Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Economic burden of US youth violence injuries

The economic burden of youth violence in the US has reached $122 billion, driven primarily by medical care, lost productivity, and avoidable mortality from male firearm homicides. Prevention strategies can help mitigate this substantial economic burden.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 18, 2023

Study sheds light on increased reports of suicidal behavior in teens

A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Burning candles and fumes from cooking is harmful for people with mild asthma

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that indoor air pollution from candle smoke and cooking fumes can cause irritation and inflammation in young individuals with mild asthma. The research found indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood, highlighting the need for proper ventilation when cooking or burning c...

SourceAarhus University·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

A recent study by McGill University found that young adults who experience more frequent psychotic thoughts also spend more time on digital media. However, the study suggests that digital media use does not cause or exacerbate these experiences. Instead, it may be a factor in accessing mental health information and services.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateAug 31, 2023

Poor report card for children’s wellbeing

A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Socioeconomic adversity and weight gain during the pandemic

Researchers found significant increases in body mass index among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects most pronounced in low-income youth. The study highlights how preexisting social inequalities were exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to greater weight gain among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 14, 2023

In states that legalized cannabis, frequent cannabis use became more common in young adults who are not in college, OSU study finds

An Oregon State University study found that young adults not in college became more frequent users of cannabis and met criteria for cannabis use disorder after state legalization. The prevalence of frequent cannabis use increased by 5 percentage points among non-college young adults, while college students saw a smaller increase.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023

Canada ‘falling behind’ in efforts to lessen teen vaping, UBCO researcher says

A UBCO researcher says Canada is falling behind in developing effective intervention programs to stop young people from beginning to vape. The study analyzed government-funded campaigns and found that many relied on telling teens about physical health harms, which may not be enough to prevent vaping uptake.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 27, 2023

Insomnia affecting younger worker productivity

A new study by Flinders University found that 22-year-old workers with clinical sleep disorders, primarily insomnia, suffer up to 40% greater productivity loss in the workplace. This translates to a lost productivity of about four weeks compared to those without sleep disorders.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023

During Operation Guardian of the Walls, residents of the south suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than the rest of the population

Residents of southern Israel suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than others, with spikes in heart rate and stress, reduced sleep duration, and decreased physical activity. Women, young people, and those living near Gaza paid the heaviest price, with notable differences in screen time, mood, and quality of sleep.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJul 4, 2023

Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents

A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChild and Adolescent Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Brief admissions by self-referral can help adolescents with self-harming or suicidal behaviour

A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 3, 2023

Adverse childhood experiences are ‘strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use

A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

Number of autistic people in England may be twice as high as previously thought

A new study by University College London researchers estimates that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20-49 and 250,000 to 600,000 adults over 50 may be undiagnosed with autism. This brings the total autistic population in England to over 1.2 million, approaching double the government's cited figure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Equity in computer science impossible without review of curriculum, say researchers

A study found that girls in English secondary schools are 42% less likely to aspire to be computer scientists compared to boys. The researchers propose revamping the curriculum to include creative aspects like digital art to increase interest and engagement in computer science. This could help achieve greater gender parity in computing.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2023

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH: Prolonged rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls in the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic, best evidence to date suggests

A nationwide study in the UK found a significant rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls between March 2020 and March 2022. The rate of eating disorder diagnoses was 42% higher than expected, with 3,862 observed cases compared to 2,713 projected cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

Rising rates of benzodiazepine toxicity among young people spark concern

A new study found a 67% increase in hospital encounters for benzodiazepine-related toxicity among young adults and a 44% rise in youth aged 18 or below in Ontario between 2013 and 2020. The increased risk is attributed to the growing presence of non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines in the unregulated opioid supply.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Availability of LGBTQ mental health services for youth

The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 5, 2023

Alcohol dependency in adolescence, but not consumption, linked with later depression risk

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023