Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Men released from prison are more than twice as likely to die prematurely compared to those who have not been incarcerated. The 'mortality penalty' of incarceration includes increased exposure to diseases like TB and HIV, prolonged stress, and disruptions in social bonds.
A new study has found that the human hand microbiome varies depending on location and lifestyle. The research compared microbes from women in the US and Tanzania, revealing different dominant bacterial species associated with environment, soil, and indoor lifestyles.
Research indicates that coyote predation on fawns in the East may not be significant enough to cause deer population decline, especially with reduced doe harvests. In contrast, extremely low doe survival rates combined with high fawn mortality support stabilization of Eastern deer populations.
A new study by University of South Carolina anthropologist Sharon DeWitte provides insights into how the plague shaped population demographics and health for generations. The findings suggest that survivors of the Black Death experienced improvements in health and longevity, with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of aging, corresponding to future mortality, disability, and cognitive decline. The researchers analyzed data from over 50 studies worldwide, revealing significant differences in aging rates among various population groups.
Researchers found significant increases in type 1 and 2 diabetes among US youth, with a 21% rise in type 1 diabetes and a 30.5% increase in type 2 diabetes between 2001 and 2009. The prevalence of both types increased across all racial/ethnic groups and age groups.
At least 1 in 20 adult outpatients is misdiagnosed every year, affecting 12 million people nationwide. Half of these errors could be potentially harmful, according to research published in BMJ Quality & Safety.
A study by Michigan State University criminologists highlights the challenges faced by black women on probation and parole in poor urban areas. They find that social isolation and limited access to resources hinder these women's ability to stay clean, sober, and stable.
A study published in Psychological Science found that increased diversity leads to a wider partisan divide among White Americans, with more support for conservative policies. The research suggests that this shift is driven by a perceived threat to their social status, rather than the actual changes in demographics.
Research by Dr Derrick Bennett shows that deaths from ischaemic stroke due to tobacco use in China, India, and Russia are higher than the world's other countries combined. Tobacco control policies can play a crucial role in preventing IS deaths.
A BUSM study found that expanding health insurance coverage in Massachusetts did not reduce 30-day readmission rates, particularly among African-American and Hispanic populations. The researchers suggest that states need to go beyond expanding insurance coverage to address disparities in access to care.
A recent study by IHME found that a small number of US counties are driving declines in smoking rates, with some seeing significant drops over the past decade. These counties tend to have more progressive tobacco control policies and programs.
The study found that approximately 2.5 million Americans are living with an artificial hip and 4.7 million with a knee replacement, highlighting the need for ongoing patient care. The prevalence of total hip and knee replacements among adults aged 50 and older is as high as 2.3% and 4.6%, respectively.
The study found that despite equal prevalence of hypertension among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, diagnosis rates are significantly lower, particularly among uninsured individuals. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to diagnostic and treatment services to address this disparity.
A study found that postoperative 'doctor shopping' is associated with longer narcotic use and more prescriptions among orthopaedic trauma patients. The researchers discovered a strong link between preoperative narcotic use and increased doctor shopping behavior.
In a study of 31 cougars, 62% of mortalities were attributed to human influences, including collisions and snaring. Human interactions with cougars are a growing concern for conservationists as the species recolonizes their historic habitats.
The National Institutes of Health's largest and most comprehensive study on Hispanic and Latino health has outlined key findings, including diverse risk factors for disease across different ancestry groups. The study also highlights areas where Hispanics and Latinos live longer than the general population.
For-profit hospices tend to provide fewer community benefits, serve more patients with longer stays, and exceed Medicare's cap on length of stay. In contrast, nonprofit hospices are more likely to partner with oncology centers and address disparities in hospice use.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a strong indicator of mortality hazard, surpassing traditional measures like Body Mass Index (BMI). The research analyzed data from over 7,000 adults and showed that ABSI was closely linked to increased death rates.
Research on Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease reveals that human selection can accelerate the evolution of cancerous cells. The study found that tumours from devils subjected to disease suppression trials showed accelerated temporal evolution of tetraploidy, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.
A study found that 65% of Americans are aware of online physician ratings, but only 21% use them to choose a doctor. The findings suggest that online ratings can be an important factor in selecting a physician, despite lower awareness compared to other products and services.
A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.
A study of nearly 100,000 kidney donors found a small increased lifetime risk of developing end-stage renal disease following donation compared to healthy nondonors. The estimated cumulative incidence of ESRD at 15 years after donation was higher in donors than healthy nondonors, with blacks having the highest absolute risk.
A Michigan State University scholar found that Latino and black candidates won as often as their white counterparts when running for office. The study suggests that parties should recruit more minority candidates to address the lack of representation in elected offices
A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.
A new study explores contributors to excess infant mortality in the US South, finding prematurity and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death as top causes. The research also highlights racial disparities in infant mortality rates, with non-Hispanic black births facing higher mortality rates in certain states.
A large-scale US study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis have a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population. The median lifespan of MS patients was found to be 6 years less than that of non-MS individuals, with annual mortality rates being significantly higher.
A team of researchers at University of Illinois used DNA analysis to clarify the details of the Battle of Raphia, a historic battle between Asian and African elephants. The study found that the Eritrean elephants were actually savanna elephants with low genetic diversity, which is expected for such a small population.
The West African lion is facing extinction, with only an estimated 250 adult lions remaining due to habitat loss and human-lion conflict. Conservation efforts are urgent as losing this unique population would result in the loss of a locally adapted species found nowhere else.
A Yale study estimates that 8 million lives have been saved in the US as a result of anti-smoking measures introduced 50 years ago. The study found that these efforts have significantly reshaped public attitudes and behaviors concerning cigarettes, resulting in an estimated 157 million years of life being saved.
The Population Council is developing a non-antiretroviral HIV microbicide to prevent HIV and other STIs, particularly for women in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to create safe, effective, and acceptable products with the potential to deliver an additional prevention option globally.
A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.
A new study found that slowing down meal pace can lead to reduced hunger and calories consumed in normal-weight individuals. However, the effect was less pronounced in overweight or obese subjects, who may have eaten less due to self-consciousness. Both groups experienced lower hunger levels after slower-paced meals.
Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes, found to be more common in Latin Americans than other populations. The variant, SLC16A11, is associated with a 25% increased risk of diabetes and is linked to Neanderthal ancestry.
Significant declines in European corn borer populations suggest that expensive, insecticidal toxin-resistant corn hybrids are not needed. Non-Bt hybrid seeds can be a more cost-effective option for growers to reduce potential losses.
A new study finds that Irish immigrants to England suffered from physical and sexual abuse as children, contributing to their poor health. Research suggests a model of understanding immigration patterns accounting for childhood trauma's impact on future health.
The Bagrada bug, an invasive stink bug, can be managed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM strategies include understanding the bug's biology and host range to develop effective control methods. Farmers and growers can benefit from downloading this free, open-access article for guidance on managing this invasive pest.
The WorldPop website provides open access to global demographic data, helping charities, policy-makers, and researchers tackle challenges like poverty and public health. The project combines country-specific data with satellite imagery to create detailed population distribution maps.
A study by the University of Liverpool found that red squirrel populations along the Sefton coastline are recovering from a serious outbreak of squirrelpox in 2008. Researchers have identified a few surviving squirrels with antibodies to the virus, suggesting some resistance to the disease.
A Web First article by Health Affairs explores Shanghai's cutting-edge health care reforms and their successes and challenges. The study also reveals that the United States has the most complex insurance system among eleven countries surveyed, making it difficult for citizens to access care due to cost and time-consuming complexities.
A study found that increasing insured patients in Massachusetts did not lead to higher ICU utilization. The research suggests that better, earlier care may reduce ICU admissions and mortality rates. Policymakers should focus on improving resource efficiency rather than exacerbating critical care costs.
A study by Pradeep K. Chintagunta of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that gender, income, race, and age are key indicators of a movie's box office performance in individual markets. The study suggests that studios should adjust their advertising strategies based on these demographics.
A 24,000-year-old Siberian individual's genome shows close affinity to modern Native Americans and west Eurasians, contradicting the traditional East Asian origin story. This finding indicates two distinct Old World populations contributed to the formation of the First American gene pool.
A study found that rural, poorer counties in the US have lower CPR training rates, particularly among communities of color. The disparity is attributed to geographic, population, and healthcare characteristics. Researchers call for targeted training programs to narrow existing gaps.
Rates of aortic valve replacement (AVR) for elderly Medicare beneficiaries rose between 1999 and 2011, alongside declining mortality rates. AVR outcomes also showed significant improvement across all age groups, including among patients 75 years or older.
The American Journal of Public Health special issue examines the complexities of including minority populations in research, discussing topics such as recruitment, community engagement, and training. Guest editors aim to shift the approach towards a more inclusive and protective research enterprise.
The Population Council has been awarded a flagship project by USAID to generate evidence for strengthening family planning and reproductive health services. The EVIDENCE project will address critical challenges in scaling up quality programs, including financing, contraceptive access, and social norms.
A study found that single homeless women and men visit emergency departments an average of over twice a year, significantly more than the general population. Homeless individuals also have higher doctor's appointments and hospitalization rates, highlighting the need for improved healthcare management and affordable housing.
Researchers challenge prevailing argument that farm movement led to US malaria decline in the 1930s. Instead, targeted public health interventions and infrastructure development played a crucial role. The study's findings have significant implications for eradicating malaria in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The Quality Health Services for Haiti (SSQH) North project aims to increase the use and quality of primary care services in rural areas. URC will support the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population with quality improvement and results-based financing approaches.
A new federal regulation aims to increase minority voices in research by addressing historical abuses and lack of representation. Greater community consultation and increased minority representation on Institutional Review Boards are also recommended.
A new survey reveals that older Americans are working longer, with 82% of those age 50+ likely to continue working in retirement. The Great Recession has led to a shift in retirement plans, with many now planning to retire later than expected and favoring solutions to ensure Social Security's long-term health.
A Baylor University study found that older consumers purchase hybrid cars for social values, pride, and prestige, rather than environmental concerns. This knowledge can help marketers, as senior citizens are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly products.
A Rutgers University study finds that the number of children in immigrant families is not the primary reason for child poverty in the US. Instead, local labor market conditions and parental education are major contributors. The study suggests that media coverage on immigration's impact on child poverty overstates the issue.
Research suggests that as few as 20 Asian carp could establish a population in the Great Lakes, posing significant threats to native fish species and the ecosystem. The invasive fish's rapid growth rate and size advantage over native species make it a formidable competitor for food and space.
A study projects how climate change affects West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes across the southern US, with changes varying by region. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions may lead to longer mosquito seasons but smaller summer populations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that African Americans with lower incomes have lower rates of living kidney donation compared to White Americans. However, among high-income African Americans, they actually have higher rates of donation. The findings highlight the importance of targeting soci...
A study by University of Cincinnati researcher Ivan Dinev found that nations with closer ties to NATO are more likely to adopt smart defense strategies, including reducing military personnel and equipment. This approach is economically rational, especially for countries with limited budgets.
Researchers found significant regional differences in the relationship between population and air pollution, particularly in Europe and India. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations more than doubled when cities increased in population from 1 million to 10 million people.
A new study reports that ischemic stroke rates among Mexican Americans have declined over the past decade, while still being significantly higher than those of non-Hispanic Whites. The study found that this disparity has not changed, with Mexican Americans accounting for 34% of all stroke cases.