Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Researchers analyzed data from 2000-15 and found that electing women to local, state, and federal levels of decision making reduces child mortality. Higher representation leads to reductions in child mortality rates, with a 0.038 percentage point decrease for federal Chamber of Deputies and .038 percentage points at the state level.
Brown bears increasingly live among human settlements due to habitat loss, leading to conflict and high mortality rates. The study found that connected wilderness areas and nocturnal behaviors are crucial for coexistence between humans and bears.
States with highest income inequality had a larger number of COVID-19-related deaths compared to states with lower income inequality. African Americans and Hispanics were disproportionately affected due to limited access to healthcare and essential jobs.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
Rural Georgia counties with higher black populations experienced the highest rates of infection and death per capita. Investigators attribute this to treatment delays due to limited ICU beds and poor social determinants of health.
A study analyzing US police-involved fatalities across racial/ethnic groups found large variation in fatal police violence rates across metropolitan areas, with Black people being on average 3.23 times more likely to be killed than White people.
Recent studies examined the association between recreational marijuana legalization and changes in traffic fatality rates. The research found a significant decrease in traffic fatalities after states legalized cannabis use.
Researchers analyzed UK mortality statistics from December 2019 to March 2020 and found a lower death rate compared to previous years. Early social distancing measures, such as hand washing and staying home when unwell, may have contributed to this reduction in deaths.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no significant association between urban density and COVID-19 infection rates. However, it was linked to lower COVID-19 death rates, possibly due to better healthcare systems in densely populated areas. Larger metropolitan areas with closely linked counties are ...
A Romanian research team found that wind farms along the Black Sea coast are killing large numbers of migrating bats, including those from distant regions. The scientists recommend implementing turn-off times during migration months to reduce bat mortality and protect populations.
A study of COVID-19 cases among dialysis patients in Spain found a significantly higher rate of infection and mortality compared to the general population. The mortality rate among these patients was found to be influenced by factors such as age, lymphopenia, and elevated LDH levels.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine reveals that the actual mortality rate of adults with critical illness from COVID-19 is lower than previously reported, at 35.7%, compared to earlier reports of a 50 percent mortality rate. About 60 percent of patients survived to hospital discharge.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that racial disparities in cancer mortality result in significant economic losses, with $3.2 billion in lost earnings avoided in 2015 if non-Hispanic black cancer deaths and earning rates had been equal to those of non-Hispanic white cancer patients. The study highlights the importance o...
A global study found that COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery experience substantially worse postoperative outcomes than similar patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study reported a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%, with higher rates in men, older patients, and those with severe pre-existing medical problems.
Researchers at University of Turku find glucocorticoids inhibit interferon signalling, leading to increased mortality rates. Glucocorticoids have been banned by WHO for COVID-19 treatment due to their harmful effects.
A Canadian case series of critically ill COVID-19 patients showed a significantly lower mortality rate compared to other jurisdictions. The study found that patients received fewer mechanical ventilations and were more likely to be discharged home, contributing to the lower death toll.
A study of over 96,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found no reduction in death rate among those treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. Patients on these regimens were more likely to experience severe heart rhythms and higher mortality rates.
A recent study of 60,000 patients found that those discharged early due to space constraints had a higher risk of dying within 60 days. The study suggests that hospitals should prioritize keeping vulnerable patients longer.
A new study by the University of Washington finds COVID-19 infection is deadlier than the flu, with a national death rate of 1.3% compared to 0.1%. The study projects a grim future if the US doesn't take strong action against the virus.
A study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 death counts are a substantial underestimation of the actual number of deaths from the disease in some Italian regions. Researchers analyzed all cause mortality data to determine this discrepancy.
A study found that large striped bass from Chesapeake Bay migrate to ocean waters when they reach 32 inches in length, while smaller fish remain resident. This new understanding can aid fisheries management by providing tailored catch and size limits.
Patients who visited the emergency department for an opioid overdose are 100 times more likely to die by drug overdose in the year after being discharged. Those who experienced a sedative/hypnotic overdose had overdose death rates 24 times higher and suicide rates 9 times higher than the general population.
Researchers report a new drug emapalumab has saved the lives of children with severe HLH by reducing toxicity and side effects. The study showed that 63% of previously treated patients responded to emapalumab therapy, and 74% of patients were still alive at the last observation.
Researchers cast doubt on the idea that the Justinianic Plague killed half of the Roman Empire's population. Using new mathematical models, they found it unlikely that any transmission route would have produced the described mortality rate and duration. The study highlights the importance of considering regional ecological and social p...
A Rutgers engineer has developed a mathematical model that accurately estimates the COVID-19 death toll in the United States, predicting approximately 68,120 cumulative deaths by late June 2020. The model shows high confidence in its predictions, with reported death totals closely matching its estimates.
Researchers found areas with high selenium levels had higher COVID-19 cure rates, while those with low levels had higher death rates. Selenium status was significantly associated with COVID-19 outcome, particularly in provinces outside of Hubei.
A new study has identified significant disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates across New York City's five boroughs, with the Bronx experiencing nearly twice as many deaths per 100,000 persons compared to Manhattan. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate these disparities.
Prostate cancer death rates in the EU are expected to fall, but Poland's rates are rising. Women's lung and pancreatic cancer death rates continue to climb. The European Society for Medical Oncology predicts these trends will impact cancer mortality.
Researchers from Denmark and Italy found a probable correlation between air pollution and mortality in northern Italy's Lombardy and Emilia Romagna regions. High levels of air pollution may weaken patients' bodies, making them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications.
Two PLOS ONE studies use the SIRD model to forecast COVID-19 spread and examine patient CT scans for clinical features with mortality. The models predict a significant number of infections (45,000+ in Hubei) and deaths (2,700+) by February 29. In contrast, patients with severe lung features were more likely to die from the virus.
Researchers found a strong association between extreme temperatures and increased cardiovascular deaths in Kuwait. The study suggests that populations in hotter regions may be more vulnerable to heat-related cardiovascular deaths due to the effects of rising temperatures on the body.
The study provides critical estimates on the proportion of people requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19, with a significant increase in risk with age. Hospitalization rates nearly double from 4.3% in 40-49-year-olds to 8.2% in 50-59-year-olds.
A study by HSE researchers reveals that alcohol-related mortality hot spots exist in regions such as north-western Russia, Belarus, south-eastern Lithuania, and eastern Poland. The study also found that standardized mortality ratios across the four countries indicate a mosaic of homogeneous and heterogeneous regions.
A new study found significantly higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and deaths after hospitalization among low-income older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid compared to those solely enrolled in Medicare. The study suggests that health inequities persist despite efforts to improve healthcare access.
A 10-year prospective cohort study found that older patients with vertigo had significantly lower mortality rates than those with presyncope or cardiovascular disease-related dizziness. Many patients still alive at follow-up reported substantial dizziness-related impairment, regardless of subtype or cause.
The burden of colorectal cancer is shifting to younger individuals, with incidence rates increasing in people under 50 and declining in older age groups. In 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of CRC diagnosed in people under 50, equivalent to 49 new cases per day.
Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.
The study reveals a significant increase in survival rates after liver transplantation in the UK, with improvements seen in both short-time and long-term outcomes. The advancements are attributed to better surgical techniques and immunosuppression strategies.
A new study reveals that patients' ratings of hospitals are more closely tied to hotel-like amenities and services than medical care quality. Hospitality scores have a limited impact on patient survival rates, while factors such as nurse responsiveness and room tidiness have a greater influence on satisfaction.
A study examining child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa found that many mothers experienced child death, even as global rates declined. The research suggests that child mortality remains a significant issue in the region.
Recipients of kidney paired donation experience equivalent outcomes to those receiving kidneys from other living donors, with similar rates of organ failure and mortality. The study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of national kidney paired donation programs in treating patients with incompatible living donors.
A new study by MIT professor Arnold Barnett reveals that airline passenger fatalities have declined significantly between 2008 and 2017, with a global fatality rate of one death per 7.9 million passenger boardings.
The PEPTIC trial compared two strategies for preventing stress ulcers in ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The study found no significant difference in in-hospital death rates between proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor blockers.
A specialized Lung Rescue Team at Massachusetts General Hospital has significantly reduced mortality rates in patients with obesity and acute respiratory failure compared to standard treatment. By individualized treatment, the team has cut the risk of death by half for up to a year.
A 16-year study of Hong Kong's population found that death rates from all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer decreased significantly in older adults with diabetes. In contrast, younger adults with diabetes experienced little to no change in their death rates over the same period. The researchers suggest that targeted p...
In 2020, prostate cancer will claim the most diagnoses among male cancers, with a 21% share of new cases. Early detection is crucial, but screening's benefits are disputed by some, leading to fewer men taking proactive steps towards their health.
A new study found that road injury deaths have decreased worldwide, but the risk of death from a road accident remains high in some countries. In 2017, 54 million people were injured in road accidents, resulting in 1.2 million deaths globally.
A recent analysis reveals higher mortality rates among Hispanic and Asian patients undergoing dialysis in the US territories compared to their counterparts in the 50 US states. The study highlights the need for research into potential kidney disease-related disparities in these territories.
A study found that premature deaths from visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were faster in urban areas and among younger patients, while those with HIV had slower survival times. The median time between symptom onset and death was around 9 days, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
The study found nearly 9 million injuries and over 120,000 deaths worldwide in 2017 due to fire, heat, and hot substances. Heat-related injuries disproportionately kill the very young and very old, with the risk of death greatest in Seychelles and Laos.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that children in low-resource countries are 100-200 times more likely to die after surgery. The pediatric surgery demand is growing, with over 50% of children requiring surgery before their 16th birthday.
A study in ferrets demonstrates a protective humoral immune response to a weakened form of SFTSV after a single inoculation, and no clinical disease or mortality. The findings suggest potential for this live-attenuated vaccine candidate to provide cross-genotype protection against the emerging virus.
A new study calculates replacement level fertility based on actual rates, revealing countries with fertility levels above 2.1, often due to high mortality and gender inequality. The findings show that many countries have a higher replacement rate than commonly assumed, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
Analysis of US life expectancy reveals a nearly 10-year increase from 69.9 years in 1959 to 78.9 years in 2016, driven by factors such as drug overdoses, suicides, and organ system diseases among working-age adults.
A new VCU study finds that mortality among 25 to 64 year-olds is increasing, particularly in Rust Belt states and Appalachia. The trend of rising death rates is linked to causes such as drug overdoses, alcohol abuse, and suicides, as well as organ system diseases.
Global COPD death rates declined between 1995 and 2017, but the total number of deaths increased as aging populations contributed to rising mortality. Measures to reduce exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco control policies, have had a positive effect on reducing overall COPD death rates.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that counties with worse economies had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly among middle-aged adults. The research suggests that economic disparities contribute directly to health disparities and highlights the need for interventions such as policies like a health insurance expansion.
A study examined hospital care disparities among homeless and non-homeless adults hospitalized for cardiovascular conditions in New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. The analysis found that homeless patients experienced lower procedure rates and higher in-hospital death rates.
A VA-funded study found that frail surgery patients are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, even after low-risk procedures. Mortality rates were alarmingly high, with 30-day death rates ranging from 1.6% to 43%. The researchers recommend assessing frailty before any surgical procedure and focusing on pre-operative interventions.
A retrospective study of 432,828 veterans patients found that frail individuals had higher mortality rates after low-stress and moderate-stress surgeries. The 30-day mortality rate among frail patients after a low-stress procedure was 1.55%, significantly higher than the 1% often used to define high-risk surgery.