Epidemiologists have developed a new blood test, DunedinPACE, to measure biological aging. The test uses DNA methylation marks to track changes in organ-system integrity over time, predicting future disease and mortality.
A study found that the first day of quitting smoking is harder for women than men, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women also have more difficulty maintaining long-term abstinence, with larger health warning labels on cigarette packs associated with reduced odds of one-day relapse among them.
Researchers found molecular signatures of gestational inflammation associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large cohort study. Elevated levels of certain immune system molecules at birth are linked to ASD risk, providing potential biomarkers for early screening.
The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
A new study finds that schools with high levels of student substance use and depressed feelings have a higher prevalence of discipline, out-of-school suspensions, and police contact. Schools with lower levels of safety and support also experience higher discipline rates.
A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC COVID-19 mandates enforcement mirrored the discretionary nature of the New York stop-and-frisk program, resulting in racialized criminalization and punishment. The use of police to enforce public health mandates increased the risk of COVID spread due to f...
A study found that prescription drug monitoring programs in states significantly reduced child maltreatment incidents, with significant declines in neglect and physical abuse cases. The implementation of PDMPs was particularly effective in reducing maltreatment among American Indian and Alaskan Native children.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.
Experts warn of a crisis in sex education due to the continued creation and endorsement of abstinence-only curricula. Comprehensive sex education is proven to promote sexual health among adolescents, but its delivery has declined over the last 25 years.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Researchers at Columbia University predict a large-scale influenza outbreak in the US after lifting public health measures, followed by worsened seasonal flu outbreaks. The study suggests that greater population-wide immune susceptibility to influenza could lead to more severe outbreaks.
Researchers found that heritage-specific diets varied across Latinx groups, with Mexican and Puerto Rican diets being healthier. The study suggests that longer years living in the US may lead to less healthy dietary patterns among Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican groups.
A study found that individuals in occupations with high routine intensity are at risk of becoming unemployed, experiencing higher disability rates, and facing increased mortality. The research highlights the need for governments to assess opportunities for retraining and provide economic support to affected workers.
A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...
Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a long-term underinvestment in the US public health workforce, with staff losses and underfunding for public health education. Experts recommend increasing access to education for future public health professionals and investing in the existing workforce to address this critical shortage.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals stark racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-19 vaccination rates across neighborhoods in the largest US cities. High-vaccination neighborhoods were predominantly white with fewer people of color, higher incomes, and lower poverty rates.
Researchers found educational workshops improved women's household decision-making and financial literacy in Nigeria. The programs were most effective in areas where women were less active, but showed inconsistent results in other domains.
A new computer model developed by Columbia University researchers accurately predicts the likelihood of individuals being colonized with MRSA in hospital settings. The model identifies asymptomatic carriers, who are responsible for most of the spread, and suggests targeted interventions to control infections.
A study estimates that 103 million Americans had COVID-19 by the end of 2020, accounting for 31% of the population. Undocumented cases accounted for three-quarters of infections, which were often mild or asymptomatic.
The need for public engagement on menstrual health is emphasized by a commentary in JAMA, highlighting the importance of sufficient funding and research. Menstrual equity is recognized as a human rights and public health issue with significant disparities affecting schoolgirls, women, and those experiencing homelessness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. alcohol retail store sales increased compared to usual trends, indicating a rise in home drinking and potential higher alcohol consumption. The study found that beer, wine, and liquor store sales increased by 17%, while food services and drinking places sales decreased markedly.
Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.
A new research project aims to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive social, environmental, and health promotion services in affordable housing settings. The study will track the impact of these programs on residents, building culture, and housing conditions over time.
Researchers analyzed data from five large heart cohort studies to identify epigenetic changes associated with cardiovascular disease. The study found 33 common methylation sites linked to heart disease across diverse populations, providing a potential target for prevention and intervention.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that voting restrictions are associated with an increased risk of being uninsured. The study analyzed data from 242,727 adults in the US and found that those who face barriers to voting are also less likely to have health insurance.
A new study found that fewer than half of older adults discuss alcohol use with their healthcare providers, despite increased risks. The study highlights the importance of discussing alcohol use with providers to prevent negative health consequences in this population.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 43% of US COVID-19 mortality variability is linked to county-level socioeconomic indicators and health vulnerabilities. Allocating vaccines to these areas could minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths. The research suggests a correlation between he...
Children exposed to air pollution may experience poor inhibitory control and academic skills in early adolescence, including spelling, reading comprehension, and math. Interventions targeting inhibitory control might improve outcomes.
A new study published in Age and Ageing found that hypothetical adverse life scenarios, such as dementia and chronic pain, significantly reduce people's desire to live into older ages. The study analyzed data from Norway, where the average preferred life expectancy was 91.4 years.
A new paper proposes actions to increase access, speed time to market, and decrease costs of vaccines globally. Regulatory harmonization, manufacturing capacity building, and streamlined IP arrangements are key opportunities to address challenges in vaccine development and deployment.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.
A study found that sex trafficking survivors' trauma affects their parenting, causing them to be overly protective and emotionally withdrawn. Despite this, they cope by finding meaning in motherhood and social support, and often experience strong connections with their children. The research highlights the need for policies and program...
A study of over 59,000 Icelandic adolescents found COVID-19 has significantly impacted their mental health, particularly among girls and older teens. Substantially lower rates of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette usage, and alcohol intoxication were also reported.
The article commemorates the 40th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic with a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine. The piece explores the experiences of American physicians who were central to the epidemic, describing their work as
Researchers found that training health workers to promote healthy feeding practices in pregnant women resulted in children consuming less fat and carbohydrates at 3 years of age and having lower measures of body fat at 6 years. The study suggests that early intervention can have a significant impact on childhood obesity risk.
A new study reveals that telomeres shorten rapidly during early childhood, setting the stage for lifelong health outcomes. Researchers found that a mother's telomere length is predictive of her child's telomere length through pre-adolescence.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that Photovoice, an educational intervention, significantly improves STEM-capacity scores and environmental awareness in low-income, urban youth. The results suggest a potential solution to environmental justice issues.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 found mortality at 28 days in the treatment arm was half the rate seen in the control arm. However, treatment was not associated with other improvements in clinical status among patients.
The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship aims to honor Jennifer's memory by providing travel stipends for field experience in fragile settings.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that men prenatally exposed to the Dutch famine of 1944-45 were 30% more likely to be overweight with a BMI of 25 or over at age 19. The researchers speculate that changes in DNA methylation may contribute to this increased risk.
Significant levels of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms were reported by 26%, 22% and 17% respectively among patients with mild COVID-19 disease. These findings highlight the need for early mental health intervention to prevent incident mental health problems.
A new study found that short-term air pollution exposure can impair cognitive performance, but taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can reduce these effects. The study used data from the Normative Aging Study and found that elevated PM2.5 exposure over 28 days was associated with declines in global cognitiv...
Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy was found effective for anxiety and depression in adolescents and young people. However, the effectiveness of other digital interventions remains inconclusive. Engagement with a health professional or peer can strengthen the effectiveness of these interventions.
Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.