Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A Finnish twin study investigated the relationship between long-term leisure-time physical activity and mortality, finding that moderate activity offers a 7% lower mortality risk. The study also found no additional benefit from high levels of physical activity in reducing mortality risk.
A new Mass General Brigham study explores the connection between the Doomsday Clock and mortality and mental health in the United States, finding higher rates of Alzheimer's disease, suicide, and substance-related disorders at closer clock settings. The study suggests a potential bridge between global events and individual well-being.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic cost Europe 16.8 million disability-free years of life between 2020 and 2022. The study found that more than half of these lost years would have been lived without disability, highlighting the pandemic's long-term impact on older populations.
A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.
Breast cancer death rates are predicted to increase in EU patients aged 80 years and older, while falling in all other age groups. This is attributed to a lack of regular screening and access to modern treatments.
Researchers have employed artificial intelligence and data analysis to improve forest protection, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analysis. The innovative forest regeneration model forecasts how forests will grow and change over time, identifying best-suited tree species for different environments.
A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.
A recent study by Professor Mamas highlights the significant risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with cancer, particularly in aging populations. The review emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and regular monitoring to improve quality of life.
A cohort study found that consuming more butter was associated with higher mortality rates, whereas increasing consumption of plant-based oils was linked to lower mortality. Substituting butter with plant-based oils may provide substantial benefits in preventing premature deaths.
Breast cancer mortality rates have stopped decreasing in two age groups: women under 40 and those over 74. This shift is attributed to an increase in stage IV breast cancers at diagnosis, leading to poor prognoses.
A large study of dietary habits found that diets higher in butter but low in plant oils were associated with elevated risk of mortality. Replacing butter with plant-based oils, such as soybean and olive oil, was linked to lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
A new study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that increased nurse continuity was not associated with improved patient outcomes in ICU settings. The researchers analyzed data from 47,564 ICU patients and discovered a modest increase in mortality rates among shifts with high nurse continuity.
Patients undergoing surgery immediately before a weekend experienced significantly higher risks of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and death compared to those treated after the weekend. The study emphasizes the need for improved care quality regardless of the day of the week.
A new study found that people seeking emergency care for hallucinogen use were at a 2.6-fold higher risk of death within 5 years compared to the general population. The increased risk was highest among individuals with medical comorbidities and those from low-income neighborhoods.
Emissions from SUVs and light-duty trucks cause 90% of nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, with suburban driving linked to greatest health damages. The study's findings inform geographically targeted transportation policies and climate action plans for Boston and cities nationwide.
Cervical cancer incidence increased in rural US counties, with higher rates among white women, likely due to lower screening coverage and diagnostic care utilization. Rural areas may experience heightened access barriers, contributing to lower HPV vaccine uptake.
CerTracker LLC, a digital credential management platform, aims to streamline compliance and onboarding for healthcare professionals. The company will use the $10,000 grant to reduce administrative burdens and improve workforce efficiency in healthcare settings.
A cohort study of 46,000 US residents found nearly two-thirds had suboptimal 5-year sleep duration trajectories, associated with increased risk of mortality. Maintaining healthy sleep duration is crucial for reducing mortality risk in this population.
A new study found that Medicaid extension policies covering all immigrants led to a 4 percentage-point decrease in postpartum uninsurance among immigrant populations in New York City. However, Hispanic immigrants saw a smaller decline, highlighting awareness gaps as a barrier to full benefit.
A recent study found that US physicians experienced lower mortality rates compared to the general population, but this benefit did not extend to female or racial and ethnic minority groups. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to address health inequities within the healthcare workforce.
A cohort study found no increase in sudden cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death among young competitive athletes in the US, contradicting reports that linked COVID-19 infection and vaccination to the risk. The study suggests that many athlete cases shown in social media videos occurred before the pandemic, not due to COVID-19.
A recent study published in CANCER suggests that higher levels of physical activity may lessen and even eliminate survival disparities among colon cancer survivors. Cancer survivors who regularly exercised achieved better subsequent survival rates than those seen in the matched general population, with a 3.1% lower risk at year three.
A study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health estimates that increasing green spaces in the city could prevent 178 premature deaths per year. The proposed Green Corridors plan would lead to a 3.64% increase in green space, reducing mortality rates and heat-related deaths.
New UCLA-led research finds that Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults. The study suggests that Paxlovid's potential effect on COVID-19 hospitalization in vaccinated older adults is four times weaker than originally reported.
According to a new ACS study, cancer mortality rates among Black people have declined by 49% since 1991, with similar declines in men and women. However, these disparities persist, with Black individuals facing a higher risk of cancer death for various cancers and lower survival rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.
A new study forecasts Australia's road traffic fatalities to rise to 998 by 2030 and 715 by 2050, with older drivers and male motorcyclists at the greatest risk
New research from Edith Cowan University found that five native marsupial carnivores tested positive for anticoagulant rodenticides, with 21% having multiple compounds in their blood stream. The study highlights the potential risks of these poisons to endangered species.
A systematic review found no moderate-to-high level evidence that compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle was associated with improved sepsis mortality. The study suggests reconsidering the inclusion of the bundle in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program.
A recent study found that from 2009 through 2020, child victims in mass shootings were most likely to be killed by parents or family members. The research highlights the often-overlooked role of domestic violence in these tragic events.
Residents of Ontario with cannabis use disorder had a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. The findings highlight the importance of addressing cannabis use disorders, especially as global trends toward cannabis legalization continue.
Researchers found that cancer incidence and death rates are decreasing in Appalachia, but people in the region are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer compared to other areas of the US. The disparities are attributed to limited access to care, historical occupational risks, and higher poverty rates.
The study found that nearly all US states had higher drug-related mortality rates between 2020 and 2023 than their 2019 rates. This decline marks a reversal of the pandemic-induced increase in overdose deaths.
A new study by UC San Francisco found a marked increase in advanced prostate cancer rates across California since doctors stopped routine screening, with death rates plateauing in most regions. The study emphasizes the need for screening that can identify fatal tumors without raising false alarms.
A global study published in JACC found that secondary prevention medications for cardiovascular diseases are underused worldwide, with little improvement over time. Medication use varied by country income level, with lower rates in low-income countries.
Early adult mortality in the US is higher than expected after the COVID-19 pandemic, with researchers finding a sharp rise in death rates among adults aged 25-44. The study highlights the need for comprehensive policies to address structural factors driving worsening health among young adults.
Mortality trends among US adults ages 25-44 have increased significantly between 2011 and 2023, with excess mortality remaining higher than expected post-pandemic. Drug poisoning was a major contributor to the largest portion of 2023 excess mortality.
Researchers propose systems immunology to tackle sepsis, identifying early warning signs and potential subtypes, which can lead to improved diagnostics and treatment. Targeted funding is urgently needed to develop large-scale omics studies and translate these insights into clinical results.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
A predictive model developed by Ochsner Health researchers uses data-driven insights to determine whether urgent carotid-intervention patients will regain functional independence. The model has been shown to have a 93% accuracy rate and can help physicians tailor treatment plans and optimize intervention timing.
A deadly ciliate parasite has decimated sea urchin populations in the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, with mortality rates reaching over 90%. The International team of researchers is working to track the disease and preserve sea urchins, which play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health.
A cohort study found COVID-19 to be associated with more severe disease outcomes compared to influenza and RSV during the 2022-2023 season. Vaccination attenuated these differences in severity and long-term mortality rates.
The American Heart Association's 2025 statistics report shows an increase of over 10,000 cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US, with a slight decrease in age-adjusted death rates. Rising kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity are contributing to these trends.
A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.
A recent study found a significant increase in long-term nursing home stay or death among older adults hospitalized with sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that all individuals, regardless of race and ethnicity, experienced increased mortality rates compared to before the pandemic.
A new study reveals that opioid smokers die at two-thirds the rate of injectors, likely due to reduced transmission of HIV and hepatitis C. However, smoking opioids carries a substantial overdose risk and should not be misconstrued as safe.
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that child mortality in England has increased since the pandemic lifted, with a temporary decrease in deaths during lockdowns. The research found that children from non-white backgrounds faced higher rates of death compared to white children, highlighting existing healthcare inequalities.
A new study by University College London researchers has found that adults diagnosed with ADHD may be living shorter lives than they should. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD and compared it to a group of 300,390 participants without the condition.
A retrospective cohort study of 44,000 individuals found associations between baseline fasting glucose levels, age, sex, and body mass index with the development of diabetes. The study highlights individual variation in diabetes risk according to commonly measured clinical variables, suggesting potential for targeted interventions.
A study of over 57,000 people from 65 countries found that the Satisfaction With Life Scale generally holds up well when applied to diverse groups. The scale identified common themes in life satisfaction, including financial security and relationships, across nations and age groups.
A recent study found that effective pediatric obesity treatment is associated with lower incidences of mortality in young adulthood. The treatment was also linked to reduced long-term morbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.
The American Cancer Society's annual report reveals a 34% decrease in cancer mortality rates from 1991 to 2022, averting approximately 4.5 million deaths. However, this progress is tempered by increasing incidence among women and younger adults, particularly in lung cancer, which is now higher in women than men under 65.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for osteoporosis can help prevent fractures in older women. However, the effectiveness of screening for men is unclear due to insufficient evidence.
A new study reveals that US methamphetamine mortality rose 61-fold between 1999 and 2021, highlighting a growing crisis in addiction and public health. The study found that women's deaths from methamphetamine are accelerating, while men's rates have plateaued, suggesting a need for targeted harm reduction efforts.
A new analysis of US mortality data shows men are most likely to die from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with rates over three times higher than women. Older adults and specific racial and ethnic groups, such as American Indian or Alaska Native people, also face a higher risk of fatal TBI-related deaths.
A new study found that while lung cancer deaths decreased globally from 1990 to 2019, mortality linked to tobacco use and air pollution increased. Tobacco remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 66% of TBL cancer deaths in 2019, while particulate matter pollution is a growing concern.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimates 64,260 traumatic injury deaths in Gaza between October 2023 and June 2024. The analysis found that approximately 3% of Gaza's population has died due to violence, with women, children, and the elderly disproportionately affected.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.
A nationwide cross-sectional study found sepsis incidence and mortality rates among hospitalized non-child cancer patients in China rose significantly, with higher rates observed in older patients.