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Where and why men die younger: global data breaks it down

A global study published in PLOS Medicine examined sex-disaggregated data on hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS across 204 countries. It revealed significant but context-dependent differences in disease burden, care access, and outcomes between males and females.

4 May 2025

Why having 2.1 kids isn't enough to prevent extinction

A new PLoS ONE study shows that to avoid extinction, small populations may need fertility rates well above the standard 2.1—especially under demographic randomness. A female-biased sex ratio reduces this threshold, offering a potential evolutionary advantage under stress.

4 May 2025

Phthalates in plastics linked to over 350,000 heart deaths worldwide

A global modeling study in eBioMedicine links phthalate exposure from plastics, especially DEHP metabolites, to over 356,000 cardiovascular deaths in 2018. Exposure was highest in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, disproportionately affecting lower-income countries.

4 May 2025

Ten year study confirms effectiveness of two-week radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, accounting for more than 1.4 million new cases each year.

3 May 2025

National initiative boosts heart failure treatment across US hospitals

About 6.7 million adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure, and that number is expected to increase to more than 8 million by 2030.

3 May 2025

Stenting improves long term outcomes in CTO PCI patients

In patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stenting demonstrated improved long-term survival and fewer cardiac arrests at one year.

2 May 2025

Medicaid rollbacks could deepen health inequities

A new analysis provides evidence that reductions in access to Medicaid could increase deaths and cause financial hardship to people currently covered under an expansion of Medicaid that was implemented under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

2 May 2025

Single antiplatelet therapy after TAVR linked to lower mortality and bleeding

Findings from the Transfusion Requirements in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TRITAVI) registry demonstrate that single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with a significantly lower incidence of six-month mortality and major bleeding risk compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

2 May 2025

Study shows safe outcomes for PCI performed in ambulatory surgery centers

The first study evaluating Medicare patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) demonstrated good safety outcomes, such as mortality and adverse event rates at 30 days, compared to outpatient hospital departments, but were less likely to use certain technologies.

2 May 2025

Study uncovers how a mobile genetic element hijacks human cells

Viruses are known to use the genetic machinery of the human cells they invade to make copies of themselves. As part of the process, viruses leave behind remnants throughout the genetic material (genomes) of humans.

2 May 2025

New studies link increased heart disease risk to tobacco and cannabis use

New clinical results from multiple studies show coronary heart disease death associated with tobacco use is anticipated to rise up to 40% in the next five years and people with cannabis use disorder are 50% more likely to experience cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.

2 May 2025

Covered California pushes for better health care as federal spending cuts loom

Faced with potential federal spending cuts that threaten health coverage and falling childhood vaccination rates, Monica Soni, the chief medical officer of Covered California, has a lot on her plate — and on her mind.

2 May 2025

Study: One in four early cardiogenic shock patients experience worse outcomes

In one of the largest studies of early cardiogenic shock (CS) patients, where blood flow is still functioning to vital organs, researchers demonstrated that 26% experienced worse outcomes, including care escalation, CS deterioration, or in-hospital mortality.

2 May 2025

What predicts belief in the afterlife? A massive global study has answers

A large global study of over 202,000 adults in 22 countries found that belief in an afterlife is shaped not only by religious exposure in childhood, but also by early emotional and familial experiences. Weekly religious attendance at age 12 was the strongest and most consistent predictor of adult afterlife belief.

1 May 2025

COVID-19 restrictions linked to better birth timing but worse mental health

A global review reveals that while lockdowns helped reduce early births in some regions, they also worsened maternal mental health, highlighting the need for more tailored support during future health crises.

1 May 2025

Childhood health and family ties boost adult optimism, study finds

A large international study of 203,000 adults across 22 countries found that early-life experiences—such as childhood health, family relationships, and religious upbringing—significantly shape levels of optimism in adulthood. Cultural context also influenced whether factors like parental divorce had negative or positive effects.

1 May 2025

How much ultra-processed food is too much? This study has the answer

A meta-analysis across eight countries found that every 10% increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) intake was linked to a 2.7% rise in all-cause mortality. The study estimates up to 124,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S. alone may be attributable to high UPF consumption.

1 May 2025

Urgent action needed to close gaps in global pandemic preparedness

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is highly concerned that the world is unprepared for the next pandemic and has not incorporated the lessons learned from COVID-19.

30 Apr 2025

What’s missing in plant-based nutrition research? A new review explains

A new scoping review reveals major inconsistencies in how plant-based diet diversity is defined, measured, and linked to health outcomes in high-income countries. The findings highlight a critical need for standard definitions and validated assessment tools in future research.

30 Apr 2025

Loss of EU nurses after Brexit tied to 1,485 additional deaths annually

During the three years after the EU referendum poll, Brexit's impact on the NHS caused 1,485 additional deaths per year as a result of EU nurses leaving the UK following the referendum, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.

30 Apr 2025