Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
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.
US youths experience disparities in firearm and motor vehicle crash fatality rates across different age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities. A multipronged approach is necessary to address these leading causes of death, focusing on individual, community, and policy levels for high-risk groups.
A new study found that emergency department physicians differ in their likelihood of hospitalizing patients, with those who admit more patients being discharged sooner but not less likely to die. The study suggests that differences in physician decision-making drive these variations, rather than patient health.
Early adoption of Tobacco 21 policies maximizes potential mortality reductions, but enforcement varies widely across states. The federal law's enforcement is crucial in states without state-level T21 policies.
New research reveals racial differences in mortality rates, with Black newborns facing higher risks of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. Addressing social determinants of health is critical for promoting health equity in hospital outcomes.
A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.
A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
Worsening heat waves exacerbate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia due to impaired sweating and blood flow. Doctors can take proactive steps by regularly screening for social isolation, providing resources, and utilizing telemedicine to monitor high-risk patients.
A Mass General Brigham study found that taxi and ambulance drivers had lower rates of death from Alzheimer's disease compared to other professions, possibly due to real-time spatial and navigational processing. The study analyzed data from nearly 9 million people across various occupations.
Adult obesity trends in the US have declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to recent data. The South region experienced the largest decreases in body mass index and obesity prevalence, despite also facing high COVID-19 mortality rates among obese individuals.
Researchers analyzed data from 11,797 adults with advanced solid cancers and found no difference in mortality rates during the shortage period. Prescription rates for cisplatin and carboplatin fell less than three percent overall, with alternative therapies helping mitigate the crisis.
A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
A new study comparing early restrictive vs liberal oxygen for trauma patients found no significant reduction in death and/or major respiratory complications within 30 days. The study suggests that the choice of oxygen strategy may not be as critical in trauma care.
A study published in JAMA found that electronic sepsis screening among hospitalized ward patients resulted in lower in-hospital 90-day mortality compared to no screening. The study also showed a significant reduction in mortality rates.
High-flow nasal oxygen was found to be more effective than noninvasive ventilation in preventing endotracheal intubation or death within 7 days in four of five patient groups with acute respiratory failure. However, the results were sensitive to analysis models and may require further study in specific patient populations.
The study found a significant increase in late-stage breast cancer diagnoses among U.S. women, with annual percentage increases of up to 2.9% between 2004 and 2021. The researchers attribute the trend to factors such as lack of national screening programs, inconsistent guidelines, and increasing obesity rates.
A new study finds that not attaining a high school degree is associated with higher cancer mortality, while high allostatic load, a marker of chronic stress, also increases the risk. The researchers emphasize the need for educational attainment promotion and addressing social determinants of health to reduce cancer disparities.
Countries that took measures early experienced lower excess mortality rates and coped better economically. A surveillance system capable of quickly tracking virus spread is crucial for effective response.
The US is forecasted to stall in life expectancy gains and experience a decline in its global health rankings by 2050. The country's poor health is expected to cause a significant drop in the nation's overall health-adjusted life expectancy, with female HALE declining by 20 states.
The global lifetime risk of lung cancer is 3.49%, with high-risk countries like French New Caledonia and Canada, while low-HDI countries have lower risks due to shorter lifespans and limited resources. After 40, the risk drastically increases, but residual risk decreases with age.
Research reveals African Americans have lower death rates after age 85 and up to age 100 compared to white populations. The study's lead author attributes this to psychosocial and biological factors that enable select survivors to withstand socioeconomic disadvantages.
A new study found that climate warming can increase the severity of bacterial infections in cold-blooded animals like corals, insects, and fish. The researchers analyzed data from 60 experimental studies and found that infected animals were more likely to die when exposed to higher temperatures.
A significant drop in cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25 has been observed, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network. The findings indicate that widespread HPV vaccination is driving this decline, reducing the prevalence of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer incidence.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center found a significant reduction in cervical cancer deaths among young women due to HPV vaccination. The study revealed a 62% decline in mortality rates over the last decade.
A cohort study reveals racial and ethnic variations in early-onset colorectal cancer mortality, with Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic Black individuals facing the highest burden. Social determinants of health play a significant role in explaining these disparities.
A pooled analysis of four multinational cohort studies found consistent associations between physical activity and reduced all-cause mortality risk throughout adulthood. The promotion of regular physical activity is essential for reducing mortality risk at all stages of adult life.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
Research from the University of Surrey found a clear association between high nurse and doctor turnover rates and increased patient mortality rates. A one standard deviation increase in nurse turnover is associated with 35 additional deaths per 100,000 hospital admissions within 30 days.
A population-based matched cohort study found that preterm birth is associated with higher mortality risks until the third and fourth decades of life. These findings suggest that preterm birth should be recognized as a risk factor for mortality, informing preventive strategies.
A recent special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores the impact of legislative policies, criminal justice practices, and community-based efforts on gun violence. The studies featured in this issue aim to provide timely solutions to addressing this significant concern in the United States.
A new study by the CHAMPS network reveals that meningitis contributes to higher child mortality rates than estimated by the WHO, with 7% of deaths attributed to the disease. The study also highlights the shift towards antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in hospital-associated cases.
Researchers found that alcohol-related deaths in the US surged dramatically between 1999 and 2020, with a nearly fourfold increase in those aged 25-34. The study highlights significant gender differences and regional disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to combat the growing US alcohol mortality epidemic.
Research found that spironolactone reduced the likelihood of heart failure after a heart attack, but did not significantly reduce deaths or other severe heart-related events. The study included over 7,000 adults in 14 countries who had experienced a severe heart attack.
A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.
A clinical study found that an FasL inhibitor, asunercept, led to a faster recovery of COVID-19 patients in eight days compared to 13 days in the control group. The treatment also reduced mortality by about 20%. The study suggests a new therapeutic concept for severe COVID-19.
A cross-sectional study found substantial burden of RSV-related hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths in US adults. Increasing RSV vaccination among older adults has the potential to reduce these outcomes.
A large cohort study found that young adults with type 2 diabetes ages 20-39 who had low incomes were more likely to die prematurely. The study highlights the need for socioeconomic support to address income-related health disparities among younger individuals.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
A new study found that obesity-related heart disease deaths increased by 180% in the US over two decades, with significant disparities among middle-aged men, Black adults, and residents of Midwestern states. The analysis also revealed unexpected patterns, such as Vermont having the highest death rate for obesity-related CVD deaths.
A geospatial analysis found that areas with more tanning bed facilities experience higher rates of melanoma. The study identified six high-risk clusters and seven low-risk clusters, suggesting a significant association between access to tanning beds and increased melanoma incidence.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
A new study has found that Canadian women who did not identify as White have an earlier peak age of breast cancer diagnosis and higher proportions of cases diagnosed under age 50. They also experience an earlier peak age of death, with a 7-year gap in mortality rates compared to their White counterparts.
A recent study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation found that slightly overweight stroke survivors (BMI 22.1-27.5 kg/m²) have a lower risk of sustaining disabilities compared to those with normal weight. The research suggests that a higher-than-normal BMI may be beneficial for recovering from a stroke with less disability.
Researchers are using historical, qualitative, and statistical methods to investigate the needs of over 70 million people in the US who self-identify as having a disability. The study aims to measure specific dimensions of structural ableism and create ways to address its impact on healthcare disparities.
A new study found that improving pediatric emergency care readiness can prevent up to 2,143 child deaths annually with modest financial investment. The research suggests an annual cost of $3 per child can save approximately 30 lives in Oregon.
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found associations between personality traits and daily physical activity and sedentary behavior. Individuals with high conscientiousness and extraversion tend to accumulate longer periods of both, while those with higher neuroticism interrupt their sedentary behavior more often.
A study published in JAMA found that personalized recommendations for hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury did not improve outcomes. Despite higher implementation rates in the intervention group, worsening acute kidney injury stage, dialysis, or mortality remained unchanged.
Non-Hispanic Black patients are more likely to receive inadequate care and experience poor survival outcomes due to delays in treatment initiation. Guideline-concordant care is crucial in improving survival rates among these patients.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people are more likely to assume unknown bystanders are enemy combatants than civilians, leading to a higher acceptance of collateral damage. The research suggests that this bias can result in civilian deaths and highlights the need for decision-makers to carefully evaluate their targets.