A new study by Harvard researchers estimates that US polio vaccination has saved over $180 billion in medical costs, preventing approximately 1.1 million cases of paralytic polio and 160,000 deaths between 1955 and 2005.
Researchers confirm that tobacco manufacturers have steadily increased the levels of nicotine in cigarettes since 1998, with an average annual increase of 1.6%. This re-analysis also found that design features such as puff count and flavor types contribute to increased addiction.
A new study by Harvard researchers has linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing the disease compared to those without it, after adjusting for other factors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent evidence that smoking is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis. Passive smoking and indoor air pollution from biomass fuels were also linked to a higher TB risk.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with guns are more likely to be involved in homicides, particularly among children and women. States with higher levels of gun ownership have significantly higher homicide victimization rates, driven mainly by gun-related homicides.
A new study suggests that delaying the use of nevirapine-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least six months after labor can improve treatment outcomes among HIV-infected women. The study found that women who started ART within six months of giving birth had a higher rate of treatment failure compared to those who delayed t...
A new study found that Black Caribbean immigrants in the US experience poorer mental health as they stay longer, with higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders among men and lower rates among women compared to African Americans. Third-generation immigrants had the highest disorder rates.
A long-term study found that men with hypertension who consumed one to two drinks a day had a decreased risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Rates of stroke and death from heart disease and all causes did not differ for hypertensive men who drank moderately or those who drank no alcohol.
A recent study estimates that a similar flu pandemic to the 1918-1920 pandemic could claim 62 million lives worldwide. The majority of deaths would occur in developing countries, where per capita income is lower.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found an association between higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that increasing vitamin D levels may prevent many cases of MS, with benefits potentially extending to preventing osteoporosis.
A 20-year study of over 82,800 women found no association between low-carb diets and coronary heart disease risk. However, a diet with moderate carbohydrate reduction, emphasizing vegetable-based fat and protein, was associated with a 30% lower risk of CHD.
A review study identifies 202 industrial chemicals that can damage the developing brain, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers urge a precautionary approach for chemical testing and control to protect children's brains from toxic effects.
A Harvard study analyzing national opinion surveys found that health care is unlikely to determine the outcome of the November 7 congressional elections. However, certain health care issues such as health care costs and access to care for the uninsured are more salient in individual congressional races.
The study found that 52.1% of health plans used pay-for-performance programs in 2005, with physician-oriented programs more common than hospital programs. The surveys highlighted important details about these programs, including the types of performance indicators used and the challenges faced by HMOs in implementing them.
A large majority of Americans are willing to make significant changes in their lives and cooperate with public health officials' recommendations during a pandemic flu outbreak. However, many would face critical work-related problems and financial concerns if they had to stay home from work for an extended period.
A comprehensive analysis of fish consumption found that moderate intake reduces risk of coronary heart disease by 36% and total mortality by 17%. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood also improve early brain development in infants, particularly when consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers.
Researchers found that smoking in cars can produce unsafe levels of secondhand tobacco smoke, posing a significant risk to children's health. The study measured concentrations rated 'hazardous' by the EPA, highlighting the need for smoke-free environments for children both in cars and homes.
A new study found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) between first and second pregnancies is associated with adverse outcomes, including maternal complications and perinatal complications. Women who gained a modest amount of weight between pregnancies experienced increased risks of gestational diabetes and stillbirth.
A study found that GAVI funding significantly increased childhood vaccine coverage in countries with less than 65% initial coverage, raising it to around 65%. However, countries with higher initial coverage showed no improvement. The estimated cost per child immunized was under $14, close to GAVI's original estimates.
Researchers have identified two chemical compounds, PBA and TUDCA, that alleviate ER stress and restore normal glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic mice. These compounds also improved insulin response, reduced fatty liver disease, and prevented JNK activation, offering a potential new approach to treating metabolic syndrome.
A new study found that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in children may lower the effectiveness of vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria. PCB contamination was associated with decreased antibody responses to vaccinations at both 18 months and 7 years old.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with adolescents are more likely to store guns loaded and/or unlocked. Parents of older children may be less vigilant about securing firearms due to perceived responsibility.
A recent study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk among the elderly, diabetics, and African Americans. The research analyzed 7.8 million deaths across US cities from 1989 to 2000, revealing a significant association between extreme temperatures and cardiovascular-related deaths in African Americans.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that low-income countries are more likely to rapidly use Global Fund grants. Countries with higher incomes or developed health systems were less likely to utilize the funds.
A new study found that shorter tuberculosis therapies could produce dramatic benefits at the population level by reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes. The research suggests that a two-month regimen could double or triple current rates of decline in new cases and deaths, leading to total reductions of up to 40%.
A survey of high-risk hurricane areas found that one-third of residents are unlikely to evacuate due to concerns about home safety and security. People with children under 18 are more likely to leave their homes, while those with chronic illnesses or disabilities may face evacuation challenges.
A new Harvard study reveals that being overweight as a teenager is associated with an increased risk of premature death in younger and middle-aged women. The research found that even moderately overweight adolescents faced a higher risk of mortality.
A study of 42,847 U.S. men found that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle factors, such as not smoking and regular exercise, significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. Men who adopted two or more low-risk factors during the study period had a 27% lower risk of CHD.
A national study found that violence from male partners increases the risk of serious health complications during pregnancy and birth. Abused women were more likely to experience high blood pressure, premature delivery, and low birth weight, posing grave health risks to newborns.
A large-scale study found that smoking and obesity are strongly associated with a greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), while regular physical activity lowers the risk. Regular exercise was found to reduce ED risk by 2.5 times, emphasizing the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
A study of 143,325 participants found a strong association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease, with a 70% higher incidence among those exposed. The association was strongest among individuals who used pesticides at home or in gardening, regardless of occupation or sex.
Researchers have identified a protein in mice that regulates bone formation, finding that augmented osteoblast activity leads to elevated bone mass. The discovery could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis by targeting the Shn3 and WWP1 proteins.
Researchers have identified three variations of a human gene, SP110, associated with tuberculosis susceptibility. The variants were found to be linked to increased risk of developing the active disease in humans, building on previous research that linked a similar gene, Ipr1, in mice.
A study analyzing data from the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs found that 26% of CSHCN and 13% of their family members reported mental health care needs, with 18.4% of CSHCN and 21.3% reporting unmet needs. Poverty, lack of insurance, and severity of condition were strongly associated factors.
The 2007 Nieman Fellowship in Global Health Reporting is awarded to David Kohn, Harro Albrecht, and Kondwani Munthali for a year of study at Harvard School of Public Health. After completing their studies, the fellows will embark on four-month journalistic field work in developing countries.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that nearly 70% of medical malpractice claims involve serious injury or error, contradicting common portrayals of frivolous lawsuits. However, the study also highlights significant administrative costs and lengthy processing times for legitimate claims.
A new study found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were more likely to recant their reports of premarital sex, with 52% disavowing the pledge within a year. This inconsistency makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of virginity pledge programs.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people in the US tend to underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, leading to inaccurate obesity rates. The research suggests that Southern states have the highest levels of obesity, with Texas and Mississippi topping the list for men and women.
Researchers identified a gene variant that protects against type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertriglyceridemia. The T-87C variant was found to lower triglyceride levels by 12% and reduce heart disease risk by 34%, offering potential therapeutic targets.
A recent study suggests that TV viewing is associated with an increase in calorie intake in children, particularly for unhealthy foods advertised on screen. The research found that each additional hour of TV viewing resulted in a total energy increase of 167 calories, mostly due to increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
A mathematical model reveals that implementing isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in co-infected individuals may increase the transmission of drug-resistant TB. Large-scale IPT programs need to be equipped to diagnose and treat resistant cases as part of their strategy.
A new statistical technique identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with obesity risk in 10% of studied populations. The variant, near the INSIG2 gene, was found to increase BMI measurements and was replicated in four independent populations, including families and non-related subjects.
Researchers found elevated antibodies to EBV in individuals with MS, persisting up to 20 years before symptoms. The study suggests a strong link between EBV and MS risk, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
A study found that M-rated video games often contain violent content, blood, and profanity without clear ESRB descriptors. Researchers urge parents to play games with kids and discuss content to make informed decisions.
A follow-up study found that reducing fine particulate matter by one µg/m3 decreases death rates by three percent. This reduction is associated with a significant decrease in mortality rates, particularly in cities with the greatest reductions in air pollution.
A study of 72 children in Ecuador found that prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with higher systolic blood pressure and decreased ability to copy shapes. The effects of prenatal exposure may last into childhood, with stunting also linked to impaired cognitive function.
Despite growing concern about avian flu, most Americans do not expect a widespread outbreak in humans in the US within the next year. However, many respondents would take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure and report being concerned about the potential economic disruption caused by such an outbreak.
Research reveals a novel pathway involving vitamin D that helps human macrophages kill TB bacilli, explaining why people of African descent are more vulnerable to the disease. Vitamin D levels vary significantly among populations due to melanin's impact on UV light absorption.
The gift will support a scholarship fund and establish an endowment for a new professorship in obesity-related research, with the goal of addressing childhood obesity in urban poor and minority communities. The initiative will also test innovative after-school programs like HSPH's Planet Health curriculum.
A system is needed to monitor and address performance issues in doctors due to underlying causes such as mental health problems, substance abuse, or physical illness. The proposed model involves explicit performance standards, annual evaluations, and access to treatment programs.