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Dianne Feinstein's shingles diagnosis What to know about the rash caused by a virus | Fox News

March 10, 2023

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the oldest sitting member of the Senate, is reportedly recovering at home after a recent hospitalization secondary to the viral infection called shingles.Roughly one out of every three people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC.Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, epidemiology and laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, is quoted.


What is the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington? | KING 5

March 8, 2023

The last mask mandate is set to end in less than a month for those in Washingtons health care facilities. It comes as health officials say COVID-19 rates are continuing to decline, and the federal government prepares to end its pandemic response declaration this May. So where do things stand now with the virus in Washington and can we let our guard down? It's a question on many people's minds as the pandemics impacts evolve locally.Gerard Cangelosi, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW, is quoted.


Lupus, RA tied to higher risk for adverse obstetric, birth outcomes | HealthDay

February 24, 2023

Women with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus and their infants experience higher rates of adverse obstetric and birth outcomes, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research. Dr. Namrata Singh, assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.


Herpes can be devastating but treatment and testing remain scant | The New York Times

February 20, 2023

Herpes is extremely common: The World Health Organization estimates that 3.7 billion people live with HSV-1, some oral and some genital. And cases where HSV-1 spreads to the genitals during oral sex have sharply increased over the past two decades. Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, epidemiology and laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, is quoted. Dr. Christine Johnston, an associate professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.


Lower your risk for dementia by spending time in nature | The Washington Post

February 2, 2023

Spending time in nature even as little as two hours a week has been linked to several health benefits. It seems to support healthy aging and has been associated with, among other things, improved cognitive function, blood pressure, mental health and sleep. Now, a study of nearly 62 million Medicare beneficiaries suggests that nature may also help protect against the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Almost 8,000 US shootings attributed to unseasonable heat study | The Guardian

December 16, 2022

Almost 8,000 shootings in US cities in recent years were attributable to unseasonably warm temperatures, according to a new study. The researchers said the work suggested the climate crisis could be contributing to increased gun violence by pushing temperatures beyond the normal ranges. Shootings were already known to peak in summer, when people are outside more and when heat can increase aggression. But the new research took account of the season and showed that above average temperatures at any time of year increased the risk of shootings. Vivian Lyons, a graduate student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Gender-affirming care tied to improved mental health | Discover Magazine

December 12, 2022

In late 2021 and early 2022, several studies dug deep into the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care and found that these treatments greatly reduce depression and suicidal thoughts in trans teens and young adults. Its well known that this population is particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. In fact, LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely as their peers to attempt suicide, and trans and nonbinary youth are the most vulnerable within this community, according to a national survey of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth by the nonprofit Trevor Project. Thats why medical professionals and scientists have argued that supporting such care would be lifesaving, benefitting the health and wellbeing of thousands of trans youth. Diana Tordoff, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


How to get connected and fight food insecurity | The Seattle Medium

December 8, 2022

With the holidays and the new year ahead, you may be looking for ways to help in a meaningful way. Relieving food insecurity, especially because of the recent inflation and economic recession, is one major area you can contribute. According to a survey done by the Urban Institute, 21.4% of adults in the United States reported not having reliable access to affordable food within the last 30 days in June 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in October reported that food prices in the Seattle area have risen 11.5% over the last year. Marie Spiker, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


No, COVID is not 'airborne AIDS' but what it does to your immune system is still scary | Salon

December 2, 2022

From a biological standpoint, it's remarkable how an unassuming virus like SARS-CoV-2 conquered the globe. In just three years, it's caused roughly 640 million COVID infections internationally, according to the World Health Organization, although this is almost certainly a stark underestimate. Arjee Restar, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Young kids who breathe polluted air in high-poverty areas can fall behind in school, study finds | The Washington Post

November 30, 2022

Young children living in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty are more likely to be exposed to many different air pollutants, and that can harm their development during early childhood, according to a study published Tuesday. The childrens increased exposure to air toxins during infancy can reduce reading and math abilities and cause them to fall behind for some, the effect is equivalent to losing an entire month of elementary school. UW's Dr. Catherine Karr, professor of pediatrics and environmental and occupational health sciences in the UW School of Medicine; and Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology, are quoted.


Handgun owners carrying daily in US doubled in 4 years; self-protection cited as main reason: study | Fox News

November 28, 2022

Twice the number of Americans were carrying handguns daily in 2019 compared to 2015, according to a new study published this month. Around 6,000 gun owners carried handguns every day in 2019, up from 3,000 in 2015, according to a study from the American Journal of Public Health. The number of respondents to the online survey who said they had carried a gun in the last month also nearly doubled, from 9 million to 16 million. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Six million Americans carried guns daily in 2019, twice as many as in 2015 | The Guardian

November 28, 2022

An estimated 6 million American adults carried a loaded handgun with them daily in 2019, double the number who said they carried a gun every day in 2015, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Number of people carrying handguns doubles in 4 years | Axios Seattle

November 21, 2022

The number of U.S. adult handgun owners carrying a loaded weapon almost doubled in a four-year period, according to a new study by the University of Washington. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Number of Americans carrying handguns on their person doubled | KNKX

November 18, 2022

In 2019, roughly 6 million Americans carried a handgun on their person every day. That's an estimate from a new study in the American Journal of Public Health, and it's double the estimate in 2015. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is interviewed.


New numbers from University of Washington show more adults carrying handguns daily | KIRO 7

November 17, 2022

A study from the University of Washington shows that the number of adult handgun owners in the U.S. who carried a loaded gun doubled from 2015 to 2019. The study also found that states with less restrictive carrying regulations had a larger proportion of handgun owners who carried guns. In those states, about one-third of gun owners reported carrying in the past month, while in states with more restrictive regulations, only about one-fifth did.


'Untreatable' STD superbug that causes infertility and miscarriage is a 'silent spreader' | The Mirror

September 29, 2022

A new "silent-spreader" sexually transmitted disease which can cause infertility is feared to be evolving into a possible 'superbug'. Scientists are worried that mycoplasma genitalium also known as M. genitalium or M. gen. has so far proven to be resistant to antibiotics, with the medical community calling for more screenings for the disease. Lisa Manhart, a professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Doctors urge more research into little-known STI linked to infertility in men and women | NBC News

September 25, 2022

Doctors are urging more research into a little-known sexually transmitted infection that may be more common than thought. Lisa Manhart, a professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Like humans, a dog's odds for dementia rises with age | HealthDay

August 29, 2022

Much like humans, dogs can develop dementia as they age and that risk climbs by half with every extra year of life in a dog's golden years, new research shows. Sarah Yarborough, research scientist of epidemiology at the UW, is referenced.


Dog dementia risk increases 52% annually after age of 10 | New York Post

August 26, 2022

Dogs older than 10 are at risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, also known as doggy dementia, a new study reveals. Sarah Yarborough, research scientist of epidemiology at the UW, is referenced.


Dementia will affect most dogs if they live long enough | Earth.com

August 25, 2022

As dogs age, their brains undergo decline, just as happens with humans. This can lead to the condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which is characterized by changes in awareness and behaviour, and a gradual loss in the ability to remember or learn new things. It is a common disorder among senior dogs, with around one out of every three dogs over the age of 11 showing at least one clinical sign of the condition. By the age of 16, almost all dogs suffer from aspects of this doggy dementia. Sarah Yarborough, research scientist of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Dogs risk of dementia increases by half every year | National Geographic

August 25, 2022

Memory loss and cognitive decline are common enough for aging dogs, just as they are for humans. But in extreme cases, scientists say, dogs can experience something called canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD for short. Other symptoms can include disrupted sleeping patterns, loss of spatial awareness, and new and unusual behaviors. Sarah Yarborough, research scientist of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Will your dog get dementia? A large new study offers clues | The New York Times

August 25, 2022

The risk of canine cognitive dysfunction, a.k.a. doggy dementia, is far greater in dogs who dont get enough exercise, researchers found. Their risk factors echo some in humans, whose homes they share. Annette Fitzpatrick, research professor of epidemiology, of family medicine and of global health at the UW, is quoted.


New study finds sweetened beverage tax benefits low-income households | Northwest News Radio

August 24, 2022

Five years after Seattle passed a tax on sweetened beverages, research finds lower income households are benefitting from the tax. A study from the UW is referenced.


COVID-19 trends haven't budged for weeks, and no one knows what's next | CNN

August 10, 2022

The United States seems to have hit a COVID-19 plateau, with more than 40,000 people hospitalized and more than 400 deaths a day consistently over the past month or so. It's a dramatic improvement from this winter -- there were four times as many hospitalizations and nearly six times as many deaths at the peak of the first Omicron wave -- but still stubbornly high numbers. Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Study underscores that exposure to air pollution harms brain development in the very young | Inside Climate News

August 8, 2022

For years, researchers have known that air pollution can worsen such respiratory conditions as asthma in children. But a recently released study has shed new light on how exposure to airborne pollutants can also affect the developing brains of the very young. Yu Ni, UW postdoctoral researcher in epidemiology, and Catherine Karr, professor of pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine, are quoted.


What's to blame for Americans' obesity problem? Start with the system | USA Today

July 26, 2022

It's nearly impossible to change a lifetime of eating and exercise habits and stick with them, studies show. Many people live in areas where it's tough to access healthy foods or exercise safely and affordably. The economics of eating in America make high-calorie foods an easy go-to.Adam Drewnowski, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Seattle's soda tax beneficial for lower-income communities, according to UW study | MyNorthwest

July 20, 2022

A newstudyby the University of Washington found that sweetened beverage taxes, on products like soda, produce benefits for low-income families. Jessica Jones-Smith, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, and Melissa Knox, associate teaching professor of economics at the UW, are referenced.


A new vaccine gains FDA approval | Northwest News Radio

July 18, 2022

Developed in part at the UW School of Medicine, the Novavax vaccine is a more traditional, protein-based vaccine. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is interviewed.


New COVID vaccine, tested at UW, en route for approval | KUOW

July 18, 2022

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults 18 and older. The vaccine was tested at the University of Washington School of Medicine for emergency use. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, recently cleared by U.S. regulators, was tested at UW | The Seattle Times

July 18, 2022

A protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that went through clinical trials at the UW MedicineVirology Research Cliniccould soon be available in the U.S. TheFood and Drug Administrationthis week authorized Novavaxs vaccine for emergency use in adults 18 and older. A green light from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionis needed before Americans can get the two-dose vaccination. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


UW took part in Phase 3 trials of Novavax COVID vaccine | KIRO 7

July 15, 2022

The newest COVID vaccine developed by Novavax has received emergency-use authorization from the FDA. Phase 3 testing took place at the UW' Virology Lab. The CDC still needs to sign off on the two-dose regimen. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Gun violence research is deeply underdeveloped but growing | Inside Higher Ed

July 7, 2022

Firearm-related deaths in the U.S. reached a new peak across age groups and surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in 2020, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Roe v. Wade overturned | KIRO 7

June 27, 2022

Jennifer Balkus, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, says that individuals who are marginalized will have less access to health care resources and will be most impacted.


The next COVID booster shots will likely be updated for omicron | Reuters

June 27, 2022

COVID-19 vaccines this fall are likely to be based on the Omicron variant of the coronavirus rather than the original strain, although some experts suggest they may only offer significant benefits for older and immunocompromised people. Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Absurd: LGBTQ+ advocates, medical professionals respond to conservative study linking gender-affirming care to greater risk of youth suicide | The Hill

June 16, 2022

LGBTQ+ advocates and health care professionals are responding with outrage to a new study from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, finding that easing access to gender-affirming hormone therapy has increased suicide rates among transgender youth. A UW study is referenced.


What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Justin Biebers diagnosis, explained | The New York Times

June 13, 2022

On Friday, Justin Bieber announced that he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare condition that has paralyzed half his face. Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, epidemiology and laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, is quoted.


Disclosure closure | Slate

May 26, 2022

Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, of epidemiology, and of laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, shares her expertise on sexually transmitted disease in the advice column "How To Do It."


Schools reinstate mask mandates as COVID-19 cases rise | Time

May 25, 2022

Several school districts are requiring masks again in response to rising COVID-19 cases, part of a nationwide spike attributed to the highly contagious Omicron subvariants. Brandon Guthrie, assistant professor of global health and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Discrimination is breaking people's hearts | Scientific American

May 17, 2022

Heart attacks, strokes and other consequences of cardiovascular disease are particularly dangerous for people who face inequity. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.


Opinion: Attacks on abortion and gender-affirming care dismiss bodily autonomy | The Seattle Times

May 16, 2022

"Privacy is inextricable from the right to bodily autonomy, which the United Nations defines as the right to make decisions about our own lives and futures. Bodily autonomy emphasizes that control over our own bodies is a foundational personal freedom," write Arjee Restar, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, and Kellan Baker of the Whitman-Walker Institute.


What the science on gender-affirming care for transgender kids really shows | Scientific American

May 12, 2022

Laws that ban gender-affirming treatment ignore the wealth of research demonstrating its benefits for trans peoples health. Diana Tordoff, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Opinion: Our bodily autonomy is a human right, and abortion is essential health care | The Seattle Times

May 10, 2022

"The leaked initial Supreme Court decision confirmed what advocates have been saying for years: Roe v. Wade will likely be overturned. Currently, abortion is still legal in all 50 states and will remain legal in Washington after the decision is final. To confront this decision and a nationwide abortion ban already in the works, accurate information about abortion and the crisis of its criminalization is necessary, followed by action to support reproductive health equity and justice," write the UW's Taylor Riley and Yasaman Zia, doctoral students in epidemiology, and Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology.


Number of teens who carry guns rose sharply over last two decades | NBC News

April 28, 2022

The rate of gun-carrying among adolescents increased 41 percent from 2002 to 2019, according to a recent study. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Study looks at handgun carrying among youth in rural areas | Oregon Public Broadcasting

April 25, 2022

A new study published this month by researchers at the UW reveals patterns of handgun use among adolescents and young adults living in rural communities. More than 2,000 youth in seven states, including Oregon, were surveyed about carrying handguns over a 15-year period, from the age of 12 to 26. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is interviewed.


New versions of omicron variant make gains against BA.2 | CNN

April 20, 2022

Arguably the most successful version of the Omicron coronavirus variant to date has been BA.2 but it hasn't been resting on its laurels. Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW, is referenced.


All the omicron variants youve probably never heard of and what they mean for the future of COVID | The Seattle Times

April 20, 2022

New evolution of the coronaviruss omicron variant could mean the virus is becoming more steady and flu-like, said Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW.


2 new omicron variants are spreading in NY and elsewhere here's what we know | NPR

April 15, 2022

On Wednesday, health officials in New York said that two new omicron variants are spreading rapidly in the state. The variants appear to be causing a small surge in cases in central New York state, the department of health said. Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.


Rural gun study | KIRO-AM

April 13, 2022

Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is featured in a conversation about his recently published study on guns in rural America.


More than a dozen states propose so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bills | NPR

April 11, 2022

First Florida. Then Alabama. Now, lawmakers in Ohio and Louisiana are considering legislation that mimics the Florida law. And Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he'll make a similar bill a top priority at the next session. Arjee Restar, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.


Studies show lasting effects of gun violence, possible interventions | CNN

April 7, 2022

Two new pieces of research highlight the broader effects of gun violence on health and examine how early intervention on gun safety could be effective in certain groups. A UW study is referenced.


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