Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Researchers developed a novel method to sequence RNA from wastewater, detecting complete and nearly complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This approach provides early signal detection of new variants, enhancing control measures.
The NIH highlights seven COVID-19 vaccines with promising data on safety and efficacy, while acknowledging remaining unknowns. The commentary emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to strongly encourage vaccination, particularly as rare side effects may emerge in large populations.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that religious beliefs and spiritual struggles modulate protein expression associated with cardiovascular disease in US South Asians. The research suggests that spiritually focused psychotherapy may help reduce risk of CVD for individuals experiencing spiritual distress.
A study by Arizona State University found that approximately 3.4% to 4.3% of consumed seafood is mislabeled, with substituted species coming from fisheries performing worse in terms of population impacts 86% of the time.
A study estimated excess deaths in California between March and August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting disparities by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational level. The results showed significant mortality increases among these groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and resources.
A new special issue of Innovation in Aging explores the psychosocial factors influencing mental health status in racial and ethnic minority populations. The research sheds light on protective factors such as religion and social support, while highlighting risk factors like obesity and stress.
A study estimates that nearly a quarter of the world's population may not have access to a COVID-19 vaccine until at least 2022. Researchers found that 3.7 billion adults worldwide are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of equitable strategies.
A University of Houston researcher has developed a mathematical model showing that economic inequality causes political polarization. Once polarization occurs, it can spread rapidly to the whole population and persist even when the conditions that produced it have reversed.
India's metropolitan cities face a devastating diabetes crisis, with over half of men (55%) and two-thirds of women (65%) projected to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Obesity is a major factor, with obese individuals facing significantly reduced life expectancy without diabetes.
Researchers found a positive association between the percent of Black residents and COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as explicit and implicit racial attitudes. The study suggests that implicit racial attitudes in communities can help explain racial disparities in COVID-19 rates.
A McGill University-led team found that extreme population declines among a small number of vertebrate species drive the apparent global decline. Removing these outliers reveals a more hopeful picture of global biodiversity. The study provides reason for hope in conservation efforts.
Mislabeling seafood products in the US results in 190,000-250,000 tons of environmentally damaged products being sold annually. Collaborative approaches are needed to reduce seafood mislabeling and its negative impacts on marine population health and fishery management.
A new study found that people of color with rheumatic disease are more likely to experience poor health outcomes from COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and necessary ventilation support. Black and Latinx patients had significantly higher odds of needing hospitalization and ventilation support compared to white patients.
A new study analyzing cognitive decline in diverse Latinx populations found that the APOE-ε4 gene variant is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline. Interestingly, a higher proportion of genetic Amerindian ancestry was found to protect against this risk.
Dr. Michelle A. Albert is recognized for her groundbreaking research on cardiovascular population research, addressing social determinants of health and health disparities in vulnerable populations. Her work aims to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health inequities globally.
Researchers analyzed genome-wide data spanning 6,000 years in eastern Eurasian Steppe, revealing a spectacular level of genetic diversity among Xiongnu and Mongol populations. The study found no evidence for lactase persistence, challenging current medical models.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a model that analyzes age-specific COVID-19 death data from 45 countries, revealing consistent patterns across countries. The study highlights the importance of focusing on deaths in under-65s for better understanding of infection rates and developing effective government strategies.
The rate of fatal police shootings of unarmed Black people in the US is significantly higher than among White people. Researchers found that the total numbers of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) killed in police shootings have not budged over the past 5 years.
The FDA has awarded a grant to Critical Path Institute (C-Path) to develop real-world evidence for treatments in neonates using real-world data. This project will create a platform to standardize and integrate data from NICUs worldwide, enabling the creation of actionable reference ranges and natural history models.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that nearly 30% of young adults in the US do not know all five common stroke symptoms. Young adults with lower education levels are more likely to be unaware of these symptoms, highlighting a need for targeted public health initiatives.
Researchers investigated state-imposed stay-at-home orders and African American population proportion in relation to COVID-19 cases from March to May 2020. The study found a significant association between these factors and state-level COVID-19 cases.
Researchers found that measures such as grip strength and lean mass are associated with bone density in premenopausal women, particularly those who engage in substantial physical activity. The study also highlights the importance of considering lifestyle factors beyond just body size and age.
Research finds that multiracial people experience depression, stress, and lower self-esteem due to frequent racial identity denial. Policy changes, such as legitimizing multiracial identity and integrating check-all-that-apply racial measures for data collection, can help combat stigmas and promote inclusivity.
A study analyzing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data found that sanctuary policies decrease overall deportations, particularly among individuals with violent convictions. However, crime rates remain unaffected, suggesting that sanctuary policies do not threaten public safety.
A new study by the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia demonstrates that Common Carp would evolve resistance to KHV, rendering it ineffective. The research highlights the need for alternative control methods to mitigate ecological damage caused by invasive carp.
A new international study has identified how much traction some prominent COVID-19 conspiracy theories have within populations in the UK, US, Ireland, Mexico, and Spain. The research found that a small increase in perceived reliability of conspiracies equates to a larger drop in intention to get vaccinated.
A special issue of Population Health Management explores data-driven approaches to combatting COVID-19. The journal highlights the need for population health tools to successfully tackle emerging health crises, with expert insights from major companies and organizations.
Researchers found that long-term exposure to urban air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide, enhances susceptibility to severe COVID-19 death outcomes. NO2 levels were associated with increased case-fatality and mortality rates.
A new study suggests that shifting American diets to increase vegetable and nut intake while decreasing red meat and added sugar consumption could reduce environmental degradation by 28-38%. This approach would also improve health outcomes, making it a win-win for the environment and human health.
Researchers found that Asian and Hispanic populations contribute to local food culture, with restaurant availability linked to education levels of the white majority population. The study tested three models of assimilation and primarily found evidence for relational assimilation.
A recent study led by ASU researcher Chris Wharton found that a values-based intervention can reduce household food waste by an average of 28%. The intervention used clear plastic bins to track food waste and highlighted the impact of cost, health, and environmental concerns. Participants reported that watching their waste build up pro...
A study using GIS found that public transportation burden disproportionately affects minority communities, increasing travel time by nearly double for those without access to a vehicle. This can lead to increased risk of emergent surgical interventions.
The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination has been awarded $5 million to implement a COVID-19 testing project targeting low-income Latinx individuals and those with criminal justice backgrounds. The project will use an evidence-based Social Network Testing Strategy to increase testing rates among these populations.
A large-scale study of over half a million people in India reveals that only 8% of infected individuals account for 60% of new COVID-19 cases. Children and young adults play a crucial role in transmitting the virus, especially within households.
Cases and deaths among younger cohorts are more prevalent in India than in high-income countries. The study found that cases and deaths were concentrated in children ages 0-14 years, adults older than 65 years, and had higher comorbidity rates than US cases.
A $5 million NIH grant will help identify disease hotspots and testing deserts in vulnerable populations in Texas, aiming to increase COVID-19 testing. Researchers will develop and evaluate intervention strategies to address these disparities, focusing on three racially diverse areas with high infection rates.
Researchers found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease prevalence among high-income individuals in the US from 1999 to 2016. The study also revealed disparities in cardiovascular disease burden by income level within the US population.
A nationwide US study of dialysis patients reveals fewer than 10% had COVID-19 antibodies by July 2020 and fewer than 10% were diagnosed. The study highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to prioritize minority communities and densely populated areas.
Researchers are testing a digital therapeutic device that uses music and sensors to help individuals recover from stroke-induced mobility loss. The study aims to improve walking speed and community ambulation in participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.
A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that rural COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher in counties with larger shares of Black and Hispanic residents. These disparities are not limited to urban areas, but also affect rural communities, where racial and ethnic minorities face significant health challenges.
The HRSA Special Collection examines key challenges faced by populations served by the Health Resources and Administration, including maternal depression, newborn screening, and regional disparities in Black infant mortality. Research findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
A recent analysis of tagged monarch butterflies' migration from the US to Mexico found no decline in migration success and contradicts the theory that increased mortality during migration is driving population decline. The study highlights the importance of creating new habitat for milkweed, a crucial plant for monarchs' survival.
Research reveals differing preferences for suffixes and prefixes across languages, including African Bantu language Kîîtharaka. English speakers favor suffixes, while Kîîtharaka speakers prefer prefixes.
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.
Research from Queen Mary University of London finds that childhood and adolescent obesity is projected to contribute up to 14 per cent of overall risk of Multiple Sclerosis in 2035. High body mass index (BMI) is also associated with an increased risk, particularly in the USA and Australia.
Researchers found a statistically significant relationship between morbid obesity and COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US. Morbid obesity rates are positively correlated with COVID-19 death rates, explaining 9% of the variation.
A new analysis of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US reveals significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Researchers found that Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaskan Native populations are more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 than whites.
A recent ASU climate study forecasts a substantial rise in human exposure to extreme temperatures in the US during the 21st century. By the end of the century, the annual heat exposure is expected to increase nearly 30-fold, with major metropolitan regions like New York and Los Angeles facing significant changes.
In a Phase 3 study, ensartinib demonstrated statistically significant longer progression-free survival compared to crizotinib in ALK+ NSCLC patients. The study found that ensartinib significantly prolonged overall response rate and time-to-treatment-failure rate in brain metastases
Lehigh University researchers study factors that promote resilience and protect against stress in vulnerable communities. By understanding the role of personal capital, they aim to develop insights for improving reproductive health outcomes and promoting health equity.
A new study published in JAMA estimates associations between statewide school closures and changes in daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality. The analysis suggests that timely school closures in March may have contributed to reduced cases and deaths in the following weeks, accounting for other public health interventions.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to educate journalists about aging issues and disseminate information on scientific findings, policy debates, and innovations. The new cohort will participate in online educational sessions and deliver two projects based on current aging research.
Researchers analyzed mask-wearing and face-touching behavior in public areas before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing changes in global populations. The study found that people were more likely to touch their faces when wearing masks or in crowded spaces.
Researchers analyzed county-level factors to understand SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers in the US. The study found that social distancing measures, population density, temperature, and other factors contributed to variations in reproduction numbers.
A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.
The NIH's RADx initiative aims to increase daily COVID-19 testing capacity to 6 million by December 2020. The program focuses on expanding low-complexity point-of-care molecular diagnostics with rapid results for underserved populations.
A global study found sharks are functionally extinct on nearly one in five of the world's reefs. The survey, published in Nature, covered 371 reefs across 58 countries and revealed that sharks were rarely seen on close to 20% of those reefs.
The study found an estimated 187,802 Hoosiers infected with COVID-19 and 1.7% of participants tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Social distancing efforts were shown to minimize transmission, with asymptomatic individuals contributing significantly to infection rates.
A long-term study of Mexican Americans found a significant decline in recurrent strokes, with rates dropping by 64.7% between 2000 and 2013, compared to a 37.4% decrease among non-Hispanic whites.
Research reveals that both too little and too much sleep can lead to increased mortality rates, with the effect being more pronounced in people with type 2 diabetes. Sleep duration is linked to various cause-specific mortality rates, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.