A new national study reveals that hospitals providing surgical care have closed at a significantly higher rate than new ones have opened, with closures disproportionately concentrated in communities with high levels of poverty and social vulnerability. The study highlights a growing disparity in access to surgical care.

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, disparities in probability of premature death, defined as probability of dying before age 70, were likely to reflect major inequality in access to health-enhancing technologies and living standards, as well as context-specific obstacles. Technological and  medical advancements leading to universal health benefits need to be rapidly and fairly disseminated.

New study findings show that over 40% of drivers who died in motor vehicle collisions tested positive for active delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their system, with average blood levels far exceeding those considered to cause impairment. The research highlights a significant and persistent public health risk that is unchanged by the legalization of recreational cannabis, the authors said.

While mastectomy is often a necessary and life-saving treatment option for many women with breast cancer, the surgery may contribute to worse sexual health, body image, and several other physical and emotional challenges after surgery, according to a new systematic review.

Patients with cancer whose credit scores decline after their diagnosis face a significantly higher risk of mortality, providing the first objective data linking financial health to physical survival.

Response times for emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas can take almost 20 minutes longer compared to the national average.

A study led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that human GII.4 noroviruses, the chief drivers of acute viral gastroenteritis around the world, have evolved a uniquely potent cell entry mechanism with clear strain-specific differences. The findings open new possibilities for identifying the elusive human norovirus receptor as well as developing vaccines and treatments.