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Symptom data help predict COVID-19 admissions

Researchers used symptom data from over 10 million participants to estimate regional COVID-19 prevalence and predict hospital admissions. The findings confirm previous reports that symptoms are related to community infection rates, providing a scalable tool for pandemic preparedness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal study assesses mortality risk in multimorbid patients

A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Disparities remain in end-of-life care in New Jersey

Researchers at Rutgers University found disparities in palliative care and hospice referrals among minority patient groups, highlighting the need for standardized policies to improve access. The studies revealed that language barriers, economic status, and cultural differences contribute to these gaps in care.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCancer Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

For vaccine text-message campaigns, Brown researchers confirm success is all about timing

A new study from Brown University's Policy Lab found that text-message vaccination campaigns work better when sent early, as all state residents ages 16 and up had been eligible for a shot four weeks before the campaign. Despite this, the messages' ineffectiveness was due to poor timing rather than the content.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Protected tropical forest sees major bird declines over 40 years

A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2022

Camping reservations: ‘A wicked problem of equity,’ finds UM researchers

A study by UM researchers found that online camping reservations systems can exacerbate existing inequalities in national park access. Campers from higher-income areas and predominantly white communities are more likely to secure coveted sites. The team suggests a lottery system could help balance accessibility with protection of natur...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Park and Recreation Administration·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2022

Menstrual equity and the pandemic: Study shows it’s time to take the gendered experience into account

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 23, 2022

Machine learning to predict if you'll leave your partner

A Bocconi University study used machine learning to analyze data on 2038 couples in Germany, finding that life satisfaction and housework are key predictors of union dissolution. The analysis also revealed complex interactions between variables, including the impact of personal traits like openness and extraversion.

SourceBocconi University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

Childhood trauma and genetics linked to increased obesity risk

A new study from the Healthy Nevada Project found associations between genetics, childhood trauma, and adult obesity. Participants with specific genetic traits and who experience childhood traumas are more likely to suffer from adult obesity. The study suggests that understanding the interplay between genes and environment can help pro...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Workers with disabilities overcome pandemic setbacks, outpacing people without disabilities to set new records for employment

A new report from Kessler Foundation reveals that workers with disabilities have exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels to reach historic highs, while those without disabilities still lag behind. The data show that labor force participation rates for people with disabilities increased from 33.6% in 2019 to 35.1% in 2021, outpacing the...

Where wild honeybees survive

Researchers found that wild honeybee colonies can survive in Galicia, Spain, particularly in areas with semi-natural habitats. The study suggests that extensive forms of land use and restoration of near-natural landscape features are crucial for insect conservation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Genetic study unveils actionable variation affecting drug efficacy and safety in the Qatari population

A comprehensive genetic study found actionable pharmacogenomic variation affecting drugs in the Qatari population, highlighting diverse distribution of variants compared to other world populations. The study suggests potential implications for preemptive pharmacogenomic implementation in Qatar and beyond.

SourceQatar Foundation·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022

NOACs associated with lower risk for diabetic complications and mortality compared with warfarin

A retrospective cohort study of patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) were associated with a lower risk of diabetes complications and mortality than warfarin. The study suggests that NOAC may be a better therapeutic choice for this patient population.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Access to vital health services fell during COVID, particularly for poorer Americans

A UCLA-led study found that Americans' use of common outpatient health services dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those with Medicaid or Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility insurance. The study suggests that patients may be missing treatments for acute illnesses and delaying preventive care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2022

The Lancet: Phase 3 trial reports one dose of Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, including against severe disease

A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 23, 2021

Environmentally sustainable diet linked to health benefits

A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceLund University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 9, 2021

Forty percent of North Atlantic right whale population using Gulf of Saint Lawrence as seasonal habitat

Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

Study finds parental stress as a contributing factor linking maternal depression to child anxiety and depressive symptoms

A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Which COVID-19 vaccine works better?

The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2021

Allergic conditions linked to lower COVID-19 infection risk

A large UK study found that individuals with atopic diseases like eczema or hay fever had a 23% lower risk of developing COVID-19. In contrast, people of Asian/Asian British ethnicity and those in crowded households faced a higher risk. The study suggests that some risk factors for severe disease may differ from those for infection.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021