A new study finds that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of mortality before age 75 due to cardiovascular disease. Adults with a well-hearing partner experience diminished mortality risk, suggesting social support plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of hearing loss.
A study found that random differences in gene expression during fetal development can lead to a survival advantage, potentially contributing to adult health issues. The researchers propose that these epigenetic variations can become more common in individuals exposed to famine or adverse conditions during gestation.
Retailers in minority and low-income communities are more likely to sell alternative tobacco products, such as cigars and e-cigarettes, due to consumer demand. These products have been found to be more accessible in predominantly White neighborhoods with higher retailer density.
After Medicaid expansion, low-income women in expansion states saw significant increases in preconception health coverage, rising from 43% to 57%. This led to improved access to preconception care and reduced pregnancy risks.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol and cigarettes. The average school grade during which young people first tried alcohol and cigarettes has increased, with a significant drop in the proportion who used cigarettes before marijuana.
Research from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that sexuality education during high school may have a lasting impact on adolescents. Students who received formal education about refusing sex before age 18 were less likely to experience sexual assault in college.
Research suggests that all infectious diseases follow a seasonal cycle, with outbreaks occurring at specific times of the year. Seasonality is driven by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vector-borne diseases like Zika, which is influenced by mosquito proliferation in algae-filled waterbodies.
A new study found that individuals with serious psychological distress (SPD) are half as likely to quit smoking as those without the condition. The researchers suggest that disparities in smoking rates between those with and without mental health problems may be contributing to these low quit rates.
The BacCapSeq platform detects signs of antibiotic resistance and virulence in 4.2 million genetic probes, outperforming traditional methods in sensitivity and speed. It has the potential to reduce mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs by providing accurate, early differential diagnosis of infectious diseases.
A yearlong program for adolescent refugee girls in Sub-Saharan Africa successfully promoted healthy transitions to adulthood, reducing reports of sexual and physical violence. The COMPASS program taught life skills geared to build girls' knowledge of violence risk factors and empower them to advocate for their rights and physical safety.
A new study finds that 12% of frequent marijuana smokers experienced Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome, including symptoms like nervousness, hostility, and sleep difficulty. The study also links CWS to psychiatric disorders, mental disability, and a family history of depression.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of Washington Heights residents experienced energy insecurity, leading to breathing problems, mental health issues, and poor sleep. Energy-insecure households were more likely to have children under 18 years of age and lower household income.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found gas station vent pipes release vapors containing toxic chemicals like benzene. The researchers' findings exceed safe limits for benzene exposure, prompting officials to reconsider setback regulations.
Researchers link declines in life expectancy to rising medical costs and structural issues like democratic institutions failure and economic stagnation, not just opioid epidemic
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) has launched an online knowledge bank with resources for educators on the health impacts of climate change. The platform features links to publicly available online courses, curricular guidance, and information on upcoming events.
Girls and women face inadequate sanitation options, including lack of private toilets with doors and locks, resulting in stress, embarrassment, and physical discomfort. Mainstreaming female-friendly toilets could significantly impact meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on health, education, and gender.
A comprehensive analysis found associations between exposure to toxic metals and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study's authors call for attention to metals as a significant source of cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for population-wide strategies to minimize exposure.
A new study finds that NYC's tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density overall, particularly in high-income neighborhoods. However, disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced little to no change in retailer density, highlighting unequal impact across neighborhoods.
Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...
A Finnish national birth cohort study linked DDT metabolite exposure to increased autism risk in offspring. Maternal blood analyzed for DDE and PCBs found higher odds of autism with intellectual disability among offspring exposed to elevated DDE levels, persisting after adjusting for confounding factors.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Medicaid expansion states have seen a decline in uninsured rates among low-income adults with substance use disorders, from 34% to 20%, compared to non-expansion states. However, the proportion of those receiving treatment remained unchanged.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases identified nine clusters of respiratory infections in Uganda, including one potentially linked to UK tourism. The researchers used a genetic sequencing method called VirCapSeq-VERT to analyze nasal and throat swabs, providing detailed information on viral pathogens.
Climate change poses significant health risks to children, including dehydration, heat stress, respiratory disease, and vector-borne diseases. Researchers propose strategies for addressing these needs, such as establishing medical protocols and best practice guidelines for climate-related event planning.
A randomized controlled trial found that peer comparison letters targeting high Seroquel-prescribing doctors reduced quetiapine prescribing by 11% over 9 months and 16% over 2 years. The letters had no negative effects on patients, and similar messages could address over-prescribing of other drugs.
Namibia achieved high levels of viral load suppression among women and adults, with progress attributed to targeted expansion of prevention and treatment services. However, gaps remain in western Africa, particularly among young women and men, highlighting the need for expanded primary HIV prevention and treatment resources.
A screening tool used on HIV-positive children in South Africa found nearly four times the odds of delays in sitting, standing and speaking compared to HIV-negative children. The study suggests increased attention to early HIV diagnosis and intervention is critical to prevent neurocognitive issues.
A study combining metabolomics and microbiome data identifies distinct patterns in patients with ME/CFS, allowing for 84% accurate prediction of the disorder. The findings provide a promising lead towards developing lab tests and potential therapies.
Researchers found that handwashing and house cleaning can effectively lower exposure to flame retardants, with a 43% decrease in Tris levels measured in urine after both interventions. The study's results support the EPA's recommendations for reducing exposure to these chemicals.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a steady increase in more frequent cannabis use among adults after 2007, particularly in middle-age and older age groups. This trend contrasts with stable prevalence before 2007 and decreases among adolescents.
A new study found that women who used DES during pregnancy had a 36% higher risk of ADHD in their grandchildren. The study analyzed self-reported health data from over 47,000 participants and found no difference by sex.
A recent study found that cannabis use among parents with children at home nearly quadrupled between 2002 and 2015, increasing from 5% to 7%, while cigarette smoking declined. This increase may compromise progress in reducing secondhand smoke exposure, particularly among certain subpopulations.
Researchers developed a toolkit to address menstruation-related needs of girls and women fleeing disaster or conflict, but found a lack of effective approaches for managing menstruation with dignity in challenging settings. The study highlights the need to expand practical guidance for vulnerable groups, including girls with disabiliti...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that prescription drug monitoring programs may not reduce fatal overdoses as expected, but instead linked to an increase in heroin overdose deaths after restrictions on opioid prescribing were implemented.
Researchers found that gorillas' and chimpanzees' gut microbes fluctuate seasonally in response to diet changes, similar to those observed in human hunter-gatherers. This study highlights the importance of dietary fiber on microbiome diversity and may have implications for intestinal health and disease.
Researchers found that 7.4% of NYC legislation between 1998 and 2017 could impact cardiovascular health, with enacted bills reducing air pollution, promoting physical activity, healthy diets, and tobacco cessation. These policies led to a 35% decline in adult smoking prevalence.
A study of NYC house mice reveals they carry disease-causing pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like C. difficile and Salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans. The study also finds evidence of viruses present in mouse droppings, some of which may infect other animals.
A study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that flipping the classroom approach in public health does not significantly improve student performance. However, students reported greater flexibility and applied learning opportunities with the flipped format.
Research reveals a decline in blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children following the phase-out of these toxic chemicals. However, PBDEs were still detected in nearly all child blood samples, suggesting ongoing exposure to flame retardants.
ICAP has partnered with Ethiopia since 2005, providing critical support in combating malaria. The new five-year project aims to strengthen malaria diagnosis and treatment services, with an eye on long-term elimination of the disease.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with more resources for healthy eating and physical activity led to improved glycemic control among individuals with diabetes. Those who moved from disadvantaged areas to more affluent ones also experienced better diabetes management.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.
A new study reveals that mitochondrial disease patients often undergo more than eight physician visits and experience multiple misdiagnoses before being correctly diagnosed. The most common misdiagnosis was for psychiatric disorder, followed by fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Cigars used for blunt-making dominate the marketplace in states where recreational marijuana is legal, with fruit-flavored and small pack sizes being particularly popular. This finding highlights the need for stricter regulations on tobacco products to reduce public health risks associated with their use.
A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly one-quarter of 12-year-olds from public schools had a psychiatric disorder, with depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder being the most common diagnoses. Investing in socio-economic inequality prevention and preventing violent events during child...
A new blood test for Zika virus can detect the virus up to 8 weeks after infection, providing a powerful tool for screening pregnant women and adults. The test, called ZIKV-NS2B-concat ELISA, is faster, less expensive, and more accurate than existing options, with rates of false positives and false negatives of less than 5%.
A conditional cash transfer program in New York City showed positive effects on parents' perceptions of their health, level of hope, and access to preventive health services. The program improved dental care use, health insurance coverage, and reduced the likelihood of forgoing medical care due to cost.
In conflict-affected populations, adolescent girls are perceived as responsible for their own safety and burdened by violence, with communities holding differing views on responding to abuse. Research highlights the need for programs addressing victim-blaming and silencing experiences of violence through community structures.
A new study found that genital inflammation significantly reduces the effectiveness of tenofovir gel in preventing HIV infection in women. The study showed that tenofovir gel provided only 57% protection against HIV acquisition in women with genital inflammation, even if they used the gel consistently.
Researchers at Columbia's Mailman School developed a method to forecast the spatial transmission of influenza in the US, improving accuracy by 35% compared to previous versions. The system accurately predicts local onset of flu six weeks ahead of time, informing decisions on vaccine distribution and public health measures.