to every 11 days, suggesting a shift from pneumonic transmission to bubonic plague.
An international study found that England, Wales and Scotland had among the highest rate of deaths from all causes, including COVID-19. The research estimated a total death toll of 206,000 more people in these countries than expected between mid-February and end of May.
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found that age is independent of COVID-19 susceptibility, but age-dependent factors contribute to severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. The researchers modeled data from Japan, Spain, and Italy to demonstrate this point.
A new study found that about 24,000 more people died in Lombardy than expected between January and April, with only 14,000 confirmed as COVID-19-related. The researchers estimated that up to 43% of excess deaths may be due to delayed or reduced access to healthcare for other health issues.
An observational study found that COVID-19 survival rates differ by race, ethnicity, and underlying health conditions among New York patients. The study accounted for other risk factors to compare case fatality rates among various ethnic groups.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genetic mutations PiZ and PiS and increased COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with higher mutation prevalence. These mutations lead to alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, protecting lung tissues from damage.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that non-Western immigrants experienced a higher risk of death with each generation born in the country. First-generation immigrants had a survival advantage compared to native Swedes, but this reduced over time and vanished in second-generation immigrants.
Researchers construct a composite measure of physiological dysregulation among human populations and compare it to other primates. Despite differing lifestyles, Tsimane adults show marginally higher rates of increase in physiological dysregulation, but still lower rates compared to urban populations.
Research found that increased exercise capacity lowers all-cause mortality risk in T2D patients, with moderate exercise reducing risk by 25% and high-intensity exercise by 32%. The study used data from Taiwan's National Health Interview Survey and National Health Insurance research database.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that COVID-19 could lead to a short-term decline in life expectancy, especially in regions with high average life expectancy. The analysis found that at moderate to high prevalence rates, the pandemic could cause significant losses in life expectancy.
Rates of moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 were similar across racial and ethnic groups in an early US COVID-19 hotspot. African Americans had higher comorbidity index scores but lower BMI compared to Caucasians and Latinx patients.
Researchers from Stanford University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health propose a new method to accurately estimate COVID-19 mortality rates by measuring direct, indirect, and excess deaths. This approach could provide a more accurate picture of the pandemic's impact on human life.
A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that rural COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher in counties with larger shares of Black and Hispanic residents. These disparities are not limited to urban areas, but also affect rural communities, where racial and ethnic minorities face significant health challenges.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 infection fatality ratios vary significantly by age, race, ethnicity, and sex. The overall noninstitutionalized infection fatality rate was 0.26%, with higher rates among older adults and non-whites, particularly those aged 60 or older, who had an IFR of 1.71%.
Researchers found a strong linear relationship between societal generosity and life expectancy. Societies with higher transfer payments have lower mortality rates, particularly in Western European countries and Japan.
A new study reveals a significant increase in premature deaths from alcoholic liver disease, particularly among younger women. The gap between men and women's mortality rates has narrowed over the past two decades, with women dying on average two to three years earlier than men.
Researchers found that summit success rates doubled to two-thirds of climbers reaching the top, while death rates remained at around 1% since 1990. Improved weather forecasting and safer climbing techniques may contribute to the increased success rate.
Researchers estimate COVID-19 mortality rates will cut lifespans by about a year, with 1 million deaths projected to reduce life expectancy by three years, while 250,000 deaths would have a more modest impact.
New research by the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington reveals that additional ICU beds and non-ICU beds filled by COVID-19 patients result in more deaths. The study found that for every six additional ICU beds or seven additional non-ICU beds, one additional COVID-19 death occurs over the following week.
A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine estimates that one out of every 100 American children will die from firearms if current death rates continue, while one out of every 70 will die from drug overdoses. The study aims to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of firearm and overdose deaths.
A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that childhood adversity increases the risk of premature death in early adulthood. The most vulnerable children experienced a mortality rate 4.5 times higher due to increased risks of suicide, accidents, and cancer.
Sweden's policy of controlled spread of COVID-19 has failed to deliver herd immunity, with actual antibody prevalence lower than predicted. Clinical findings suggest that mildly ill or asymptomatic patients are less likely to acquire antibodies.
A new study suggests that standard risk-adjustment methodologies have unfairly penalized rural hospitals, leading to inaccurate comparisons with non-rural hospitals. CAHs submitted significantly fewer hospital diagnosis codes due to differences in Medicare reimbursements.
Researchers used 'partial identification' technique to make assumptions about COVID-19 data from Illinois, New York, and Italy. This approach narrowed the bounds of infection fatality rates, providing a more accurate understanding of the virus.
A study of 380 female sex workers found that more than half reported symptoms of PTSD after experiencing or witnessing an overdose. The findings suggest that overdose treatment programs should include a strong mental health component to help survivors and witnesses recover from trauma.
Patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms showed improved outcomes when administered Interleukin-6 (IL6ri) inhibitors, such as sarilumab or tocilizumab, earlier in the disease course. This reduced mortality rates and the need for intubation, with a higher discharge rate among those treated early.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that the symptomatic case fatality ratio (sCFR) and infection fatality ratio (IFR) are better measures for monitoring COVID-19 epidemics than the commonly used case fatality ratio (CFR). The researchers applied a computational model to Hubei province, China, and six European regions, find...
Despite overall improvements in combat casualty outcomes since World War II, research reveals significant spikes in mortality during specific conflicts, including Vietnam and Iraq. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing military readiness.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that older patients and those with coexisting diseases were more likely to die from COVID-19. The 30-day cumulative mortality rate was 24.4% among hospitalized patients, with shortness of breath being the most prevalent symptom among those who died.
A recent survey by Aarhus University found that the general psychological well-being of Danes improved by the end of April, with a 6% increase in those scoring above 80. The study suggests a plausible correlation between pandemic intensity and psychological well-being.
Research reveals that both too little and too much sleep can lead to increased mortality rates, with the effect being more pronounced in people with type 2 diabetes. Sleep duration is linked to various cause-specific mortality rates, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
A preliminary study suggests that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, commonly administered to children in high-tuberculosis countries, may reduce mortality rates from COVID-19. The study found a correlation between higher BCG vaccination rates and lower peak mortality rates from COVID-19 in various countries.