A new study suggests that international tax and redistribution measures could generate enough resources to substantially improve health outcomes in low-income countries. The study estimates that wealth redistribution policies could avert between 6.6 and 29.5 million deaths by 2030.
A Barcelona trial shows nature-based social prescribing with facilitated groups reduces loneliness among adults experiencing greater loneliness. Participants with higher emotional and social difficulties benefited more from the intervention.
A new study led by ISGlobal reveals that Atlantic climate variability can predict leishmaniasis outbreaks in North Africa by analyzing rainfall patterns and their impact on vegetation and rodent populations. This enables the development of a seasonal forecasting system with up to one year's lead time.
A recent study found that night shift workers are nearly twice as likely to develop long COVID, with chronic insomnia further increasing the risk. The study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, highlights the importance of healthy sleep habits in preventing long COVID.
A European cohort study suggests that childhood exposure to air pollution at home and school increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. The study found stronger associations with metabolic syndrome risk at school than at home.
A study led by ISGlobal found an association between higher temperatures early in life and slower growth of the thalamus, a brain region involved in processing information. The researchers suggest that heat exposure during the earliest stages of life may have lasting effects on brain development.
Researchers found that high fever can activate the Heat Shock Response in malaria parasites, making them non-infectious. This protective mechanism may help prevent disease transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may provide additional benefits for mental health, particularly among older adults. The research found that individuals with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet had less decline in emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study found that walking in areas with high soot concentrations increases cough and mucus production in people with COPD. However, physical activity remains advisable for those with the condition, as long as busy roads are avoided.
A study in Dutch birth cohorts found early pregnancy temperature exposure associated with changes in fetal size, with colder temperatures linked to smaller crown-rump length at 12 weeks. Higher temperatures showed stronger associations during early pregnancy.
A study of over 1,000 people vaccinated with TAK-003 in Catalonia found no serious adverse events and provided new evidence on the vaccine's short-term safety in travelers. The findings suggest that the dengue vaccine has a good tolerability profile among travelers from non-endemic regions.
A new ISGlobal study found that nearly 30% of health and social care workers in Europe were exposed to at least one cancer risk factor, with radiation, diesel engine exhaust emissions, and certain chemicals being the main risks. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies tailored to real working conditions in this field.
Chronic liver disease is a significant burden in Europe, with millions affected by premature illness and death. The Series calls for coordinated prevention, earlier detection, care pathways, and non-judgemental approaches to connect liver health with other chronic conditions.
Low molecular weight phthalates associated with lower birthweight, while organophosphate mixtures linked to higher estimated fetal weight. Angiogenic biomarkers also play a key role in linking exposures to fetal development.
A multi-pollutant analysis in Europe reveals that short-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) is associated with around 79,000 preventable deaths, followed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and coarser particles (PM2.5-10). The study estimates 146,500 premature deaths per year linked to overall air pollution.
A clinical trial found that adding molecular tests on urine and stool samples did not speed up treatment initiation or reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV. The study showed no significant difference in treatment initiation within 72 hours between the expanded screening group and the standard group.
A study by ISGlobal reveals that regions with greater socioeconomic inequalities are more affected by cold weather, while areas with higher levels of wealth face a greater risk from high temperatures. The research quantifies the impact of socioeconomic factors on temperature-related mortality across 32 European countries.
A study by ISGlobal found that areas with high conflict intensity recorded a higher disease burden, including higher TB case rates and mortality. The research highlights the need for control strategies adapted to each territory, incorporating conflict-sensitive approaches into surveillance, prevention, and healthcare systems.
The study found a significant reduction in NO2 levels, but limited effect on PM10 and PM2.5 particles within the LEZ. The results indicate that the zone contributes to improving air quality, highlighting the need for additional measures.
A new study reveals that socioeconomic factors and renewable energy adoption significantly influence the risk of mortality related to air pollution in Europe. Regions with lower GDP per capita and poverty rates, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, experienced a higher risk of mortality associated with air pollution.
A recent study analyzing 50 years of climate data shows that the Tour de France has so far avoided extreme heat conditions, but the risk is increasingly high. The researchers found that regions like Paris and Lyon are becoming new heat stress hotspots, highlighting the need to adapt schedules, routes, and safety protocols.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with lower cognitive performance in newborns, with stronger associations observed for black carbon and PM2.5. The strongest effects were seen in boys, suggesting potential sex-specific vulnerability.
A study analyzing air pollutants' impact on lung cancer reveals that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of all subtypes, while NO2, O3, and SO2 are linked to non-small-cell lung cancer. No associations were found between gaseous pollutants and small-cell carcinoma.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination influences long-term immunity, with those vaccinated first showing stronger antibody responses to Omicron variants. The study found higher levels of IgG and IgA antibodies in vaccinated individuals, but a stronger T-cell response in those infected first.
A large Catalan cohort study found that occupational factors play a significant role in the development of Long-COVID. Healthcare and social care professionals, teachers, retail workers, transport workers, and security staff were identified as high-risk occupations.
Researchers conducted two triple-blind human studies using real 5G signals in the 26 GHz band, finding no measurable biological effects on stress responses or brain electrical activity. Cortisol and alpha-amylase levels remained stable across all sampling points, indicating no acute biological changes related to stress.
Researchers developed a new type of porous gel that solves the problem of dense gels hindering the passage of microbes and immune cells. The new material supported better growth and organisation of bone marrow cells and helped the formation of structures similar to blood vessels, allowing fluids and particles to flow more efficiently.
A study by ISGlobal and published in Nature Medicine estimated that over 181,000 heat-related deaths occurred in Europe between 2022 and 2024. Italy experienced the highest number of heat-related deaths, with an estimated 19,038 deaths in 2024.
A new study found that better indoor air quality, proximity to natural spaces, healthy diets and strong social bonds are associated with reduced and better-regulated inflammation in childhood. The study used the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) cohort and identified three immune signatures linked to better overall health.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
A Spanish study quantifies the health damage caused by the environmental impacts of food demand, revealing that meat, fish, and seafood consumption accounts for 55% of harm. Replacing these with plant-based options could prevent up to 35% of the impact, equivalent to over 400,000 years of healthy life lost.
The study found that the programme reduced AIDS incidence by up to 47% and AIDS-related mortality by up to 55%, particularly among brown or black mothers living in extreme poverty and with higher education. The BFP's integrated social and health policy approach also supports HIV prevention and treatment.
HTGAnalyzer is an automated tool simplifying complex transcriptomic workflows, enabling clinicians without bioinformatics expertise to perform essential analyses in precision medicine. The tool has been validated using multiple datasets and identified differentially expressed genes linked to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
A new ultrasound-based tool has shown high accuracy in detecting suspected meningitis in newborns and infants, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional lumbar puncture. The device can correctly classify 17 out of 18 meningitis cases and detect high white blood cell levels with approximately 94% sensitivity.
The BOHEMIA trial showed a 26% reduction in new malaria infection incidence among children aged 5-15 in Kenya, demonstrating Ivermectin's potential as a complementary tool in malaria control. Ivermectin could complement existing measures and contribute to elimination efforts, particularly in areas with mosquito resistance.
A recent study suggests that stressful life events can impact brain health differently depending on gender and educational level. The death of a partner was associated with changes in biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease, while unemployment and economic losses were linked to structural differences in the brain.
A new study warns that recent U.S. aid cuts could lead to over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five. USAID funding has saved 91 million lives over the past 20 years, but continued cuts could reverse this progress.
A study analyzing data from over 1.6 million children across 68 low and middle-income countries found that early-life exposure to economic shocks is linked to an increased risk of malnutrition, including undernutrition and overweight/obesity. Targeted interventions during critical periods like pregnancy and the first 1,000 days of life...
A large European meta-analysis has found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy and childhood is associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight or obesity. Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy were linked to a 23% increased risk of childhood obesity in children aged 9-12 years.
The Healthy Urban Design Index (HUDI) evaluates 917 European cities based on 13 indicators connected to people's health and well-being. Small cities tend to show better environmental quality and a higher overall score.
A study of over 700 pregnant women found associations between air pollution exposure and increased volume of brain cavities containing cerebrospinal fluid. Prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and black carbon were linked to changes in brain structures, including lateral ventricles, cisterna magna, and cerebellar ...
Chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH affect 33% and 5% of adults worldwide, respectively. Experts propose doubling MASH diagnosis rate by 2027 to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens. A paradigm shift towards preventive hepatology is key to addressing this growing public health threat.
A study characterizes how people with COPD walk, revealing that gait quality deteriorates as the disease progresses. Individuals with more severe breathing difficulties exhibit slower walking speeds, shorter steps, and lower step frequencies compared to those with milder forms of the disease.
A new study reveals that the Bolsa Família Programme has prevented more than 8.2 million hospitalisations and 713,083 deaths in Brazil between 2004 and 2019. The programme provides cash transfers to low-income families with conditions such as school attendance and vaccinations.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that lung capacity develops in two phases: rapid growth during childhood and slower growth until peak lung function. Lung function starts to decline after the peak age, contrary to previous models. Persistent asthma and smoking affect lung function differently than thought.
A recent study has found that increasing physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 can help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by ISGlobal, suggests that even minimal amounts of exercise have health benefits for brain health.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that Europe has adapted better to cold temperatures than to heat over the last two decades. The relative risk of death in low temperatures decreased by 2% per year, while the risk from extreme heat fell by 1% per year.
A study of 113 healthcare workers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccination induces long-lasting antibody and memory B-cell responses, even in those previously exposed to the virus. The research team also discovered an association between higher levels of specific antibodies and increased risk of breakthrough infections.
A new molecular stool test has shown promise in detecting tuberculosis in adults living with HIV, particularly those with advanced AIDS. The test, known as Xpert MTB/Ultra, had a sensitivity of 23.7% and specificity of 94.0%, outperforming standard tests in some cases.
A new study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution have weaker connections between key brain regions, potentially disrupting normal brain network development. The associations persist throughout adolescence, suggesting persistent disruptions in brain function.