Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Marriages between black and white populations have continued to increase, outpacing unions between whites and other ethnic groups. The study reveals that highly educated blacks and whites are more likely to intermarry, indicating a blurring of racial boundaries.
Homeless seniors in Boston experience high rates of functional decline, falls, frailty, and depression compared to the general population. Many conditions are easily treatable if detected, suggesting early screening is crucial for clinicians caring for homeless adults.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical students' unconscious biases towards race and social class do not directly affect their treatment decisions. Despite this, the researchers argue that training and experience may be reinforcing negative stereotypes, highlighting the need for interventions to address racial bias in hea...
Researchers developed a typology to guide cost-effectiveness analysis of cervical cancer screening and vaccination strategies. They found that targeting racial subgroups with greater inequalities improved health outcomes, reduced cancer incidence, and was more effective and less costly than current methods.
A study published in The Lancet found that World Trade Center-exposed New York City male firefighters are 19% more likely to have cancer compared to their non-exposed colleagues, as well as a comparable sample of the general population. The study analyzed data from 9853 male firefighters and found increased cancer incidence rates in WT...
A study using mobile phone positioning data tracks population movements after disasters, providing more accurate estimates than ad hoc methods. The method can be used for close to real-time monitoring of population movements during outbreaks, leading to better allocation of relief supplies.
Researchers found a marked decline in Atlantic salmon populations in Spanish rivers, particularly in Asturias, due to increased fishing effort and higher temperatures. The study suggests that conservation measures should be implemented to protect these populations, which are experiencing cyclic fluctuations.
Research finds that active participation in civic groups and organizations is declining at a rate greater than the increase in checkbook memberships. This shift towards passive participation may be due to changes in community design, longer commutes, and increased television time, posing potential threats to democracy.
A new population model explains Atlantic herring population trends driven by haddock egg predation. The study suggests that when haddock populations are high, conservative fishing efforts can trigger severe declines in herring populations due to predation on eggs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that the shape of jaw bones in human populations is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The study used archaeological jaw bones from two different regions to determine how much of the mandible's shape is plastic, a response to diet, and how much is genetic.
A study by UCLA researchers found significant disparities in healthcare spending between Latinos and whites, with Latinos paying out-of-pocket more often. The gap narrows over time for naturalized citizens but remains constant for non-citizens.
The Gerontological Society of America recommends including ethnically diverse populations in aging research. Minority participants are key to developing recruitment and retention methods that address unique cultural and sociopolitical challenges.
Researchers found that stress testing with MPI was unnecessary for most patients undergoing pre-operative workup for bariatric surgery. The incidence of abnormal findings on MPI was only 5%, and perioperative cardiovascular events were extremely low despite high risk factors for coronary artery disease.
A study of 40 fast-food and sit-down restaurants found that overall stated calories were accurate, but individual foods had significant inaccuracies. Foods with lower calorie contents were often understated, while those with higher calorie contents were overstated.
Houston's population growth was the highest in the US, with a whopping 1.2 million new residents added over the past decade, outpacing New York and Chicago combined. The city's growth can be attributed to its proximity to Latin America, business-friendly policies, low cost of living, and significant job growth.
Research shows significantly higher osteoarthritis (OA) incidence rates among US military personnel compared to the general population, with differences increasing with advancing age category. Black service members have higher OA rates than white military personnel or those in other racial categories.
A recent study conducted at Loma Linda University found that black members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have a significantly better quality of life compared to the average American. They reported lower rates of smoking, drinking, and meat consumption, as well as higher rates of vegetarianism and water consumption.
A Stanford study reveals that tobacco companies increase advertising and lower sale prices of menthol cigarettes in neighborhoods near California high schools with larger populations of African-American students. This 'predatory' marketing pattern aims to lure young African Americans into becoming smokers.
A University of Exeter team monitored loggerhead turtles in the US Atlantic Ocean, finding they rarely leave the USA or continental shelf. The study highlights the value of satellite tracking for predicting migrations and directing conservation efforts.
African-Americans have a genetic predisposition to convert dietary PUFAs to inflammatory messengers, increasing risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research highlights the importance of personalized nutrition, emphasizing that nutrients may be healthy or harmful depending on individual ancestry.
A study found that areas with higher levels of primary care physicians had modestly lower death rates and fewer preventable hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries. Beneficiaries in high-primary-care-physician areas had 6% lower ACSC hospitalization rates compared to low-primary-care-physician areas.
A new study found that Southern European groups can attribute up to 3% of their genetic signature to African ancestry, with mixing dating back 1,600 years. Middle Eastern groups have inherited 4-15% African ancestry, and Jewish populations 3-5%.
A 440-year-old document reveals that the Andean population in Peru bounced back briefly after initial Spanish invasion but declined due to repeated disasters, rigid administration and epidemic disease. The census data challenges long-held assumptions about indigenous population decline in the Americas.
Researchers found that heart-related hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries decreased from 1998 to 2008, with coronary artery disease and heart attack seeing significant declines. However, cardiac arrhythmia hospitalizations increased, while chronic bronchitis hospitalizations rose.
Researchers found that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is linked to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, as well as a connection to food poisoning. The study suggests that military personnel are at a higher risk for developing IBS due to their increased exposure to gastroenteritis.
Approximately 14% of all strokes occur during sleep, preventing patients from receiving timely clot-busting treatment. Researchers estimate that around 58,000 people in the US go to the emergency department with a wake-up stroke each year.
A comprehensive study of 55,000 children in South Korea found that over two-thirds of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases were unrecognized and untreated. The research suggests that autism prevalence may be higher than previously thought, particularly in non-clinical populations.
Researchers found that current prevention and screening standards are worth the cost and may need expansion to include more of the population. Screening followed by treatment with a low-cost, high-resistance nucleoside or nucleotide is cost-effective at $29,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, many US adults are not meeting adequate calcium intake levels. The study found that median dietary calcium intake was lower in older age groups and that energy intake declined with aging.
The updated studies will provide long-term projections and help researchers identify new trends using 2010 census data. This living resource will be available online and continuously updated to inform policymakers.
A new study published by NCI and CDC found a significant shift in the distribution of cancers in the HIV/AIDS population. Cases of AIDS-defining cancers decreased threefold between 1991-95 and 2001-05, while cases of other cancers increased tripled during the same period.
Researchers studied three species of shootingstars to understand their response to global warming. They found that some species migrated while others adapted in place, with rare species exhibiting distinct genetic histories. This study provides valuable clues for predicting how plants will respond to climate change.
A UK policy aims to assess drug value using factors beyond clinical and cost effectiveness, including therapeutic innovation and societal benefits. The proposed 'value-based pricing' policy could change the way drugs are offered through Britain's National Health Service.
Researchers found that death rates within 30 days of initial hospitalization dropped by half, and one-year mortality fell by 20.6%, among U.S. veterans age 80 or older hospitalized for heart failure from 1999 to 2008. Improved outcomes were seen in the 90+ age group, where 30-day and one-year death rates decreased by 11% and 26%, respe...
The use of fibrates has increased steadily in the United States over the past decade, driven by a strong preference for brand-name products. Despite negative trial results, fibrates are still prescribed in high numbers, despite uncertain clinical benefits.
Researchers validated three salivary mRNA biomarkers (B2M, GIP2, MNDA) and three protein biomarkers (B2M, SSA, SSB) for detecting Sjogren's syndrome in the US population, expanding clinical utility of existing biomarkers.
The US healthcare system is facing a significant challenge in caring for the growing number of Baby Boomers experiencing bone fractures. A new guide aims to improve care and quality for patients dealing with fragility fractures, addressing various aspects from hospital admission to rehabilitation.
Research finds that immigrant children are more likely to live in households headed by two married parents, receiving economic and social benefits. This intact family structure helps them adapt to their new country, improving their chances of success.
A recent study found that China's nursing home industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the country's aging population. However, the industry lacks adequate government oversight and regulation, leading to concerns about substandard care and poor staffing levels.
The prevalence of heavy smokers in the US decreased significantly between 1965 and 2007, with California showing a greater decline. The study found that moderate- and high-intensity smoking rates declined more rapidly in California compared to the rest of the US.
The CDC has partnered with IHME to make its reproductive health survey data available worldwide, covering topics such as pregnancies, births, and contraceptive use in over 30 countries. This move aims to improve population health by providing high-quality evidence for health policy decisions.
The Lancet is publishing online abstracts from a global health conference that explores various topics, including non-communicable diseases, malaria, and health inequalities. The conference aims to advance the field of health metrics and evaluation by sharing knowledge and expertise among professionals.
A study found that colonoscopy has prevented a substantial number of deaths from colorectal cancer, but many more could have been prevented. The analysis estimated that approximately 13,800 to 22,000 colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented in 2005.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new donor-liver distribution system that could lead to up to 14% more transplants annually. The proposed regions aim to better account for population differences and geographic distance to increase organ availability.
A recent study has found that bisphenol A levels in Canadians are lower than those in Americans, with children and adolescents having the highest levels. The reason for this difference is unknown, but possible factors include differences in food packaging and thermal receipt papers.
A study of 19th century Mormon polygamy found that more sister-wives led to fewer children per woman, due to a 'Bateman gradient' effect. The practice reduced the strength of sexual selection on males by 58%, bringing their reproductive success closer to women's.
The actual population trajectory is highly uncertain, with scenarios predicting a peak of 9.5 billion before stabilization or decline. Investments in family planning could reduce the number of people to 8 billion, having a beneficial impact on human welfare and environmental issues.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that Asian Americans are perceived as less ideal leaders than Caucasian Americans, despite their higher education and competence. The study suggests that racial biases play a significant role in leadership perceptions.
Researchers have developed a new assay test that can detect minute amounts of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-causing prions in human blood, making it possible to screen donated blood before acceptance. This could lead to improved and earlier diagnosis for patients and a better understanding of the prevalence of the disease.
Researchers confirm waterhemp's first evolution of resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides, requiring a more integrated approach to management. The development of new options and changing practices are needed to combat the increasing threat of multiple-herbicide resistant weed populations.
Research suggests that reduced exposure to seasonal cold may contribute to rises in obesity due to minimized energy expenditure and reduced body heat production. Increased indoor temperatures may also lead to a loss of brown fat, reducing the body's capacity to burn energy.
A Wayne State University study found that patients report less confusion and better health care quality when providers speak the same language. The study aimed to address language barriers in healthcare, which disproportionately affect minority populations, and suggests low-tech solutions to improve communication.
Research suggests that people with HIV are up to three times more likely to experience a stroke than those without the condition. The study found a 67% increase in stroke hospitalizations among people with HIV, despite a decline in overall stroke rates.
A significant portion of the US population lacks easy access to trauma care within an hour's drive. Vulnerable groups such as African Americans and foreign-born populations face difficulties in accessing trauma centers due to geographical constraints.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed a web-based screening tool to assess Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in war veterans. The Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire (BISQ) is a low-cost, anonymous tool that detects symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, and memory problems.
A recent study by Kansas State University professor Melinda Daniels suggests that beaver dams can create diverse river landscapes, turning single-thread channels into meadows or multichannel streams. The researchers recommend only partially removing old dams to mimic the role of beavers and restore ecosystem diversity.
Patients on dialysis face a heightened risk of sudden cardiac death from cardiovascular disease, with mortality rates as high as 43%. Research is underway to understand the connection between renal disease and cardiovascular disease, with medicinal options and dialysate prescription modification being explored as prevention methods.
A study in England found that coronary heart disease mortality rates vary greatly between local populations due to factors such as low socioeconomic status, white ethnicity, smoking levels, and diabetes. The study suggests that programs to reduce mortality should target population characteristics rather than healthcare services.
Researchers found that 98% of the US population lives within 60 minutes of a hospice provider, suggesting access is not a barrier to enrollment. However, more research is needed to determine why many patients and families avoid hospice care at end-of-life.
Countries with low risk and stable health systems have higher feasibility for malaria elimination. Latin America is in the best position to achieve this, while sub-Saharan African countries face substantial difficulties due to political instability, weak health systems, and high transmission rates.