Genes can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood, a known risk factor for early puberty, a Cambridge-led study has found. Other genes can directly affect age of puberty, some with profound effects. In the largest study of its kind to date, an international team led by researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, studied the DNA of around 800,000 women from Europe, North America, China, Japan, and Korea. Published today in Nature Genetics, the researchers found more than 1,000 variants – small changes in DNA – that ...

If you’ve ever snacked on raisins or enjoyed a glass of wine, you may, in part, have the extinction of the dinosaurs to thank for it. In a discovery described in the journal Nature Plants, researchers found fossil grape seeds that range from 60 to 19 million years old in Colombia, Panama, and Peru.  One of these species represents the earliest known example of plants from the grape family in the Western Hemisphere. These fossil seeds help show how the grape family spread in the years following the death of the dinosaurs. “These are the oldest grapes ever found in this part of the world, and they’re a few million years ...

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed an AI model that increases the potential for detecting cancer through sugar analyses. The AI model is faster and better at finding abnormalities than the current semi-manual method.   Glycans, or structures of sugar molecules in our cells, can be measured by mass spectrometry. One important use is that the structures can indicate different forms of cancer in the cells. However, the data from the mass spectrometer measurement must be carefully analysed by humans to work out the structure from the glycan fragmentation. This process can take anywhere from hours ...

How much trust should we put in our memories? New research shows we have a good awareness of when we are recalling events accurately – and when our brain is filling in gaps with general knowledge.  Memories are a blend of recalled details and ‘prototypical’ information, but a study at the University of Birmingham has shown that when prototypes appear more prominent, we become less confident in the recollection.  This means that we are able to distinguish between these two types of memory, and accurately assess how ...

Statement Highlights: Palliative medication management focuses on providing relief from symptoms and enhancing quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease throughout the various stages of the disease. Decisions about initiating, adjusting or discontinuing cardiovascular and other medicines should be patient-centered and include input from multiple specialties including cardiology experts in close collaboration with primary care professionals. Evidence shows that adding palliative care interventions to standard cardiovascular ...

Lancaster University researchers have come up with exciting and sophisticated new mapping technology enabling future generations to get involved in creating their own future built landscape. They say, in their new research published today, that planners are missing a real trick when it comes to encouraging and involving the public to help shape their own towns, cities and counties for the future. They also say that games platforms can be used to plan future cities and also help the public immerse themselves in these future worlds. The researchers have modified Colossal Order’s game ‘Cities: Skylines’ ...

Large engines are essential for the global transport and energy sector, powering container ships, locomotives, decentralised power plants and heavy construction machinery. In many areas, battery-powered electric engines are not feasible, which is why the further development of large combustion engines is a key factor for meeting climate protection targets: through greater efficiency, but above all by using new, climate-neutral fuels. In order to strengthen research and the training of specialists in this field, Graz University of Technology ...

In the fight to protect biodiversity and limit climate change, the world will reap what it sows, say researchers from the University of Surrey.   Energy crops can be used for heat, electricity and even biofuels like bioethanol. They will become more important as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. In a new study, researchers from Surrey have shown that where you choose to plant energy crops makes a big difference to biodiversity.  A detailed analysis has shown that planting energy crops on existing agricultural land in places like China and Central Europe could minimise harm to biodiversity ...

Addiction is not simply a chronic brain disease and considering it as such can limit treatment options and increase stigma, an extensive research review suggests. After decades of research, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology Reinout W. Wiers suggests that while in some extreme cases addition can be considered a chronic brain disease, in most cases it should be considered as biased choice. According to in-depth research examined in new book A New Approach to Addiction and Choice, portraying addiction as a chronic brain disease reduces confidence in the possibility of lasting change, in both the addict themselves and the therapist. What does science say? The ...

Chicago (June 30, 2024) — In a new study, older adults who reported consuming higher amounts of ultra-processed foods, as defined by the NOVA classification system, were about 10% more likely to die over a median follow-up of 23 years compared with those who consumed less processed food. The findings are based on a large study that has tracked over half a million U.S. adults for nearly three decades. According to the results, higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with modest increases in death from any cause and from deaths related specifically to heart ...

Chicago (June 30, 2024) — A new study demonstrates that eating primarily minimally processed foods, as they are defined by the NOVA classification system, does not automatically make for a healthy diet, suggesting that the types of foods we eat may matter more than the level of processing used to make them. Comparing two menus reflecting a typical Western diet — one emphasizing minimally processed foods and the other emphasizing ultra-processed foods, as categorized by the NOVA classification system — the researchers found that ...

Chicago (June 30, 2024) — Eating patterns that align with the Mediterranean diet or the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet could help lower cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 1 diabetes, according to results from a six-year study. The DASH and Mediterranean diets are both considered heart-healthy and emphasize plant-based foods, healthy fats, lean proteins and low intake of processed foods and sugars. “Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which raises the ...

Chicago (June 30, 2024) — New study findings suggest that baby-led weaning — a popular method for introducing solid foods to infants — furnishes ample calories for growth and development. The findings provide evidence-based support for baby-led weaning, which has not been heavily studied. Baby-led weaning emphasizes allowing infants to hand feed themselves whole, non-pureed foods when introducing solids to infants versus the more traditional approach of spoon-feeding infants pureed solids. Proponents say that it encourages healthy eating habits ...

The desert moss Syntrichia caninervis is a promising candidate for Mars colonization thanks to its extreme ability to tolerate harsh conditions lethal to most life forms. The moss is well known for its ability to tolerate drought conditions, but researchers report June 30 in the journal The Innovation that it can also survive freezing temperatures as low as −196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian conditions involving these three stressors combined. In all cases, prior dehydration seemed to help the plants cope. “Our study shows that the environmental resilience ...

Over the past decade, 342 cardiology clinics have been acquired by private equity firms, with over 94% of those occurring between 2021 and 2023, according to a study published today in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the AcademyHealth 2024 Annual Research Meeting in Baltimore. As this practice grows, the study highlights the critical need to monitor the effects of private equity acquisitions on quality of care and outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as procedural utilization. Private equity in health ...

Chicago (June 30, 2024) — A new study found that eating a snack of baby carrots just three times a week significantly increased skin carotenoids in young adults. Levels of these phytonutrients were boosted even more when this healthy snack was combined with a multivitamin containing the carotenoid beta carotene. Carotenoids, which are responsible for the bright red, orange and yellow colors of many fruits and vegetables, can be measured in the skin to gauge fruit and vegetable consumption since diet is the only source of these pigments. Higher levels of skin carotenoids are associated with increased antioxidant protection and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart ...

About The Study: Health care affordability improved for low-income adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a narrowing of income-based disparities, while prescription medication affordability improved for all income groups. These findings suggest that the recent unwinding of COVID-19 pandemic–related safety-net policies may worsen health care affordability and widen existing income-based inequities.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Rishi K. Wadhera, M.D., M.P.P., M.Phil., email rwadhera@bidmc.harvard.edu. To access the embargoed study: Visit our ...

About The Study: Single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule and a payroll tax could substantially increase progressivity of household payments by income. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments by higher-income households, who financed higher payment rates in Medicare and Medicaid. Spending growth targets reduced payments slightly for all households.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Jodi L. Liu, Ph.D., email jodiliu@rand.org. To access the embargoed ...

About The Study: The first 2 years of the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices model were not associated with increased use of home dialysis or kidney transplant, nor changes in racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in these outcomes in this cross-sectional study.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Amal N. Trivedi, M.D., M.P.H., email amal_trivedi@brown.edu. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2055) Editor’s Note: Please see the article ...

Ephemeral streams, or those streams that flow only briefly after precipitation events, are a substantial pathway for water transfer with significant implications for water quality, a first-of-its kind study has found.  These streams — which transport water pollutants, sediments, and nutrients from land surfaces to rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ultimately the oceans — influence a substantial amount of water output of the nation’s rivers, the researchers found. Following a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision, however, they are no longer regulated by the Clean Water Act (CWA).  “Our findings show that ephemeral streams ...

Chicago (June 29, 2024) — Findings from a new mouse study suggest that elenolic acid, a natural compound found in olives, can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. The research could pave the way to the development of safe and inexpensive natural products for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes in people. The researchers found that after just one week, obese mice with diabetes that were given oral elenolic acid weighed significantly less and showed better blood sugar (glucose) regulation than before treatment and compared to control obese mice not ...

Chicago (June 29, 2024) — People with higher intakes of calcium and zinc in the three months before they conceived were significantly less likely to suffer hypertensive disorders during their pregnancy compared with those who had lower intakes of these essential minerals, according to new research. The results highlight the importance of focusing on nutrition before conceiving — not only during pregnancy — in order to promote healthy pregnancies. “Our findings underscore the significance of preconception dietary intake of calcium and zinc in potentially reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,” said ...

About The Study: The results of this survey study indicated that 6 months into unwinding, 1 in 8 Medicaid beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Roughly half who lost Medicaid coverage became uninsured. Among those moving to new coverage, many experienced coverage gaps. Adults exiting Medicaid reported more challenges accessing care than respondents who remained enrolled.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Adrianna McIntyre, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., email amcintyre@hsph.harvard.edu. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2193) Editor’s ...

Embargoed for release: Saturday, June 29, 2:15 PM ET Key points: In a survey of low-income adults across Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, one in eight respondents who were enrolled in Medicaid at some point since March 2020—when COVID-19-era coverage protections began—reported no longer having Medicaid coverage by late 2023, months after protections expired and “Medicaid unwinding” began. Nearly half of those who were disenrolled from Medicaid reported being uninsured in late 2023, and those who lost Medicaid ...

Chicago (June 29, 2024) — A study performed in mice has uncovered a potential new tool to combat the escalating issue of childhood obesity. The research suggests that a simple dietary change, in the form of a fish oil supplement taken by fathers, might help address this pressing health concern. The number of young people ages 5 to 19 who are obese has risen from 31 million in 1990 to 160 million in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. This extra weight can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and may also lead to poor self-esteem ...