Researchers warn that African farmers lack access to climatically suitable crop varieties due to neglect of genebanks, threatening food security. Six countries face unique challenges as temperatures rise beyond historical experience, highlighting the need for immediate action to develop new crop varieties.
A new report finds that paying to conserve billions of tons of carbon stored in tropical forests could also protect endangered large mammals like orangutans and pygmy elephants. The study, published in Conservation Letters, demonstrates a link between forest protection and biodiversity conservation.
Climate change models project 500,000-1 million sq km of marginal African farmland will no longer support crop cultivation by 2050. However, livestock production could be a sustainable alternative for millions of poor farmers in Africa.
Global Crop Diversity Trust awards grants to explore millions of seed samples worldwide in search of drought, heat tolerance and other critical traits. The effort aims to support farmers in developing countries by increasing crop production amidst climate change.
A nationwide study reveals that enforcing federal and state laws against tobacco sales to minors drastically decreases underage smoking rates, with daily smoking rates among 10th graders falling by half between 1997 and 2003.
State laws prohibiting underage drinking save 732 lives annually in the US, while 'use and lose' laws could add an additional 165 lives. The study found a direct relationship between beer consumption per capita and youth crash rates, with higher consumption leading to higher youth crashes.
A group of influential medical leaders propose curbing conflict of interest by reducing industry funding and eliminating ties. They advocate for a goal of $0 contributions from industry, excepting revenues from journal advertisements and exhibit hall fees.
A Seattle-based study published in JAMA found that providing stable housing to homeless alcoholics can reduce their drinking and cost taxpayers $4 million over the first year. The Housing First program resulted in an average cost-savings of 53% compared to a wait-list control group.
A new study reveals that less than 2% of US hospitals have comprehensive electronic health records, while 8% use basic EHRs in at least one care unit. The barriers to adoption include high costs and interoperability issues.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has launched a new $19 million research program to investigate the impact of laws on public health. The program, led by Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law, will focus on pressing health challenges such as infectious and chronic diseases, and health emergencies like floods and epidemics.
A new study found that only about 10 percent of adolescents needing help for substance abuse problems enter treatment due to a lack of adolescent-only services. The study also revealed that few high-quality programs exist for teens, and those that do often have limitations.
A new study found that parental permission to watch R-rated movies increases the likelihood that children believe it's easy to obtain cigarettes. This perception is associated with a higher risk of smoking among kids, suggesting parental smoking and home environment can contribute to youth smoking.
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is rapidly reviving ailing seed samples from 46 countries to preserve genetic traits vital to maintaining global food security. The effort, which includes 100,000 different crop varieties, aims to prevent extinction of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat.
A new study identifies 33 countries that will suffer most from climate change's impact on fisheries, including those in Africa, Asia, and South America. These nations face unprecedented hardship due to their high dependency on fish as a source of protein and income.
A comprehensive study of nearly 150,000 people in six states found that substance abuse increases medical care costs for other health problems. The study suggests that targeting older adults with substance abuse disorders could lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
A comprehensive analysis by CIFOR offers options to address forest destruction and degradation's role in global greenhouse gas emissions. The report suggests integrating REDD with tighter emissions targets for a more ambitious climate strategy.
A global recession could lead to increased malnutrition in developing countries, with prices of basic staples rising by 13-27 percent by 2020. IFPRI projects 16 million more undernourished children if economic growth and agricultural investment decline.
The report warns of devastating effects on forests and communities due to climate change; adaptation measures, such as improving forest management and conserving ecosystems, are crucial to mitigate the impacts. Forests provide vital ecosystem services and income for millions of people.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that raising alcohol taxes immediately reduces the number of deaths from alcohol-related diseases. The study shows that two to four times more lives can be saved through tax increases compared to other prevention efforts.
A new study finds parents receptive to being screened for alcohol problems during pediatrician visits. Many would prefer being screened by a doctor over other options.
A landmark study reports a breakdown in the biotech patent system, citing a fixation on patents and privately-controlled research as a major obstacle to innovation. The authors argue that a more collaborative approach is needed to ensure that new ideas reach those who need them.
Researchers found that sales rates to pseudo-underage buyers were 18% and to pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 74%. The study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans, highlighting the need for responsible service and law enforcement monitoring. Sales were more likely in stadium stands than concession booths.
A new study found that kids who believe cigarettes are easily accessible and have friends who smoke are more likely to become regular smokers. The researchers used simple questions to identify high-risk children, highlighting the importance of discussing smoking risks with parents and healthcare professionals.
A comprehensive study found that laws limiting underage drinking to 21 have led to an eleven percent drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among youth. Tougher sanctions on fake IDs also resulted in a seven percent decrease in fatalities among young drivers.
A new study examines the impact of smoke-free laws on restaurant labor markets and finds a decline in turnover rates after implementation. The study supports existing evidence that smoke-free laws are positive for businesses, with no consistent pattern of increase or decrease over time.
A new study found that vehicle interlocks significantly reduce DWIs among first-time offenders, with a 60% lower risk of repeat offenses. This economic benefit is substantial, saving $3 for every dollar spent on interlocks.
A $13 million AGRA grant establishes agro-dealer networks in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania to provide rural farmers with affordable farm supplies, training, and financing. This initiative aims to increase smallholder incomes by 30%, reduce travel distances, and decrease input prices.
The Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million program to support the careers of at least 360 African women in agricultural research. The initiative aims to address the 'leaky pipeline' of women in sub-Saharan Africa, with goals including increasing women's participation in research teams and leadership roles.
A study found that state Medicaid policies, such as restricting access to pharmacy networks and preferred drug lists, limit the use of naltrexone, an inexpensive therapy proven to reduce problem drinking. Changing these policies could increase naltrexone's availability and address the huge financial burden of alcohol abuse.
A new study finds that adults-only bars and nightclubs are associated with high rates of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The research suggests that regulating these establishments may be more effective than limiting total alcohol licenses.
A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown a promising safety and tolerability profile in infants, with reduced parasite infection by 65% and clinical illness by 35%. The RTS,S/AS02 vaccine also demonstrated efficacy against new infections over a three-month follow-up period.
A new study finds that the arrival of disability checks coincides with a sharp rise in drug-induced sickness and death. The research suggests spreading out aid payments could relieve stress on hospitals and healthcare workers.
A fast and inexpensive test kit has been developed to detect aflatoxin in crops, enabling African farmers to manage the costly naturally occurring poison. The test has improved food safety and increased agricultural exports, particularly for groundnuts.
Immediate license suspension for DWI saves 800 lives each year by deterring drunk driving, with more severe penalties after conviction having little impact. Laws allowing immediate suspensions reduce fatalities among light, moderate and heavy drinkers.
A recent analysis of Medicaid data reveals that individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders are less likely to utilize community-based services. This pattern holds true for both severe and less severe mental health conditions.
A new study published in AJPH confirms legal liability to employers of workplace smoke. Nonsmoking employees who breathe in tobacco smoke from customers and co-workers are exposed to a potent carcinogen called NNK, which increases with the number of hours worked.
A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.
Researchers are developing climate-ready crops to withstand heat, drought, and flooding, aiming to boost agriculture's role in reducing greenhouse gases. The CGIAR is focusing on refining a comprehensive climate change agenda to streamline research and improve crop yields.
The CGIAR research program aims to develop climate-resilient crops like maize, sorghum, and millet that can withstand drought and heat. Researchers are using molecular biology tools to identify genetic hot spots in these crops, enabling them to capture solar energy more efficiently and produce greater yields.
As part of the 'Vote and Vax' initiative, flu vaccine clinics will be stationed next to polling sites in 26 communities nationwide, targeting areas with low flu shot delivery rates. The program aims to increase flu vaccination among Americans aged 50+, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
A recent study challenges the long-held link between Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity and increased risk for hereditary breast cancer. The research highlights methodological flaws and unintended consequences, including disparities in access to care and stigmatization. For non-Ashkenazi Jewish women, similar prevalence studies are lacking.
A New Mexico study found a 29% increase in Sunday crashes and a 42% increase in alcohol-related crash fatalities since lifting the statewide ban on Sunday packaged alcohol sales. The study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, analyzed data from 1990 to 2005.
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
The ITTO report reveals that sustainably managed tropical forests have expanded from 2.4 million acres in 1988 to at least 87 million acres in 2005. However, the majority of forest land being managed sustainably comprises less than 5% of total surveyed areas.
A recent clinical trial in Ghana found that IPTi reduced malaria by 25 percent and anemia by 20 percent in children up to 15 months old. Researchers are discussing the results at a symposium on IPTi, which has shown clear potential as a new prevention strategy for fighting malaria in Africa. Similar large-scale implementation studies a...
A new study suggests that malaria may play a key role in mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, with high levels of proinflammatory cytokines stimulating HIV replication. Researchers are calling for further investigation and consideration of routine testing and treatment to reduce fetal infection risks.
New study in Cameroon confirms declining effectiveness of malaria drugs like sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine, highlighting need for alternative treatments. Researchers highlight importance of monitoring resistance and patient adherence to effective treatment regimens.
The RTS,S/AS02A vaccine reduced clinical malaria episodes by 35% and severe malaria episodes by 49%. The study followed 14,442 children who received a three-dose regimen of the vaccine in 2003 for an 18-month follow-up period.
Researchers have found that two genetic conditions, sickle cell trait and a mild version of thalassemia, offer natural protection against malaria but can be rendered ineffective when occurring together. This study of Kenyan children highlights the complexity of genetic interactions in naturally acquired immunity.
A new antimalarial combination, CDA, has shown faster time to reduce parasite levels and greater reductions in parasite viability and reproductive ability compared to current treatments. Phase III trials are planned across sub-Saharan Africa to study its safety and efficacy.