Risk for chronic kidney disease even more critical due to COVID-19 pandemic

An estimated 1 in 10 people worldwide have chronic kidney disease, but most of them don’t know it. That lack of awareness is especially concerning because people with chronic kidney disease who are infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk for serious illness. It is important that people understand their risk for developing chronic kidney […]

CVD risk factors tied to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia

(HealthDay)—Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment among individuals with schizophrenia, according to a review and meta-analysis published online March 3 in JAMA Psychiatry. Katsuhiko Hagi, Ph.D., from Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma in Tokyo, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association between risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognition […]

Study offers an explanation for why the APOE4 gene enhances Alzheimer’s risk

One of the most significant genetic risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease is a gene called APOE4, which is carried by almost half of all Alzheimer’s patients. A new study from MIT shows that this gene has widespread effects on brain cells’ ability to metabolize lipids and respond to stress. In studies of human brain […]

Transmission risk of COVID-19 from sewage spills into rivers can now be quickly quantified

Scientists have identified that the COVID-19 virus could be transmitted through fecal-contaminated river water. A team of researchers, including water quality, epidemiology, remote sensing and modeling experts, led by Dr. Jamie Shutler at the University of Exeter, have developed a fast and simple way to assess the potential risk of water-borne transmission of the COVID-19 […]

Study finds risk communication targeting younger adults may have biggest impact

A recent study of adults in the United States finds that—broadly speaking—the older you are, the more concerned you are about COVID-19, and the more steps you take to reduce your risk from COVID-19. The study suggests that the biggest boost in risk reduction would stem from communication efforts aimed at raising awareness of COVID-19 […]

Child proton pump inhibitor use may increase asthma risk

Initiation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with an increased risk for asthma among children compared with nonuse, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Pediatrics. Yun-Han Wang, from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, and colleagues examined the association between PPI use and risk for asthma in children in a […]

Immune response to insulin could identify, help treat those at risk for type 1 diabetes

Researchers from the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that immune responses to insulin could help identify individuals most at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes. The study, out recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, measured immune responses from individuals genetically […]

Prostate drug associated with lower risk of Parkinson’s disease

Taking a particular type of medication to treat enlarged prostate is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a large observational study led by researchers at the University of Iowa, with colleagues in Denmark and China. The findings, published Feb. 1 in JAMA Neurology, provide compelling evidence that terazosin, and similar […]