A study of over 2,300 US medical students found that 62.1% expected debt above $150,000, with Black students facing the highest burden. The finding may help explain why matriculation among Blacks is declining despite rising Hispanic enrollment.
A study found that children with behavioral problems at age 8 had higher CRP and IL-6 levels in their blood at age 10, indicating an early warning sign for potential health issues later in life. This link highlights the importance of monitoring both mental and physical health in children with behavioral problems.
Researchers found that DNA methylation changes occurring early in life may have lasting impacts on a child's health. The study also showed that maternal factors like BMI prior to pregnancy can lead to molecular changes on an epigenetic level, persisting into childhood.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health call for President Obama to create a National Commission on the Health of Americans to address the country's declining health status. The US ranks last among peer nations in health, with high rates of adverse birth outcomes, heart disease, and infant mortality.
Researchers found a genetic match for MERS in an Egyptian Tomb Bat near the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia, pointing to bats as the likely animal origin. The study suggests that an intermediary animal may also be involved in human transmission.
A new study finds that soft drink consumption is associated with aggressive behavior, attention problems, and withdrawal behavior in young children. Approximately 43% of the children consumed at least 1 serving of soft drinks per day, and those who drank 4 or more were more than twice as likely to engage in problem behaviors.
A new study finds that obesity is responsible for 18% of deaths among Black and White Americans aged 40-85, nearly triple previous estimates. The condition's impact on mortality varies by age, birth cohort, sex, and race.
Researchers have identified a new virus associated with the death of a short-beaked dolphin in San Diego, belonging to the polyomavirus family. The discovery could help protect dolphins and other animals from disease outbreaks.
Denormalizing smoking is fostering lower smoking rates by banning cigarettes in public settings, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The paper analyzed the evidence for bans and found that government acting in the name of public health can restrict smoking to protect smokers themselves.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that restricting large sugar-sweetened beverages in food service establishments would primarily affect overweight individuals, including teenagers. The proposed restrictions aim to reduce obesity, which is linked to excess calories from sugary drinks.
Researchers found participants in Florida's Family Transition Program had a 16% higher mortality rate compared to traditional welfare recipients, losing 9 months of life expectancy. The study highlights the nonmedical determinants of health affecting welfare time limits.
Scientists found that lead exposure can trigger schizophrenia-like behaviors and brain structural changes in mice engineered with a human gene for the disease. The study suggests a synergistic effect between lead exposure and a genetic risk factor, opening avenues to better understand complex gene-environment interactions.
Researchers found obese men were more likely to have precancerous lesions detected in their benign prostate biopsies compared to non-obese men. Obesity was also associated with a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer after an initial benign biopsy, particularly in the first few years after.
Scientists identified viruses closely related to Hepatitis C virus in rodents and bats, shedding light on the disease's origins and possible animal models for treatment. The findings also support the development of new vaccines and treatments, as the viruses share similar sequences with HCV.
A randomized clinical trial found that HIV-infected mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies for four months had significantly lower levels of the virus in their breast milk compared to those who stopped breastfeeding earlier. The study suggests that early and frequent breastfeeding can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmis...
A recent study published in the American Sociological Review found that winning in competitions such as Emmys or Baseball Hall of Fame induction has no consistent impact on longevity. Instead, researchers suggest that access to resources and opportunities is more crucial for overall health.
Researchers found an association between early childhood BPA exposure and elevated risk for asthma in young children. Post-natal exposure was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma, while BPA exposure during pregnancy had an inverse association with risk of wheeze at age 5.
A study of over 1,100 women found that nearly a quarter developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms within two to three months after breast cancer diagnosis. Younger women and those from Asian and black backgrounds were at higher risk.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people who yearn for a more intimate partnership and those who crave more distance are equally at risk for having a problematic relationship. The study's lead author, David M. Frost, PhD, suggests that finding a way to attain an idealized level of closeness...
A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.
Researchers developed a method to identify the cause of infectious disease outbreaks based on online reports and data from ProMED-mail. The findings showed that three-quarters of disease outbreaks formed distinct clusters, and previously unknown outbreaks could be correctly identified 88% of the time.
New research reveals that exposure to air pollution and cockroach allergen early in life can increase the risk of developing an asthma-related cockroach allergy by age 7. Children with a common mutation in the GSTM gene are especially vulnerable to this increased risk.
A new study finds that obesity increases risk of death with age, contradicting earlier research on the 'obesity paradox'. The analysis of over 800,000 adults reveals that obese individuals face a higher risk of mortality as they get older.
A recent study found that the prescription opioid overdose rate in NYC increased seven-fold between 1990 and 2006, with fatalities concentrated among white residents. The study suggests a different public health approach is needed for this demographic, as their profile differs from heroin consumers.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.
A new study found that the Safe Routes to School program significantly reduced pedestrian injury rates among school-age children in New York City. The program's interventions, including improved traffic signals and crosswalks, led to a 44% drop in injuries during peak walking times.
A study published in Obesity found that New York State WIC's new food package and healthy lifestyle promotion led to a 6% decline in obesity among 1-year-olds and a 3% decline among 2-4 year-olds. The program increased consumption of low-fat milk, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing screen time.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that bisexual men who live predominantly heterosexual lives and do not disclose their same-sex behavior are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Greater concealment of homosexual behavior was associated with lower positive emotions.
Research finds that ozone pollution, even at low levels, significantly reduces agricultural worker productivity by 5.5%. The study's results challenge the common perception of environmental protection as a tax on producers.
Asthmatic children in NYC asthma hotspots experience more frequent exercise-induced wheeze and ER visits than those in lower-asthma areas. Parents and physicians should be aware of the need for medication, such as bronchodilator inhalers, before exercise.
A new paper by Stephen S. Morse and colleagues proposes a series of research and surveillance opportunities to bridge gaps in understanding zoonoses and improve pandemic prediction. The authors emphasize the need for a global early warning system to prevent emerging infections at their source.
A new system uses real-time data and techniques from weather forecasting to predict the timing and severity of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The forecast can inform decisions on vaccine stockpiling and school closures, ultimately improving public health preparedness.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health links impulsivity in first grade to problem gambling in late adolescence. The research found that high-impulse boys were twice as likely to meet criteria for at-risk and three times more likely to meet criteria for problem gambling.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that African-American and Mexican-American seniors living in predominantly ethnic neighborhoods had lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those living in more mixed areas. Cultural factors such as shared values and close-knit family structures may contribute to these findings.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer. Women who breastfed their children had no increased risk of this aggressive tumor subtype.
Global experts weigh in on the H5N1 moratorium, discussing biosafety concerns, dual-use research of concern, and the importance of lifting the ban. Public health experts assess the probability of accidental release from laboratories with advanced security.
A new study finds that humanitarian aid workers are at significant risk for mental health problems in the field and after returning home. The risk factors include a history of mental illness, weak social support, and continual exposure to a challenging work environment, rather than experiencing particular dangerous situations.
A multi-site study of 293 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 146 matched controls found no evidence of XMRV or pMLV infections. The researchers tested for the presence of these viruses using molecular, culture, and serological methods, but none were detected in CFS samples.
Researchers found that diethyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate exposure is associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a marker of airway inflammation. Higher levels of BBzP were especially linked to asthma symptoms.
Children exposed to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have a heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6. The study suggests that toxic exposures during pregnancy can damage the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like childhood cough.
Researchers created the Caloric Calculator to help policymakers and others assess the impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity. The tool shows that certain interventions, such as increasing physical activity or restricting screen time, can make a significant difference in reducing obesity rates.
A new study found that boys are more vulnerable to the negative effects of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common insecticide. The research, published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, also revealed that parental nurturing can improve working memory in both boys and girls.
A novel avian influenza virus has infected and killed harbor seals in New England, with the majority being infants under 6 months old. The research, published in mBio, reveals that the virus descended from an avian strain circulating in North American waterfowl since 2002.
A study in Swaziland found the national rate of new HIV infections to be 2.38%, comparable to the 2009 estimate of 2.66%. The country's high HIV prevalence may have begun to level off, with prevention and treatment programs taking effect.
A new study reveals disturbingly high HIV infection rates among young black gay and bisexual men in the US, with a 2.8% annual rate of new infections nearly 50% higher than among white MSM. The study also found that poverty and untreated sexually transmitted infections were associated with HIV infection in this population.
A novel approach using a gift card incentive is being tested in a new HIV study. Patients who adhere to HIV treatment regularly can receive rewards and motivation through the program, which aims to improve patient engagement and viral suppression.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that PEPFAR-funded HIV programs are associated with more deliveries at health facilities, suggesting a positive impact on maternal health services. This is likely due to the expansion of HIV treatment and infrastructure investments supporting other health services.
A study by Columbia University found that prenatal exposure to butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) in nearly 100 percent of mothers studied increases the risk of childhood eczema. The condition is characterized by dry, itchy red skin and affects early childhood.
A new study finds that children exposed to high levels of naphthalene are at increased risk for chromosomal aberrations, including translocations. The researchers discovered a link between naphthalene exposure and an increased likelihood of chromosomal aberrations in children.