Researchers found a molecular 'switch' called SMRT that turns off protective cellular activities against aging and metabolic diseases. The discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that high body mass index (BMI) is primarily a problem among wealthy women in developing countries. The study analyzed data from 54 low- to middle-income countries and found an association between BMI and wealth, with richer women more likely to be overweight.
A majority of Americans supports increased spending on public health in general, but there is a partisan divide and divisions within specific areas. Meanwhile, most people believe the US is not spending enough on improving and protecting public health, and many see long-term savings from measures to improve health and prevention.
A comprehensive review of national opinion polls shows that prospective voters have divergent views on the future of health reform legislation, mirroring Congressional leaders' positions. Nearly three-fourths of registered Democrats support the law, while 80% of Republicans oppose it.
A new study finds that drinking sugary beverages, like soda, daily increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26% and metabolic syndrome by 20%. Limiting sugary drink intake can help reduce these conditions.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified two bacteria that instigate gut inflammation, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The study suggests that the genetic background influences the intestinal microbiota, with Enterobacteriaceae playing a role in triggering IBD.
A new study found that US hospitals made modest gains in adopting electronic health records between 2008 and 2009, with only 2% meeting federal guidelines for 'meaningful use.' This progress is unlikely to lead to improved healthcare quality and cost reductions due to the high costs of implementing EHR systems.
The report identifies key gaps in current knowledge and proposes a multi-disciplinary research approach to support HIV-positive women's reproductive health. The recommendations aim to enhance their ability to achieve their desired family size and promote healthy services.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical treatment, with a disproportionate burden on low-income countries. The study highlights the need for better access to surgical services, particularly in emergency situations such as childbirth and road accidents.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that premenopausal women who increase their bicycling or walking briskly daily decrease their risk of gaining weight. Overweight and obese women benefit most from these activities, with even small increases in cycling time helping to control weight.
According to the poll, most employees reported that their company provided hand sanitizer, encouraged sick workers to stay home, and expanded leave policies. Large companies were more likely to take these measures than smaller ones. The survey suggests that businesses will play a vital role in public health during outbreaks.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that antiretroviral drug combinations given to pregnant and breastfeeding women in Botswana prevented 99% of the mothers from transmitting HIV to their infants. The study's findings have significant implications for maternal health and child survival in developing nations.
Eating five or more servings of white rice per week was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Replacing it with brown rice or other whole grains lowered the risk by 16% and 36% respectively.
Young victims under age 15 account for over three-quarters of firearm accident fatalities, with most shots fired by a friend, relative, or acquaintance. The study highlights the need for gun safety measures to reduce unintentional shootings among youths.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that consuming processed meat, such as bacon or sausages, increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 42% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, unprocessed red meat is not associated with these health risks.
Researchers have discovered a new twist on a potential malaria drug target, which traps malaria parasites within infected red blood cells. This breakthrough identifies an essential step in the biology of the most common and severe malaria parasite and offers a new direction for fighting one of the world's most deadly infections.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that mothers under 4 feet, 9 inches had a 40% higher risk of child death within five years. The risk was even higher in the first 30 days after birth.
A new tobacco product with a candy-like appearance and flavorings may increase appeal to young people, leading to nicotine addiction. Researchers found that ingestion of as little as 1mg of nicotine can cause severe symptoms in children, posing a significant public health risk.
A Harvard study found that gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are more likely to experience violent events and subsequent PTSD, with double the risk as the general population. The research highlights five mechanisms contributing to this increased risk, including hate crimes, social isolation, and limited access to mental health care.
A comprehensive review of national opinion polls found that the new healthcare law's signing did not lead to widespread public support. Partisan differences remain stark, with implications for the legislation's implementation and future Congressional actions.
A new study estimates that smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and overweight/obesity reduce life expectancy in the US by 4.9 years for men and 4.1 years for women. The four risk factors account for significant disparities in life expectancy across different racial and socioeconomic groups.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%. Increasing polyunsaturated fat consumption as a replacement for saturated fats may significantly reduce the rate of heart attacks and cardiac deaths in the population.
The Firearms Research Digest provides summaries of articles from social science, criminology, and public health journals on gun violence. The database aims to help law enforcement, policymakers, and the general public understand research findings on curbing gun crime.
A study found that Epstein-Barr virus infection increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis by many folds, implicating EBV as a contributing factor. The research followed hundreds of thousands of individuals without EBV infections over several years, providing strong evidence for a causal link.
A national poll found that most Americans would follow public health recommendations to obtain prophylactic antibiotics in response to a hypothetical anthrax attack. However, a significant minority would delay taking the recommended medication, which could put them at greater risk of serious illness.
According to a recent Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health poll, nearly half of Americans (44%) think the H1N1 flu outbreak is over, while concerns about getting sick have decreased. Meanwhile, most adults do not intend to get vaccinated, with 61% citing reasons such as safety risks and lack of perceived risk.
A study by Harvard researchers found that overeating in mice activates a molecule called PKR, which destroys normal metabolism and leads to insulin resistance. The discovery could lead to targeted drugs or nutrients to regulate PKR and prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that three-quarters of parents who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for their children were able to do so. However, more than a third of parents do not intend to get the vaccine due to safety concerns. Overall, six in ten parents have gotten or expect to get their children vacc...
A new study estimates the severity of the H1N1 flu during the autumn-winter flu season in the US, finding it may be less severe than initially thought. The study suggests that young children and non-elderly adults are at higher risk of complications from the illness.
A majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so. Despite this challenge, most (91%) who were unable to get the vaccine say they will try again this year.
Sue Goldie and Ichiro Kawachi, two Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health faculty members, have been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Their work focuses on developing models that link disease biology to population outcomes, with a focus on women's health and social determinants of health.
Researchers found that vaccinating boys would be less cost-effective than vaccinating pre-adolescent girls, with a higher cost-effectiveness ratio of $290,290 per QALY. The study suggests prioritizing HPV vaccination of girls and continued cervical cancer screening in adulthood.
A survey found that only 40% of adults are confident in getting the H1N1 vaccine for themselves. Concerns about side effects, risk of illness, and vaccine safety top the list among those unsure or opposed to vaccination. The public's interest in the vaccine may increase if an outbreak becomes severe.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that overweight women in mid-life had more health problems and impaired cognitive function later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood may increase the odds of enjoying a healthy life in later years, according to the study.
A recent poll found that 59% of Massachusetts residents support the state's landmark 2006 health reform law, while 79% want the law to continue despite rising healthcare costs and fiscal challenges. The majority of respondents believe the law is successful in providing health insurance coverage to nearly all residents.
A strong association has been found between Trichomonas vaginalis infection and advanced, lethal prostate cancer in men. The study, published on the Journal of the National Cancer Institute website, analyzed blood samples from 673 men with prostate cancer and compared infection status to 673 control subjects.
A survey found that most businesses are unprepared to handle the impact of a widespread H1N1 outbreak, with only 27% believing they could maintain operations for two weeks with half their workforce absent. Only 35% offer paid leave for family members, and even fewer would allow time off if schools/daycares closed.
Researchers found that bone lead levels were associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that bone lead may be a better biomarker for cumulative exposure to lead, leading to important public health implications.
The Harvard School of Public Health will establish a center to focus on mathematical modeling of drug resistance, seasonal infectious diseases, and intervention allocation. The center aims to increase capacity to model disease spread, evaluate different intervention strategies, and inform public health officials and policymakers.
According to a national poll, six in ten Americans believe there will be widespread cases of Influenza A (H1N1) with people getting very sick this coming fall or winter. Parents are more likely than people without children to believe this will occur.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that tobacco manufacturers altered cigarette ingredients and design without disclosing these changes to consumers. The study suggests that this lack of transparency contributes to the continued harm caused by tobacco products.
A new Harvard study found that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increased urinary BPA levels by 69%, suggesting that these containers release the chemical into liquid consumed in sufficient amounts. The study suggests that heating liquids in polycarbonate bottles may further increase BPA leaching.
Researchers have identified two chromosomal regions associated with the age at which females experience their first menstrual period (menarche) and the onset of natural menopause. The study may help shed light on the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
The survey found that nearly half of Americans are concerned about contracting the H1N1 virus, with over half taking precautions such as washing hands or wearing face masks. Beliefs about transmission, prevention, and treatment vary, with some Americans unsure about the effectiveness of medicine or vaccines.
A new study found that smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight are the leading preventable causes of death in the US, responsible for 467,000, 395,000, and 216,000 premature deaths annually. The study's findings highlight the importance of modifiable risk factors and call for increased public health efforts to address these ...
A Harvard study found an association between a mother's height and her child's risk of death, being underweight, and having anemia. Children born to mothers shorter than 4 foot 9 inches were 70% more likely to die than those whose mothers were at least 5 foot 3 inches tall.
Experts suggest reduced-calorie beverages with no more than 1g of sugar per ounce, free from non-caloric sweeteners. The FDA is recommended to require calorie information on beverage containers.
A new study found that less than 2% of US hospitals have implemented comprehensive electronic health records, citing high costs as a major barrier. The study suggests that the $19 billion stimulus package may help improve adoption rates, but widespread adoption is still a long way off.
A two-year study found that reducing calories leads to weight loss regardless of carbohydrate, protein, or fat content. Participants who attended counseling sessions lost more weight than those without, supporting the importance of continued support in achieving weight loss goals.
A recent survey found that six in ten Americans have taken precautions to reduce their risk of getting sick from contaminated peanut products. Many are mistakenly believing major national brands of peanut butter are involved, while others are unaware of the range of products affected.