A randomized controlled study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that restoring vacant urban land significantly reduced crime, including gun violence, and increased feelings of safety among residents. The approach has been shown to be quick, inexpensive, and scalable.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found no significant change in adolescent recreational marijuana use following enactment of medical marijuana laws. The study analyzed data from four large-scale US surveys and concluded that medical marijuana laws do not increase recreational pot use among teens.
Researchers emphasize that addressing obesity, mental health issues, poor nutrition, and substance abuse in adolescents before pregnancy is essential for a healthy start to life. The study highlights the importance of engaging health services with young adults and creating healthier environments to prevent intergenerational health risks.
A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.
Researchers challenge the notion that the sugar industry shifted blame to fat by examining historical archives and oral history. Despite alleged 'smoking gun' evidence, the authors found no conclusive proof of a sugar conspiracy, highlighting the complexity of scientific funding and policy-making in the 1960s.
After Robin Williams' suicide in 2014, researchers found a 10% increase in overall suicides, particularly among men aged 30-44. Suffocation suicides also increased by 32% compared to other methods.
A study published in Science Advances found that prenatal famine exposure leads to changes in DNA methylation, which can influence adult body mass index and triglycerides levels. The researchers discovered that these epigenetic changes are similar to those seen in the general population.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that converting a 2.4-mile section of the Cross-Bronx Expressway into a deck park would benefit residents monetarily and in terms of life expectancy, adding nearly two months of quality-adjusted life years.
Researchers found that babies exposed to high levels of air pollution in the womb had shorter telomeres, linked to higher risk of cancer, heart disease, and premature death. The study suggests that reducing air pollution exposure can have long-term benefits for children's health.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.
Researchers found a significant increase in lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among individuals with focal epilepsy, but not generalized epilepsy. The study suggests a shared genetic susceptibility to these conditions, specifically expressed in people with focal epilepsy.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that frequent business travelers experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also showed a link between extensive business travel and unhealthy behaviors like smoking, sedentary behavior, and substance abuse.
A new study found that cigarette smoking rates increased among individuals with substance use disorders, including hallucinogens and heroin, while decreasing among those with cannabis use disorders. More than half of individuals with a substance use disorder reported cigarette use in the past month, compared to 18% without a disorder.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to use marijuana on a daily basis. The strongest relationship between cigarette smoking and daily cannabis use is among 12 to 17 year olds, who are 50 times more likely to be daily cannabis users than non-smokers.
The Heilbrunn Department at Columbia University is conducting a study to measure the impact of the expanded Mexico City Policy on women's health and wellbeing in Kenya and Nepal. The research aims to assess the current policy's effects on access to life-saving services such as abortion, contraception, and HIV testing and treatment.
A recent study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that baby-boomers and millennials are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2014 and found that these age groups experienced a significantly increased risk of death from prescription opioid overdose and heroi...
Daily marijuana use and past month rates rose for men and women aged 26 and older in states with medical marijuana laws. Daily use was generally higher among individuals aged 18-25 compared to those ages 12-17 and 26 or older, regardless of state laws.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution is associated with osteoporosis-related bone fractures, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers suggest that reducing air pollution could help prevent these fractures and improve bone health.
The study analyzed global data on religious affiliation at the time of death, projecting changes until 2060. Christianity is expected to remain the most common religion, while Islam will increase in prevalence. Regional trends also emerge, with Europe's secularization and Nigeria's Muslim majority
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant increase in depression among Americans aged 12 and older from 2005 to 2015. The prevalence of past-year depression rose from 6.6% to 7.3%, with the most rapid increases seen in young people and those with lower levels of income and education.
Compliance with the 2006 EPA regulation on maximum arsenic levels led to a 17% decline in urinary arsenic concentrations among public water users, equivalent to an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder disease per year. Private well water users showed no improvements due to lack of federal regulation.
Girls and women in emergency contexts face inadequate access to safe facilities and supplies for menstrual hygiene management. A new study highlights the need for improved guidance and coordination among sectors to address this challenge.
A study of low-income children in New York City found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) combined with material hardship significantly increases ADHD symptoms. The researchers assessed levels of PAH exposure and material hardship in maternal blood and child behavior, finding a strong correlation between th...
The Center for Solutions for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CfS for ME/CFS) will pursue basic research and develop tools to monitor illness progression, while working closely with the ME/CFS community through partnerships and outreach.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opioid epidemic on Staten Island disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The researchers identified areas with high overdose rates as underserved in treatment services, highlighting the need for expanded methadone clinics and detox capacity.
A growing movement in higher education is launching a global effort to educate health professionals on the health impacts of climate change. The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to build expertise among health workers to integrate knowledge into daily practice, enhancing public health while mitigating climate change.
Lesotho achieves high viral load suppression rates, while Uganda's previously expanding epidemic stabilizes due to circumcision and treatment expansions. New US strategy aims to accelerate progress in high-burden countries by 2020
A new study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that delaying a child's tonsillectomy did not lower the risk of developing a mental disorder. Children under 5 who underwent minor surgery with anesthesia had a 26% increased risk of later diagnosis with a mental disorder.
A study in 60 countries revealed that individuals with older political leaders perceive older adults as having equal social status to middle-aged adults. Exposure to photographs of older adults in prestigious positions can also change perceptions.
A study found that hospitals developing formal networks of skilled nursing facilities have lower readmission rates among patients discharged to these facilities. The research analyzed data from eight US cities and Medicare claims, revealing a decline in re-hospitalization rates from 24% to 18%.
New research reveals abstinence-only-until-marriage programs are ineffective in delaying sexual initiation and reducing risk behaviors. Comprehensive sex education has favorable effects on multiple adolescent behaviors, including delayed initiation of sexual activity.
Daily e-cigarette use was found to be the strongest predictor of smoking cessation among established smokers. Over half of daily e-cigarette users had quit smoking in the past five years, compared to just 28% of those who never tried e-cigarettes.
A new study finds that smoking during pregnancy is disproportionately common among women with depression, affecting nearly one-third of this group. The study suggests that depression is a significant barrier to quitting smoking, and addressing it may be crucial for helping women quit during pregnancy.
Researchers face difficulties conducting longitudinal epidemiological surveys in countries like Brazil due to inadequate funding and poor infrastructure. The study highlights the need for strategies such as working with community leaders, organizing group efforts, and using short instruments to overcome these challenges.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that women living in gender-equal countries have better cognitive test scores later in life than women in gender-unequal societies. The female advantage in cognitive performance was highest in Sweden, where women tend to outperform men on memory tests.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health highlights the dangers of vaginal bleeding taboos in low-income countries, where limited access to clean water and sanitation exacerbates the issue. The researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach addressing vaginal bleeding across the life course.
A study found a significant increase in prescription opioid involvement in fatal car crashes between 1995 and 2015. The prevalence of prescription opioids among fatally injured drivers rose from 1% to over 7%, with higher rates in female drivers.
The new Index measures five social and economic indicators reflecting the status and wellbeing of older persons, tracking national sources for 30 countries. The top-ranked countries for healthy aging are Norway, Sweden, US, Netherlands, and Japan.
The second Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey (SHIMS2) reveals significant progress in combating the HIV epidemic, with a doubling of population viral load suppression since 2011. The survey found nearly half fewer new HIV infections among adults aged 18-49 years compared to 2011.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health studied the link between food allergy and childhood anxiety and depression. Children with a food allergy had a significantly higher prevalence of childhood anxiety, while symptoms of depression were not linked to food allergies.
A study found that substance use, particularly binge drinking and cocaine, is associated with cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and executive functioning issues. Cognitive impairments were also linked to daily life difficulties, impeding treatment utilization, and decreased effectiveness of treatment.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to children with respiratory distress significantly decreased mortality rates and improved respiratory rates. The treatment was safely and effectively administered by nurses in district-level hospitals, offering a lifesav...
A study of 338 mothers found no evidence of increased autism risk from maternal influenza diagnosis alone, but a trend towards risk was seen in those with lab-verified infection and symptoms.
A recent study by Columbia University found that financial incentives significantly increased viral suppression and clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients. The study showed a four-percent higher percentage of patients with suppressed virus at sites offering gift cards compared to those without.
A new study found that adult marijuana use rose significantly in states with loosely regulated medical marijuana laws, particularly among adults over 26. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder remained largely unchanged. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of regulation on marijuana use.
A study found that fever during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, increases autism spectrum disorder risk by 40 percent. The risk is further elevated for children of mothers who experienced three or more fevers after the twelfth week of pregnancy.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that mixing booze and pot increases the risk of fatal two-vehicle crashes. Drivers who used alcohol, marijuana, or both were more likely to be responsible for causing fatal crashes compared to sober drivers. The researchers analyzed data from 14,742 fatal two...
A study in 20 countries found that bats harbor over 3,200 coronaviruses, most of which have yet to be detected. The viruses are concentrated in areas with high bat diversity, suggesting coevolution or adaptation.
Early menstruation is linked to earlier age of sexual initiation, pregnancy and marriage in low- and middle-income countries. Girls who menstruate before age 14 are more likely to engage in sexual intercourse and get married at a younger age.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that approximately half of adults with anxiety or depression also experience chronic pain. Chronic physical conditions were most common among individuals with mood disorders, followed by respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease.