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Combining genetic diversity data with demographic information more reliably reveals extinction risks of natural populations

A recent study published in PNAS found that genome-wide genetic diversity is a strong predictor of extinction risk when demographic factors are considered. The researchers analyzed data from a butterfly metapopulation and found a strong negative relationship between genetic diversity and extinction risk, but this correlation was largel...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2024

Work-related stress a clear risk factor for sick leave

A University of Gothenburg study found that work-related stress, particularly job conflicts and lack of influence, significantly increase the risk of future sick leave. Women who experienced these stressors were more than twice as likely to take sick leave, with adjusted factors indicating a significant impact on their wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2024

Study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters

A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Researchers urge united nations to reject growth-driven framework in favor of lower population and consumption

Demographic experts urge UN to reject current 'growth' paradigm and focus on contracting human impact to reverse ecological overshoot. The Journal of Population and Sustainability cites research linking population growth to climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and social crises.

SourcePopulation Balance·JournalThe Journal of Population and Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2024

An overlooked side-effect of the housing crisis may be putting Californians at increased risk from climate disasters

A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2024

Balancing fairness and welfare in the face of uncertainty

A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateAug 5, 2024

When the last pit is closed

Researchers investigate four European regions experiencing demographic decline, exploring how relationships between generations and places change over time. The study uses participant observation and participatory action research methods to gather insights from families and local residents.

New UAB study evaluates cardiovascular health scores in predicting mortality risks

A nationwide study from University of Alabama at Birmingham compares two cardiovascular health metrics, Life’s Simple 7 and Life’s Essential 8, with the well-established Pooled Cohort Equation to determine their predictive values for mortality. The researchers found that PCEs outperformed LE8 and LS7 scores in mortality risk prediction.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Using AI to scrutinize, validate theories on animal evolution

A new study uses machine learning to analyze the genetic diversity of two amphibian species, finding that different processes shaped their evolution. The research suggests that population demographic events and contemporary landscape factors played a significant role in shaping the genetic variation of these species.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·TypeCase study·DateJul 18, 2024

Gestational carriers face higher health risks during pregnancy compared to IVF and natural conceptions, new study shows

A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.

ACP offers recommendations to support LGBTQ+ health care equity

The American College of Physicians reaffirms its policies on LGBTQ+ health, emphasizing the need for access to evidence-based gender-affirming care and research into improving care for transgender individuals. The updated policy paper also recommends protecting civil rights and implementing public policies that uphold the ability to ta...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 24, 2024

Exploring the relationship between civilians and military organizations through an experiment in Japan

A Japanese online survey experiment examines how public confidence in the military is affected by civilian control during an armed conflict. Participants showed significant loss of trust in the military when it deviated from civilian control, but not significantly when the legislature was involved.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

STUDY: Sourcing genomically diverse seedlings to create climate-change resilient forests brings optimism for partnerships between science and practice

Researchers developed a method to collect and plant genetically diverse red spruce seeds, resulting in higher establishment success and increased forest resilience. The approach pools multiple seed sources, increasing evolvability and minimizing deleterious mutations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

The declining diet of Japan’s youth

Researchers found a negative association between highly processed food consumption and healthy eating among Japanese children and adolescents, with confectioneries positively correlated. The study suggests that reducing processed food intake could be beneficial for public health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2024

Increased lifespan of individuals living with cerebral palsy necessitates a broader perspective on care

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores cerebral palsy beyond childhood, highlighting topics like mental health, sexuality, and independence in adults. The issue aims to address long-overlooked aspects of CP care, promoting a broader perspective for improved patient outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Mind the gap: Italian moms with 3+ kids work far fewer years than dads, while Finland shows equality

A study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that Italian mothers with 3+ children have a significantly shorter working life (7.6 years) compared to fathers (18.3 years). In contrast, Finland shows minimal differences in working life between mothers and fathers, with both working for pay for about 17.4 years.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·DateJun 5, 2024

Where do Nextdoor communities exist—and what do these communities talk about?

Researchers analyzed 30 Nextdoor neighborhoods and found that information sharing indicates social capital formation, while discussions on suspicious persons may prompt biased behavior by law enforcement. The study contributes to understanding the digital media ecosystem's relationship with local communities and civic life.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Aiding the displaced with data

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a framework to analyze and visualize population mobility data, which could help in allocating resources and personnel effectively. The study used GPS data from displaced individuals in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, revealing patterns of migration that vary by socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2024

Assessment of knowledge of general and local anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery

A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Anesthesia Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Quality over quantity for screen time - study

A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024