Researchers used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze whole-genome sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and COVID-19 mortality data. They identified a mutation in the spike protein linked to increased mortality, which was later found to be part of the P.1 variant.
Researchers developed a mathematical tool to evaluate the relationship between viral load and case growth, providing real-time estimates of epidemic growth rates. This new metric can help public health officials distribute resources effectively.
The study found substantial variations in undernutrition across villages, with some areas having rates as low as 5% and others exceeding 70%. A machine-learning model was developed to predict the prevalence of undernutrition in every village, enabling policymakers to prioritize villages struggling with high burdens of undernutrition.
A worldwide survey found pregnant and postpartum women experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as excessive information seeking and worries about children's well-being were linked to worse mental health outcomes.
A new study found that vaccinating adults age 26 and older against HPV may not provide significant health benefits, due to high costs and lower vaccine efficacy in older individuals. Cervical cancer screening remains an effective way to protect women from cervical cancer.
A new study found that healthy plant-based diets rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and beans lower overall stroke risk, but not hemorrhagic stroke risk. The study suggests that future nutrition policies should consider the quality of food to reduce stroke risk.
A survey of 18,000 women in 16 countries found that 69% would receive a COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and vaccinate their children. Vaccine acceptance varied by country, with lower rates in the US and Russia.
Researchers developed a model to identify optimal pooled testing strategies that require minimal expertise and resources. This approach can increase the number of infections identified by up to 20 times per day compared to individual testing, making it a powerful tool for public health efforts.
Researchers found that a protein called Cx43 allows stress signals from one liver cell to spread to neighboring cells, causing dysfunction. Mice with deleted Cx43 were protected from insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A large long-term study found that women with PTSD and depression have an almost fourfold greater risk of early death from various causes than women without trauma exposure or depression. The study suggests that other factors, such as stress hormones, may account for the higher risk.
A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.
A new study found that hospitalization rates for acute cardiovascular disease events increased by 1.62 times after the 2016 presidential election, suggesting that sociopolitical stress may trigger CVD events. The findings were consistent across sex, age, and race/ethnicity groups.
A new study finds the ACA nearly fully offsets reduction in employer-sponsored insurance for people who left or lost their job after its implementation. The law is critical in alleviating coverage losses related to the Covid-associated recession, but its future remains uncertain.
Two studies find that targeted taxes on sweetened beverages and strengthened nutritional standards in schools significantly reduce the purchase of these drinks among low-income children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act also reduces childhood obesity risk among those living in poverty.
Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.
Research found that adhering to four healthy eating patterns reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 14-21%, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and is effective across various subgroups. The study supports current dietary guidelines emphasizing flexible, individualized healthy eating patterns.
Researchers found that pod-based e-cigarettes have a higher potential to get youth and young adults addicted due to efficient nicotine delivery. The study suggests stronger health communication messages are needed around the consequences of using these devices.
A newly identified metabolic signature can evaluate an individual's adherence and metabolic response to the Mediterranean diet, indicating future CVD risk. The signature consists of 67 metabolites that were highly reproducible across different study populations.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regularly attending religious services is associated with a lower risk of deaths from despair, including suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning. The study showed significant associations between service attendance and reduced risk for both women and men.
Inhibiting sphingolipid metabolism in neurons improves neurodegeneration symptoms and increases survival in a mouse model, according to new research. The findings suggest that compromised sphingolipid metabolism in GARP mutations may be a potential cause of neurodegeneration.
A new meta-analysis of health data from over 1 million participants found no association between moderate egg consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers concluded that eggs can be part of a healthy eating pattern, but are not essential.
A new study suggests that scaling up cervical cancer screening coverage in the US to 90% can expedite elimination of the disease and avert more than 1,000 additional cases per year. Increasing HPV vaccination coverage also plays a critical role in reducing cervical cancer burden.
A new study published in BMJ found that middle-aged individuals who practice five healthy habits at age 50 can live an average of 34.4 more years free of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer compared to those with none
By 2030, nearly half of US adults are expected to have obesity, and more than a quarter will have severe obesity. The study predicts that several states will have obesity rates close to 60%, with severe obesity becoming the most common BMI category among low-income adults.
A new study found that children in LMICs receive an average of 25 antibiotic prescriptions during their first five years of life, which could exacerbate resistance. The excessive use of antibiotics worldwide poses a significant threat to global health and development.
Fine particulate air pollution has been linked to several common diseases that cause hospitalizations, including septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and skin and tissue infections. The study found substantial health care and economic costs associated with even small increases in PM2.5 exposure.
Researchers found that using diet pills and laxatives for weight control increased the odds of receiving a subsequent first eating disorder diagnosis by 80% and 320%, respectively. The study calls for policies to restrict access to these products, including banning their sale to minors.
A new Harvard study estimates climate and health benefits from renewable energy installation vary greatly by country. The study suggests that companies, investors, and policymakers can use this framework to make strategic decisions around achieving sustainable development goals.
A new national survey found that seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries face substantial financial strain, with 53% reporting difficulties in paying medical bills. Prescription drugs pose the most hardship, while emotional or psychological distress is also prevalent among respondents.
A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.
A recent study found that women scientists are 21% less likely to author invited commentaries in medical journals compared to their male peers. The disparity grows as women progress in their careers, reaching up to 40% for the most senior authors. This lack of diversity in perspectives can hamper health research progress.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing consumption of sugary beverages is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Replacing one daily serving of sugary drinks with water, coffee, or tea reduces the risk by 2-10%.
A major meta-analysis found daily omega-3 supplementation reduced risks of heart attack and CVD events by 8%, with higher doses providing greater risk reduction. The study included over 120,000 adults in 13 randomized trials worldwide.
A new study found that women who experienced PTSD symptoms were at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly those with high-grade serous histotype. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found a significant association between PTSD and increased ovarian cancer risk.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children and adolescents born with HIV are less likely to adhere to their medications as they age. The prevalence of detectable viral load, a factor associated with nonadherence, also increases with age.
A recent meta-analysis found that people with the highest adherence to predominantly plant-based diets had a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those with weaker adherence. Healthy plant-based foods have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure, reducing weight gain and inflammation.
A study of 1 million people in 44 low- and middle-income countries found that more than two-thirds have high blood pressure without treatment. Only 30% receive proper diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for population-level prevention strategies.
A new study found that a HIV program in Botswana increased population viral suppression to high levels, resulting in a nearly one-third reduction in new infections. The intervention included universal HIV testing and counseling, support for accessing care, and expanded ART initiation.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that thousands of Arkansas adults lost insurance coverage after implementing Medicaid work requirements, with most not gaining new coverage and becoming uninsured due to confusion and red tape. The policy did not achieve its goal of getting people into new jobs or private insurance.
A new study published in BMJ found that people who increased their daily servings of red meat over an eight-year period were more likely to die during the subsequent eight years. The study also discovered that decreasing red meat and simultaneously increasing healthy alternative food choices led to lower mortality rates.
A new study suggests that lowering blood pressure, reducing sodium intake, and eliminating trans fat can prevent 94 million early deaths worldwide. Scaling up these interventions globally is achievable and affordable, with regions like East Asia and South Asia expected to benefit the most.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that teaching hospitals have similar costs to non-teaching hospitals for common medical conditions, with lower costs for follow-up care and readmissions. The findings suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between teaching hospital costs and patient outcomes.
Research found that supplements for weight loss, muscle building, and energy were associated with nearly three times the risk of severe medical outcomes compared to vitamins. Reputable physicians do not recommend these products due to adulteration with prescription pharmaceuticals and other dangerous chemicals.
Researchers found that nearly half of callers with Medicaid coverage were denied appointments due to lack of available clinicians. However, wait times were generally less than two weeks, indicating opportunities to improve access to buprenorphine treatment.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming propionate may trigger a cascade of metabolic events leading to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The research also showed that mice exposed to chronic propionate resulted in weight gain and insulin resistance.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 27% of popular e-cigarette products contained endotoxin, a microbial agent found on Gram-negative bacteria, while 81% contained glucan, a fungus cell wall component. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to respiratory problems and inflammation in humans.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that diets with high-quality protein sources from plants like legumes and nuts lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure compared to those with red meat. This study provides evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A large long-term study found that higher consumption of sugary beverages is linked to a greater risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Replacing sugary drinks with artificially sweetened beverages can lower the risk of early death, but excessive ASB consumption may increase mortality risk.
Researchers found that treating bed nets with atovaquone can effectively reduce malaria transmission and mitigate insecticide resistance. The study showed that mosquitoes were completely blocked from developing Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria.