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WEIRD science

Researchers found that traditional personality traits, like the Big Five, may not be universal across cultures. To improve psychological science, experts recommend considering socioecological theory and diversifying study samples from non-Western populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

New actors identified in atherosclerosis

Researchers have identified three distinct macrophage populations that play different roles in the development of atherosclerosis. These findings provide new insights into the disease and may lead to improved treatments. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell populations in affected vessels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Treating postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms in women

A study of 302 postmenopausal women found that prescribed vaginal estradiol hormone tablets and over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer didn't improve symptom relief or sexual function compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that a better understanding of the underlying mechanism is needed to develop more effective treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2018

Sharks longer in the tooth than we thought

A study by Dr Alastair Harry found that nearly a third of shark populations had underestimated ages, with an average underestimation of 18 years. This could lead to inefficient management and research priorities, affecting the many disciplines relying on baseline life history data.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateSep 28, 2017

Wood frogs research clarifies risks posed to animals by warming climate

A study led by Penn State researchers found that wood frog populations are more sensitive to changes in temperature or temperature interacting with precipitation than to changes in precipitation alone. This suggests that sensitivity to climate change cannot be predicted solely by knowing locations within the species' climate envelope.

SourcePenn State·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 19, 2017

Can pain increase the risk of dying early?

A recent analysis found that individuals with debilitating pain had a higher risk of dying during the study. Those with severe pain interference reported significantly increased risks of mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 7, 2017

Study examines polyneuropathy and long-term opioid use

A study published in JAMA Neurology examined the association of long-term opioid therapy with functional status, adverse outcomes, and death among patients with polyneuropathy. The study found that patients with polyneuropathy were more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy and experience depression, opioid dependence, or overdose.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 22, 2017

Consumption of grilled meat linked to higher mortality risk among breast cancer survivors

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high consumption of grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats may increase mortality risk after breast cancer diagnosis. The research evaluated the link between these meat types and survival time among 1508 Long Island women with breast cancer.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 5, 2017

Air pollution may shorten survival of patients with lung cancer

A population-based study found that air pollution may shorten the survival of patients with lung cancer, especially those with early stage disease. The study tracked over 352,000 people with lung cancer and found that higher exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter was associated with shorter survival times.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateAug 4, 2016