Add BrightSurf on Google Email

For older adults, serious depression symptoms increase risk for stroke and heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that serious depression symptoms increase the risk of stroke and heart disease in older adults. The study discovered that adults with high levels of depressive symptoms had a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart disease or stroke events over a 1...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 1, 2016

Victimized adolescents more at risk of thinking about suicide or attempting suicide at 15

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who were chronically victimized during school years are five times more likely to think about suicide and six times more likely to attempt it at 15. The research highlights the importance of early interventions to p...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 28, 2016

Mitochondrial DNA levels in the blood may predict risk of developing kidney disease

A study found that high levels of mitochondrial DNA in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The researchers analyzed data from over 9,500 participants and discovered that individuals with higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers had a 25% lower risk of CKD compared to those with lower levels.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 21, 2016

Stop spoon dosing

A study suggests that changing dosing instructions from teaspoons to milliliters can significantly reduce the risk of dosage errors. The researchers found that using measuring cups with milliliter markings leads to more accurate dosages, resulting in a 50% decrease in errors.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJan 21, 2016

Twitter data can make roads safer during inclement weather

A University at Buffalo study uses Twitter data to enhance computer models guiding traffic during snowstorms and adverse weather. By analyzing over 360,000 tweets, researchers found that including such data improves the accuracy of models, particularly during peak tweeting hours and in densely populated areas.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateDec 2, 2015

Prestigious medical training awards announced

The University of Warwick has been awarded funding for 15 PhD studentships in quantitative cellular dynamics, molecular microbiology, and anti-microbial resistance. The partnership with the Medical Research Council will provide a strong interdisciplinary training programme to produce future leaders in biomedical research.

Peak-end pizza

A Cornell study found that price affects how customers evaluate pizza by focusing on the first slice's taste. When paying $8, diners prioritize the initial impression over the last bite.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Product & Brand Management·DateNov 25, 2015

ACP recommends generics over branded meds

The American College of Physicians recommends prescribing generic medications whenever possible to reduce costs and improve adherence to therapy. Generic medications are as effective as their branded counterparts, but underuse is a significant issue due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2015

Parents aiming too high can harm child's academic performance

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that high parental aspirations for children's academic achievement can lead to decreased performance when those expectations are unrealistic. The research highlights the importance of giving parents realistic expectations to improve their children's educational success.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 17, 2015