A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that over half of conflict-affected girls aged 13-19 were victims of violence, with intimate partners and family members being perpetrators. The researchers identified context-specific predictors of violence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that ...
Early childhood exposure to specific phthalates was associated with depressed thyroid function in girls at age 3. Lower levels of active thyroid hormone free thyroxin (FT4) were linked to metabolites of certain phthalate chemicals.
A new study reveals that 90% of global health development assistance funds target individuals under the age of 60, while those aged 70 and older receive less than half as much. The majority of this funding goes to children under the age of 5, highlighting a significant gap in support for older adults.
Scientists identify abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), including those with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study suggests that analyzing fecal microbiome may help subtype patients with ME/CFS.
Research finds that medical marijuana laws are associated with higher rates of illicit cannabis use and disorders, particularly in states with earlier laws. The study analyzed data from three national surveys and found significant increases in cannabis use and disorders between 1991-1992 and 2012-2013.
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health report elevated levels of Babesia microti, a pathogen responsible for babesiosis, in Suffolk County, New York. The new test can strengthen surveillance for tick-borne illnesses, which are underreported and growing rapidly.
Researchers found that vitamin B supplements nearly reversed negative effects on heart rate, white blood count, and lymphocyte count in healthy non-smokers exposed to fine particle pollution. The findings suggest a potential preventive pharmacological intervention using B vitamins to contain air pollution health effects.
Researchers have discovered biological evidence of atypical chronic fatigue syndrome, a complex and debilitating disease. The study found lower levels of certain immune molecules in individuals with atypical ME/CFS compared to those with classical symptoms.
A novel coronavirus found in a Ugandan bat is 87% identical to the one causing MERS, but lacks key proteins allowing it to infect humans. Researchers say the virus is unlikely to spread to humans, despite its similarities.
A new study published in Science shows that public funding research is essential for commercial innovation, with 30% of NIH-funded grants generating articles cited by private-sector patents. This highlights the importance of continued investment in biomedical research and its potential economic returns.
Heroin use has increased five-fold among Americans since 2001, with significant rises in white males with low income and education. The prevalence of heroin use disorder also increased, particularly among younger individuals, with whites ages 18-44 experiencing a more pronounced increase than non-whites and older adults.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Americans prioritize affordability based on household income. Respondents favored a health insurance policy with a 5% household income cap, rather than the current Ryancare plan which transfers benefits from poorer households to wealthier ones.
A new study finds that deaths in autistic individuals increased 700 percent in the past 16 years, mostly due to injuries. Swimming classes are recommended immediately after diagnosis to prevent drowning-related fatalities.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.
A systematic re-analysis of Chinese famine studies found no increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions among famine births, except for schizophrenia. The findings highlight an unrecognized flaw in common famine reports and suggest better indicators of famine exposure are needed.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has awarded a $10.3 million grant to create a Youth Opportunity Hub in Northern Manhattan, providing wraparound support and opportunities to youth through partnerships with community-based organizations. The project aims to reduce involvement in the criminal justice system among high-risk youth.
Smokers in recovery from illicit drug use disorders face a higher risk of relapsing three years later compared to non-smokers. Quitting cigarettes may help adults stay sober and improve substance treatment outcomes.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that depression significantly increased in the US from 2005 to 2013 among current, former, and never smokers. The prevalence of depression is consistently higher among smokers, but the rate of increase was more prominent among former and never smokers.
Researchers developed a forecasting model to predict WNV outbreaks, generating accurate forecasts for mosquito infection rates and human cases up to nine weeks prior. This method could give public health officials more time to plan for mosquito control efforts, potentially reducing the number of cases and deaths.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that women infected with genital herpes during early pregnancy had twice the odds of giving birth to a child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers suggested that the mother's immune response to HS...
The PHIA Project's survey results reveal extraordinary progress in confronting the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. The rate of new infections is stabilizing or declining, with more than half of all adults living with HIV having a suppressed viral load.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that career military women were happier and had better physical and mental health than the general population. They also reported positive experiences, such as satisfaction with their work with wounded troops and civilians in Vietnam.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to share best practices and design model curricula for academic and non-academic audiences. The consortium's goal is to create a cadre of highly trained health professionals to address the harmful health effects of climate change.
A growing global concern, nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young people is linked to increased deaths from opioids and stimulants. The misuse of these medications can cause serious health problems and even lead to overdose.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that all NYC toddlers studied had flame retardants on their hands, with mothers having lower levels. The researchers detected a higher concentration of flame retardants in toddler hand wipes compared to their mothers.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that nearly 80% of adolescents living in Cambodia's orphanages have one or more living parents. The research aimed to generate inclusive data to guide policy makers and service providers in recognizing and protecting these children.
A recent study found that girls from low-income families in the US are unprepared for puberty, with many reporting negative experiences during this transition. The research highlights the need for more robust interventions to support and provide information about puberty for low-income girls.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that states with medical marijuana laws experienced an 11% reduction in traffic fatalities, with the greatest impact on drivers aged 15-24 and 25-44. Dispensaries were also associated with a significant reduction in traffic fatalities among this age group.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a significant rise in past-month marijuana use among women of reproductive age between 2002 and 2014. The prevalence increased from 2.4% to 3.9%, with higher rates among younger and pregnant women.
Researchers found unemployed workers had the highest risk of misusing prescription opioids, while those out of the workforce entirely were most at risk for misusing prescription stimulants. Nonmedical prescription opioid use costs the US $42 billion in lost productivity annually.
In Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, new HIV infections are falling, the percent of the population infected is stabilizing, and over half of those living with HIV are virally suppressed. The data show that once diagnosed, individuals are accessing treatment, staying on treatment, and achieving viral suppression.
A new computer model developed by Columbia University researchers predicts influenza outbreaks with 82% accuracy at a week's notice, particularly for small upticks. The model also forecasts outbreak duration and magnitude, but its accuracy varies depending on the severity of the outbreak.
A study found that marijuana use prevalence increased by 6% among men earning less than $20,000 annually between 2007 and 2014, compared to only 2% for women in the same income group. This widening gender gap is linked to economic hardship and insecurity during the Great Recession.
A global study found a significant association between rising national income, education expenditures, and declining rates of adolescent childbearing. The median adolescent birth rate dropped by 40% from 1990 to 2012, with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Central Asia.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School found that 71% of New York State voters supported indicting police officers involved in the 2014 Eric Garner arrest after watching the video. This increase in support was attributed to the physical force used on Garner being a key factor in respondents' opinions.
Researchers found that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced better function around the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that a diet high in antioxidants and carotenoids may help minimize ALS severity.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health observed relationships between impaired glucose regulation, adverse cardiac measures, and early onset diabetes mellitus. The study suggests that targeting insulin resistance may be beneficial for optimal cardiac health and heart failure prevention.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that adults 26 years and older increased their past-month marijuana use from 5.87% to 7.15% after medical marijuana laws passed, but there was no effect on adolescents or young adults. Perceived availability of marijuana also increased among those over 25.
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program is more cost-effective than many health interventions, with a net gain of 2.2 Quality of Life Years over an average lifetime for those who supplemented the program relative to those who did not.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high utility bills lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression among low-income families. Inefficient infrastructure and limited options for assistance also contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for comprehensive policy measures.
A study found that young and middle-aged adults in the US prefer to live longer than average life expectancy if they have positive expectations for old age, but those with negative expectations prefer shorter lives. The study used a telephone survey of over 1600 adults aged 18-64 years and found no relationship between age, gender, or ...
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys aged 10-12. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and found no such associations in girls.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that obesity prevalence increased from 22% to 32% among cancer survivors between 1997 and 2014. Colorectal and breast cancer survivors, as well as non-Hispanic blacks, were particularly affected.
The Flint lead crisis resulted in $395 million in social costs, equivalent to 27 lives lost. Nationally, low-level lead exposure costs $4.5 billion annually, affecting lost economic productivity and welfare use.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high school students with psychiatric symptoms were more likely to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. The study highlights the link between mental health issues and substance use among teenagers in Brazil.
A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that pregnant women with health insurance coverage had lower odds of alcohol use, while non-pregnant women with insurance had higher odds. The study also found that prenatal substance use poses significant threats to maternal and child health.
A recent study published in Epilepsy and Behavior found that individuals with epilepsy have a higher annual suicide mortality rate of 22% compared to the general population. The study also revealed specific risk factors, such as increased likelihood of dying from poisoning or using residential locations for suicides.
Research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on the relentless spread of HIV in South African communities, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. The studies found that Prevotella bivia and Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria increase vulnerability to HIV through inflammation and pH imbalance.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that financial incentives did not improve health outcomes for HIV-positive people with substance use disorders. The study showed no statistical differences in rates of viral suppression versus non-suppression or death among trial arms.