A study by ISGlobal reveals significant discrepancies in global tuberculosis death estimates between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), primarily due to differences in methodology and data sources. The researchers identify a dozen countries with notable variations, emphasizin...
A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.
A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines
A new quantitative suspension array assay (qSAT) has been developed to measure antibodies against multiple Plasmodium falciparum proteins, simplifying sero-epidemiological studies and vaccine development. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for detailed analysis of natural and vaccine-induced antibody responses.
A study by ISGlobal reveals the presence of proteins from hypnozoites in circulating extracellular vesicles, providing a potential diagnostic tool for asymptomatic patients. This breakthrough could help identify and stop malaria vivax transmission, an essential requirement to achieve the WHO's target of eliminating malaria by 2030.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no association between exposure to air pollution and increased risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children aged 3-10 years. The study included data from nearly 30,000 children across seven European countries.
Researchers found that exposure to moderate to extreme temperatures may have played a role in over half a million workplace injuries in Spain, resulting in annual economic losses of €360 million.
A great majority of Mozambican adolescent girls (around 80%) are aware that cervical cancer can be prevented and over 90% willing to receive the vaccine. The introduction of HPV vaccination is urgent in sub-Saharan Africa, where cervical cancer is a major cause of mortality among women.
A study measuring RF-EMF exposure in over 500 European children found average total personal exposure to be 75.5 microWatts per square meter, well below the established reference levels.
A new study found that pregnant women in Colombia incur substantial economic costs due to transportation and time lost while seeking care for malaria. The costs range from $16 to $54, representing 18% of the monthly minimum salary in the country.
A large European study links biological dusts, gases, and fumes to a significantly increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The research found that exposure to certain occupational agents can increase the incidence of COPD by up to 120%.
A study in southern Mozambique found that nearly 40% of people diagnosed with HIV do not disclose their status during diagnosis campaigns. This phenomenon can lead to errors in tracking progress towards the 90-90-90 target and wasting valuable resources.
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to blue light at night and higher risks of developing breast and prostate cancer. The study used images taken by astronauts to evaluate outdoor lighting in Madrid and Barcelona.
A new study reveals that swapping cars for shared bicycles avoids up to 73 deaths and saves $226 million annually. The use of mechanical bicycles offers the most health benefits, with Paris and Barcelona experiencing notable reductions in fatalities and pollution exposure.
Many European countries have shortcomings in policies and programmes to support viral hepatitis elimination efforts, with notable gaps in national coordination and public awareness. The Hep-CORE study highlights the need for governments to address these issues and incorporate civil society perspectives into monitoring strategies.
A study published in Malaria Journal found that ambient temperature impacts the toxicity of commonly used insecticides against malaria vectors. The researchers explored the effect of temperature on pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides, revealing that temperature affects their efficacy differently for resistant and susceptible strains.
A systematic review by ISGlobal found mefloquine to be more effective than SP and cotrimoxazole in reducing parasite levels and anemia in pregnant women. However, it was less well tolerated, with higher risks of adverse events such as vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness
A follow-up study of infected but asymptomatic individuals reveals parasite levels drop quickly after infection onset. Despite low levels at day 28, the study suggests that these individuals pose a shorter transmission risk to communities aiming for malaria elimination.
A novel enzyme with GNA1 function has been identified as a key player in the survival and infectivity of Apicomplexan parasites. The discovery paves the way for the development of targeted therapies against malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A new study has linked air pollution exposure during fetal life with brain abnormalities, including a thinner cortex, which may contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Exposure to fine particles was associated with difficulties in inhibitory control, related to mental health problems such as addiction and ADHD.
A new study of 2,000 women found no association between long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) and breast cancer risk, contradicting previous links to bladder cancer. However, high levels of chloroform were linked to a moderate association with breast cancer in some cases.
Two clinical trials evaluate the frequency and type of adverse reactions to benznidazole in chronically infected adults. The studies found that the majority of adverse reactions (90%) were mild and appeared within the first month of treatment.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found that moderate and severe COPD exacerbations accelerate physical activity decline. Researchers recommend promoting interventions to increase physical activity after an exacerbation to improve outcomes.
A retrospective study found that 49% of Latin American migrants screened positive for Chagas disease, with a higher percentage of patients with strongyloidiasis infected by the parasite. The authors recommend implementing a combined screening program to address both infections.
A study by ISGlobal found high concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in people living close to the North Peruvian oil pipeline. The study, which assessed 130 individuals, revealed that 50% had mercury levels above safe threshold values, with children under 10 showing the highest risk.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that the current WHO strategy for yaws eradication is insufficient and may not be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains. Researchers recommend treating every individual living in an endemic zone to cure latent infections and achieve elimination.
A study published in Thorax found that leisure-time vigorous physical activity is associated with better lung function among current smokers. Regular physical activity was shown to improve respiratory muscle endurance and strength, leading to higher lung function.
A European study found that increasing cycling networks in cities can lead to significant health and economic benefits. The study estimates that if all assessed cities achieved a 24.7% bicycle mode share, over 10,000 premature deaths could be avoided annually.
A new research agenda, malERA Refresh, has been established to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination and global eradication. The initiative focuses on innovation and integrated approaches to tackle the challenges of resistance, transmission dynamics, and ecological balance.
A large-scale epidemiological study has associated certain air pollutants with increased mortality from kidney, bladder, and colorectal cancers. The study followed over 600,000 adults in the US and found that exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone was linked to higher cancer death rates.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who live close to green spaces have improved attention skills. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 children and showed a positive correlation between residential exposure to greenness and better scores on attention tests.
Exposure to fine particulate matter and black carbon during daily commutes to school impairs children's cognitive development, according to a new study. The study found an association between air pollution exposure and reduced growth of working memory, with boys being more sensitive than girls.