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Wringing water from the air

Scientists are working on technologies to collect water from the air, which could help alleviate global water shortages. Researchers have developed various approaches, including fog-harvesting systems and liquid desiccants, that can reduce costs and scale up production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 17, 2018

Study finds gene variant predisposes people to both Type 2 diabetes and low body weight

A study found that a gene variant commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes may also increase the risk of being lean, contradicting common assumptions about obesity and diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,000 Hispanic Latinos and used complex modeling to estimate the odds of developing Type 2 diabetes across time.

Study documents poor mental and physical health in rural borderland community members

A study on inequalities and health among foreign-born Latinos in rural borderland communities found that population is vulnerable to high stress negatively impacting mental and physical health. Historical factors such as oppression of farm labor and current practices like racial profiling contribute to low social status, employment ins...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 20, 2018

New research finds annual well visit increases likelihood of preventive services

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that annual wellness visits significantly increase the delivery of preventive services among the elderly population. The research revealed that participants with an AWV were more likely to undergo screenings for prostate cancer, influenza vaccine, and other recommended services.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateSep 20, 2018

Deaths from resident-to-resident incidents in dementia offers insights to inform policy

A new study analyzes fatalities among people with dementia in long-term care homes, revealing that nearly half of deaths were caused by physical contact. The study also found that evenings and weekends are the most vulnerable times for incidents to occur, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent these events.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Elder Abuse & Neglect·DateAug 14, 2018

Immigrants use little health care, subsidize care of non-immigrants: Harvard/Tufts study

A new study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts University finds that immigrants use significantly less health care than US-born individuals, with lower rates of utilization and expenditures. Immigrants also pay more out-of-pocket health care payments, effectively subsidizing private insurance and some public programs like Medicare.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateAug 8, 2018

Asian-Americans face barriers to healthy aging

A Rutgers study explores the wellbeing of aging Asian-Americans, finding that social activity, family connections, and cultural values are essential to improving health and lowering depression. The research challenges the 'model minority myth' and highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGerontology and Geriatric Medicine·DateJul 18, 2018

New species may arise from rapid mitochondrial evolution

A recent study sequenced the genome of a Pacific tidepool crustacean and found that mitochondrial genes differ widely between populations. Hybrid offspring suffer from lowered fitness due to incompatibility. The research suggests that rapid mitochondrial evolution may be an early stage of one species becoming multiple species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 12, 2018

African-Americans still disproportionately affected by HIV

Despite recent drops in HIV diagnoses across all US populations, African-Americans continue to be overrepresented among those diagnosed with HIV. The disparity has worsened, with Black males being 8.4 times more likely to be diagnosed than whites.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 5, 2018

Numbers about inequality don't speak for themselves

Researchers propose strategies to discuss racial disparities, including providing context and emphasizing policies in shaping inequalities. Studies show that simply presenting numbers can cause people to support punitive policies, while offering context and information on history and policy change can reduce disparities.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 29, 2018

World's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty shows promise for successful treatment of tracheobronchomalacia

A new study presents the world's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that expands treatment options for patients with tracheobronchomalacia. The results show significant improvement in pulmonary function tests and patient satisfaction, with low morbidity and mortality rates.

First-of-its-kind study associates obesity with poorer stroke outcomes in non-white patients

A recent study found that obesity contributes to poorer outcomes in non-white patients who have hemorrhagic strokes, with African-Americans being particularly vulnerable. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address nutritional needs and reduce the burden of obesity on recovery following stroke.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateApr 26, 2018