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Racial disparities in childhood obesity on the rise

A new study found that rates of obesity and severe obesity increased among Black, Hispanic, and foreign-born students in NYC public schools. Despite overall decline in obesity prevalence, these groups saw significant increases, with Black students experiencing a larger relative increase.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

New transit station in Japan significantly reduced cumulative health expenditures

A new transit station in Japan significantly reduced average healthcare expenditures per capita over four years, with savings of approximately $929.99. The study used a causal impact algorithm and time series data to analyze the medical expenditure data gathered from a suburban city on the West Japan Railway line.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

More than half of Americans give to charity at checkout, survey shows

A survey conducted by Binghamton University found that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at checkout, with women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 being top-giving demographics. The total raised from checkout campaigns has increased yearly since 2012, but the frequency of donation requests may lead ...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

Combination of breast cancer and chemotherapy may speed up physical decline in older adults

A UCLA-led study reveals that chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer in women over 65 can lead to a significant decline in physical function. The study found that 30% of older women who received chemotherapy experienced a substantial decline, with climbing stairs and walking being the most affected activities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateMay 10, 2024

Two new studies led by Lewis Katz School of Medicine’s Dr. Jessica Beard more closely examine how reports of community firearm violence are framed on local television news in Philadelphia

New studies published in Preventive Medicine Reports and BMC Public Health found that segments about community firearm violence on local television news are often demographically and geographically unrepresentative. They also frequently contain harmful elements, such as blame of victims or reinforcement of racist stereotypes, which can...

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateMay 7, 2024

Decoding the three ancestral components of the Japanese people

The research group found that the Japanese population can be divided into three clusters, with different concentrations in Okinawa, Northeastern Japan, and Western Japan. They also identified genetic variants associated with hereditary breast cancer and provided insights into gene sequences derived from Neanderthals and Denisovans.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

The biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market? Price

A Rutgers study reveals that price is the biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market, with lower-income buyers often priced out of the market. The study suggests that increasing charging station availability and expanding subsidies could promote greater used EV uptake across income groups.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 19, 2024

An international sample of adolescents shows almost 17% experience weight-related bullying online, especially for social media users—with almost 70 percent of Twitter users reporting being bullied

A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2024

US building footprints could help identify neighborhood sociodemographic traits

A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

New study highlights troubling trends in midlife mortality in the US and UK

A new study reveals that US working-age adults are dying at higher rates than their peers in high-income countries, driven by highly preventable causes of death. Midlife mortality among younger US females has worsened significantly over the past three decades, with the UK and other high-income countries experiencing similar trends.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Epidemic of fatal prion disease kuru likely led to migration of women in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Researchers found that genetic variants in the Fore population made them resistant to kuru, while a large influx of females migrated into the region due to flexible kinship systems. The study suggests an alternative theory on how Fore communities interacted with neighboring communities despite fears of kuru.

SourceCell Press·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Do school grades influence parental support?

A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that parents in low-income families support their children equally regardless of grades. In contrast, parents from higher income groups tend to give more support to children with lower grades. This suggests that these patterns may contribute to low social mobility.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateMar 15, 2024

New research shows sexual minority adults more willing to use digital health tools for public health

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that sexual minority adults are more willing to use digital health tools for screening and tracking compared to heterosexual adults. The study, which analyzed data from a COVID-19 survey, highlights the need for diverse populations to be considered in the developme...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2024

Higher BMI is significantly associated with worse mental health, especially in women, per study of middle-aged and older adults which adjusted for lifestyle and demographic factors

A study published in PLOS ONE found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is significantly associated with worse mental health in women, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The research adjusted for lifestyle and demographic factors, suggesting a stronger link between excess weight and mental health issues in this population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 6, 2024

Improving women’s fertility choices: avoiding environmental catastrophe caused by population growth

A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health assesses the risks of global population growth on ecosystems and human societies. The experts argue that empowering women to make choices about their fertility is crucial but not enough, highlighting the need for policies addressing child health, food security, and climate change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 6, 2024

Psychosocial stressors linked to higher inflammation in Black pregnant women

Research found that experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. Higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were linked to glucocorticoid resistance, a potential mechanism underlying preterm birth.

SourcePenn State·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Genes affect your blood pressure from early childhood

A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with hypertension can increase the risk of high blood pressure from as early as three years old. By analyzing health data from large population studies, researchers found that these genetic factors can significantly affect blood pressure levels throughout life and even beyond adulthood.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2024

Physical fitness in adolescence linked to less atherosclerosis in middle age

A Swedish study of over 9,000 men found that those who were physically fit in adolescence had a lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. The researchers used advanced imaging technology to examine plaques in the coronary arteries and found associations with both good cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in youth.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Some Pre-Roman humans were buried with dogs, horses and other animals

A study of human-animal co-burials from ancient Italy suggests that the practice may have been related to enduring companion relationships or religious beliefs. Researchers found that the people buried with animals did not share common traits, leaving multiple interpretations for this phenomenon.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Plant-based diet tied to improved sexual health in men treated for prostate cancer

A study of over 3,500 men with prostate cancer found that a plant-based diet significantly improved measures of sexual function, urinary health, and vitality scores. The research suggests that adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet while reducing meat and dairy can have a positive impact on quality of life.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Does your community have a personality type?

Researchers developed a novel approach to measuring community personality and found that people in like-minded communities tend to be happier, healthier, and more highly achieving. Communities differ significantly in terms of personality traits, with some counties having high proportions of open-minded or conscientious individuals.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024