Think of the city and images of traffic, pollution, noise and crowds spring to mind. The metropolis doesn’t seem to be the most ideal habitat for any animals other than humans. However, Spanish and Argentinean scientists have demonstrated that some species, such as the burrowing owl, have spent decades closing in on the city from the country without suffering from stress.

Spanish researchers have analysed the impact of the Lorca catastrophe by the percentage of minors suffering post-traumatic stress. Results reveal that 55% of young people displayed this disorder a month on from the earthquake and 40% were still suffering a year later.

A new study reveals the highest risk variables of chronic depression in the population, such as having suffered previous episodes of depression, delayed treatment, whether it is related to other physical or mental health problems, or having suffered sexual abuse during childhood.

Spanish researchers have studied how job stress affects cardiovascular health. The results, published in the ‘Scandinavian Journal of Public Health’, link this situation to dyslipidemia, a disorder that alters the levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood.

Many women maintain the same rhythm during pregnancy almost up to the birth. However, Spanish researchers warn of the relationship between the mother’s stress during this stage with the obesity of the baby in adult life.

Fertility treatment has a strong emotional impact on women who want to have children. A study of European countries with the highest number of assisted reproduction cycles identifies which aspects of reproduction treatment contribute to psychological stress.