Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
The world population is projected to peak at 9.7 billion in 2064 and decline to 8.8 billion by 2100 due to low fertility rates. Liberal immigration policies are necessary to maintain population size and economic growth, with the US workforce forecasted to be sustained through large net immigration.
Life expectancy in the US varies significantly across census tracts, with socioeconomic and demographic factors playing a major role. The study identified strong associations between age, income, and race/ethnicity with life expectancy at local levels.
Racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths are clear, with African Americans disproportionately impacted by infection rates and death. The investigation calls for more complete surveillance data and targeted strategies to engage trusted community leaders and improve safer working and living conditions.
A genetic study spanning seven countries has identified distinct population clusters of the American Crocodile, with regional differences found in Northern, Central, and Southern America. The findings highlight the importance of habitat conservation and management strategies tailored to each population's unique needs.
Scientists have found conclusive evidence of contact between ancient Polynesians and Native Americans from Colombia using genetic analysis. The research traced common genetic signatures of DNA back hundreds of years, resolving a long-standing debate about the two groups' interaction.
A new analysis found COVID-19 cases among prisoners are 5.5 times higher and death rate 3 times higher than the general population. The study analyzed 42,107 cases and 510 deaths in prisons from March to June 2020.
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that the Asian longhorned tick in the US originated from at least three self-cloning females from northeastern Asia. The tick species has been linked to serious illnesses in other countries, but its impact on human health in the US remains unclear.
A Rutgers study found that Medicare beneficiaries' self-reported data is more accurate than administrative data sources in tracking minority populations. In 19 states, Hispanic beneficiaries were misclassified at a rate of 20%, while American and Alaskan Native beneficiaries were misclassified in over 80% of states.
A UC Riverside study finds that mobile health clinics can reduce access barriers and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations like Latino farmworkers. The research suggests that mobile clinics offer culturally and linguistically appropriate care, minimizing structural barriers to care.
A new survey found that 53% of Americans know some or a lot about burn injuries and treatment, but many are unaware of common risks like applying ice to burns. The survey highlights the importance of being aware of fire-related hazards during summer activities like grilling and using fireworks.
Researchers have expanded the lion species' family tree through genetic analysis, revealing two main branches and shedding light on subspecies relationships. The study suggests that cave lions diverged from modern lions around 500,000 years ago, with some populations showing minimal interbreeding.
A recent study published in the Disability and Health Journal found that individuals with IDD living in residential group homes are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including case rates, case-fatality rate, and mortality rate. The study examined data from New York State and found significant disparities in these outcomes c...
A Columbia University study found that crowded homes and poor neighborhoods increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Women living in high-density households were three times more likely to contract the virus.
A new study simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a densely populated refugee settlement in Bangladesh, predicting over 420,000 infected people and 2,800 deaths in one year. The researchers emphasize the need for innovative responses and intervention to quell the spread and treat the infected population.
A study found that individuals with bipolar disorder who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced a moderate decrease in nonpsychiatrist mental health outpatient visits. However, rates of psychiatrist visits, medication use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations remained unchanged.
A Rutgers-led study in Colombia used primary population data to assess surgical needs and identify gaps in care. The study found high out-of-pocket expenses leading to poverty and limited access to surgical services, highlighting the need for improved healthcare policies worldwide.
Researchers analyzed the genetic variability of immunity in response to COVID-19, identifying key HLA molecules that contribute to individual susceptibility. The study found significant differences in HLA variant frequencies across populations, suggesting past adaptations to different pathogenic pressures.
A new study using ancient DNA found at least three population dispersals that brought people to the Caribbean, challenging traditional views of the region's early settlement. The researchers also discovered biological and cultural diversity among the early settlers.
A new study using ancient DNA found evidence of at least three population dispersals that brought people to the Caribbean, with genetic differences between early settlers and newcomers from South America. The research suggests that the islands were settled and resettled several times from different parts of the American mainland.
A Penn State research team examined the effects of differential privacy on mortality rates in 2010, revealing dramatic changes in population counts for racial and ethnic minorities. The findings highlight concerns about data accuracy, funding allocations, and understated health risks in some areas.
Type 2 diabetes affects American Indians and Alaska Natives at three times the rate of white Americans, linked to higher cardiovascular disease rates. Obesity is prevalent, with 30-40% of American Indians having obesity, which increases risk factors for heart disease.
New study reveals deep connection between Upper Paleolithic Siberians and First Americans, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The discovery sheds light on future studies about Native American population history and suggests that the ancestry of Native Americans was more widely distributed than previously assumed.
A new study suggests that corn was not grown in Cahokia until between A.D. 900 and 1000, a relatively late date corresponding to the start of the city's rapid expansion. The researchers analyzed charred corn kernels and carbon isotopes in human teeth and bones, revealing a sudden increase in corn consumption around this time.
A team of researchers identified a previously unknown genetic variant in the FBN1 gene that is strongly associated with lower height in Peruvians and Native Americans. The variant, E1297G, was found exclusively in individuals of Native American ancestry and showed an average effect of 2.2 centimeters reduction in height.
A study comparing opioid-related deaths in cancer survivors to the general population found that opioid-associated deaths in cancer survivors have increased at a rate similar to that of the general population. The findings suggest that opioids may not be contributing to rising rates of overdose among cancer patients.
ORNL's LandScan USA high-resolution population distribution database is now publicly available, aiding in COVID-19 research. Researchers also demonstrated a 20-kilowatt bi-directional wireless charging system on a UPS truck, advancing electric vehicle charging and energy storage.
By 2050, the US is expected to face more frequent heat waves, droughts, and floods, posing greater risks to human health and ecosystems. Researchers used high-resolution climate models to calculate population exposure to extreme climate events, finding that over 47 million people are already exposed annually.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry has reported a high level of hazardous drinking and potential alcohol-use disorders among Pacific Islander young adults in the US. The study found that 56% of participants screened positive for hazardous drinking, with 49% experiencing active alcohol-use disorders, rat...
A new study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that older business entrepreneurs can be just as successful as their younger counterparts. The study also showed that women's chances of success increase with age. Meanwhile, midlife is considered a challenging time to start a business due to child care and elder care obl...
Researchers found that the abundance of Lactobacillus iners was associated with clearance of high-risk HPV infections, while Gardnerella bacteria were linked to progression to precancer. Monitoring Gardnerella and microbial diversity could help identify women at risk for pre-cancer.
A comprehensive review of US social policies found that early life and education interventions can reduce smoking by 8%, while income support and health insurance programs show the most promise in improving population health. However, some studies showed no health impact, highlighting the need for careful policymaking.
An analysis of media reporting on celebrity suicides found a significant association with increased suicide rates in the general population. Reporting on the specific methods used was also linked to an increased risk of suicide by the same method.
A new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines the potential effects of proposed SNAP eligibility changes on health and healthcare affordability. Researchers found that families at risk of losing benefits face high rates of chronic illness, poor health status, and financial challenges.
A new study reveals energy development has negative impacts on sage-grouse reproduction, affecting their ability to nest and raise chicks. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preserving sagebrush habitats when positioning renewable and non-renewable energy projects to balance species conservation with energy demands.
A new genetic study reveals a complex US population structure, including fine-scale insights into recent history. The findings show diverse patterns among Hispanic/Latino and Asian American populations, shedding light on their ancestral origins and migration patterns.
Researchers analyzed 6,267 individuals to infer African group contributions to North-, South-American and Caribbean populations, finding enrichment of West-African ancestry in northern latitudes and South/East African ancestry in southern South-America.
A study of veteran endurance athletes aged 50-75 found that 20-25% had an enlarged aorta, challenging the concept that the aorta is a stable structure. The study's findings suggest that lifelong exercise may cause dilation of the aorta with attendant risks.
A new study reveals wide state-by-state variation in melanoma rates attributed to ultraviolet radiation, with highest rates found on the East and West Coasts. States like Hawaii, Utah, Vermont, and Minnesota have high UV-attributable incidence rates, likely due to outdoor activities and sun protection.
Two studies found that soft drink taxation and labeling laws led to a decrease in beverage purchases high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat. In Chile, front-of-packaging warning labels reduced consumption by 22.8mL per capita per day, while the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy increased prices by 31% and resulted in significant reductions...
A new study found that cluster headaches can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, with people missing an average of 16 sick days and 63 disability days per year. The study also revealed sex differences in the impact of cluster headaches on work capacity, with women experiencing more frequent and longer-lasting symptoms than men.
A national study has found that male and female nurses are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. The study, published in WORLDviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, highlights the need for suicide prevention programs specifically tailored for nurses.
Four late Pleistocene-early Holocene skulls from Tulum, Mexico, show high morphological diversity among early North Americans. The study found associations between ancient remains and modern populations from diverse regions, including Asia, Europe, and South America.
The analysis of four ancient skulls from Mexico suggests that early North Americans were more biologically diverse than previously believed, with affinities to various populations including Arctic, European, Asian, and Native American groups. This new finding challenges the previous narrative about the settlement of the Americas.
Research shows that widespread screening for islet autoantibodies significantly reduces the occurrence of life-threatening DKA among children with pre-symptomatic T1D. The study screened 90,632 children in Bavaria, Germany and found a lower prevalence of DKA compared to unscreened children.
A two-year study examined the effect of walnut consumption on cognitive function in nearly 640 free-living elders. While healthy adults showed little change, those who had smoked more and had lower baseline scores benefited from walnut intake.
A new study predicts 13 million US residents will be forced to relocate due to rising sea levels by 2100. Cities like Atlanta, Houston and Denver are expected to experience significant population growth, with effects on jobs, housing prices and infrastructure.
An international team sequenced the genomes of 78 individuals from five indigenous groups in Mexico to understand the demographic history and genetic variation of pre-Hispanic populations. They identified 120,735 single nucleotide variants and found that certain genes were associated with adaptation to physical endurance and other traits.
A new study found that critical care outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs) improved steadily at hospitals with few minority patients, but not those with more diverse patient populations. The gap is most apparent for critically ill African-American patients.
A collaborative campaign is launching in El Paso to ensure historically undercounted populations are included in the 2020 census. Community health workers and local organizations will drive outreach efforts to educate and communicate the importance of census participation.
The study reveals that ancient Tupí took a direct route from the Amazon to the Atlantic Coast, giving rise to coastal Tupí and Guaraní populations. Genomic data from present-day individuals also supports the hypothesis that Native Americans left the Amazon to search for new land to cultivate.
The gigantic spiral galaxy UGC 2885 is 2.5 times wider than the Milky Way and contains 10 times as many stars, with modest ongoing star birth at half the rate of our galaxy.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that California's elimination of non-medical vaccine exemptions led to a significant increase in MMR vaccination coverage, with non-medical exemptions decreasing by 2.4% and medical exemptions increasing by 0.4%. The policy change was associated with a 3.3% increase in MMR coverage across th...
Researchers analyzed data from a large US health insurance plan to compare risks of repeat surgeries after gastric bypass and sleeve procedures. Sleeve gastrectomy was associated with lower overall risk of subsequent operative and nonoperative interventions up to four years post-surgery, the study suggests.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that approximately $50.4 billion of the annual healthcare cost of cardiometabolic disease in the US population is associated with suboptimal diet. The highest costs are linked to low consumption of foods like nuts, seeds, and seafood-derived omega-3 fats.
Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their grand-calves, allowing them to focus time and resources on the latest generation. The study found that these grandmothers played a particularly important role in times of food scarcity, where salmon was scarce.
A study on killer whales found that grandmothers play a crucial role in improving the survival of their grandoffspring. The research suggests that postreproductive females can better provide care due to not having reproductive pressures, potentially contributing to the long lifespan of killer whales.
An analysis found that rural subsidized enrollees pay less in premiums than urban counterparts after the Trump Administration's 2017 cut of Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Silver loading and switching have led to more affordable insurance for some consumers, but also encourage enrollment in bronze plans with less financial protection.
Research reveals that gentoo penguins adapted to a diet of fish and squid, while chinstrap penguins continued to eat krill exclusively, making them more susceptible to climate change impacts. Human activities since the 1930s have led to significant declines in chinstrap penguin populations.
Intergenerational occupational mobility in the US has declined since 1850, with relative decline in status of many occupations. Only a few high-status occupations retained stable percentile ranks, while recent generations face reduced upward mobility.
A recent study found significantly lower rates of death from any cause and all cancers combined in Adventist populations, with even lower rates among Black Adventists. The findings suggest that health benefits may be available to all Americans who choose similar diets, such as plant-based eating and regular physical activity.