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In medieval Norway, high-class people had stronger bones

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high-status individuals in medieval Norway had higher bone mineral density and were taller than those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This suggests that socioeconomic status may have played a role in shaping health outcomes over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

First-of-its-kind database tracks agricultural phosphorus use world-wide

A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

Study shows how math, science identity in students affects college, career outcomes

A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Why do some kids take bigger risks than others?

A new study from Boston University's Social Development and Learning Lab reveals that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds take bigger risks in certain situations due to their environment. The research, led by Professor Peter Blake, suggests that children are rationally choosing risk when it makes sense in their circumstances.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022

Climate data can help model the spread of COVID-19

A new study finds that climate data, particularly UV radiation levels, can help accurately model the spread of COVID-19. The research analyzed data from 196 countries and found that high UV radiation levels are strongly associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2022

State-level earned income tax credit linked to reduction in high-risk HIV behavior among single mothers

A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

Tracking small-scale fishers

Researchers gauged small-scale fishers' willingness to use vessel tracking systems, finding that safety functionality and ownership of data were key factors. In a survey of 211 fishers, 67% were willing to pay for the technology, while those citing corruption as their main problem were more likely to participate if paid.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateAug 26, 2022

Pandemic response in Mayotte: How approaches need to be adapted to local community needs

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Mayotte, with over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases causing interruptions in work and healthcare services. The island's unique socioeconomic vulnerability and communication challenges affected the surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Despite flexibility, gig work and insecure income prove harmful to U.S. workers, according to UTHealth School of Public Health

Researchers from UTHealth School of Public Health found that gig workers' insecure income contributes to poor health outcomes, including a sicker workforce and higher unreimbursed healthcare costs. The study suggests COVID-era gig workers will experience greater increases in poor overall health and psychological distress.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 23, 2022

Where you live can affect your ability to conceive, Oregon State study finds

A recent Oregon State University study found that people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods are 20% less likely to conceive compared to those in more resourceful areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,300 individuals and found a significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and lower fertility rates.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans analysis highlights importance of including demographic data in human research papers to reduce health disparities

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that only 35.9% of articles reported patient race, 15.4% reported ethnicity, and 8.3% reported income. Including demographics in multivariable analyses is crucial to determine the applicability of study results to diverse patient populations.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 26, 2022

To tax or not to tax, is that even a question?

A team at Kyoto University has developed a formula to express the marginal cost of public funds, measuring the impact of taxation on social welfare. The framework focuses on imperfect competition and provides insights into the behavioral constraints imposed by taxation on producers and consumers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2022

Climate change, labor market and the future of gender inequality: the case of South Africa

A recent study found that climate change will decrease the availability of female low-skilled labor, driving a potential increase in their wages. This could close the wage gap between male and female low-skilled labor as well as the wage gap between low-skilled and high-skilled female labor.

People from low socioeconomic backgrounds could reduce chronic kidney disease risk with regular exercise, study suggests

A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Blacks found twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as Hispanics in young adult populations in underserved communities

A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

The importance of elders

Researchers challenge the notion that natural selection declines after reproduction is complete. Instead, they propose that older adults play a crucial role in maintaining their fitness through intergenerational transfers of resources and knowledge.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2022

Both heat and cold increase risk of death in England and Wales but rates vary across geographical areas and population groups

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

New research on intensive nurse home visiting program shows no impact on birth outcomes; study is ongoing

A randomized evaluation of Nurse-Family Partnership found that low-income mothers in South Carolina experienced adverse birth events at a rate of 26.9 percent, similar to the control group. The study evaluated various outcomes, but more evidence is needed on effective interventions to address racial and structural inequities.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 5, 2022

Low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to die from opioids than the rich

A new study found that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized and end up in emergency departments due to opioid use. The study also shows a significant gap in opioid-related deaths between low-income and high-income Canadians, with those living in lower-income areas still at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·DateJun 29, 2022

Rich people from humble origins are less sensitive to the challenges of poverty than those born rich, research finds

New research suggests that people who become wealthy from humble origins are less likely to support social welfare and have reduced sympathy for the poor compared to those who were born into wealth. The study of 736 participants found a positive view of upwardly mobile individuals, but also discovered that they perceived improving thei...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Research finds that Google searches may be a predictor of domestic violence

A new study by Bocconi University researchers found that Google searches are an effective tool to track and predict domestic violence, especially in crisis situations. The study analyzed keywords related to domestic violence and found a positive correlation with calls to the Italian helpline and emergency number.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·DateJun 27, 2022

Specific environmental exposures may help predict increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

A new study found that exposure to air pollution and indoor burning without ventilation significantly increases the risk of heart disease mortality. Researchers created maps of eight environmental risk factors across Golestan Province, Iran, and identified associations between death and these factors, controlling for traditional risk f...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

Socioeconomic disparities in obesity among adolescents

A recent study found that socioeconomic disparities in obesity among US adolescents have significantly increased over the past two decades. The findings suggest that adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese, highlighting a pressing public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 21, 2022

New insight: Socio-economic disparities in physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Kobe University researchers found significant socio-economic disparities in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vulnerable populations experiencing reduced levels of activity. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring to address widening health disparities stemming from economic circumstances.

SourceKobe University·JournalPublic Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2022