Study: Many COVID-19 'Long-Haulers' Unable To Return To Work After 6 Months

Key TakeawaysA preliminary study is thought to represent the largest collection of symptoms identified in the “long COVID” population, or people who continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms months after their diagnosis.Researchers noted that the most common symptoms after a period of six months were exhaustion, post-exercise tiredness, and cognitive dysfunction.Lasting symptoms prevent many from returning to work even six months after the initial infection. Key Takeaways A preliminary study is thought to represent the largest collection of symptoms identified in the “long COVID” population, or people who continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms months after their diagnosis....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1288 words · Melissa Mendoza

Study: Maternal Stress Linked To Negative Health Outcomes for Kids

Key TakeawaysResearch has linked maternal stress to asthma, obesity, ADHD, and autism in children.Glucocorticoids that are secreted in a chronic stress response can mutate mitochondrial DNA and cause negative health outcomes.Evidence-based interventions and screenings have been developed to help minimize the effects of chronic stress.A recent study from researchers at the University of Cincinnati has linked maternal stress to a higher number of placental mitochondrial mutations that can increase the risk for complex disorders for their children later in life....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2174 words · Nicholas Smith

Study: Mental Health Help Is Crucial For People in Police Custody

Key TakewaysA study published in April found that people in police custody have higher rates of mental illness than the general population.Research suggests that there may be a relationship between mental illness and unmet needs, like a lack of housing.There are alternatives to policing that can get people the mental health help they need, like rehabilitation programs. Key Takeways A study published in April found that people in police custody have higher rates of mental illness than the general population....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1224 words · Denise Chase

Study: Moderate Carbohydrate Intake May Benefit Womens' Heart Health

Key TakeawaysCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women and accounts for 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States. However, most of the research on ways to reduce CVD risk has not been primarily focused on women.A new study shows that—contrary to what past research has suggested—eating a moderate amount of carbohydrates and consuming saturated fat does not increase CVD risk in middle-aged women.Until more research is done, people looking to reduce their heart disease risk should focus on including whole and enriched grains, as well as fruit, in their diets as well as avoiding refined sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrate sources....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1596 words · Annette Bird

Study: More Free Time Won’t Always Make You Happier

Key Takeaways Not having enough free time can lead to feeling overworked, too tired, and burnt out. Typically, you don’t feel as happy and anxiously await time off. But what happens when we don’t know what to do with that free time, or whenwe feel we have too much of it? Researchers from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that being at either end of the extreme is not good for our mental health and sense of wellbeing....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 991 words · Rebecca Smith

Study: More Metastatic Cancer Patients Should Be Included in Clinical Trials

Key TakeawaysResearchers have historically excluded cancer patients whose disease has spread to the brain from clinical trials due to their poor prognosis.A new tool called the Graded Prognostic Assessment estimates survival based on multiple factors, including the initial cancer type.Cancer patients with brain metastases may still be suitable candidates for research, according to new study findings. Key Takeaways Researchers have historically excluded cancer patients whose disease has spread to the brain from clinical trials due to their poor prognosis....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1382 words · Ryan Hays

Study: Most Americans Support Paid Paternity Leave

Key Takeaways Even though the United States doesn’t offer paid leave for new parents, a rising number of Americans are supporting the measure. A new study found that Americans are aligned with a majority of people in over 20 countries who overwhelmingly support paid paternity leave. For the study, researchers from Ohio State University and Ball State University reviewed data from over 35,000 people who participated in a 2012 international social survey....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1085 words · Mary Casey

Study: Narcissistic Traits Can Lead to Aggression and Violence

Key TakeawaysRecent research shows a consistent link between narcissistic traits, aggression, and violence.Many types of aggression (like physical, verbal, or bullying) and violence were linked to narcissism across the board.Therapy and parenting can all help reduce the risk of narcissistic traits and behaviors. Key Takeaways Recent research shows a consistent link between narcissistic traits, aggression, and violence.Many types of aggression (like physical, verbal, or bullying) and violence were linked to narcissism across the board....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1570 words · Lucas Clark

Study: NCAA COVID Restrictions Helped Control Virus Transmission

Key TakeawaysParticipation in collegiate athletics was not connected to higher COVID-19 test positivity in the 2020-21 academic year.Mitigation measures like frequent testing, masking, and social distancing played a role in lower test positivity rates in athletes versus non-athletes.Researchers say the findings can reassure people that sports can be conducted in a safe manner. Key Takeaways Participation in collegiate athletics was not connected to higher COVID-19 test positivity in the 2020-21 academic year....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1208 words · Morgan Salazar

Study: New Test May Accurately Predict Depression Based on Proteins in the Brain

Key TakeawaysResearchers have developed a new test—the first of its kind—to accurately predict depression, based on the levels of this protein found in the brain.Experts warn that this kind of test may not be applicable to all patients experiencing depression and can be limiting.More research needs to be done to see how a test on biomarkers can factor into treatment. Key Takeaways Researchers have developed a new test—the first of its kind—to accurately predict depression, based on the levels of this protein found in the brain....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1425 words · Shaun Sims

Study: Newer COVID-19 Variants Have Shorter Incubation Periods

Key TakeawaysA recent study found that the incubation periods of COVID-19 have become shorter with each new variant.Changes in incubation periods may influence contact tracing guidelines and recommendations for quarantine and isolation.Experts say a shorter incubation period might mean that the virus can spread much quicker in a community. Key Takeaways A recent study found that the incubation periods of COVID-19 have become shorter with each new variant.Changes in incubation periods may influence contact tracing guidelines and recommendations for quarantine and isolation....

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 579 words · Ryan Davidson

Study: Non-White Patients Less Likely to Qualify for Alzheimer’s Drugs

Key TakeawaysFewer Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients are eligible to receive Alzheimer’s treatments like anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies that are designed to reduce amyloid buildup in the brain, according to a recent study.The researchers said that underrepresented populations are not always as likely to show amyloid plaques on scans. So-called “amyloid positivity” is often necessary to get treatment.More research is needed to identify other factors that may contribute to the higher rates of dementia and lower rates of amyloid positivity in underrepresented groups....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 2055 words · Erika Sanchez

Study: Online CBT for Depression Just as Effective as In-Person Treatment

Key TakeawaysCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered remotely was found to be just as effective as in-person CBT for depression treatment.At the same time, certain CBT techniques used in an online setting, like relaxation techniques, exacerbated depression symptoms.This study is part of a larger movement to optimize and personalize CBT treatment for patients.Over the course of the pandemic, telehealth saw a rise in popularity. But even as states lift restrictions, online therapy may be here to stay....

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2452 words · Jennifer Frey