Author Archives: support

The Impact of Work-life Imbalance on Cardiovascular Disease Risk

With longer working hours, pervasive expectations of always being available, and blurred distinctions between work and personal life, workers globally are experiencing the adverse effects of workplace stress infiltrating their homes. This phenomenon, known as work-to-family spillover, has profound implications for mental health, family relationships, work productivity, and job satisfaction. In Singapore, where stress levels exceed the global average, a growing number of individuals report feeling mentally and physically drained by the end of each day. This escalating ‘epidemic’ of work-life imbalance raises critical concerns about its impact on overall physical health, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

Assistant Professor Andree Hartanto highlighted the limitations of relying solely on self-reported subjective health measures, such as headaches and fatigue, to gauge the full extent of health impacts. He stressed that physiological changes, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system, can often go unnoticed due to their asymptomatic nature. This gap in understanding is especially concerning given that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of global mortality, claiming 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This prompted Professor Hartanto’s team to investigate the consequences of negative work-to-family spillovers on cardiovascular health.

Published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, their study, “Negative Work-to-Family Spillover Stress and Elevated Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Midlife and Older Adults,” involved collaboration with former undergraduate students from SMU. The research drew data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) II Biomarker Project and MIDUS Refresher Biomarker Project, encompassing 1,179 working or self-employed adults. The study cohort, predominantly Caucasian (89%) with an average age of 52.64 years and nearly equal gender representation, provided a robust sample for analysis.

Participants, averaging 41 hours of work per week, underwent comprehensive assessments, including a validated scale to measure negative work-to-family spillover. Additionally, they underwent physical examinations and provided fasting blood samples to assess key cardiovascular biomarkers: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein. These biomarkers are critical indicators for cholesterol levels, arterial health, and heart inflammation—fundamental factors in cardiovascular disease risk.

The study revealed significant associations between negative work-to-family spillover and adverse cardiovascular biomarker profiles. Expressly, higher levels of triglycerides, linked to arterial hardening, and lower levels of HDL, associated with elevated cholesterol, were noted among those reporting higher levels of work-life imbalance. Importantly, these findings held even after adjusting for demographic variables, medication usage, health status, and other relevant health behaviours.

These findings underscore the profound impact of work-life imbalance on physiological health, particularly cardiovascular health. Furthermore, correlations were observed between negative work-to-family spillover and inflammation biomarkers such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, highlighting the broader systemic impact of chronic stress on the body. Professor Hartanto’s research thus serves as a critical call to action for organisations, including health professionals, organisational leaders, policymakers, and researchers, to prioritise initiatives that promote healthier work-life balances. Addressing these issues not only supports mental well-being and family cohesion but also empowers you to mitigate significant risks to physical health, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in working populations.

More information: Andree Hartanto et al, Negative work-to-family spillover stress and heightened cardiovascular risk biomarkers in midlife and older adults, Journal of Psychosomatic Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111594

Journal information: Journal of Psychosomatic Research Provided by Singapore Management University

Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle Could Mitigate Life-Shortening Gene Effects by Over 60%

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While genes and lifestyle interact to influence lifespan, it’s crucial to note that an unhealthy lifestyle can independently elevate the risk of premature death by a staggering 78%, regardless of genetic predisposition. This striking finding from recent research, which utilised a polygenic risk score (PRS) to assess genetic predisposition across 353,742 adults from the UK Biobank, tracked from 2006 to 2021, underscores the urgent need for healthier habits. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, sleep, and physical activity were also evaluated in the study.

The findings suggest that individuals genetically predisposed to a shorter lifespan faced a 21% higher risk of early death compared to those with genetic advantages for longevity, regardless of lifestyle choices. Similarly, those with unfavourable lifestyles were 78% more likely to die prematurely than their counterparts with healthier habits, independent of genetic factors. Those at high genetic risk and with unhealthy lifestyles were twice as likely to die early compared to those with low genetic risk and healthy lifestyles.

The study identified four critical components of an optimal lifestyle: non-smoking, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet. These factors collectively contributed to mitigating genetic predispositions to shorter lifespans by approximately 62%. Importantly, the study found that individuals at high genetic risk could extend their life expectancy by up to 5.5 years at age 40 by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This positive message underscores the potential for positive change and encourages individuals to make healthier choices.

The researchers acknowledge limitations, including the study’s observational nature, which precludes definitive cause-and-effect conclusions. Lifestyle assessments were conducted only once, and the study population consisted predominantly of individuals of European ancestry, which may limit generalisability. Despite these constraints, the findings underscore the critical role of healthy lifestyles in offsetting genetic risks for lifespan reduction.

The study emphasises the importance of public health policies promoting healthy lifestyles as complements to conventional healthcare. By encouraging healthy habits earlier in life, these policies could mitigate the impact of genetic factors on lifespan and promote longer, healthier lives.

More information: Zilong Bian et al, Genetic predisposition, modifiable lifestyles, and their joint effects on human lifespan: evidence from multiple cohort studies, BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2023-112583

Journal information: BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine Provided by BMJ Group

Improving Detection of Home Falls Among Older Adults: Researchers Make Breakthrough

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Recent research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, focuses on enhancing response times through a human action recognition (HAR) algorithm. This algorithm uses local computing devices to analyse sensor data and detect unusual movements without needing external processing centres. Developed by Professor Yu Chen and PhD student Han Sun from the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Rapid Response Elderly Safety Monitoring (RESAM) system leverages advancements in edge computing.

Published in the IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, their study demonstrates that RESAM achieves 99% accuracy with a response time of just 1.22 seconds when deployed on standard devices like smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, or desktop computers. This places RESAM among the most precise methods available today for detecting falls among older adults.

Chen emphasises the significance of this research for an often-overlooked demographic: senior citizens who may lack the resources to voice their technological needs. He contrasts typical high-tech innovations with the practical benefits of RESAM, which utilises familiar devices instead of requiring a complete “smart home” setup, empowering older adults without adopting new technology.

To address privacy concerns, RESAM employs a privacy-preserving approach by reducing monitored images to skeletal representations. This technique enables the system to analyse critical body points such as arms, legs, and torso to detect falls or other incidents that could lead to injuries while respecting users’ privacy preferences.

Recognising that bathrooms pose a high risk for falls but are sensitive areas for surveillance, Chen highlights the reluctance towards camera-based monitoring in such private spaces. Instead, he envisions RESAM as a foundational component of a broader initiative termed “Happy Home,” which integrates thermal or infrared cameras and additional sensors to remotely assess various aspects of a person’s environment and well-being.

Looking ahead, Chen and Associate Professor Shiqi Zhang from the Department of Computer Science explore expanding RESAM to include robotic companions, such as a robot dog. This “pet” could accompany individuals through daily routines, offering personalised monitoring and assistance. Zhang’s earlier work demonstrated how a robot dog could guide visually impaired individuals, underscoring the potential for interactive and adaptive monitoring systems in home environments.

Chen envisions these advancements not only as technical innovations but as supportive companions that enhance the safety and independence of older adults. Integrating intelligent sensors and robotic assistants into daily life, the “Happy Home” concept aims to proactively monitor health indicators and predict potential issues before they escalate, promoting a safer and more supportive living environment for older adults.

More information: Han Sun et al, A Rapid Response System for Elderly Safety Monitoring Using Progressive Hierarchical Action Recognition, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering. DOI: 10.1109/TNSRE.2024.3409197

Journal information: IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering Provided by Binghamton University

After a Quarter Century, Researchers Identify Genetic Basis of Rare Neurological Disorder

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In some families, Spinocerebellar Ataxia 4 (SCA4) is seen as a test of faith, while for others, it is viewed as a curse. This progressive neurological condition is scarcescarce but exerts severe effects on patients and their families. Typically, the initial symptoms manifest as difficulties with walking and balance, worsening progressively. Onset usually occurs in one’s forties or fifties, though it can begin as early as the late teens. Currently, there is no known cure, and until recently, its underlying cause remained elusive.

After 25 years of uncertainty, a multinational research effort led by Stefan Pulst, M.D., and K. Pattie Figueroa from the University of Utah’s Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine has finally identified the genetic mutation responsible for SCA4. Published in Nature Genetics, their findings provide much-needed answers to affected families and pave the way for potential future treatments. The inheritance pattern of SCA4 strongly suggested a genetic origin, with previous studies pinpointing the responsible gene to a specific region on a chromosome. However, this region posed significant challenges for analysis due to its complex structure, which was filled with repetitive DNA segments that resemble portions of other chromosomes and possessed an unusual chemical composition that thwarted conventional genetic testing methods.

Pulst, Figueroa, and their team used cutting-edge sequencing technology to compare DNA samples from affected individuals within several Utah families to unaffected counterparts. They discovered that SCA4 patients exhibit an abnormally elongated segment within a gene called ZFHX3, containing an extended repeat of repetitive DNA. In laboratory tests using isolated human cells carrying this extended version of ZFHX3, researchers observed impaired protein recycling mechanisms and the accumulation of protein aggregates, indicating cellular dysfunction. Interestingly, similarities in protein recycling dysfunction have been observed in another type of ataxia, SCA2. Current clinical trials testing therapies for SCA2 suggest that treatments targeting this pathway may also benefit SCA4 patients.

Understanding the genetic basis of SCA4 is crucial for developing more effective treatments, notes Pulst, emphasizing that targeting the underlying cause offers the best chance to improve patients’ lives. While the journey towards viable treatments may be lengthy, simply identifying the genetic basis of SCA4 holds immense value for affected families. Figueroa underscores this point, highlighting that genetic testing can now provide definitive answers to families considering their future, including decisions related to family planning. The researchers express deep gratitude to the SCA4 patients and their families whose contributions of biological samples and family histories were essential for this breakthrough.

Through their generosity, researchers traced the disease’s origins in Utah to a pioneer couple who settled in Salt Lake Valley in the 1840s. Figueroa reflects on the personal impact of studying SCA4 since 2010, recalling how interactions with affected families transformed her perspective. “These are not just research subjects; they are individuals whose lives are profoundly affected. This work is more than science; it’s about understanding and supporting real people,” she affirms. In summary, identifying the genetic mutation causing SCA4 represents a significant step forward in scientific understanding and potential treatment development.

By unravelling this genetic mystery, researchers have brought hope to affected families and underscored the importance of community collaboration in advancing medical research and support.

More information: Karla P. Figueroa et al, A GGC-repeat expansion in ZFHX3 encoding polyglycine causes spinocerebellar ataxia type 4 and impairs autophagy, Nature Genetics. DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01719-5

Journal information: Nature Genetics Provided by University of Utah Health

Residing Close to Green Spaces Linked to Reduced Emotional Issues in Preschool-Age Children, NIH Study Reveals

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Children who grow up in environments rich with natural spaces such as forests, parks, and backyards may experience fewer emotional issues during their early years, according to a groundbreaking study funded by the NIH Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research fills a critical gap in understanding the impact of nature on young children’s mental health, providing a wealth of new insights for parents, educators, policymakers, and researchers.

The study, led by meticulous researchers from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, analysed data from over 2,100 children aged 2 to 11 across 199 counties in 41 U.S. states. They combined parental reports on children’s behaviour with satellite-derived data on vegetation density around their homes, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis.

Findings indicated that higher levels of green space within three-fourths of a mile from a child’s residence were associated with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms between the ages of 2 and 5. This association remained significant even after accounting for the child’s sex, parental education, and neighbourhood socioeconomic status. However, no significant correlation was found between green space and mental health symptoms in later childhood (ages 6 to 11), when children typically spend more time at school.

Dr. Nissa Towe-Goodman, an ECHO researcher involved in the study, emphasised the importance of early childhood exposure to natural environments, affirming that such experiences can positively impact children’s emotional well-being. She highlighted the nationwide scope of the study, contrasting it with previous research that often focused on limited geographic areas or adult populations.

Using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify vegetation density, the study found that areas with higher NDVI values (indicative of dense vegetation like forests) were particularly beneficial. This metric allowed researchers to objectively measure the presence of natural environments around children’s homes and assess its impact on their mental health outcomes.

Looking forward, Dr. Towe-Goodman suggested further exploration into specific nature experiences that benefit children’s mental health. She also proposed studying how creating and preserving natural areas around homes and schools could enhance emotional well-being in early childhood, underscoring the potential public health implications of integrating green spaces into urban planning and educational environments.

The study underscores the positive influence of early exposure to green spaces on reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in young children. It highlights the potential for policies and initiatives that promote access to natural environments during crucial developmental stages. This promising outlook could pave the way for a brighter future for children’s mental health.

More information: Nissa Towe-Goodman et al, Green Space and Internalizing or Externalizing Symptoms Among Children, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5742

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes

Scientists Uncover Swiftest Natural Carbon Dioxide Increase in the Past 50,000 Years

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According to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have identified the fastest rate of natural carbon dioxide rises over the past 50,000 years. This comprehensive chemical analysis of ancient Antarctic ice reveals that today’s atmospheric carbon dioxide increase rate is unprecedented, exceeding any observed natural fluctuations in the past.

The study, led by Kathleen Wendt, an assistant professor at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, underscores the significance of understanding past climate variations to comprehend current climate dynamics. Wendt highlights that the current CO2 rise, driven primarily by human activities, occurs ten times faster than the fastest natural increases detected in the ice core records.

Carbon dioxide, a naturally occurring greenhouse gas, plays a critical role in climate dynamics by contributing to the greenhouse effect. Over geological time scales, its levels have fluctuated due to various natural factors such as ice age cycles. However, the current trajectory of CO2 levels is primarily influenced by anthropogenic emissions.

The research leverages ice cores drilled from the Antarctic, containing ancient air bubbles that trap trace gases from past atmospheres. These cores, extracted from depths up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometres), provide a timeline of climate changes spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the study’s detailed chemical analysis of these ice cores sheds light on abrupt climate shifts and their implications for contemporary climate change.

Previous studies indicated notable spikes in CO2 levels during the last ice age, coinciding with North Atlantic cold intervals known as Heinrich Events. These events are associated with significant climate disruptions globally. The researchers, including co-author Christo Buizert, associate professor at Oregon State University, found that these spikes occurred approximately once every 7,000 years, marking periods of rapid CO2 increases, often linked to collapses in the North American ice sheet.

Buizert describes these events as triggers for complex chain reactions affecting global climate systems, including changes in tropical monsoons and Southern Hemisphere westerly winds. These changes, in turn, lead to substantial releases of CO2 from the oceans into the atmosphere.

The study highlights a specific event where CO2 levels surged by approximately 14 parts per million over 55 years, a pace far slower than today’s observed rates. Such an increase in CO2 concentration would take only 5 to 6 years.

Moreover, the research suggests that past periods of natural CO2 rise were accompanied by strengthening westerly winds in the Southern Ocean, facilitating rapid CO2 release from deep ocean waters. This finding raises concerns about future climate projections, as climate models predict further strengthening of these winds due to ongoing climate change. This could reduce the Southern Ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 emissions generated by human activities, thus exacerbating global warming.

These findings have profound implications, indicating that the Earth’s climate system is currently experiencing unprecedented changes that surpass natural variability observed over millennia. Understanding these past dynamics enhances our knowledge of Earth’s climate history and informs strategies to mitigate the impacts of ongoing anthropogenic climate change.

In conclusion, the study underscores the urgency of addressing human-induced climate change by highlighting the exceptional nature of the current CO2 rise compared to historical records. It emphasises the critical role of scientific research in informing policy and adaptation measures aimed at safeguarding global climate stability in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

More information: Kathleen A. Wendt et al, Southern Ocean drives multidecadal atmospheric CO2 rise during Heinrich Stadials, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319652121

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by Oregon State University

A Delicious and Nutritious Fruit Snack Choice for Health

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When considering a healthy fruit snack for your child’s lunchbox or your afternoon treat, choosing wisely based on nutritional guidelines is essential. Recent research conducted by food scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights that only three types of fruit snacks meet the latest recommendations set by federal dietary guidelines for high-nutrition snacks. These include dried fruit, fruit puree, and canned fruit packed in juice.

Dried fruit is the top choice among these options due to its superior nutritional profile. It boasts the highest nutrient density and fibre content while containing the lowest added sugar compared to other commercially available fruit snacks. Conversely, fruit-flavoured snacks like gummies exhibit the lowest nutrient density and fibre content alongside the highest added sugar content. Other less nutritious fruit snack options include canned fruit packed in syrup and dried flavoured fruit, which tend to have higher added sugars.

The study by food scientists Amanda Kinchla and Alissa Nolden analysed 1,497 fruit snacks from the Mintel Global New Products Database. They utilised the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index to assess overall nutrition quality, considering factors such as protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, as well as substances recommended to be limited, like added sugars and sodium.

While fresh fruit remains the healthiest option, the research underscores that a significant portion of the U.S. population struggles to meet the recommended daily fruit intake. In this context, the practicality of choosing nutrient-dense fruit snacks becomes evident, offering a feasible strategy to increase fruit consumption.

Kinchla emphasises, “It’s not fresh fruit but the snacking products that people are more customarily consuming.” This underscores the importance of understanding and promoting healthier alternatives within the snack market.

The researchers categorised the fruit snacks into nine groups: dried fruit, fruit-based bars, canned fruit, and various fruit-flavoured snacks. They aimed to pinpoint areas where improvements could enhance the healthfulness of these products, particularly by reducing added sugars and increasing fibre content.

Nolden explains, “Our goal was to connect the dots between all the nutrients, which is the unique advantage of the NRF – the ability to simultaneously consider multiple nutrients.” This comprehensive approach allowed the researchers to effectively evaluate and compare the nutritional merits of different fruit snack categories, providing enlightening insights.

The study’s findings recommend reformulating fruit snacks to improve their nutritional quality. Suggestions include reducing added sugars in formed fruit and fruit-based bars and enhancing fibre content across all categories. Canned fruit and fruit-flavoured snacks, in particular, require significant reformulation to boost nutrient density and reduce added sugars.

Moreover, the researchers advocate for improving sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of healthier fruit snack options. By aligning nutritional improvements with sensory preferences, they aim to promote smarter snacking choices that support overall health and wellness.

The research underscores the urgent need for reformulating fruit snacks to align with dietary guidelines, enhancing fibre content, reducing added sugars, and improving overall nutrient density. By focusing on these improvements, the fruit snack industry can better cater to consumer health needs while promoting enjoyable and nutritious snacking options. This call for reformulation should motivate and garner support for healthier eating habits among consumers.

More information: Hao Fu et al, Nutrient Density, Added Sugar, and Fiber Content of Commercially Available Fruit Snacks in the United States from 2017 to 2022, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16020292

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by University of Massachusetts Amherst

Blood Markers: Detecting Rare Forms of Dementia, ALS, and PSP

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In a recent study involving 991 adults, researchers at DZNE have demonstrated the potential of blood testing to identify common forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as the neurological disorders amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Published in “Nature Medicine,” the findings highlight the use of specific blood proteins as biomarkers for these conditions, although the method is not yet ready for routine clinical use. Nevertheless, it holds promise for enhancing disease diagnosis and accelerating the development of new therapeutic strategies.

FTD, ALS, and PSP collectively represent a spectrum of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases characterised by symptoms such as dementia, behavioural changes, paralysis, muscle deterioration, and impaired movement. In Germany alone, an estimated 60,000 individuals are affected by these diseases, which, despite their rarity, impose severe health burdens. Definitive diagnosis of the molecular pathology underlying these conditions typically requires post-mortem brain tissue analysis, presenting a significant clinical challenge.

Professor Anja Schneider, a research group leader at DZNE and Director of the Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Cognitive Disorders at UKB, underscores the critical need for diagnostic markers to elucidate disease pathology. She explains that stratifying patients based on disease pathology is essential for developing targeted therapies, which currently need improvement due to existing methods’ diagnostic limitations.

The study reveals that blood tests measuring tau and TDP-43 proteins can effectively identify PSP, the behavioural variant of FTD, and most ALS cases, except for those involving specific mutations. These biomarkers offer a novel approach to diagnosing the underlying pathology of these diseases during a patient’s lifetime, potentially transforming clinical management and therapeutic research.

Schneider emphasises the importance of longitudinal studies to track the development of these biomarkers throughout disease progression. Understanding how these markers evolve could provide crucial insights into early disease detection and intervention strategies, improving patient outcomes.

The innovative blood test technique measures tau and TDP-43 proteins encapsulated within lipid vesicles secreted by cells. Different from direct measurement of free-floating tau proteins in blood plasma, which proved inconclusive, this method involves isolating these proteins via multi-stage preparation, including centrifugation of blood samples. This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of biomarker detection, facilitating robust validation across diverse study cohorts in Germany and Spain.

Collaborative efforts involving multiple research institutions and patient cohorts were instrumental in validating these findings. The study drew upon data and blood samples from over 700 patients in Germany and more than 200 participants in Spain, reflecting a concerted international effort to overcome the challenges posed by the rarity of these diseases and ensure statistically robust conclusions.

The results underscore the significance of collaborative medical research in advancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic avenues for complex neurodegenerative diseases. By elucidating the role of tau and TDP-43 proteins in FTD, ALS, and PSP, the study paves the way for future clinical applications of blood-based biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation. While further research is necessary to refine and validate these findings, the potential impact on improving patient care and accelerating therapeutic development is profound.

More information: Madhurima Chatterjee et al, Plasma extracellular vesicle tau and TDP-43 as diagnostic biomarkers in FTD and ALS, Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02937-4

Journal information: Nature Medicine Provided by DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Early Life Experiences’ Role in Racial Disparities in Cognitive Development: Insights from Yale News

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Negative early life experiences, such as attending segregated schools, significantly contribute to cognitive decline and disparities between older Black and white Americans, according to a recent study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This study breaks new ground by focusing on the duration of schooling, the quality of education, and personal experiences during schooling, including exposure to segregated environments, marking it as a landmark contribution to understanding these dynamics.

Lead author Xi Chen, associate professor of public health at Yale School of Public Health, underscores the study’s importance amidst stark disparities in dementia rates between Black and white Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Black older adults are about twice as likely as white older adults to suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.

The implications of the study extend to policymakers and health professionals, suggesting that addressing early life factors, particularly educational equity, could offer a more effective and equitable approach to mitigating racial disparities in dementia later in life. This finding contrasts with current strategies that often focus on managing midlife and later risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.

The research also highlights implications for primary care clinicians who assess patients’ health metrics to gauge dementia risk. Understanding patients’ childhood backgrounds, including their educational experiences in racially segregated schools, could provide crucial insights for early intervention strategies. For example, a history of attending segregated schools might prompt clinicians to prioritise screening for cognitive impairment.

The study analysed data from the Health and Retirement Study, involving 1,634 non-Hispanic Black and 7,381 non-Hispanic white participants aged 50 and above. It included cognitive function assessments, life history surveys capturing childhood experiences, and genetic cognition-related factors. The findings revealed significant cognitive disparities between Black and white participants, with higher rates of cognitive impairment among Black individuals.

Moreover, the study highlighted that Black participants were more likely to have faced challenging early life experiences, including financial instability, traumatic events, and inadequate educational opportunities. Nearly two-thirds of Black participants attended segregated schools before college, highlighting the enduring impact of racial segregation on academic experiences and subsequent cognitive health.

Advanced statistical methods used in the study determined that early life experiences, particularly attending segregated schools until college, contributed significantly to cognitive disparities and decline among Black individuals. This underscores the systemic nature of educational inequities in shaping mental health outcomes across populations.

In an accompanying editorial in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Reagan W. Durant, the journal’s associate editor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasised the study’s relevance in addressing ongoing racial disparities in education and health outcomes. Despite legal efforts to desegregate schools since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, economic disparities have perpetuated de facto segregation, influencing educational opportunities and health trajectories.

Durant’s editorial calls for renewed efforts to tackle the historical legacies of segregation that continue to impact health outcomes today. It advocates for equity in education and healthcare to promote cognitive health equity across diverse populations.

More information: Zhuoer Lin et al, Early-Life Circumstances and Racial Disparities in Cognition Among Older Adults in the US, JAMA Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.1132

Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine Provided by Yale University

Optimizing Built Environments for Enhanced Athletic Performance

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Sports science has grown significantly in recent years, focusing extensively on strategies to optimise athletic performance. However, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge due to the multifaceted factors influencing performance, such as physical conditioning, mental focus, nutrition, and resilience. A shift from traditional muscle- and equipment-centric approaches towards interdisciplinary perspectives is crucial to address these complexities.

Urban design, an emerging perspective, offers a unique framework to reconsider how built environments can serve as catalysts for enhancing athletes’ performance. This novel approach, which includes buildings, parks, and stadiums, has been shown to influence health behaviours and support athletic endeavours. However, the precise impact of urban design on athletic performance still needs to be explored.

A recent study by researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), led by Associate Professor Mohammad Javad Koohsari, sheds light on three critical factors in built environment design that could potentially enhance athletes’ performance. Collaborating with researchers from Waseda University and the University of South Carolina, the team’s findings, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine in March 2024, underscore the potential of tailored training environments, enhanced community engagement, and improved accessibility to healthcare and transportation in optimising athlete performance.

Dr Koohsari emphasises the importance of integrating personalised training spaces within urban settings, fostering community support, and ensuring convenient access to essential services. These elements bolster physical preparation and contribute to athletes’ mental well-being. For instance, incorporating open-air lounges, ergonomic furnishings, and green spaces within training arenas can offer athletes valuable opportunities for relaxation and recuperation between sessions.

The study also highlights the potential of well-designed indoor environments to influence athletes’ mental health and overall performance positively. The integration of adaptable facilities, such as adjustable swimming pools and multifunctional running tracks, tailored to specific athletic disciplines underscores the adaptability and inclusivity of urban design in supporting diverse training needs.

Drawing parallels with urban planning insights from international sports events like the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, the research underscores the impact of accessible, pedestrian-friendly designs on fan engagement and attendance. Dr. Koohsari argues that well-connected transportation systems and strategically located sports facilities can significantly enhance community involvement and support, boosting athletes’ motivation and performance.

Moreover, proximity to healthcare facilities is critical in ensuring prompt medical attention for sports-related injuries, facilitating quicker recovery times. By situating sports stadiums within urban centres, integrating athletic activities with everyday urban life enhances economic vitality and fosters a sense of inclusivity and community spirit.

Despite these insights, challenges persist in fully realising urban design’s potential in sports science. Dr. Koohsari underscores the crucial need for interdisciplinary collaboration between sports scientists, urban planners, and environmental psychologists. This collaboration is essential to bridge existing gaps and promote a shared understanding of how the built environment impacts athletic performance. Integrating urban design principles into sports science curricula could further enhance understanding and innovation in this burgeoning field.

The convergence of urban design principles with sports science offers a promising avenue for optimising athletes’ performance, well-being, and community engagement. By leveraging innovative approaches in built environment design, policymakers and researchers can pave the way for transformative advancements that benefit athletes, communities, and urban environments.

More information: Mohammad Javad Koohsari et al, Building on muscles: how built environment design impacts modern sports science, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001908

Journal information: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine Provided by Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Exploring the Connection Between Refined Carbohydrate Consumption and Perceived Facial Attractiveness

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In a groundbreaking study, Visine and colleagues from the University of Montpellier, France, investigated the relationship between refined carbohydrate consumption and perceived facial attractiveness. Their findings, reported in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 6, 2024, shed new light on the potential influence of diet on social perceptions.

The Western diet, characterised by its high intake of refined carbohydrates—such as white flour, table sugar, and ingredients found in many packaged snacks—has been associated in previous research with various adverse health effects, including obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Building upon this knowledge, researchers hypothesised that high consumption of refined carbohydrates might also influence non-medical traits, such as attractiveness. Visine and colleagues conducted a study involving 104 French adults of European descent to explore this further.

Participants were divided into groups, with some receiving a high-glycemic breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates known to increase blood sugar levels rapidly. In contrast, others were given a low-glycemic breakfast. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their usual consumption patterns of refined carbohydrates. Subsequently, heterosexual volunteers were asked to rate the attractiveness of opposite-sex participants based on photographs taken two hours after breakfast—this selection criterion aimed to minimise cultural variability by including only individuals with four European-origin grandparents.

Data analysis revealed that consuming a high-glycemic breakfast was associated with lower attractiveness ratings for both male and female participants. Moreover, chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast and snacks was similarly linked to diminished attractiveness ratings, whereas consuming high-energy foods at these times correlated with higher attractiveness scores.

The findings revealed sex-specific differences. Among men, increased energy intake during afternoon snacking was associated with reduced attractiveness ratings, whereas higher glycemic intake during this period corresponded to elevated attractiveness ratings. These outcomes persisted even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, perceived age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, and facial hair density.

The researchers emphasized the importance of their findings in understanding social interactions, noting that facial attractiveness, a crucial component of social dynamics, appears to be influenced by both immediate and chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates in men and women. They underscored the need for further investigation with more extensive and more diverse participant samples to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking refined carbohydrate consumption to attractiveness and other social traits, sparking curiosity for future research in the audience.

Visine and colleagues’ study provides compelling evidence suggesting a connection between refined carbohydrate intake and perceived facial attractiveness. These findings not only highlight potential implications for broader social interactions but also underscore the importance of dietary choices for individual health outcomes.

More information: Amandine Visine et al, Chronic and immediate refined carbohydrate consumption and facial attractiveness, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298984

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS

Understanding the Link Between High-Fat Diets and Alzheimer’s Disease: Researchers Uncover Mechanism

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Researchers at the University Rovira i Virgili (URV) have identified the mechanism connecting a diet rich in saturated fats with Alzheimer’s disease. Led by Mònica Bulló, a professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and a member of the Metabolic Health and Nutrition unit at URV’s TecnATox, in collaboration with the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), CIBERobn, and the University of Barcelona, the study focuses on molecules in blood and brain tissues that serve as markers and regulators of Alzheimer’s.

Unlike previous studies, which focused on mouse models predisposed to Alzheimer’s and showed accelerated disease onset after consuming a high-saturated fat diet, this research took a unique approach. It examined 15 miRNAs, small RNA molecules crucial for genetic regulation, in these mice’s plasma and brain tissues, revealing previously unknown underlying mechanisms.

Results indicated metabolic deterioration after six months on the diet, including significant weight gain and reduced response to glucose and insulin, akin to characteristics seen in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, alterations in miRNA expression were observed in blood and brain tissues, correlating with processes such as β-amyloid plaque accumulation, tau protein overproduction, and brain inflammation—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mònica Bulló highlighted the study’s implications: “These findings not only advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship with obesity and type 2 diabetes but also provide a roadmap for future research. They offer potential targets for disease prevention and treatment, and shed light on how high-fat diets impact brain health, suggesting avenues for future research into dietary strategies for Alzheimer’s treatment. This underscores the role of balanced nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and identifies miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets.”

More information: Melina Rojas-Criollo et al, Effects of a High-Fat Diet on Insulin-Related miRNAs in Plasma and Brain Tissue in APPSwe/PS1dE9 and Wild-Type C57BL/6J Mice, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16070955

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Universitat Rovira i Virgili