Scientists reveal genetic architecture underlying alcohol, cigarette abuse
Have you ever wondered why one person can smoke cigarettes for a year and easily quit, while another person will become addicted for life? Why can’t some people help themselves from abusing alcohol and others can take it or leave it? One reason is a person’s genetic proclivity to abuse substances. UNC School of Medicine […]
Opinion | Three Key Strategies for Combatting Nurse Turnover
While we currently have over 3 million registered nurses in the U.S., demand for these professionals will continue to grow by at least 5% over the next 5 years. But according to research, with more than 900,000 nurses expected to permanently leave the profession during that same period due to retirement, burnout, or career change, […]
What Fitness Pros Do When They Don’t Feel Like Working Out
There’s a popular adage in the fitness community that you never regret a workout. And while that generally may be true, there are simply some days your mind doesn’t care and urges you to avoid it anyway. This is not only perfectly normal; it’s totally acceptable. The notion that you should force yourself into tough […]
Capturing an elusive shadow: State-by-state gun ownership
Policy-makers are faced with an exceptional challenge: how to reduce harm caused by firearms while maintaining citizens’ right to bear arms and protect themselves. This is especially true as the Supreme Court has hobbled New York State regulations restricting who can carry a concealed weapon. While meaningful legislation requires an understanding of how access to […]
Higher protein intake while dieting leads to healthier eating
Eating a larger proportion of protein while dieting leads to better food choices and helps avoid the loss of lean body mass, according to a Rutgers study. An analysis of pooled data from multiple weight-loss trials conducted at Rutgers shows that increasing the amount of protein even slightly, from 18 percent of a person’s food […]
Wreck of historic royal ship discovered off the English coast
The wreck of one of the most famous ships of the 17th century — which sank 340 years ago while carrying the future King of England James Stuart — has been discovered off the coast of Norfolk in the UK, it can be revealed today. Since running aground on a sandbank on May 6, 1682, […]
Are ultra-processed foods harmful? Experts weigh the evidence
Dietary guidelines form the basis for nutrition advice and regulations around the world. While there is strong scientific consensus around most existing guidelines, one question has recently stirred debate: Should consumers be warned to avoid ultra-processed foods? Two papers published today in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) outline the case for and against […]
Medication treatment of pediatric psychiatric disorders reduces the later onset of substance use problems: Early and longer-lasting treatment reduces risk of substance use disorder most significantly
One half of psychiatric and substance use disorders start by the age of 18; three-quarters by age 24. While these are concerning statistics, a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) finds that treating psychiatric disorders with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents does not increase the risk of developing substance use, misuse, or substance […]
Snake trade in Indonesia is not sustainable enough — but it could be
Wildlife trade is a multi-million dollar industry. While some animals are traded legally, in compliance with legislation that aims to protect populations, wildlife trafficking continues to thrive in many places, threatening precious species with extinction. Reptiles are exported in large numbers, and snakes are no exception. They are mostly traded for their skins, used in […]
Vaginal Estrogen ‘Underutilized’ in Women With GSM After Breast Cancer
NEW ORLEANS — While vaginal estrogen therapy is safe and effective for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), few women who have had breast cancer use it, researchers reported here. Breast cancer survivors with GSM were half as likely to be prescribed vaginal estrogen compared to women with GSM and no history of breast cancer (11% […]