A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the third most common stroke type, accounting for 5-10% of all strokes. Despite declining age-standardized burden rates, SAH remains a major public health concern globally.
A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.
A new study reveals that synthetic opioid-involved fatal overdoses among youth aged 15-24 in the US were predominantly caused by fentanyl alone. The rates of overdose deaths involving only fentanyl increased significantly across age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with the highest rates found among males and young adults.
A new COPD diagnostic approach integrates respiratory symptoms, quality of life, spirometry, and CT imaging to accurately classify individuals with the disease. This framework reveals increased risks for mortality, exacerbations, and lung function decline among those classified as having COPD.
Under the new Composite Allocation Score (CAS) system, lung transplant waitlisted patients experienced lower mortality rates, particularly among the sickest patients. The CAS prioritizes medical urgency and other patient factors, leading to a 11.2% decrease in waitlist deaths from 2017 to 2023.
Two out of five heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist annually, significantly increasing mortality risk. Patients who receive regular cardiology care are 24% less likely to die in the following year, with optimal visits ranging from once to four times per year depending on recent hospitalization and diuretic use.
This study examines associations between structural and social determinants of health with mortality in Black adults, finding that African genetic ancestry persists as a factor despite adjustment. The findings support the hypothesis that addressing these factors is crucial for eliminating health disparities.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
This study finds that teen drivers in older vehicles are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the need for safer vehicles. The study's authors stress the importance of ensuring teens drive newer vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that patients with low household income were more likely to be diagnosed late and receive less effective treatment for liver cancer. This highlights the need for targeted screening in deprived areas to improve early diagnosis and survival rates.
A recent study found that early-stage stomach cancer diagnoses are increasing, marking a major progress in detecting this deadliest form of cancer. The study suggests advancements in endoscopic imaging and more widespread use of upper endoscopy may be contributing to these shifts.
Researchers found that a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably avoid eventual extinction in small populations. A female-biased birth ratio can reduce extinction risk, helping more lineages survive over time.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2025
New research by the University of Bristol and Cats Protection reveals that road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in UK pet cats under 8 years old. The study found that younger cats are at higher risk of death due to RTAs, while older cats are more likely to die from disease-related causes.
A new analysis of existing studies found that pedestrians and cyclists hit by SUVs or light trucks are more likely to suffer fatal injuries. The likelihood is higher among children, with a child hit by an SUV/LTV being 82% more likely to be killed than a child hit by a passenger car.
A new analysis of population surveys estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contributed to 356,238 global heart disease deaths in 2018, accounting for 13% of all global mortality. The study also found higher death risks in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions.
Researchers found novel prognostic scores, such as MELD 3.0/GEMA-Na, exhibit superior discrimination and predictive ability for all-cause mortality up to two years in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. The study suggests these scores are essential for risk stratification and may improve patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that higher cigarette taxes can significantly improve childhood survival rates, particularly among the poorest children. The research found that increasing tax on cigarettes could narrow the socioeconomic gap in child mortality rates and save over 280,000 lives annually.
Incidence-based mortality declined by 83.5% from 9.70/100,000 to 1.47/100,000 among women ages 20-49 between 2010 and 2020. Luminal A had the most pronounced decline in all subtypes.
The study reveals wide disparities in mortality across US states, with some experiencing no improvements in life expectancy from 1900 to 2000 birth cohorts. This disparity can inform decision-making around resource allocation and public health interventions.
The study tracks maternal, fetal, and infant mortality trends in the US from 2000 to 2023. Despite improvements in some years, overall rates of maternal and infant mortality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study analyzing data from 2000 to 2023 found that the introduction of a 'pregnancy checkbox' on death certificates contributed significantly to rising maternal deaths between 2000-2019, accounting for two-thirds of the increase. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp spike in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Native Amer...
A recent study found that cigarette smoking continues to decline across the US, mainly driven by young adults. The states with historically high smoking rates have seen the most significant declines in smoking prevalence.
A study analyzing 17,500 individuals found that immune resilience counters factors of aging and mortality through TCF7 gene regulation, reducing mortality risk by 69% in midlife. This promotes salutogenesis, actively fostering health and well-being.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that victims of police shootings were shot far more times than those killed by civilians. The study analyzed data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System and found significant disparities in rates of gun-related crime and police practice across regions.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2025
The study analyzed data on lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancers in 200 countries between 2011 and 2019, finding a significant upward trend in mortality rates. Factors such as population aging, smoking, and socioeconomic indicators drive global cancer mortality.
A new study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer mortality by 83% among survivors. This association was consistent across Europe, North America, and Asia.
A cohort study found that women with screen-detected estrogen receptor–positive or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer who underwent prior screening had an earlier stage of diagnosis and lower breast cancer mortality compared to those who did not undergo prior screening.
Cervical cancer cases worldwide reached 622,301 in 2022, with significant variations in age-standardized incidence rates across regions. Targeted prevention programs, especially HPV vaccination in low-income countries, are essential to reduce the global health burden.
A study led by University of Bristol found that COVID-19 pandemic reduced elective surgery in children with CHD, but did not increase post-operative complications or death. The research suggests prioritizing urgent and emergency procedures may be appropriate during healthcare disruptions.
A landmark study found that over 3 million children worldwide lost their lives in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related infections. The study data also revealed a sharp rise in the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, posing serious long-term risks.
The US opioid epidemic has shifted its epicenter from the Northwest to the East, with a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths. The study found that populations affected by substance use disorder have changed over time, with Black communities now disproportionately affected.
A new study found that death rates from alcohol in England increased by a fifth in 2020, rising further between 2020 and 2022. The largest increases were among men, people from deprived areas, and those aged 50-69, mainly due to liver damage caused by alcohol.
The American Heart Association will strengthen and expand Hawaii's stroke system of care, reducing death and disability rates from stroke in rural populations. The initiative aims to enhance coordination among emergency responders, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
A recent study found that ischemic stroke mortality rates have increased in the US over the past two decades, particularly among racial minorities and rural residents. The majority of these deaths now occur at home, rather than in hospitals or medical facilities.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that Europe has adapted better to cold temperatures than to heat over the last two decades. The relative risk of death in low temperatures decreased by 2% per year, while the risk from extreme heat fell by 1% per year.
Pregnancy-related deaths in the US rose during 2018-2022, with significant disparities by state and ethnicity, underscoring the need for urgent public health action.
A new analysis finds a significant increase in people dying at home due to ischemic stroke, reversing a 10-year decline, with rural communities and Black Americans more likely to die in less specialized care environments. The study also reveals rising death rates from stroke, despite improvements in access to palliative care.
The article explores how DeepSeek's advanced language model can enhance ARDS management by detecting signatures earlier and with greater precision, identifying distinct phenotypes, and providing personalized treatment strategies. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
A qualitative study reveals that migration has a complex influence on border-region emergency medical services, leading to more injuries and deaths. Increased federal funding is needed to support the work of local EMS clinicians, who are struggling with unsustainable strain.
A study by Brown University researchers found that Americans across all wealth levels have poorer survival rates than Europeans. The gap between rich and poor in the US is larger than in Europe, contributing to lower life expectancy.
A French study found that chronic exposure to the fungicide tebuconazole impairs offspring growth and survival in farmland birds. Sparrow chicks exposed to realistic concentrations of tebuconazole showed reduced growth and doubled mortality rates, particularly females.
SourceCNRS·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2025
A new study found that compound heatwaves significantly increase cardiac mortality and are more impactful than traditional binary definitions of heatwaves.
A cross-sectional study reveals significant racial disparities in unintentional overdose mortality, with Black individuals facing an increased burden of mortality. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach targeting social, physical, economic, and policy risk environments.
A recent study from Columbia University reveals racial and sex disparities in US drug overdose mortality rates. The research found that Black men have been disproportionately impacted by overdose deaths, with their mortality rates rising sharply compared to White counterparts.
Researchers developed an algorithm to calculate biological heart age from ECG data, identifying those at higher risk of cardiovascular events. The study found a strong association between increased biological heart age and increased mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.
A new study found that reported tuberculosis diagnoses among incarcerated people in Europe and the Americas plummeted by up to 100% during the pandemic, despite consistent incarceration rates. This reduction was distinct from general population trends, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems within prisons.
Ferric carboxymaltose did not significantly reduce time to first heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency. The treatment also did not reduce total number of heart failure hospitalizations compared to placebo.
The rate of cardiac arrests during marathons has remained unchanged, but the chance for survival is twice what it was in the past. The decline in preventable cardiac deaths can be attributed to increased awareness of the risks and availability of emergency services and defibrillators.
The Finerenone Trial found that sudden death was the primary cause of higher cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure and mild or preserved ejection fractions. The study suggests that finerenone may not significantly impact cardiovascular mortality, but its effects on overall mortality are unclear.
Despite a rise in long distance running participation, cardiac arrests during US marathons and half-marathons have shown no significant increase, indicating improved emergency response measures are at play.
A new study finds that firearm homicide rates rose faster among youth than adults during the second half of the pandemic, with adolescent age groups showing no sign of decreasing. Gun violence prevention programs for school-aged children are urgently needed to address this persistent rise in firearm homicide rates.
Larvae of wood frogs grow and mature precociously when infected with ranavirus, exhibiting accelerated growth and development. This may help tadpoles tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection entirely.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
A cohort study suggests that many comatose patients who died after withdrawing life-sustaining therapy had recovery potential. Experts emphasize the need for novel solutions to avoid deaths based on biased prognostication or incomplete information.
The UH Portage Medical Center's heart lab and prevention programs have shown a significant reduction in ischemic heart disease mortality, especially among older adults. The study found declines of 36% in the 65-74 age group and 28% in those over 85.
A study found that US avoidable mortality has increased across all states, while neighboring high-income countries have seen improvements in health outcomes. This unexpected trend raises questions about the efficiency of US healthcare spending.
A population-based surveillance study found that Black infants and children consistently have double the risk for death compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from 1950 to 2019 and estimated excess mortality burden on Black Americans compared to White Americans.