Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have developed a predictive model of worldwide population shifts that will provide more accurate estimates of migration patterns. The model accounts for approximately 60% of the variation in annual numbers of migrants and has the potential to improve resource allocation and economic conditions.
A survey of US consumers reveals that many have limited knowledge and consumption habits around Asian vegetables. Most participants had not tried over 9 different Asian veggies, but expressed interest in learning more about them.
A new study led by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers finds that sinusitis can cause severe bodily pain, often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Endoscopic sinus surgery has been shown to provide significant pain relief for these patients.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that breast cancer survivors reported a high level of overall quality of life several years after treatment, with some improvements over time. The survey tool used measured health outcomes using the EQ-5D instrument and compared results to a general US adult population.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 30% of ENT patients suffer from a depressive illness and take antidepressants. Sleep apnea patients exhibit the highest levels of depression, with 21% diagnosed and 46% taking medication.
A study of 1961 nonpregnant women found that nearly a quarter report at least one pelvic floor disorder, including urinary and fecal incontinence. The prevalence of these disorders increases with age and weight, affecting over half of women aged 80 or older.
A study of 20,112 medical graduates found that white students in diverse schools are more likely to feel prepared to care for minority populations. The researchers suggest that fostering positive interaction among different backgrounds is key to deriving diversity benefits.
A new study analyzing ancient DNA from 160 mammoth samples across Holarctica suggests that North American mammoths replaced dwindling Siberian populations around 50,000 to 5,000 years ago. The findings refute the notion of climate change as a direct cause of extinction, instead pointing to a complex pattern of migration and evolution.
A study found that Americans with health insurance are equally likely to access eye care as Canadians, while those without insurance visit less often. Individuals with higher incomes and optional vision insurance tend to use eye care services more frequently.
A new study has pinpointed genetic variations in European Americans, which may help isolate the genetic basis for disease and population variation. By analyzing DNA data from 1,521 individuals, researchers identified 200 positions within the DNA helix that capture much of the genetic diversity in this complex population.
A University of Washington study reveals a massive intervention by the US prison system on American families, disproportionately affecting black males. The research found higher rates of infertility, infectious diseases like TB and HIV/AIDS, and increased migration to rural areas among black inmates.
Researchers are surveying 1,500 Mexican-American males living on the U.S.-Mexico border to examine their alcohol consumption and behavior. The study aims to understand how acculturation, religious affiliation, cultural influences, and cost affect drinking habits in this population.
A study identifies US foreign-born persons from certain regions as being at a higher risk of contracting and spreading tuberculosis. The research highlights the need for targeted TB control strategies to address the growing burden of latent TB infection in this population.
Research finds that international malaria financing is insufficient to achieve the goal of halving the global burden of malaria by 2015. Funding commitments are largely tied to stable P. falciparum risk, leaving countries with high but low-risk populations poorly supported.
Researchers found Alaskan Eskimo adults had higher rates of fatty artery plaque than the general US population due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. The study suggests that traditional heart-healthy diet and exercise may not be enough to counteract the effects of smoking.
The prevalence of US osteoprotic hip fracture hospitalizations decreased significantly from 1988 to 2005, from 428 per 100,000 population to 328 per 100,000 in 2005, a decline of 25%. This decrease is attributed to improved awareness, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment.
A study by Christine Percheski reveals that professional women's employment levels have made steep gains over time, especially for mothers of young children and women in historically male professions. The study shows a shrinking employment gap between mothers and childless women, with more women working full-time year-round.
Anne L. Peters, MD, CDE, received the American Diabetes Association's Outstanding Physician Clinician Award for her dedication to improving diabetes care, particularly in underserved populations. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research and clinical work.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research propose five-step action plan to regulate cormorant populations in Europe. A common management strategy is needed due to varying national attitudes towards culling, with some countries opposing the practice.
Researchers have developed a new computational method to reconstruct viral populations with improved accuracy and efficiency. This method, based on pyrosequencing, reduces error rates and yields faster results at a lower cost.
A new study found that between 1983 and 1999, death rates in women increased in low-income counties due to chronic diseases like smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. Inequality in life expectancy worsened across US counties, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
The number of general surgeons per 100,000 Americans has declined by over 25% since 1981, mainly due to an aging population and a lack of rural training opportunities. Rural areas are disproportionately affected, with urban areas experiencing a slightly greater decline.
A long-term study found that 4% of male and 19% of female US population experienced stagnating or declining health conditions between the 1980s and 2001. The main causes were related to smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a crucial step in cataract formation: the loss of function in a specific type of protein, leading to the formation of small peptides that accelerate cataract development.
A study of female red squirrels found that those born into favorable circumstances with abundant food, warmer spring weather, and lower population experienced increased reproductive success and longevity. In contrast, those born into harsher conditions struggled to reproduce and lived shorter lives.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...
A recent study found that properties located within a floodplain have significantly lower sales prices compared to those outside the flood zone. The estimated price reduction is 7.3% on average, with a total loss of $11,600.
A recent molecular analysis of ancestry across Latin America has revealed a marked differentiation between regions, demonstrating a 'genetic continuity' between pre-and post Columbian populations. The research shows that mostly Native and African women and European men contributed genes to the subsequent generations.
A team of researchers, led by Ted Goebel and Michael R. Waters, revises the timeline of early American arrival, proposing a 15,000-year-old migration from Alaska. New data synthesizes genetic, archaeological, and skeletal evidence to explain the complex process of peopling America.
A new study by University of Southern California economist Guillaume Vandenbroucke reveals that the decrease in transportation costs and population growth were key drivers of US Westward Expansion. The study found that technological innovation played a significant role in reducing transportation costs, leading to an increase in land ac...
Research published in American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine suggests that lifestyle changes can mitigate the risks associated with metabolic syndrome. The study highlights exercise and caloric restriction as valid treatment strategies for this prevalent condition, which affects 23% of adults in the US.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that antidepressants only provide clinically significant benefits for a small group of severely depressed patients. However, even among these patients, the improvement is not very great, and depressed people can still improve without chemical treatments.
A study found that US adults have a higher prevalence of stroke than Europeans, mainly due to higher rates of stroke risk factors in the US. The gap is more pronounced among poor Americans, who are more likely to have a stroke.
A meta-analysis of 34 clinical trials found venlafaxine (SNRI) outperformed SSRIs in treating depression, resulting in a 5.9% increased remission rate. This translates to the need for doctors to treat 17 patients with venlafaxine to achieve one patient's benefit.
The study reveals that white sharks migrate to two distant destinations annually, favoring specific areas along the California coast. Genetic analysis also shows that Pacific Ocean basin populations are genetically distinct, indicating long-term isolation in the Eastern Pacific.
Scientists analyze lessons from cod collapse to advocate sustainable tuna management, including MSC certification and public awareness. Innovative research using data-logging tags can help protect bluefin tuna populations.
NOAA scientist Nat Scholz reveals that pesticide mixtures have a greater toxic effect on the salmon nervous system than expected. The findings have important implications for threatened and endangered salmon populations and may also affect human health through contaminated food supply.
A genetic variant in the Reelin gene significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia in women, according to a recent genome-wide association study. The study analyzed DNA from patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls across multiple populations, identifying a common variant that affects women only.
A new study reveals that well-meaning efforts to protect cougars in Washington State have actually increased dangers for the species. Biologists are now scrambling to find a science-based path to coexistence between people and predators.
A recent study found that patients who stop taking clopidogrel after a heart attack are at higher risk of a heart attack or death in the first 90 days. The risk is nearly twice as high during this period compared to later periods, suggesting a possible 'rebound effect' on thrombotic events.
A new study reveals that acculturation can have varying effects on men and women's drinking habits along the Texas-Mexico border. Researchers found that immigrant groups who acculturate to mainstream America tend to experience more alcohol-related problems, but this impact differs by gender.
The use of clinical trials to inform Medicare coverage decisions disproportionately affects older women with comorbid conditions, differing significantly from the target population. This disparity highlights the need for more representative trial populations to ensure better value and improved outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
Researchers provide first genetic dissection of European American population structure, identifying key genetic variants that can correct for population substructure in disease association studies. By using a panel of 300 markers, researchers can determine whether observed associations are genuine or false-positives.
The National Arthritis Data Workgroup estimates over 46 million US adults have diagnosed arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to nearly 67 million, posing a significant burden on healthcare and public health systems.
Large numbers of poor Americans are suffering from parasitic infections like toxocariasis, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis. These neglected diseases disproportionately affect minority populations living in inner cities and poor rural areas, causing significant health issues such as lung disease, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects.
A recent study published in BMC International Health and Human Rights found that the health and social conditions of indigenous peoples have improved faster than those of non-indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, the gap widened in Australia during the 1990s.
Researchers have successfully implemented community-based projects to address cancer disparities among African-American and Hispanic communities, and Navajo Nation population. The initiatives improve data collection, provide insight into social factors, and lead to sustained health improvements.
A comprehensive genetic analysis suggests that the ancestors of Native Americans originated from a single source in east Asia, with a unique genetic variant widespread across both continents. The study's findings support the land bridge theory and hint at evidence for coastal migration to South America.
Researchers found that vaccinating half of a population can reduce cholera cases by 89% in unvaccinated individuals and 93% overall. Mass vaccination is a viable strategy to control endemic cholera outbreaks.
A new report from Cornell reveals that people with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce, with only 38% employed compared to 80% of those without disabilities. Additionally, Americans with disabilities face a higher risk of living in poverty, with 25.4% facing economic hardship.
The University of Washington's new DNA fin-printing project aims to create open-access databases for Pacific salmon populations, helping managers and scientists understand their ocean migration. By employing genetic markers, researchers can distinguish between individual fish and track population movements, informing conservation effor...
Hispanic patients receive fewer vascular surgeries than the general population and have worse outcomes, with higher rates of amputation and death following procedures. Socioeconomic factors, genetic variations, and delayed treatment may contribute to these disparities.
Chronic kidney disease is more common than previously thought, affecting over 13% of the US population, primarily those with diabetes and hypertension. The study highlights the importance of blood pressure control, blood sugar management, and avoiding toxic medications to slow disease progression.
Dr. Paul K. Whelton has been awarded the American Heart Association's Population Research Prize for his pioneering work in documenting the burden of cardiovascular diseases. His research has provided vital data on hypertension and its impact on populations worldwide.
Ralph L. Sacco, a Florida neurologist, received the American Heart Association's Chairman's Award for his leadership in creating Power To End Stroke, a nationwide educational campaign aimed at raising stroke awareness among African Americans. The program has reached every state in the continental US and made measurable progress in spre...
The American College of Physicians has released a new clinical practice guideline on diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The guidelines recommend the use of spirometry in patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, to diagnose airflow obstruction. For symptomatic patien...
Researchers found that Tibetans have 10 times more nitric oxide in their blood than low-altitude dwellers, leading to increased blood flow and improved oxygen delivery. This adaptation allows them to thrive at high altitudes despite low oxygen levels in the air.
A study by Dr. Philip Setel highlights the need for comprehensive civil registration in developing countries to track vital statistics, benefiting individuals and societies. The authors argue that affordable remedies exist to overcome stagnation, but their implementation is crucial for policy formation and accountability.
The researchers will examine four Kansas communities and two Iowa communities to see whether claims that ethanol plants revitalize the towns hold true. They will study local ownership, attitudes towards ethanol plant workers and farmers, and community investment.
A recent study found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are more common than previously thought, affecting certain populations disproportionately. The study estimated that 94,360 invasive MRSA infections occurred in the US in 2005, resulting in 18,650 deaths.