Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Researchers found that quitting smoking more than doubles survival time among patients with advanced cancers. The study shows the benefits of integrated smoking cessation interventions into cancer treatment plans.
Current minimum case volume standards for complex surgical procedures no longer align with contemporary best practices. Studies have shown that fewer cases are now needed to meet benchmark 30-day mortality rates over time.
A new cross-sectional study reveals significant disparities in premature mortality across the globe, highlighting unequal access to health-enhancing technologies and living standards. The research emphasizes the need for rapid and fair dissemination of technological and medical advancements to universalize health benefits.
A large-scale observational study found that patients who continued taking ACEis or ARBs had a significantly lower risk of mortality and functional decline after non-cardiac surgeries. These benefits were most evident among patients undergoing orthopedic or gastrointestinal surgeries.
A significant risk factor for in-home firearm homicide is domestic violence and child abuse, highlighting the need for improved safe storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Young children are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the importance of preventing these deaths through stricter regulations.
A new study estimates that tropical cyclones cause the death of 850,000 children under five from 2000 to 2020. The research found a significant link between cyclone exposure and child mortality, emphasizing the urgent need for disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden worldwide, with CVD causing one in three deaths globally. The report estimates that 79.6% of all CVD deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, which has increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol consumption per capita and an increase in suicide mortality rates. The study suggests that targeting alcohol consumption may be a useful strategy for comprehensive national suicide prevention efforts.
Rates of alcohol-induced deaths in the US nearly doubled between 1999 and 2024, reaching a record high in 2021. The largest increase was among females aged 25-34, with mortality rates rising by 255%.
A new AI-powered deep learning model has been shown to accurately estimate the malignancy risk of lung nodules, achieving high detection rates while reducing false-positive results. The model outperformed existing probability-based tools in a retrospective study, with a relative reduction of 39.4% in false positives.
A Danish study found that individuals with a normal weight range (22.5-25 kg/m2) had the lowest mortality rate, followed by those in the overweight category. However, being underweight was associated with a significantly higher risk of death, while severe obesity was linked to a slightly increased risk. The study suggests that BMI may ...
The study found that buprenorphine produced the greatest health gains and cost savings for mothers and infants compared to alternative treatments. Buprenorphine was shown to be protective against critical outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, despite its association with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
American Indian and Alaska Native residents in Oklahoma face significant cancer disparities due to barriers in accessing lifesaving cancer care. A new care coordination and communication program aims to address these challenges by facilitating virtual huddles between healthcare teams.
A retrospective cohort study found that children of racial and ethnic minority groups receiving CPR had higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Additionally, the odds of in-hospital mortality among children receiving CPR were higher at hospitals with the highest proportion of Black patients.
A 14-year study highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea in people with type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can reduce mortality risk by up to 26%.
A large sample of U.S. children born between 1959 and 1966 showed a consistent association between higher blood pressure at age 7 and greater risk of premature cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings are supported by similar associations found in siblings, reducing concerns about confounding factors.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that healthy eating and increased physical activity significantly lower the risk of liver-related death, even among heavy and binge drinkers. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 US adults and found that adherence to high levels of physical activity and/or diet q...
Researchers based calculations on six different methods and found life expectancy for those born between 1939 and 2000 is rising more slowly. The rate of increase slowed by 37-52% depending on the method used, with forecasts indicating none of these cohorts will reach 100 years of life expectancy.
A new class of insecticide, called spatial emanators, provides protection for up to a year against mosquitoes that spread malaria, as well as dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika. The breakthrough offers lasting protection in areas where malaria is prevalent and can be used day and night without heating or electricity.
A new study suggests that being overweight (BMI 25–29.9) may actually be protective in the short term after surgery for older adults, with a 0.8% 30-day all-cause mortality rate compared to 18.8% for those with normal BMI.
A new study found that younger men with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience worse cardiovascular disease and mortality outcomes compared to those with type 1 diabetes. In contrast, women with type 1 diabetes face poorer health outcomes across all ages, particularly due to longer exposure to high blood sugar levels and less ag...
Researchers have found subtle abnormalities in heart muscle function and blood pumping in young adults with bipolar disorder before the onset of heart failure. The study suggests a link between underlying coronary vascular dysfunction and cardiac impairment.
A study analyzing Global Burden of Diseases data from 204 countries and territories found a rising global incidence of urolithiasis over the past three decades, with notable sex disparities. The disease burden is highest in males, particularly in Southeast Asia, whereas females show a higher vulnerability to the increase in risk factors.
Younger adults with prediabetes are at increased risk of mortality, highlighting the importance of age-specific interventions and targeted prevention programs. Lifestyle behaviors and limited health care access contribute to this risk, underscoring the need for flexible and accessible diabetes prevention options.
A study of over 452,000 adults found that metformin users had significantly lower risks of dementia and all-cause death compared to non-users. The benefits were seen across all categories of overweight and obesity, with reduced risks of up to 26% for death.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
A personalized approach to recommending CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may decrease adverse cardiovascular events. However, CPAP use can also increase cardiovascular risk for those with low-risk OSA markers.
Local-stage colorectal cancer incidence among US adults ages 45-49 increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022, with a steep rise in 2019-2022. Screening rates also increased during this period, driven by recommendations to start screening at age 45.
A case series of children with influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy highlights the condition's severe impact on young, previously healthy children. The study emphasizes the need for prevention, early recognition, intensive treatment, and standardized management protocols to address this critical public health concern.
A recent study reveals that surgeons in the United States have a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to other highly educated professionals, including nonsurgeon physicians. The study suggests that factors such as work environment and lifestyle may contribute to this disparity.
A daily walk of just 15 minutes can reduce the risk of death by nearly 20%, according to a new study. The research found that fast walking, but not slow walking, had a significant association with lower total mortality and cardiovascular disease deaths.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that young patients who received eight or more outpatient therapy sessions after a hospital stay were 25 times less likely to be readmitted. The therapy was delivered by community-based clinicians and did not require specialist expertise. This simple yet effective approach has the potential to break...
The article highlights the need for improved sepsis diagnosis, personalized treatment, and innovative trial designs. It advocates for a multifaceted approach integrating timely diagnosis, tailored therapy, and equitable implementation to tackle the global burden of sepsis.
Researchers analyzed US cancer registration systems and found disparities in racial minorities' representation, despite revisions to the established standards. The study revealed significantly lower rates for American Indian or Alaskan Native populations under the 1997 standards compared to the previous 1977 standards.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment was associated with reduced all-cause mortality among older patients with cancer and type 2 diabetes. The survival benefit persisted across various subgroups, including age, sex, and cancer type.
A cohort study found that GLP-1RAs like semaglutide and tirzepatide lower risk of dementia, stroke, and all-cause mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings suggest potential neuroprotective benefits beyond glycemic control.
Recent studies have revealed significant improvements in patient prognosis for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past few decades. Advances in surgical techniques, drug development, and multimodal therapies have led to increased treatment rates and improved survival rates among patients.
A cross-sectional study found that stronger gun laws were associated with lower overall firearm mortality, particularly for suicide. Policies addressing root causes of violence through economic mobility and social services may also reduce homicides.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
Despite falling birth rates and hospital delivery volumes, neonatal mortality has decreased significantly in Finland, particularly among preterm infants, according to recent studies. The findings support centralizing high-risk deliveries to university hospitals, while small delivery units continue to have low overall mortality rates.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
Over 17 years, US children's health has worsened significantly across various domains including mortality rates, prevalence of chronic conditions, and rising obesity levels. The study highlights the urgent need to address the underlying causes driving this decline in the nation's health.
A new framework for defining obesity may reclassify 1 in 5 overweight US adults as obese, but surprisingly shows similar mortality risk to those with normal weight. The study found that larger waist circumference at greater risk for death among postmenopausal women across all BMI categories.
Intra-arterial tenecteplase significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality in patients with acute large vessel occlusion. The treatment also improves neurological outcomes at 90 days without increasing complications.
The study projects a significant increase in uterine cancer incidence and mortality rates in the US by 2050, with incidence-based mortality nearly three times higher in Black women compared to white women. The model also shows that obesity and hysterectomy rates will contribute to increased risks.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the closures resulted in a 4% reduction in physicians per capita and declines in infant, non-infant, and total mortality rates. The Flexner Report era reforms led to significant changes in the US medical education landscape.
A decrease in acute myocardial infarction deaths has led to an increase in deaths from other types of chronic heart conditions. The researchers attribute this shift to improved management and prevention of heart attacks, resulting in more patients living beyond these events and developing other heart conditions.
The USPSTF recommends screening for intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age. Screening for caregiver abuse is not recommended due to insufficient evidence. Abuse can result in significant injury and long-term health consequences.
Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.
This cross-sectional study reveals a substantial rise in alcohol-associated liver disease mortality, particularly among women and younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health initiatives to address this growing health concern.
A cohort study suggests severe neonatal morbidity is a significant risk factor for childhood mortality, highlighting the importance of preventing and identifying early signs of severe conditions. Efforts to reduce mortality through infancy and late adolescence may benefit from targeted prevention strategies.
A new study reveals that states with permissive firearm laws have significantly higher rates of pediatric mortality due to gun accidents. The research highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies and determine which laws are most effective in reducing harm.
Individual incarceration is strongly associated with increased mortality in the US, as well as higher all-cause mortality among people living in counties with high incarceration rates. Incarcerated individuals face a 39% higher risk of dying from any cause and are three times more likely to die from drug overdose.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
A recent study found that regional disparities in opioid overdose mortality continue, with the western US experiencing an increase in overdoses despite a national decline. The research highlights the need for region-specific strategies to address differing patterns of substance use and overdose risk.
A new study found that middle-aged women with high scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale had a 16% increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study analyzed data from 40,250 female veterans and found no association between excessive daytime sleepiness and mortality in younger or older women.
Researchers found cardiac deaths exceeded expected levels between 2020 and 2023, with a significant increase in 2020 and 2021. The study suggests potential shortcomings in cardiac care during and after the pandemic.
A new study reveals that the Bolsa Família Programme has prevented more than 8.2 million hospitalisations and 713,083 deaths in Brazil between 2004 and 2019. The programme provides cash transfers to low-income families with conditions such as school attendance and vaccinations.
Sustained midlife weight loss was associated with lower chronic disease incidence and decreased all-cause mortality. The study's findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight during middle age can have long-term health benefits.