Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant from the CDC to expand its Med-South Lifestyle Program, which aims to reduce chronic disease risk in rural and minority populations.
New research suggests that sudden and severe climate change caused widespread population decline across South America between 8,000 to 6,000 years ago. The study found that unpredictable rainfall levels had a negative impact on early populations until around 6,000 years ago.
A major review of the world literature reveals FASD is 10-40 times higher in vulnerable populations, including children in care and Aboriginal populations. The estimated prevalence varies greatly across regions, emphasizing the need for early interventions and awareness training.
A new study finds large declines in traditionalist views on wildlife management, with a rise in mutualists believing animals have the same rights as humans. The study's findings have implications for wildlife managers to engage diverse state residents in conservation efforts.
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending is a major problem in low- and middle-income countries, forcing people to choose between care and poverty. By 2050, health spending is projected to nearly double to $15.0 trillion, with less than one percent spent in currently low-income countries.
A multinational study led by Vanderbilt University researchers has found that diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in Asia, dramatically increasing the risk of premature death, especially among women and middle-aged people. The study highlights the urgent need for tailored diabetes management programs for Asian populations.
A large GWAS study identified novel loci associated with asthma susceptibility, including the gene IL1RL1 and HLA-DQA1, in four major ethnic groups. The study suggests unique biological pathways contribute to asthma susceptibility across different ethnicities.
Researchers found cold-resistant phenotypes in Alaskan Iñupiat and immune response genes in central Mexican and southeastern US populations. Genetic adaptations varied depending on population history and geography.
A new study by UCSF research suggests that reducing smoking among Medicaid recipients by 1% could lead to significant cost savings, with the median state saving an estimated $25 million. This reduction in smoking prevalence is expected to result in $2.6 billion in total Medicaid savings within a year.
National IVC filter utilization declined by 36.3% in the Medicare population between 2009 and 2015, with varying rates across states. The privately insured population saw a 26.6% decline in IVC filter utilization over the same period.
A Rutgers study found that over 58% of minority gay and bisexual men have HPV infection, with only 18% having received the full dose of the HPV vaccine. The study highlights the need for outreach to at-risk populations as the HPV vaccination uptake is incredibly low in the US.
A new study found that consuming even small amounts of red meat may increase the risk of death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease. The research, part of the Adventist Health Study-2, analyzed over 7,900 individuals and found a significant association between low intake of red and processed meats and higher risks of tota...
A new study finds that Asian Americans outperform white Americans in educational attainment, but face significant barriers to securing professional jobs. Despite being over-credentialed, they are under-represented in senior leadership positions and often excluded from informal power networks.
Two new studies provide insights on how physicians can effectively evaluate patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Researchers developed and evaluated improved measures, including a computer-adaptive survey that saves time and is relevant to individual patients.
The lack of diversity in genomic data from biobanks worldwide, with 68% coming from European ancestry, limits the ability to identify associations between genetic variants and disease. To overcome this, Mount Sinai researchers advocate for increasing ethnic diversity in genomic sampling and research.
A recent study found that coyotes are not limiting white-tailed deer populations in eastern US states. In fact, coyote removal programs will have little impact on increasing regional deer numbers.
A new study of eastern US deer numbers found that coyote predators did not significantly affect deer population sizes. Despite coyotes preying on vulnerable individuals, predation on healthy adults is uncommon and may not impact deer populations at large scales.
Researchers are seeking to recruit 10,000 participants over 60 without Parkinson's for an annual online questionnaire and tests to develop a predictive algorithm. Early detection could lead to treatments that slow or prevent the condition's progression.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that most countries in sub-Saharan Africa are not reducing under-5 mortality rates at a sufficient pace. The authors used demographic data from 31 countries and predicted that only Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Senegal will meet the under-5 mortality target by 2030.
Fracture injuries linked to dog walking have more than doubled in patients 65 and older between 2004 and 2017, with hip and upper extremity breaks being the most common. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering risks for falls in lifestyle recommendations to minimize such injuries.
A preliminary study found that professional soccer players are nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population, with some developing the disease 21 years earlier than expected. The study also suggests that genetics, traumatic events, and heavy physical exercise may play a role in the increased risk.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores from Horseshoe Lake adjacent to Cahokia settlement, finding a correlation between climate shifts and population decline. Climate changes, including decreased summer precipitation and flooding, stressed Cahokia's agricultural system, contributing to its depopulation.
A study analyzing U.S. population data from 2005 to 2015 found that a higher number of primary care physicians is associated with better life expectancy. The total number of primary care physicians increased, but their distribution across counties decreased, particularly in rural areas, leading to lower per capita supplies.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people was associated with a 51.5-day increase in life expectancy during the decade from 2005 to 2015. The researchers also found that an increase of 10 specialists per 100,000 corresponded to only a 19.2-day increase.
A new study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence found that 26% of LGBTQ teenagers use emerging sexual identity labels, highlighting the need for researchers to capture nuanced experiences. The study also notes a divergence in patterns of sexual identification based on ethnicity and gender identity.
Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP stems from concerns about increased risk-taking behavior among users. However, research suggests that PrEP can facilitate healthy sexual behaviors and enhance overall well-being. The authors propose strategies to mitigate biases and promote patient-centered care for PrEP dissemination.
A new study finds that nearly 35% of US rural counties are experiencing protracted and significant population loss, driven by outmigration and declining fertility rates. The researchers also identified 746 depopulating counties, with an average migration loss of 43%, leading to a downward spiral of population decline.
A recent Rutgers University study reveals that South Asian immigrants who travel frequently to countries with widespread tuberculosis may have latent infection without symptoms, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. Approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide, including 13.6 million in the US, have latent TB.
The University of Illinois Chicago will continue its role as the Chicago field center for the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a multi-site study of health issues and risk factors among Hispanic/Latino adults. The new funding will support phase III of the study, which aims to bring back participants for a follow-up exa...
A recent study analyzed the gut microbiomes of ethnically diverse Africans from seven populations, revealing wide ranges of microbiome profiles. The researchers found that while there were differences between industrialized and non-industrialized populations, there were also unexpected similarities between groups.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlights gaps in attitudes, knowledge, and practices towards LGBTQ patients among oncologists. The research identified a need for education and training on LGBTQ-related issues to improve care for this patient population.
A new Ohio State University study found that adhering to heart health guidelines can lower the risk of developing diabetes by 70% over 10 years. Researchers analyzed data from 7,758 participants and discovered that those with normal blood glucose levels who met four or more guideline factors had a significant reduction in diabetes risk.
A state-by-state analysis reveals that melanoma survival rates differ substantially across the US, with states having more practicing physicians and higher percentage of Caucasians experiencing lower survival rates. The study highlights the need for targeted approaches to improve care and reduce deaths associated with melanoma.
Philip Uri Treisman will receive the Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award on January 17, 2019, for his leadership in strengthening math education and promoting equity for historically underserved groups.
Researchers have determined general population quality of life normative data for 15 individual countries, allowing for regional comparisons and valid QLQ-C30 score interpretation. National differences in quality of life scores were found, with respondents from Austria and the Netherlands reporting higher scores.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds that lay provider HIV testing is an effective way to reach people at risk of HIV who have never been tested or test infrequently. The approach resulted in a high ART initiation rate of 91% and higher HIV positivity rates compared to facility-based testing.
A team of researchers discovered that APOL1 risk variants, previously known to affect African and African American populations, are also found at appreciable frequencies in Caribbean and Latin American populations. This finding could help physicians tailor treatment more closely to their needs through precision medicine.
A study of 1,500 women found that cesarean delivery was associated with lower risk of stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Operative vaginal deliveries, such as those using forceps or vacuum-assisted, were linked to higher risk of anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Researchers will assess bone strength and nutrition among men and women in the Boston area to develop interventions for preventing bone loss and fracture risk. The study aims to provide insight into the impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on bone health.
A study by University of Kansas professors finds that most people overestimate the number of US gun owners, with 75% of respondents estimating more than 50% own firearms. This overestimation could influence gun policy attitudes.
Preliminary findings from the Health Effects Institute's Energy Research Committee reveal potential exposure pathways to residents near UOGD operations. The literature review identified associations between UOGD and perinatal effects, asthma, cancer, hospitalizations, and self-reported health symptoms.
The study found that non-US-born healthcare professionals made up a significant proportion of the workforce, with 16.6% not born in the US and 4.6% being noncitizens. Non-US-born professionals were most prevalent in certain fields like medicine, dentistry, and nursing.
Researchers analyzed obsidian samples from various Neanderthal sites and found that common tools originated from specific sources. The study suggests a developed social network between groups of people from different regions during the Upper Paleolithic period.
A national data resource, the Sentinel Initiative, has been instrumental in advancing medical product safety. Partnering with over 200 health system leaders, it uses a distributed network of electronic health data from 18 health plans and hospital systems, covering >100 million people.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
Research found that individuals with diabetes who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced delays in seeking care for symptoms of blood vessel diseases, including cardiac chest pain and transient ischemic attacks. The study suggests that increased out-of-pocket costs lead to changes in healthcare behavior.
A pilot program in rural New Mexico promoted patients' active involvement in their daily care, leading to modest improvements in clinical measures. The intervention also showed significant benefits in mental health quality of life and reduced CKD risk factors.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that four Himalayan populations with different dietary histories have distinct gut microbiome compositions. The findings suggest that changes in human lifestyle can occur within a lifetime and may be driven by dietary factors.
Researchers uncovered unprecedented details about the ancestry of people in Central and South America, revealing a key link between Clovis culture-associated individuals and the oldest inhabitants of Chile, Brazil, and Belize. A continent-wide population replacement began at least 9,000 years ago, reshaping how researchers view Early H...
A study of ancient DNA from 49 individuals in Belize, Brazil, and the Central Andes reveals that most Central and South American ancestry originated from at least three different streams of people entering from North America. The research also detected two previously undocumented genetic exchanges between North and South America.
Ancient Andean populations adapted to high-altitude environment with distinct genetic changes, including a co-evolution between the potato and humans. The study suggests that these adaptations allowed them to thrive in extreme conditions.
A comprehensive study of ancient American genomes suggests a highly complex peopling of the continent, with rapid and uneven expansion of populations. The analysis identifies new genetic groups and reveals adaptations to high-altitude environments in South America.
A study of ancient DNA from Central and South America has revealed two previously unknown genetic exchanges between North and South America, including a continent-wide population turnover. The findings suggest that the Clovis culture had a major demographic impact further south than previously thought.
Researchers uncovered genetic adaptations in ancient Andeans, including cardiovascular modifications and a starch-digesting enzyme variant, allowing them to thrive in the harsh environment. The study suggests that these adaptations enabled highlanders to survive European contact with less population decline than lowlanders.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that orangutans are critically endangered and their numbers have not increased as reported by the Indonesian government. The research highlights the need for a new conservation approach given the ongoing decline of orangutan populations.
The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.
The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.
A study by V. Wendy Setiawan and colleagues found that cancer mortality rates among Latinos in the US increase with each successive generation born in the country. The highest risk was observed among third-generation U.S.-born Latinos, followed by second- and first-generation immigrants.
A nationwide network study has found a small association between early antibiotic exposure and weight gain in young children. The research, published in Pediatrics, suggests that antibiotic use at less than 24 months of age may lead to slightly higher body weight at 5 years of age.
A new center will recruit and train junior scientists to study Alzheimer's disease in Native populations, with a focus on American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander investigators. The center aims to fill knowledge gaps and promote prevention and treatment to reduce health disparities.