A new analysis reveals that US dialysis patients are at high risk of early death, discontinuation of dialysis, and hospitalization due to excessive opioid use. The study found that more than 20% of dialysis patients received chronic opioid prescriptions, three times the rate in the general Medicare population.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
Self-monitoring of blood pressure at home is associated with a significant reduction in clinic blood pressure, particularly when combined with individually tailored intensive support. The effect was strongest in people on fewer antihypertensive medications and those with higher systolic blood pressure before self-monitoring.
A new study from Penn State found that more educated individuals are early adopters of risky behaviors and set trends for others to follow. However, once informed about the health risks, they quickly adjust their habits, making them potential trendsetters for positive change.
A University of Missouri study found that horses working in therapeutic riding programs exhibit low physiological and behavioral stress responses. The study suggests that these programs can provide a new lease on life for retired or unwanted horses.
A new nationwide study found that people of color were consistently exposed to more air pollution than whites, with a relative gap that persisted across the decade. The study estimated that if non-white populations had breathed lower NO2 levels, it would have prevented an estimated 5,000 premature deaths from heart disease.
A new study in Miami-Dade County, Florida found that time spent outdoors affects Zika virus transmission and spread. Residents who spend more time outdoors are more likely to be infected, while those with high indoor exposure risk infect fewer people but spread the virus faster.
In at least 18 states, academic health centers partner with cooperative extension systems to improve local community health. These collaborations focus on nutrition education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and health and nutrition education for seniors.
Researchers found 60 genetic variants influencing HbA1c measurements and ability to diagnose diabetes. These variants, including one associated with lower HbA1c levels despite high blood glucose, may lead to underdiagnosis of type 2 diabetes in African Americans.
Researchers developed an algorithm to generate contiguous district shapes, balancing population and political affiliation. The tool enables state legislatures to explore options in a transparent and efficient manner, promoting fairness and reducing partisan biases.
A new study finds that life expectancy varies by up to 18 years across King County, Washington, with residents in affluent areas living significantly longer than those in poorer neighborhoods. The study provides detailed estimates of death rates by cause, year, and sex among the county's nearly 400 census tracts.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 210,000 people to find a drop in some genetic mutations linked to Alzheimer's disease and heavy smoking in those who lived longer. Additionally, sets of mutations predisposing people to heart disease and obesity appeared less often in longer-lived individuals.
A new University of Michigan study found that elderly Chinese-Americans who experience racial discrimination are twice as likely to consider suicide. The study, which examined 3,157 Chicago-area Chinese-American adults aged 60 and older, also highlights the impact of age, loneliness, pain, and depression on suicidal thoughts.
Researchers discovered a method to track gypsy moth fungus, understanding its range and predicting damage. The study suggests that understanding the distances these killer spores travel could help scientists correlate the fungus' range with weather patterns.
According to an 18-year analysis, 56% of individuals aged 57-61 are likely to spend time in a nursing home, with high out-of-pocket costs for some. Lifetime spending averages $7,300, but some face expenses over $47,000.
A new US nationally representative study found that romance and affection are the most appealing and common sexual behaviors, contrary to stereotypes. Researchers discovered a wide range of diverse behaviors, with men and women engaging in various romantic and affectionate acts.
A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.
A Drexel University study found that older smokers are 20% more likely to quit when cigarette prices increase by $1. The study also showed a 3% overall reduction in smoking risk and a 7% reduction in risk for heavy smokers. Raising cigarette prices appears to be an effective strategy for encouraging smoking cessation across all ages.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that the attrition rate among general surgery residents was lower than previously thought, with only 8.8% leaving their training programs compared to 20%. The study also identified a significant difference in program directors' attitudes and support for struggling residents between high- a...
Researchers found immigrant detention centers function like jails, with inmates required to wear orange jumpsuits and color-coded by threat level. The centers are often built in remote locations, making it difficult for detainees to communicate with families or access legal assistance.
Researchers genotyped Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in California and found two distinct introductions and populations. The northern population is genetically diverse and likely arose from a separate introduction.
Alcohol use disorder increased in the US population from 65.4% to 72.7%, with significant growth among women, older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower educational levels and family income. High-risk drinking also rose by 29.9% over two decades.
The Cherokee Nation has screened almost half of its population for hepatitis C and is on track to eliminate the virus. The tribe's progress towards elimination is attributed to the development of new antiviral drugs and collaboration with healthcare organizations.
A new meta-analysis reveals that Indigenous Peoples are significantly more likely to contract viral hepatitis due to factors like poverty, injection drug use, and lack of access to healthcare. The study shows disparities in prevalence rates across North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
A growing population of older adults with HIV is being overlooked due to implicit ageism, which contributes to poor mental and physical health outcomes. The combination of stigma, social isolation, and negative expectations about aging can lead to depression, loneliness, and chronic disease.
A study found that green anole lizards in the south developed greater resistance to cold temperatures after a severe winter, similar to their northern counterparts. The population showed significant genetic divergence in response to the extreme weather event.
A team of scientists used whole genome sequencing to identify the cause of a respiratory disease that affected almost 77,000 native Icelandic horses in 2010. The researchers found that the gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus zooepidemicus was the culprit behind the outbreak.
A recent study published in The BMJ found a significant association between e-cigarette use and increased smoking cessation rates among US adult smokers. E-cigarette users were more likely to make a quit attempt and succeed in quitting for at least three months compared to non-users.
The study analyzed three current methods of mixed population capture and found serious quality problems with all three approaches. It suggests continuing 'multi-ticking' in the US and Canada with clearer instructions for respondents as a potential alternative to 'exact combinations' method.
A study published by the University of California - San Diego found that e-cigarette use increased among smokers attempting to quit, leading to a higher overall quitting rate. The study suggests that e-cigarettes play a role as a cessation tool and may have contributed to an increase in smoking cessation rates in the US.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that tai chi significantly reduced the rate of falls by 43% compared to other interventions. Tai chi also showed promise in reducing injurious falls risk, with a 50% reduction over short-term follow-up.
Researchers found that environmental disturbances can cause sudden population collapses, making extinction easier even for large populations. This has implications for predicting and controlling viral epidemics.
Kári Stefánsson to receive William Allan Award for his pioneering work on Icelandic population genetics and its impact on public education about genetics. His research has led to important insights into various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and schizophrenia.
A community-led intervention in Tanzania reduced disrespect and abuse during childbirth by 66%, with notable decreases in physical abuse and neglect. The study suggests that individual behavior change, organizational systems change, and deeper societal transformation are necessary to eliminate disrespect and abuse.
A study of over 40,000 Finnish adults with TBI found a significant link between TBI and dementia in working-age adults. The risk of dementia among TBI survivors remains high even years after the injury, suggesting that TBI may trigger a process leading to dementia.
A new Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that long-term exposure to certain air pollutants increases the risk of premature death among US seniors. The research suggests lowering levels of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone could save up to 12,000 lives annually.
The City Health Dashboard is a nationwide expansion of an innovative health data visualization tool, enabling hundreds of US cities to accurately identify their most pressing health needs. The dashboard provides 26 key measures of health and drivers of health status at the neighborhood level.
A recent study from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth found that over half of opioid prescriptions are written for adults with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The research highlights the concerning trend of vulnerable patients with mental illness being prescribed opioids.
By 2100, climate change could lead to the displacement of 2 billion people worldwide due to rising ocean levels. The study's author, Charles Geisler, warns that coastal climate refugees will face significant barriers to entry when migrating to higher ground.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...
Researchers at TUM have developed a mathematical method to calculate optimally sized voting districts, reducing the need for controversial redistricting processes. The methodology achieves optimal solutions with deviations below 15% from the average size of electoral districts, making it applicable to many countries.
A UCSF-led study found that crowdsourced data may not be representative of certain populations, such as older adults and racial/ethnic minorities. The study suggests that proactive efforts are needed to promote inclusion of underrepresented groups in projects using crowdsourced recruitment and data collection.
A new study predicts population aging will peak before the end of the century in China and Germany, with the US experiencing little aging. Traditional projections underestimate the impact of increasing life expectancy on age structures.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that funding from the US President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) in sub-Saharan African countries was associated with a significant reduction in under-five child mortality. The analysis, which controlled for other factors, showed an average risk reduction of 16% in PMI-funded countries.
A study by GW researcher Raya Elfadel Kheirbek found that centenarians have a lower incidence of chronic illness compared to those in their 80s and 90s. The researchers identified lifestyle factors, such as not smoking or drinking, and discipline as key contributors to this phenomenon.
A national fruit and vegetable subsidy is estimated to avert 150,500 CVD deaths, while a mass media campaign might reduce deaths by 25,800. A tax on sugar sweetened beverages could avert 31,000 CVD deaths, with a combination of these policies potentially saving around 230,000 lives
Scientists have discovered a genetic variant that enables the Mylopotamos Greek population to live long and healthy lives despite consuming an animal-rich diet. The variant, rs145556679, is associated with lower levels of 'bad' natural fats and cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus has identified new genetic markers in sockeye salmon that can help improve management of fish populations. These markers allow researchers to distinguish between different variants of sockeye salmon, enabling precise identification and monitoring of population numbers.
A study by Florida State University researchers found that doubling the population under a tornado's path leads to only a 21% increase in casualties, while a doubling of energy dispersed by the tornado leads to a 33% increase. Stronger storms tend to pass through areas with lower population density, and climate change could impact futu...
The Atlas of the Human Planet 2017 reveals that one out of three people worldwide is exposed to earthquakes, with 414 million living near active volcanoes. Exposure to natural hazards has doubled globally over the past 40 years, primarily due to urbanization and population growth.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists has launched a global anaesthesia workforce map, highlighting huge shortages and disparities in high vs low-income countries. The map shows that only 1 in 100,000 people in some Sub-Saharan African countries have access to trained anaesthesia providers.
A recent study published in JAMA compared the effectiveness of antibiotics with and without MRSA activity for treating cellulitis. The results showed that while certain groups may benefit from these regimens, further research is needed to confirm the findings. The study also highlights limitations in the current trial design.
Research shows that top predators like wolves need continuous territories to effectively control ecosystems. Fragmented wolf populations, such as in North America, are unable to control smaller predators like coyotes.
A nationwide analysis reveals rural areas are falling behind in water efficiency, while urban centers show significant improvements. The study attributes this to lack of resources and political will in rural counties.
A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 65% of parents supported age-based restrictions on indoor tanning for adolescents. Parents who perceived the harms of indoor tanning were more likely to support bans, highlighting the importance of public health efforts to reduce adolescents' use.
Researchers modeled prehistoric human migration using a diffusion equation, accounting for geological data and habitability factors. They found that groups merged in well-localized regions within the subcontinent, with genetic data agreeing with their predictions.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that federally subsidized shrubs and grasses play a crucial role in sage grouse survival in Eastern Washington. Without these lands, the species' habitat would be reduced by two-thirds, putting it at risk of extinction.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers explores the history of sika deer in Dorchester County, Maryland, revealing a complex relationship with native white-tailed deer. The study suggests that sika deer may be outcompeting white-tails for resources, causing ecological concerns and challenging management strategies.
A retrospective household survey found that nearly 3,100 Yazidis were killed, mostly by execution, and 6,800 kidnapped during the ISIS siege on Mount Sinjar. Children accounted for nearly all those who died and were disproportionately affected in captivity.
The number of preschool children with visual impairment is expected to rise by 25% in the US by 2060. The majority of visual impairment will stem from simple uncorrected refractive errors.