Health & Medicine

  • Redefining alcohol use disorder
    on January 25, 2022 at 12:49 am

    Researchers have developed a new framework that they believe will help identify people previously overlooked for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This framework focuses on 13 risk factors, such as impulsive behavior, reward sensitivity, and punishment sensitivity, that could lead to someone developing an AUD.

  • A soft, stretchable thermometer
    on January 25, 2022 at 12:49 am

    The next generation of soft robotics, smart clothing and biocompatible medical devices are going to need integrated soft sensors that can stretch and twist with the device or wearer. The challenge: most of the components used in traditional sensing are rigid. Now, researchers have developed a soft, self-powered thermometer that can be integrated into stretchable electronics and soft robots.

  • Current vaccines teach T cells to fight Omicron
    on January 24, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    Scientists have found that four COVID-19 vaccines prompt the body to make effective, long-lasting T cells against SARS-CoV-2. These T cells can recognize SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern, including Delta and Omicron.

  • Lucky genes can help protect people with obesity from some disease
    on January 25, 2022 at 1:00 am

    Geneticists have revealed why some people with obesity remain relatively healthy, while others suffer from life-changing ailments such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

  • Health-related quality-of-life differences in men and women with advanced kidney disease
    on January 24, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    In a CJASN study of older men and women with advanced kidney disease, women had lower health-related quality of life at the start, but men experienced a more rapid decline over time.

  • Gender disparities may be widening for physicians due to COVID-19
    on January 24, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    As people transitioned to working from home at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, journal submissions from academics increased across the board. But a new study from Northwestern University found as men’s scholarly productivity increased, women physicians were submitting less.

  • Studies suggest resident-reported quality of life information should be used in nursing home report cards
    on January 24, 2022 at 9:34 pm

    When it comes to ensuring adequate healthcare in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, it’s important to learn what residents think about their care and comfort. One approach is to survey residents about their quality of life (QOL) and use the data for the facility report cards states and consumers use to rate the providers. U.S. regulatory officials and facility providers have been hesitant to include resident-reported QOL data in report cards out of concerns that the responses from aging residents may be inconsistent and unreliable—particularly from individuals with different forms of dementia. New research from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health proves resident survey responses about their own quality of life while in the facility are typically reliable—including those with dementia—and will make report cards more useful for consumers.