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UBCO study explores access to psychedelics for therapeutic use

A UBCO study found that patients face barriers when discussing psychedelics with physicians due to stigma and perceived lack of knowledge. The study analyzed data from 800 adults who use psychedelics, revealing that nearly 60% felt less satisfied with communication about psychedelics compared to previous conversations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPsychedelic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal reports on emerging trends and implications of non-communicable diseases in China

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a major global health issue, characterized by their chronic nature and long-term impact on quality of life. In China, understanding the extent and distribution of NCDs is essential for developing effective public health strategies.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2024

Involving workers essential to ensure industrial policies serve the public interest

A new study finds that Brazilian industrial policies are more effective when involving workers and civil society. Researchers analyzed policy plans and found that those with stronger labor union involvement outperformed weaker ones, highlighting the importance of societal participation in shaping national development goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDevelopment and Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

Government updates race and ethnicity data collection standards: implications and insights

The revised standards capture a broader range of communities, enabling more precise data collection and analysis to identify and address health disparities. This shift has significant implications for policy and practice, with the potential to direct resources towards communities facing the greatest health challenges.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·TypeCase study·DateJun 20, 2024

OHIO researchers explore alignment between hospitals and public health departments in addressing community health needs in paper published in “Health Affairs”

Researchers found low alignment between hospitals and health departments, particularly concerning social determinants of health, despite both entities having formal responsibilities to their communities. The top identified health needs included mental health, substance use, and obesity.

SourceOhio University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing men’s health issues globally

Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries linked with IMF lending policies

A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocio-Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

WVU research shows government regulation of jobs hinders workers and consumers

West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy·DateMar 4, 2024

Nail salon and other small beauty service workers face significant daily health challenges

Asian female immigrants working in the US beauty service industry face numerous workplace health challenges. Researchers suggest that outreach and education at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels can address these issues, including cultural competency, better wages, training, and paid time off.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateOct 19, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

Umass Amherst research finds benefits, risks in state-mandated school-based BMI assessments

State-mandated school-based BMI assessments may help overweight students recognize their weight status but also lead to distorted self-image and body perception among non-overweight girls. The research found a small decrease in teens' BMI, primarily among those on the margin of being overweight.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

UMass Amherst researcher shines light on effectiveness of school sunscreen legislation

New research by UMass Amherst economist Brandyn Churchill links state-level 'SUNucate' laws to increased interest in sun protection, with a notable increase in sunscreen use among high school students. The legislation is associated with higher Google search volumes and awareness among historically low-users.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHealth Behavior and Policy Review·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2023

Clarifying the effective allocation of research funding to facilitate Nobel-prize-class research results and innovations

A study found that distributing small amounts of funding to a large number of researchers generates more new results and innovations than concentrating funds on a few excellent researchers. Research funding above 50 million yen leads to stagnant results, highlighting the importance of efficient allocation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2023

Activating volunteer system increases bystander CPR, AED use and improves survival

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that alerting volunteers can increase bystander CPR and AED use, leading to improved survival rates. The volunteer system increased rates of CPR and defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, giving victims a higher chance of receiving early care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Tribal water rights underutilized in U.S. West

A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Goethe University study: Investors also suffer in unregulated competitions for freely available resources

A new game theory study by Professor Claudius Gros finds that unregulated competition can lead to catastrophic poverty for investors, with profits scaling as 1/N². Cooperation among investors can avoid this damage, resulting in a net profit corresponding to the number of investors.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

The allocation of COVID-19 vaccinations in 29 countries at the beginning of 2021

Researchers mapped out variations in vaccine distribution policies among 29 countries, highlighting differing priorities such as age, comorbidities, and occupation. The study suggests that vaccination schedules differ from resource allocation strategies in healthcare, reflecting diverse moral judgments underlying each approach.

SourceInterdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University in Kraków·JournalJournal of Law and the Biosciences·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients

A budget impact analysis found that catheter-based TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients, with lower total costs compared to surgical SAVR. The study showed that the upfront cost of TAVR is partially offset by reduced healthcare resources, making it a more efficient option.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2022

Is climate change disrupting maritime boundaries?

Researchers warn that climate change will increase uncertainty in international law governing maritime zones, affecting small island states. Technologies like GPS and satellite bathmetry may help solidify claims, but more data is needed to accurately delineate existing boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 9, 2022

Medicalizing menopause may be unhelpful for some women

Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022