Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
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.
Researchers found that LGBT individuals living in smoke-free communities are more likely to want to quit smoking than those in non-smoke-free areas. The study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, also reveals a higher prevalence of smoking among the LGBT population compared to heterosexual adults.
A new study published in Pain found that opioid use among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans is comparable to the general US population. Chronic pain management with opioids was strongly associated with PTSD, major depressive disorder, tobacco use, and rural residence.
A new systematic review confirms that moderate to high levels of caffeine intake (up to 400 mg/day) are not associated with adverse health effects in healthy adults. The review also highlights the need for further research on sensitive populations, such as pregnant women and children.
A study in Berkeley, California found that a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages reduced sales of these drinks by 9.6% while increasing water consumption by 15.6%. The effects of the tax varied by store type, with larger chains passing through the tax more consistently than independent stores.
A recent study validates Venebio's Venebio Opioid Advisor (VOA) tool, which predicts the likelihood of a life-threatening opioid overdose with 90% accuracy. The tool was tested on 18.3 million patients and showed strong predictive performance.
A comprehensive analysis reveals individuals with depression or substance use disorder are at highest risk of serious opioid overdose. The study highlights the importance of a personalized approach to opioid prescribing, considering factors such as mental health disorders, medication interactions, and opioid-specific characteristics.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE analyzed 194 native Latin American maize populations, revealing three distinct geographic groups of maize in Mexico and four groups in South America and the Caribbean. The findings suggest that genetic variation in maize populations may reflect human migration patterns and agricultural development.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that New York counties with trans-fatty acid (TFA) restrictions on eateries experienced a significant decrease in hospitalization rates for heart attacks and strokes compared to counties without restrictions. The study, which included data from 2002 to 2013, suggests that TFA restrictions may ...
New research from Oregon State University finds that Latino populations face unique health challenges due to diverse backgrounds. The study highlights the need for tailored public health messaging and interventions to address health disparities within subgroups.
A comprehensive population assessment of Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong waters reveals a significantly higher number than previously reported. The study used photographic mark-recapture technique to estimate the overall number of dolphins using Hong Kong waters during the study period.
A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.
Saint Louis University researchers identified high-risk areas for Zika transmission in the US, including the Mississippi delta, southern states, and California. The study projected up to 41.7 million people at risk of contracting the virus, with pregnant women being the highest at-risk group.
A special issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine reviews primary care innovation and suggests new models that prioritize population health and cost control. Experts highlight the importance of preserving trusting relationships between patients and primary care physicians to achieve better outcomes.
A large-scale study found that people who lose a partner to suicide are at increased risk for cancer, depression, and mood disorders. The risk persists for five years after the loss.
A UBC study found that in Shanghai, local hukou shapes individual marital choices and is a valuable attribute. Education also plays a role, with migrants more likely to marry into a household with Shanghai hukou if they have a higher education level.
A University of Guelph study suggests that conditions in wintering grounds are key factors affecting songbird population numbers during spring and summer breeding seasons. Warmer wintering grounds improve overall survival, but predictions of climate change may lead to new threats.
The Tsimane people from Bolivia have the lowest levels of vascular ageing, with coronary atherosclerosis five times less common than in the US. Their diet and lifestyle, characterized by hunting, gathering, and farming, may hold the key to preventing heart disease.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that nose size and shape are linked to differences in ancestral temperature and humidity levels. Wider nostrils were correlated with ancestors who lived in warmer climates, suggesting a role for climate in shaping human nasal evolution.
A study found that student veterans struggle with psychological trauma, experiencing sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating. The research highlights the need for supportive services in higher education to integrate student veterans into campus communities.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals that nearly 40% of reproductive-aged women in the US have limited or no nearby access to assisted reproductive technology clinics. This leaves 25 million women without choice and adds to their already stressful experience.
Concentrated poverty in US metropolitan areas is on the rise, with 40% or more of neighborhoods below federal poverty level. The trend is linked to growing residential separation and overall increases in poverty since the early 2000s.
Despite growing numbers of centenarians, Chinese oldest-old population faces poor physical and cognitive function. Research finds decreased mortality rates, but worsening physical and cognitive abilities among the aged.
Nation's top environmental scientists say the EPA should continue to engage with the broad community of scientists to inform policy decisions. The authors call for enhanced research funding and environmental scientific capacity to address key uncertainties and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A study led by UC Riverside's Brandon Brown explores HPV vaccine acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW), finding widespread acceptance despite barriers such as access and stigma. The research aims to inform HPV vaccine implementation globally.
Researchers found that those who adapted to their hearing loss were more likely to sustain their careers, adopting strategies such as communicating via email and redefining success. Those who struggled often became isolated or hidden the loss, leading to decreased job satisfaction.
Cancer mortality rates vary significantly within the growing Hispanic population in the US, with wide variations among major ethnic groups. Key findings include higher mortality rates from stomach and prostate cancer, as well as lower rates for lung and breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A University of Missouri-Columbia professor developed a mandatory medical school curriculum focusing on indigenous health, addressing significant health inequalities among Native Americans. The curriculum was implemented in 2014 and has been recognized as a model for other universities to follow.
Climate change is driving population migration, particularly in Arctic Alaska, where rising temperatures and thawing permafrost pose significant threats. Lawrence Hamilton's research uses annual migration data to shed light on the climate contribution to this phenomenon.
A study by American Cancer Society investigators found that only 3.9% of eligible current and former smokers received lung cancer screening in 2015, down from 4% in 2010. The authors call for education on screening benefits and risks to improve uptake among high-risk populations.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $279 million to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) over the next decade. This investment will enable IHME to provide critical data on global health trends, informing policymakers' decisions and improving population health worldwide.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that diabetes accounts for 12% of deaths in the United States, significantly higher than previously thought. This increase is attributed to the growing prevalence of diabetes, which has risen by nearly 300% since 1980, affecting over 21 million Americans.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests screening patients with a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to identify undiagnosed cases and reduce the economic burden. Screening can be done by primary care providers, who can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation.
Nurse practitioners have surpassed doctors in providing house calls, with over 1.13 million visits in 2013, according to a new study. However, regulations in many states are limiting the profession's growth and increasing demand for in-home care.
A new study by Ohio State University found that the number of US women taking maternity leave has remained unchanged over the past 22 years, with fewer than half receiving paid time off. The research showed a significant increase in fathers' paternity leave, but at much lower rates than women's
Researchers explore how emojis and emoticons aid in cross-cultural communication and provide insights into user personalities. Studies suggest that emoji use can be related to personality traits, such as agreeableness, and may impact social inclusion.
A study analyzing patient safety incidents involving sick children in primary care reveals that medication errors and delayed diagnoses were the leading causes of harm. Researchers identified priority areas for improvement, including safer medication systems and enhanced communication between professionals and parents.
A recent study by Michigan State University finds that US households may struggle to afford water services due to rising rates and aging infrastructure, impacting 11.9% of households currently and potentially tripling to 35.6% in five years.
The Spanish system has made organ donation a routine consideration when a patient dies, with professionals exploring patients' wishes regarding organ donation. The model's success lies in its coordination and organization, making it applicable to other countries with adaptations depending on the healthcare system and factors.
A massive genetic study of humpback whales has confirmed the need to protect unique populations in the Arabian Sea. The study, which analyzed over 3,000 skin samples from individual whales, revealed previously unknown degrees of relatedness between different whale populations.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved health care access and utilization among Latinos, but persistent disparities persist. The study suggests expanding the law to undocumented immigrants could help combat these disparities.
A new NIH-funded study found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity levels directly correlate with their preschoolers' activity levels. The research suggests interventions could focus on helping parents model an active lifestyle for their children to combat obesity. Low-income and ethnic minority families are dispr...
A Drexel University study found that black males are nearly three times as likely to be killed by police action as white males, with Hispanic males one-and-a-half times as likely. The study used national death records and found a significant racial disparity in law enforcement-related deaths.
The study found that large-scale data can be gathered in real time from mobile devices, stored securely, and transferred. State transition patterns of activity, not just absolute activity, relate to the reported presence of disease.
A national assessment by MU researchers found significant gaps in IT sophistication between rural and urban nursing homes. Urban facilities excel in laboratory capabilities for resident registration and medical tests, while rural ones struggle to compete for IT talent.
Research from University of Michigan found that herbicide-resistant morning glory populations self-fertilize more than susceptible ones. This adaptation helps perpetuate resistance genes and blocks the flow of susceptibility genes from other plants. The study highlights unintended consequences of human activities on wild plant species.
The US feral horse population is projected to reach 116,300 by 2025, posing a unique challenge for management solutions that consider ethics and perception,
PharmaMar is conducting a Phase I study to determine the recommended dose of PM1183 in Japanese patients, with secondary objectives including safety profile and antitumor activity evaluation. The study focuses on patients born in Japan or with Japanese ancestry affected by solid tumors.
Researchers at URV develop collaborative filtering model with scalable algorithm for predicting individual preferences and group overlaps. The new approach provides more accurate predictions than existing algorithms by considering individual differences, making it ideal for large datasets.
Research found road salt reduces female frogs by 10%, affecting population viability, while maple leaf litter has no impact. The study suggests a masculinizing effect of sodium in salt on tadpoles, potentially triggering sex reversal during development.
A study investigated infectious disease mortality trends in the US from 1980 to 2014, revealing overall and infectious disease mortality decreased until 1995, then leveled off. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS led to a decline in overall and HIV/AIDS mortality rates.
A study analyzing the genomes of 25 individuals from 1,000 to 6,000 years ago and their descendants found that variants beneficial before European contact became disadvantageous upon arrival. The researchers discovered a significant decline in these alleles, suggesting negative selection may have contributed to population decline.
A new study finds that quitlines are reaching more smokers from diverse racial groups. Quitline users represent only a small percentage of tobacco users in each group, but the service can help reach underserved populations.
A study of 80,000 healthy adults found that moderate drinking was associated with slower declines in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels over time. Moderate drinkers had the slowest decline in HDL levels, with heavy drinking nearly eliminating this benefit.
A survey found that older Americans, those with lower education levels and household incomes, are less likely to receive CPR training. This lack of training can lead to a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as bystanders may not know how to intervene in an emergency situation.
The Penn program trains library staff to address public health needs, including housing, food, employment, and healthcare. Libraries are effective public health partners in underserved populations, says a study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
A randomized trial found that providing pregnant and postpartum women with multiple HIV self-tests increased the likelihood of their male partners being tested for HIV. The study showed a significant increase in partner testing, with 90.8% of partners tested within three months of enrollment, compared to 51.7% in the control group.
The study found that economic and inequality variables significantly impact healthcare workforce production, with more schooling correlating to a better nurse-to-population ratio. Gender inequality is also a significant factor, with nurse/midwife production being more sensitive to broader gender issues than physician production.
A special journal issue explores solutions to chronic health problems, highlighting the importance of behavioral science in addressing health disparities. The issue features 24 scientific papers on leveraging behavioral science to promote healthy behavior change among vulnerable populations.
Elizabeth Belding and her team are working to provide internet access to 13 Native American reservations in the San Diego area with NSF funding. They will use white spaces technology to bring connectivity to remote areas, collecting data on user habits to improve the user experience.