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When the world burned less

A new University of Utah-led study suggests that global cooling, rather than population collapse, was the primary driver of reduced wildfires globally. The research analyzed charcoal samples spanning 2,000 years and found a significant decline in fires post-1500 AD, which coincided with the onset of the Little Ice Age.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Holocene·DateJul 29, 2012

Greater availability of neurosurgeons could reduce risk of death from motor vehicle accidents

A study found that higher population density of neurosurgeons in the US is associated with lower mortality rates from motor vehicle accidents, which are often caused by traumatic brain injuries. Rural areas tend to experience more MVA-related deaths due to slower medical response times and reduced access to trauma resources.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 24, 2012

Short-term risk of shingles recurrence low

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 6,000 individuals found a low short-term risk of developing shingles recurrence among those with healthy immune systems. The study's findings suggest that the risk is low regardless of vaccination status.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 5, 2012

Neighborhoods -- not immigrants -- determining factor for homicides

A new study published in The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science found that neighborhood characteristics, such as disadvantage and residential stability, have a significant impact on violent crime rates. Immigrant populations were not linked to higher levels of lethal violence.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 25, 2012

Diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for melena after nondiagnostic upper endoscopy is lower than previously reported

A study found the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for melena after a nondiagnostic upper endoscopy to be 4.8 percent, significantly lower than previously reported. The rate of therapeutic intervention was also very low at 1.7 percent, suggesting that most procedures are diagnostic-only and can be performed on an elective basis.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 17, 2012

Feral pigs exposed to nasty bacteria

A study by North Carolina State University has found that feral pigs in the state are exposed to Brucella suis, a harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people through unsafe butchering and consumption of undercooked meat. The bacteria can also spread in pig populations, causing abortions in affected swine.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateApr 10, 2012

Inheritance -- do we spend it or save it?

A new study suggests that people save only about half of their inherited wealth, with the remaining amount spent, donated, or lost. This decision has significant implications for families, financial markets, and the economy.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateMar 15, 2012

New study shines light on barriers to diabetes care in NYC Bangladeshi community

A new research survey found that the Bangladeshi community in NYC experiences significant barriers to diabetes care, including low English proficiency and limited awareness. The study also showed a high willingness among respondents to participate in community health programs for prevention and care.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 2012

Innovative efforts to reduce colorectal cancer disparities in Alaska Native population

A new study describes innovative efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among Alaska Natives, resulting in a 55% statewide screening rate. The pilot projects included training mid-level providers, itinerant endoscopy services, patient navigator services, and database creation to identify high-risk individuals.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 6, 2012

Selenium supplements could be harmful to people who already have enough selenium in their diet including a large proportion of US population

A new review suggests that taking selenium supplements can increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in people who already have enough selenium in their diet. The study found that a large proportion of the US population has adequate selenium levels, making supplementation potentially harmful.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 28, 2012

More efforts needed to address motor vehicle deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives

A systematic review of literature found a significant disparity in motor vehicle-related deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The study identified multiple risk factors, including rural living, alcohol use, and pedestrian involvement in crashes, but lacking effective interventions to improve pedestrian safety.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiologic Reviews·DateJan 30, 2012

Asthma rates double for WTC first responders

A study published in The American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that WTC first responders suffer from asthma at more than twice the rate of the general U.S. population, with rates doubling between 2002 and 2005. Researchers tracked 20,834 responders who received medical screenings from 2002 to 2007, comparing their results to US...

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateDec 2, 2011

Health gap has grown among young US adults, study finds

Research reveals a growing health disparity among US young adults born since 1980, peaking at middle age before declining in old age. The study attributes the widening gap to factors like income inequality, obesity crisis, and digital divide, which are expected to worsen as younger generations replace older cohorts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 1, 2011