A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that closing a coal-fired power plant in China significantly improved cognitive development and motor skills in exposed children. The research tracked two groups of children born before and after the plant's closure, revealing a direct positive impact on early child...
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon is similar between patients aged 40-49 and 50-59. The study suggests that starting colon cancer screening at age 40 may help decrease its prevalence and save more people from the disease.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that sugar-sweetened beverages are an increasingly large part of children and teens' diets, with teens consuming an average of 356 calories per day. Reducing empty caloric intake by limiting these drinks may be a key strategy for promoting healthy eating and preventing excess weight gain.
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that early life exposure to cats may reduce the risk of developing asthma symptoms. Children with cat ownership were more likely to make allergy-related antibodies and less likely to have wheeze at age five.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that four-year-olds with older siblings are more likely to experience respiratory symptoms such as wheezing. Children with at least two older siblings were 50% more likely to be hospitalized for breathing problems.
Ezra Susser received a $100,000 award to continue his research on the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to maternal famine increases risk of schizophrenia. The study will examine genetic mutations among persons exposed to the 1959-1960 China famine and collect diagnostic data and DNA samples.
Researchers found a significant increase in follicular adenoma risk among persons exposed to radioactive fallout from Chernobyl as children and adolescents. The study suggests exposure to radiation at young ages increases the risk, with women having a notably higher risk compared to men.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that desire to weigh less was more predictive of unhealthy days than BMI, particularly among Whites and women. The study suggests social constructs surrounding ideal body types contribute to the obesity epidemic.
A new arenavirus has been discovered in three transplant recipients who died in Victoria, Australia in April 2007. The virus was identified through rapid sequencing technology and subsequent characterization, revealing a strain sufficiently different from existing screening methods.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that immigrants living in neighborhoods with a small proportion of their own ethnic group are at increased risk for psychotic disorders. The research confirms the importance of environmental and social experiences in contributing to these disorders.
The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health has received a DISCOVER grant to conduct four related studies on the effects of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants on lung development and immune system function. The research aims to better prevent childhood asthma and improve clinical treatment.
A study found that nearly one out of 10 registered nurses reported at least one needlestick injury in the previous year, with many cases going unreported. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted risk reduction strategies tailored to non-hospital settings.
A study found that teachers provide valuable information to schools about adolescent health issues due to their daily interactions with students. Teachers are concerned about handling mental health and behavioral problems but desire additional staff development workshops.
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used MassTag PCR to detect a new human rhinovirus as the cause of severe pediatric respiratory tract infections in Europe. Human rhinoviruses are frequent causes of respiratory illness worldwide, and this discovery confirms earlier findings in New York.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults. The research suggested that the association is not primarily due to genetic influences, but rather may be related to immune system functioning or common risk factors.
A study of over 3,200 northern Manhattan adolescents found that Hispanic youths had better dental health habits than their black peers. The study also revealed higher rates of cavities and moderate-to-abundant plaque among black youth.
A study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that reducing class sizes from 22-25 students to 13-17 students in kindergarten through grade 3 nationwide generates more quality-adjusted life-year gains per dollar invested than most medical interventions. This results in significant lifetime revenue ...
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that black lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals have significantly fewer mental disorders than their white counterparts. The research suggests effective coping mechanisms for prejudice-related stress.
Researchers estimate a significant increase in summer heat-related deaths in New York City due to climate change, with a 47-95% rise projected by the 2050s. The urban heat island effect and population vulnerability will exacerbate this risk.
The study found that the H5N1 virus not only affects the respiratory system but also spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and central nervous system. In one case, the virus was transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta.
Researchers discover Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) significantly associated with colony collapse disorder (CCD) in honey bee colonies. IAPV was found in all four affected operations and correctly distinguished CCD from non-CCD status 96.1% of the time.
Researchers found African Americans experiencing racial discrimination more likely to report current tobacco use, recent alcohol consumption, and lifetime use of marijuana and cocaine. This association was also seen in Whites, suggesting that substance use may be an unhealthy coping response to perceived unfair treatment.
The Mailman School of Public Health has been awarded a $23 million grant to lead a network evaluating cardiac interventions. The network, which includes NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, aims to assess the safety and efficacy of novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cardiac surgery.
A paper by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health highlights the need for enhanced global infectious disease surveillance due to resource constraints. The authors recommend increasing resources for compatible reporting systems, providing additional support, and educating policymakers on disease surveillance as a priority.
Increasing cigarette taxes is an effective strategy for reducing tobacco use, but it can also reinforce smoking and undermine cessation efforts in low-income minority communities. The study found that illegal street sales of untaxed cigarettes increased after the price hike, making cessation programs less attractive.
A recent study by the Mailman School of Public Health found a possible link between cigarette use and the rise in childhood asthma cases. Cigarette smoke exposure is thought to contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma among children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that household smoking restrictions are more strongly associated with better health status than workplace restrictions. Nonsmokers living in households and workplaces with comprehensive smoking bans report improved health, while those without such protections do not.
A study by Mailman School of Public Health researchers predicts a significant increase in summer temperatures and ozone levels in NYC by 2050, posing serious health risks. The study uses a unique modeling system to simulate the combined effects of land use, climate change, and air quality on environmental conditions.
A new study by the Mailman School of PH found that marital sex is a single greatest risk for HIV infection among women worldwide. The study highlights the need for prevention programs that make extramarital sex safer rather than trying to eradicate it.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that nearly 22% of pregnant U.S. women smoke cigarettes, with a significant association between smoking and mental disorders among pregnant women.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered a means for early detection of liver cancer using DNA isolated from serum samples. The study found changes associated with cancer in serum DNA one to nine years before actual clinical diagnosis, leading to an overall predictive accuracy of 89%.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health has found that gay and bisexual men are at a higher risk for eating disorders than heterosexual men. The study surveyed 516 New York City residents, including 126 straight men, and found that over 15% of gay or bisexual men had suffered from anorexia, bulimia, or bing...
A dataset of all published Indian patent applications and patents has been created, providing a searchable platform for stakeholders. The database aims to ensure that patent applications are thoroughly scrutinized, protecting the interests of patients in developing countries while preserving incentives for pharmaceutical R&D.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that living in densely populated, pedestrian-friendly areas is associated with lower body mass index levels. Researchers discovered that access to public transit, proximity to commercial goods and services, and population density are inversely related to BMI levels.
A new NIH-funded program co-directed by the Mailman School faculty will expedite clinical research, transforming how medical discovery is made. The center will centralize core resources for clinical researchers and enhance collaboration among scientific communities.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men with only daughters had a higher risk of prostate cancer than those with at least one son. The research suggests that genes on the Y chromosome may be involved in prostate cancer risk, and that lack of sons increases this risk by 40%.
The GreeneChip System is a comprehensive tool for differential diagnosis of infectious diseases, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It can be used on various samples and has been tested with positive results in cases where other methods failed to implicate a microorganism.
A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common agricultural insecticide, was associated with poorer mental and motor development in children by age three. The study also revealed an increased risk of behavior problems among children exposed to higher levels of the insecticide.
A recent study reveals that 86% of the decline in US teen pregnancy rates is attributed to improved contraceptive use, with most progress seen among older teens. The study suggests that public policies should promote access to accurate information on contraception and support responsible behaviors.
Researchers found that continuous antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of opportunistic diseases and death compared to episodic therapy. The study also showed no reduction in serious side effects with continual ART.
The African-American community is facing a disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS, with over half of all new diagnoses among this group. The National Minority AIDS Council recommends five policy solutions to address this disparity, including eliminating stigma against black MSM and reducing the role of injection drug use in sustaining the...
Researchers are urging more study on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and hand washing during annual flu season. The lack of comprehensive data on community epidemiologic data hinders the design of effective interventions, making it crucial to prepare for potential pandemic flu.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that individuals living in high Black concentrated neighborhoods were twice as likely to report poor health compared to those in low concentration areas. This association persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism by which Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg, cause immunosuppression. By targeting specific amino acid sequences, new drugs may be developed to disrupt the virus's ability to shut down the immune system.
Daily exposure to noise on subway platforms and cars can cause hearing loss, with average maximum levels exceeding recommended limits by up to 30 minutes. Researchers found that frequent long-term rides and other high-noise activities increase the risk of hearing damage.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that household levels of mold and bacterial endotoxins in post-Katrina homes were comparable to those in wastewater treatment plants and agricultural environments. The researchers strongly recommend wearing respirators for cleaning and repairing flood-damaged homes.
A large study found that increasing paternal age is significantly associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion. Women with partners aged 35 or older had nearly three times as many miscarriages as compared to women conceiving with men younger than 25 years of age.
Researchers at Columbia University will study the health effects of arsenic in groundwater, particularly in New England and South Asia. The $16.9M grant will investigate the geochemistry and exposure sources of arsenic, as well as its effects on children's health.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that exposure to radioactive iodine after Chornobyl increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents. Researchers estimate that 75% of thyroid cancer cases could have been avoided without radiation, highlighting a substantial contribution of radioac...