Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Researchers found that mutations causing lysosomal storage diseases are no more common than other inherited diseases in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, indicating a lack of selective advantage. The study suggests that these disease-causing mutations were present in the ancestors of Ashkenazi Jews and were passed down through generations.
A study by American College of Emergency Physicians found that only half of emergency department visits are paid, with payments decreasing from 60.3% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The decline threatens the ability of emergency departments to provide care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.
The study found significant differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in conditions increasing stroke risk, such as diabetes and blood-thinning drug use. Understanding these differences can help tailor stroke-prevention campaigns to the Hispanic community, increasing their effectiveness.
Expert Clarke emphasizes the importance of communication, infrastructure development, and international cooperation in preparing for asteroid impacts. He highlights the need for countries to have comprehensive civil defense plans and to prioritize population relocation and geographical redevelopment.
A study of 143 individuals over 60 years old found that those with longer telomeres lived four to five years longer than those with shorter ones. People with shorter telomeres had significantly higher mortality rates from heart disease and infectious diseases.
The Nutrigenomics Center will investigate how different foods interact with genes to increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The center aims to identify genes controlled by naturally occurring chemicals in food to improve health management for individuals based on their unique genetic makeup.
Research suggests that felons and ex-felons could have voted differently in several presidential elections, including the 2000 Bush vs. Gore election, which might have reversed the outcome. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects working-class poor and African Americans, traditionally voting Democratic.
Researchers found that tiny differences in DNA can identify geographic ancestry, contradicting the idea that self-reported ancestry is a reliable diagnostic tool. Genetic analysis of 1,056 individuals from 52 populations worldwide revealed more genetic similarities than previously thought.
Researchers used satellite data to identify environments associated with human risk of hantavirus infection, finding that woody plants dominated high-risk sites. The study provides a way to monitor the environment for infectious disease risks and better understand why outbreaks happen where they do.
A UC Riverside study of 2,055 brown recluse spiders in a Kansas home found no bites on occupants. The study suggests that many skin lesions misdiagnosed as 'brown recluse spider bites' are actually caused by other factors like infections or bug bites.
A recent study found that 62.2% of surveyed US adults are classified as incompletely healthy, with most suffering from poor physical health. The researchers identified key factors associated with complete health, including gender, age, marital status, education, and income.
A recent study predicts that the 2002 European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbour seals in Denmark and Sweden alone. The researchers used mathematical models to compare the 2002 findings to a previous 1988 outbreak, predicting similar impacts on the population.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded grants to ten dental schools to expand community-based education programs and increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students. The goal is to reduce gaps in dental care for underserved populations and create a more diverse dental workforce.
A nationwide longitudinal study of psychological responses to September 11 found that six months after the attacks, effects continued throughout the country among individuals not directly affected. Those with preexisting mental or physical health difficulties and greater exposure to the attacks showed continued stress symptoms over time.
Researchers find Americans spend nearly half of their adult life single or in noncoresidential dating relationships. Women are more likely to spend longer periods in single status, especially after age 40.
A new technique developed by WCS scientists allows for accurate population density estimation of jaguars in the wild. Using camera traps and unique spotting patterns, researchers can now focus conservation efforts on areas with highest cat densities.
Research suggests that even moderate drinking habits can increase hypertension risk in Japanese men, contrary to previous US studies. Obesity and genetic factors may contribute to this difference in findings.
The Northeast region experienced slow population growth during the 1990s, primarily due to high levels of domestic out-migration. New foreign immigration played a crucial role in offsetting this trend, with nearly 3.1 million new immigrants arriving in the region, accounting for over 100% of population growth.
A strong primary care system is crucial for a nation's health, with countries boasting robust systems showing the most favorable health indicators at young ages. Strong primary care is particularly important for children, as it significantly impacts postneonatal mortality rates and low birthweight.
A study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that adolescent immigrants from Korea, Mexico, and Poland face distinct issues in the US. The research highlights how sports promote assimilation and materialism among these young immigrants, with varying degrees of emphasis depending on their cultural background.
Research by Penn State's King found that ever-divorced grandparents live farther away from their grandchildren than married grandparents. Grandfathers report less contact and higher conflict with grandchildren compared to grandmothers. However, a good parent-grandparent relationship can mitigate the negative influence of divorce.
The University of Michigan's new two-year Preventive Medicine Residency aims to address a critical shortage of medical epidemiologists. Residents will gain expertise in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and immunization plans, with initial participants already securing jobs in the field.
A new study found a striking connection between malformed amphibians and the presence of Ribeiroia, a parasitic infection. The parasite was linked to limb malformations in over 12,000 amphibians across 11 species, with Pacific treefrogs exhibiting the greatest number of abnormalities.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds that emergency department visits increased 27% from 1990-1999, with critically ill visits rising 59% and urgent visits increasing 36%. The number of beds per population also decreased, exacerbating the problem.
A researcher argues that the South is unfairly burdened with negative characteristics, such as racism and poverty, while the rest of America is viewed as more progressive. Historians' omission of Northern slavery from national narratives has contributed to this dichotomy.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that states with larger proportions of African Americans are more likely to have the death penalty. Economic inequality within a state also plays a significant role in determining its likelihood of having capital punishment.
Researchers discuss biological and cultural factors behind global obesity trend, citing rapid urbanization and technology as contributing causes. Childhood malnutrition and stunted growth are paradoxically linked to adult obesity in many places.
A study of Maya children in the US found nearly half are overweight and 42% are obese, with TV and computer gaming linked to a higher risk. The disparity is attributed to American acculturation and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers argue that English should be the primary language for space travelers due to its international significance and potential for genetic diversity. Despite this, changes in vocabulary may occur during the journey, particularly with new words being coined and old ones falling out of use.
A new study of 53 developing countries found that high levels of child hunger are largely driven by internal war, political repression, and violence. The study suggests that creating stable governments and institutions is crucial in eliminating hunger, rather than just providing food.
A new study has discovered subtle normal appearing brain tissue changes in first-degree relatives of patients with familial and sporadic Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These changes were not detectable using conventional MRI, but a new test called magnetization transfer imaging revealed the damage.
The report reveals that foreign immigration played a significant role in driving growth in the nation's population and labor force between 1990 and 2000. Massachusetts and New York were among the top states for dependence on immigrants, with all labor force growth in the state attributed to foreign immigration.
A study found that nearly half of Latino men have never had a recommended digital rectal exam for prostate and colorectal cancer. Factors associated with the procedure included doctors discussing it, having health insurance, and English skills among Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans.
The US CRDF is launching a fast track research competition to engage scientists from the former Soviet Union in the fight against terrorism. The Competition aims to minimize the effects of terrorist acts on civilian populations and will offer support to U.S. industry, scientists, and engineers teamed with researchers from FSU.
A study of 2,600 Americans found that between 1-2% have a compulsive gambling problem, with rates higher among minorities and lower-income individuals. Problem drinkers are 23 times more likely to also have a gambling issue.
A two-year study is examining how safety net organizations in Michigan adapt to the current environment, focusing on survival strategies and policies. Researchers aim to understand what works and doesn't work, as well as provide recommendations to improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
A new study has found that small head circumference coupled with the ApoE e4 gene variant significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that having a large 'brain reserve' may protect against the disease, with head circumference being one way to measure brain reserve.
A University of North Carolina study found a significant decline in fatal and single-vehicle crashes involving 16-year-old drivers after the introduction of graduated driver licensing (GDL) in North Carolina, with nighttime crashes decreasing by 43% and daytime crashes down by 20%. The GDL system requires young beginning drivers to pas...
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is introducing a new concentration in care for frail and elderly patients, addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population. Students will explore the holistic effects of frailty on physical, psychological, and social aspects of quality of life.
A new study published in Social Science Research found that racial barriers to marriage are a significant obstacle to immigrant assimilation. The researchers discovered that the majority of immigrants marry within their own racial group, rather than with native-born individuals or those from different racial groups.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that Republican presidents are associated with increased US prison populations. The research controlled for various factors and found a significant correlation between Republican administrations and rising prison rates.
The Center for the Advancement of Health is developing urban-life indicators to assess quality of life for minority populations. The project aims to identify key criteria and methods for ranking urban areas within specific quality-of-life domains.
Dr. Williams has been recognized for his work implementing better medical policy for African-American and Hispanic communities in Watts and the Greater Los Angeles area. He has raised millions of dollars for various organizations, including the King-Drew Sickle Cell Center and Association of Black Cardiologists.
The Antioquian population in Colombia exhibits a high degree of European genetic influence, predominantly from southern Spain. This is reflected in the Y chromosome data, which show that 94% of males are of European descent.
A study by the CDC found that increasing smoking cessation therapy availability boosts assisted quit attempts and doubles success rates. The majority of smokers attempt to quit without treatment, resulting in low abstinence rates, but pharmacologic methods like nicotine patches and gum can significantly increase chances for success.
A new mortality forecast suggests that life expectancy in G-7 industrialized nations may be greater than previously thought, with Japan expected to live up to 8 years longer than official estimates predict. This could lead to a higher dependency ratio, requiring re-examination of programs for old-age support.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that approximately 40% of the US population takes at least one vitamin or mineral supplement. The most commonly reported ingredients are vitamin C, B12, and E, but participants also used over 300 nonvitamin products posing serious health risks.
A new study by Gillian Stevens reveals that sociological opportunities and maturational constraints tied to age at onset of language learning play a crucial role in shaping the English proficiency levels of foreign-born residents in the United States. The research found that immigrants with native-born spouses report higher levels of p...
A new study found that consuming three servings of a margarine-like spread containing stanol can lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by up to 10%. The study, which involved over 300 participants with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, showed no adverse effects from using the fortified margarine.
Global sulfur emissions have stabilized over the past 20 years, with China leading the world in emissions due to its massive coal reserves and growing industrialization. Cleaner fuels and pollution controls have contributed to the stabilization of emissions worldwide.
Research reveals psychological uncertainty about pregnancy is a major barrier, rather than immigrant status, for Puerto Rican women seeking adequate prenatal care. Despite being U.S. citizens, some women report inadequate care due to unwanted pregnancies or lack of awareness.
An international team led by the University of Colorado at Boulder is studying the South Asian summer monsoon, a region that affects 65% of the world's population. The six-week expedition aims to understand the basic physics behind these variations and predict them, enabling drought or flood warnings for affected regions.
A University of Georgia professor argues that President Clinton's ability to craft messages appealing to different audiences may be his greatest asset in the upcoming impeachment hearings. His expertise in public speaking, like a skilled musician playing a familiar tune, makes his messages uniquely effective.
In a six-year study, Maine's 0.05% law reduced fatal crashes among DWI drivers with BALs above 0.15% by 35%. The law also decreased fatalities among drivers in the 0.05-0.14% range. Maine was the first state to adopt this limit for prior DWI offenders.
A new study found that countries with a smaller percentage of Catholics and no state support for the church have higher annulment rates. Annulments have increased since the Second Vatican Council made them easier to get, with the largest rise occurring in the US.
A study found that managed care organizations exceeded national goals for HDL screening, prompting calls for higher standards. Experts argue that managed care plans should be expected to reach 100% of enrolled members, considering their significant impact on population health.
Linguistics professor John Rickford presents evidence that black and white vernaculars in America exhibit distinct differences, even in island enclaves with frequent contact. He argues that limited social interaction and powerful social norms contribute to these divergences, which have been developing over centuries.
A new study recalculates stroke incidence in the US, estimating approximately 731,100 first and recurrent strokes annually. The study found a 200,000-stroke increase over previous estimates, with higher rates among African Americans.
A study published in Stroke: A Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that at least 731,000 first-ever and recurrent strokes occur each year in the US, which is 40% higher than previously stated figures. The study's findings suggest that stroke affects a more diverse population than previously thought.
According to CDC estimates, millions of US-born girls and women may be at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM/FC) due to their immigrant heritage. The practice is concentrated in certain states and metropolitan areas with large populations of immigrants from FGM/FC-practicing countries.