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Impact of coronavirus on states’ fertility rates tracked with economic, social, and political divides

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to steeper declines in fertility rates in some US states than others, with factors like income inequality, racial composition, and political leaning playing a significant role. States with stronger social distancing responses and liberal politics experienced larger fertility rate declines.

Uncovering the traits of Japan’s dual ancestry

A new statistical analysis tool has uncovered the distribution and intermixing of Jomon hunter-gatherers and East Asian immigrant farmers in Japan. The study found that regions with higher Jomon ancestry are more prone to obesity, while those with higher East Asian ancestry are more susceptible to exacerbated asthma.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2023

“The Trust Circle” promotes inclusion of American Indian and Alaska Native populations in clinical trials

A new model called 'The Trust Circle' was developed to increase recruitment of AI/AN populations into clinical trials. The model takes into account the trust between trial participants, researchers, and community leaders, with physicians and ministers playing a key role in promoting trust.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with cancer

Researchers identified geographic, racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics as key contributors to the elevated suicide risk among cancer patients. Timely symptom management and targeted psychosocial interventions are crucial for preventing suicide in individuals diagnosed with cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2023

Swedes with high incomes have more children

Researchers found that Swedes with higher incomes have more children, particularly men who accumulate higher incomes over time. For women, the pattern changes significantly over time, with those born in the 1940s and 1950s having lower incomes and more children.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPopulation Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Out-of-pocket costs for naloxone

A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Climate change: Potential to end humanity is ‘dangerously underexplored’ say experts

Researchers warn that climate change poses a significant threat to global food supply and stability, potentially triggering famine, conflicts, and new disease outbreaks. The study proposes a research agenda to explore worst-case scenarios, including 'warm wars' and ecosystem collapse, highlighting the need for urgent action.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Built infrastructure, hunting and climate change linked to huge migratory bird declines

A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 transmission, shedding according to vaccination status

A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 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

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

Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2022

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Association of population screening for breast cancer risk with mammography among women in medically underserved racial/ethnic minority groups

Individualized breast cancer risk estimates led to a significant increase in annual mammography rates among women at high risk. The study found that nearly all Hispanic or Black women who received personalized risk assessments used mammography more frequently, with rates rising from 37% to 51%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 10, 2021

Self-reported memory problems after COVID-19

Researchers found a significant increase in self-reported memory issues among COVID-19 patients with mild disease, compared to controls. Eight months post-infection, the prevalence of memory problems was higher in this group than in untested controls or those with negative test results.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 29, 2021