Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A national 10% tax on SSBs in Mexico may prevent 189,300 new cases of type 2 diabetes, 20,400 incident strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults aged 35-94 over 10 years. The tax could save 983 million international dollars in healthcare costs due to prevention of diabetes cases.
A new study suggests that Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' is rooted in biology and warns of the consequences of unchecked population growth. Researchers found that a growing population of creatures could drive humans to extinction within 4,000 years.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that integrated neighborhoods, where black, white, Asian, and Hispanic residents coexist, are becoming more common in the US. This trend is seen in both diverse and less diverse metropolitan centers, with global neighborhoods emerging as a result of Hispanic and Asian immigration.
A study found that elderly Chinese immigrants in the US feel at home due to favorable social policies like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as affordable cost of living. However, language barriers continue to be a significant issue, with many unable to speak fluent English and relying on family members for translation.
A genome-wide association study has identified two regions of the genome associated with ulcerative colitis only in people of African descent. The study found unique, African-specific loci and overlapping genome-wide associations for ulcerative colitis and IBD in African-Americans and other populations.
Scientists have created a genetic catalog of the African diaspora in the Americas, revealing why certain diseases hit those with African ancestry harder. The study found changes in DNA that put Africans at higher risk for diseases, and highlights the importance of understanding population histories to tailor clinical care.
Researchers propose a national systems-thinking approach to population health, considering how components interact and optimizing the design of the system. This approach aims to share metrics across federal, state, and local levels, improving quality and quantity of life.
A modeling study suggests that supplementary vaccination campaigns triggered by measles outbreaks could prevent 28,613 cases over 15 years in high-incidence settings. Vaccination campaigns prompted by serological surveys could prevent more cases, but would need to occur annually in high-incidence settings.
A recent study found that over 67% of participants had at least one persistent pollutant at high concentrations, with 13% having 10 or more at high levels. The study also revealed a significant correlation between POP exposure and socioeconomic factors, such as race and body mass index.
A major new study aims to uncover the secrets of ALS through research in Latin America, examining if mixed ancestry has a protective effect on developing the disease. The project will establish registers of incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for ALS in Cuba, Chile, and Uruguay.
The new data sheet explores population trends in Europe, highlighting the impact of aging, migration, and pension systems. Eastern European countries show the fastest rate of population aging, while standard indicators suggest a slower rate.
Researchers conducted focus groups with Special Operations personnel and found that female soldiers' experiences refute stereotypes about women's ability to serve in combat units. The study suggests that the military needs to shift its mindset and train soldiers to address underlying assumptions of male soldiers.
A new study predicts that heart failure will more than double by 2040 and triple by 2060, with the majority of patients being elderly individuals. The study, which analyzed data from 5706 randomly selected elderly participants, found that the prevalence of heart failure increases with age and is higher in men than women.
The world population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, with significant regional differences, including Africa's population doubling and Europe experiencing declines. The population of the United States is expected to rise by 23 percent to 398 million.
Researchers developed and validated a prediction model to determine sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in adults without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study identified 12 independent risk markers that outperformed existing risk equations, providing a strong step toward distinguishing SCD risk across the general population.
A new study suggests that the US prison population continues to rise despite a decline in crime rates, due to judges dealing with more repeat offenders with extensive criminal records. The average offender now has nearly twice as many prior felonies as they did in 1981.
A recent study found that over three-quarters of patients were exposed to at least one non-opiate drug associated with increased fracture risk before their fracture. The researchers suggest that better management of these high-risk drugs may help prevent secondary fragility fractures in the elderly population.
A study sent twice-weekly text messages to 1 million people in India advising them to exercise, eat less fat, and eat more fruits and vegetables, resulting in a 40% improvement in health behaviors. The intervention increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced fat consumption.
Research reveals that single people value meaningful work and are more connected to family, friends, and coworkers. Longitudinal studies show single individuals experience heightened self-determination and continued personal growth.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found significant racial disparities in knee replacement surgery, with minorities having lower rates of TKR utilization but higher rates of adverse health outcomes. The study also revealed that black, Native American, and mixed-race individuals faced significantly higher risk f...
Researchers analyzed carbon-dated artifacts at archaeological sites to conclude that a population boom and scarce food led to early farming in eastern North America around 5,000 years ago. This transition enabled large numbers of people to live in one place, ultimately setting the stage for civilization.
Brazil performs more liver transplant surgeries than Latin America and globally ranks third in absolute terms. However, the country's increasing population and inadequate donor organ supply lead to only 5-10 liver transplants per million population annually.
The ORNL-led study develops a new method to pinpoint electrical service areas most vulnerable to climate change and predicted population growth, identifying substations at the neighborhood level. The analysis helps decision makers prepare resources needed for population movement in response to extreme weather events.
A study found that caregiver assistance increased among home-dwelling older adults with functional disabilities, from 42% in 1998 to 50% in 2012. The greatest increase was among those with fewer impairments, suggesting a shift towards community-based care.
The study found that freestanding EDs are concentrated in areas with higher incomes, private insurance rates, and hospital ED presence. This suggests that they may not be expanding access to underserved populations as initially thought.
A new study by CDC finds that individuals with epilepsy have a 22% higher suicide rate compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System and found that 17 out of 100,000 people with epilepsy died from suicide each year.
Researchers from UEA's School of Biological Sciences found that female birds are choosing busier breeding locations with more abundant males, leading to skewed sex ratios in small populations. These findings suggest that conservation efforts should focus on maintaining large populations with equal sex ratios.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that Mexico's nonessential food tax led to a significant decline in energy-dense food purchases, primarily among low and medium SES households. The study showed a 5.1% decline in taxed food sales beyond pre-tax trends, with lower SES households experiencing an even greater reduction of 10.2%.
A team of UNC School of Medicine researchers played a critical role in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for functional GI disorders. The Rome IV publication updates the diagnostic tools available to clinicians, incorporating research on symptoms and patient experiences. These changes improve treatment options for millions of...
A study found that genetically raised CRP levels are linked to a reduced risk of schizophrenia. The researchers also discovered associations between elevated CRP and increased risks for arthritis, bipolar disorder, and high blood pressure.
A new study by the Dartmouth Institute found that Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are making modest gains in reducing high-cost care settings. For patients with multiple conditions, ACOs saved an estimated $136 per patient annually, while clinically vulnerable patients saw savings of $456 per year.
A recent study by University of Illinois ecologists found that garlic mustard populations become less aggressive and produce less sinigrin over time. This is due to a fitness cost associated with producing the chemical, which allows native plants to recover and compete more effectively.
A new study published in Diabetologia shows that significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and diabetes risk. Achieving four or more of the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health components resulted in lower rates of incident diabetes, with 34% and 75% reduction...
A clinical trial found that smokers who received pictorial warnings on their cigarette packs were more likely to try to quit during the four-week trial. Researchers also discovered that 5.7% of smokers in the pictorial warning group had quit smoking for at least a week by the end of the trial.
A NIH-funded study found that blacks between 45-54 die of strokes at a rate three times greater than whites due to higher incidence, not worse outcomes. Improved stroke prevention measures, such as controlling hypertension and diabetes, are crucial in reducing racial disparities.
A study of mitochondrial genomes from the Huaca Pucllana site in Lima, Peru, found minimal genetic shift, indicating continuity of population over time. The Wari Empire's influence may have been exerted through cultural diffusion rather than population replacement.
Researchers developed a model to estimate absolute breast cancer risk, finding that up to 28.9% of breast cancers could be prevented by reducing modifiable risk factors in white US women. The study included 92 genetic susceptibility variants and various epidemiologic factors.
The NIH has partnered with EPA to fund five new research centers studying environmental health disparities, including air and water pollution, housing conditions, and diet. The centers will work with community organizations to develop culturally appropriate strategies to reduce exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
A new study found that Canadian military personnel have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to civilians. However, they are also more likely to access mental health support.
Statisticians at the University of Washington have developed a probabilistic model that incorporates global migration patterns to project populations worldwide. The study challenges existing predictions for countries like Germany and the US, predicting a larger population in Germany if immigration continues and a 10% chance of exceedin...
Researchers urge governments to share more information about migration to track people moving between countries. Governments need to prioritize sharing data, training programs, and modeling to make better public policy decisions.
The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the US is projected to double in the next 35 years due to an aging population. Minority groups, particularly African Americans, are at a higher risk, with Hispanic individuals experiencing a significant increase in blind rates.
Research highlights a critical need to address rising opioid-related ICU admissions and deaths, with a near doubling since 2009. The study's findings emphasize the strain on ICUs and the need for increased training and resources for clinicians to manage addiction.
A recent study found that large reductions in the prison population do not compromise public safety, as demonstrated by California's Realignment Act. By shifting responsibility for certain groups of offenders to local jurisdictions, realignment reduced the total prison population by 27,527 inmates and saved $453 million.
Researchers found that 5-year survival for older lung cancer patients is favorable, with median survival at 6.7 years, and long-term patient outcomes including reduced hospital readmission rates and reinterventions.
Outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions were estimated to be 30% inappropriate in the US, with an annual impact of 34 million unnecessary prescriptions. A 15% reduction in overall antibiotic use is necessary to meet the White House National Action Plan goal by 2020.
The study found that Latinos diagnosed with bilateral AMD and large drusen had a substantially lower health-related quality of life compared to those with single-eye lesions. The research also indicates an earlier decline in quality of life due to early-stage AMD, highlighting the need for earlier stage interventions.
A study published in Journal of Public Health Management and Practice found that veterans are more likely to report delays in seeking necessary healthcare compared to the US general population. The study suggests that access problems within the VA system may be creating disparities in care for this vulnerable population.
A new Cornell University study reveals that monarch butterflies' population decline is driven by a lack of autumnal nectar sources, weather, and habitat fragmentation. Despite initial population bounce-backs, the scientists found consistent declines at Mexico's overwintering sites, which are six times larger than two years ago.
A Baylor University study found that nearly nine in ten Americans have relied on healing prayer at some point in their lives, with more than a quarter practicing 'laying on of hands'. The study also suggests that prayer may be a widely used form of treatment for medical problems.
The study suggests that population approaches requiring less individual agency, such as reducing salt in processed food, may be more effective and equitable in addressing diet-related obesity. These interventions can benefit a larger population without relying on individuals' personal and psychological resources.
A recent study published in Science Advances found a striking absence of pre-Columbian genetic lineages in modern Indigenous Americans, suggesting extinction with the arrival of Europeans. The research reconstructed ancient DNA from 92 pre-Columbian mummies and skeletons, revealing a separation that appeared as early as 9000 years ago.
A new US report assesses the massive burden of chronic kidney disease on Medicare, revealing staggering statistics and expensive treatment options. The report aims to inform national healthcare policy and improve care for patients with kidney disease.
A $1.6 million NIH-funded study aims to enhance disability and outcomes research for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population. Researchers developed a new PROMIS profile in American Sign Language to gather data from a nationwide sample of 650 participants.
The Eastern migratory monarch population declined by 84 percent from 1996-1997 to 2014-2015. Increasing the average population size is crucial to providing a buffer against extinction. Reaching six hectares of occupied area in Mexico by 2020 could reduce the quasi-extinction risk over 20 years.
Research predicts increased suitability for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in southern and eastern US cities, leading to potential Zika outbreaks. Warm weather conditions facilitate mosquito populations, especially in April, June, July, August, and September.
Researchers estimate potential Zika virus risk in 50 US cities due to warm weather and travel patterns. Cities with favorable mosquito conditions, such as southern Florida and impoverished areas in Texas, may be particularly vulnerable to local transmission.
A critical review of over 100 studies on pain experience among Hispanic Americans reveals lower rates of chronic pain, but also greater pain sensitivity and less tolerance compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights gaps in current research and calls for further investigation into the role of cultural factors and acculturation.
A new study forecasts that a 6-foot sea level rise will expose over 13 million American homes to flooding and other hazards, with Florida facing the greatest risk. The research provides policymakers with detailed information to develop practical adaptation strategies for protecting land threatened by frequent and repeated inundation.
A new study found that Hispanic women who identify as White have better functional health and lower rates of poverty compared to those who identify as Black or other races. U.S.-born Hispanic women who identify as Black have a higher rate of functional limitations, with over 25% living below the poverty line.