BEHAVIOR, HEALTH

This study tested whether adding a digital goal-setting tool to standard well-child visits helps prevent obesity in babies. 900 parent-infant pairs were followed for 2 years. The approach focused on healthy eating, activity, screen time, and sleep habits.

This small study looked at whether summer youth employment programs can help teens avoid unhealthy weight gain. Fifteen teens aged 14-17 worked at summer camps for six weeks. Researchers measured their body mass index and tracked physical activity, sleep, and eating habits to see…

This study tested whether sending text message reminders to patients and nudging their doctors could increase flu vaccination rates. Over 26,000 adults aged 50 and older took part. The approach used simple, low-cost tools like pre-visit texts and automatic vaccine orders in the e…

This study tested two programs for people with long-term (chronic) low back pain that has no clear cause. One program combined exercise, behavior change, education, and mindfulness; the other added functional resistance training. Researchers measured pain, disability, strength, a…

This study looked at whether digital services like smartphone apps can help people with psychosomatic disorders continue their treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and hygiene rules limit in-person therapy. About 2000 patients from clinics took part, usi…

This study tested whether videos focusing on taste or health are more effective at encouraging adults to use herbs and spices when cooking. Over 500 US adults aged 18-75 who cook at home at least twice a week watched either taste-based or health-based nutrition videos. The goal w…

This study used PET scans to compare the density of synapses—connections between brain cells—in 40 people: experienced meditators and non-meditators. Researchers gave participants a radioactive tracer that binds to a protein on synapses, then scanned their brains. The goal was to…