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High immune function tied to stunted growth

A University of Oregon-led project found that high immune function during childhood is associated with significant growth reduction. Chronic exposure to parasitic worms was linked to reduced stature and lower-leg growth, highlighting the metabolic cost of a robust immune system.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

Studies reveal looming shortage of rheumatologists

The US rheumatology workforce is projected to face a shortage due to an aging population, retiring baby boomer rheumatologists, and changing practice trends. By 2030, the supply of rheumatologists is expected to fall short of demand, with some regions facing a particularly severe maldistribution.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateFeb 5, 2018

How fear alone can cause animal extinction

A recent study found that the scent of a praying mantis can cause fruit flies to spend less time eating, more time being vigilant, and produce fewer offspring, leading to increased extinction risk. The study sheds light on the Allee effect, a long-standing biological conundrum related to population size and extinction.

Substantial growth in ordering of CTA exams in Medicare population

The study found significant growth in CTA exams per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, increasing from 2.1 in 2001 to 47.6 in 2013, with chest CTA utilization rising the most. CTA services grew most rapidly in ED settings, with the percentage of studies performed annually in EDs increasing from 11% in 2001 to 28% in 2014.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateJul 26, 2016

Climate change threatens survival of common lizards

A new study found that a 2°C warmer climate may lead to rapid population extinctions in common lizards, with up to 30% of European populations at risk. The researchers used experimental conditions to simulate warmer climates and observed increased adult mortality, decreased population growth rates, and a shift in demographic strategy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 26, 2015

Soon to become a minority in the US, whites express declining support for diversity

A study by UCLA psychologists found that white Americans view diversity negatively when exposed to current projections of future demographics, with those who believe they will no longer be the majority expressing lower levels of support. This phenomenon is linked to whites feeling threatened by their perceived loss of American identity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 2, 2014

A VA exit strategy

A recent Perspective piece in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the US may no longer need a separate, expensive VA healthcare system for its rapidly shrinking veteran population. The authors propose transitioning out of the hospital business while continuing to provide specialized services like mental health and rehabil...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 28, 2014

Despite economic times, US demand for total joint replacement remains steady

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that economic downturns did not significantly impact the growth trends for hip and knee arthroplasty in the US. The study's results support previous projections, indicating a recession-proof demand for total joint replacement through at least 2021.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 2, 2014

Study looks beyond averages to track variability in a bacterial population

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers identified behavioral subtypes within a modeled Escherichia coli population based on gene regulation and protein distributions. The findings suggest that tracking specific genes may be sufficient to capture most of the metabolic variability in the entire population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Total knee replacements: Effective, costly and booming

The study found that the number of total knee replacements increased by over two and a half times from 1991 to 2010, driven by an aging population and increased demand among older adults. The procedure is highly effective, allowing patients to remain active as they age, but also represents a major healthcare expense for Medicare.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 26, 2012

Sharing the research on car-sharing

Concordia University researchers created a computer model to help car-sharing services grow while reducing congestion and carbon emissions. The model assesses areas with greatest growth potential and simulates various scenarios to predict the best strategy for growth.

SourceConcordia University·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·DateSep 13, 2012

Protecting predator and prey when both are in trouble

A new study suggests that Chinook salmon populations must increase significantly to sustain the growth of Southern Resident killer whales, currently facing decline. The research, published in PLOS ONE, provides a detailed model for managing both species' conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2011

Forest fungus factory

A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.

Dawn of agriculture took toll on health

A global review of research on stature and health during the agriculture transition found consistent trends of declining height and health globally. The study, published by Emory Health Sciences, analyzed data from various world regions and cultures, revealing a link between early agricultural practices and reduced adaptability to stress.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateJun 15, 2011