A common type of flame retardant was associated with reduced likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth following IVF. Women with higher urinary concentrations of a specific flame retardant had lower reproductive success rates.
A large long-term study found that women who live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night may be at higher risk for breast cancer. The link was stronger among women who worked night shifts and were premenopausal or current/past smokers.
A new analysis of national public opinion polls reveals that Republican divisions on health care issues hindered major legislation. The study also finds growing support for a federal role in ensuring universal coverage, with six in ten Americans now believing it is the government's responsibility.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that rising CO2 levels may lead to a decline in the nutritional value of staple crops, increasing the risk of dietary deficiencies among vulnerable populations. The study estimates that up to 150 million people may be at risk of protein deficiency due to elevated CO2 levels.
Researchers found an enzyme called DGAT1 that helps protect a key organelle within cells from toxic fatty acids. This discovery contributes to understanding common metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that cumulative weight gain over the course of early and middle adulthood may increase health risks later in life, including a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. The study suggests that even moderate weight gain can ha...
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that improving diet quality over time is associated with lower total and cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed data from nearly 74,000 adults over a 12-year period and found that even modest changes in diet quality can significantly reduce the risk of death.
A study of 53 hospitals found certain management practices in labor and delivery units associated with higher cesarean delivery rates and maternal complications. Women receiving care at hospitals with proactive unit culture management had a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and prolonged hospital length of stay.
A national survey found that Medicaid enrollees are mostly satisfied with their health care coverage and access to physicians. Most reported being able to get necessary care, while few faced barriers due to waiting times or insurance issues. The study suggests that Medicaid meets the needs of most enrollees.
The report reveals that type 2 diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa has reached 22% in some countries, with only half of diagnosed cases receiving treatment. The Lancet commission calls for decisive action to address the growing burden, which could nearly triple to $59 billion by 2030.
A new Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that long-term exposure to certain air pollutants increases the risk of premature death among US seniors. The research suggests lowering levels of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone could save up to 12,000 lives annually.
A community-wide effort to reduce childhood obesity in two low-income Massachusetts communities resulted in modest improvements among schoolchildren, suggesting a comprehensive approach holds promise. The study found reduced obesity prevalence, healthier beverage choices, and less screen time in intervention communities.
Expanding health insurance increases access to preventive services, primary care, and chronic illness treatment, leading to improved overall health and reduced mortality rates. Insurance also has major benefits for people with depression, including improved diagnosis and treatment rates.
A new article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the recent U.S. presidential election could lead to negative health impacts, particularly among marginalized groups. The study found a link between hostile attitudes towards racial and ethnic minorities and increased risk of disease and premature death.
A large study found that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate was associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous type of irregular heartbeat. The study suggested that even small amounts of cocoa consumption can have a positive health impact.
A large national study found that teaching hospitals had significantly lower 30-day mortality rates than non-teaching hospitals, even after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. This association persisted across various medical conditions and procedures.
The study found that low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas experienced significant improvements in medical care and health after gaining insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. They reported reduced out-of-pocket spending, improved access to primary care and preventive services, and better self-reported health. Additio...
A large study from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium found that genetic influences play a role in PTSD risk after trauma, with strongest effects among women. The research also identified significant overlap between PTSD and other mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion resulted in a 19% increase in prescription fills for adults, with the largest growth in medications for diabetes and birth control. The study also showed that increases in prescription drug utilization were greater in areas with higher uninsured rates and larger Hispanic and black populations.
A study found that South Carolina hospitals that completed a voluntary program to implement the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist had a 22% reduction in post-surgical deaths compared to non-participating hospitals. The checklist improved patient safety by promoting operating room communication and coordination.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 65% of women covered by Medicaid or CHIP at delivery were uninsured for at least one month during their pregnancies. The study highlights the need to improve continuity of coverage during the prenatal and postpartum periods, especially for lower-income women.
A new low-cost rotavirus vaccine has been found to be 66.7% effective in preventing severe gastroenteritis caused by the virus. The vaccine is heat-stable and adapted for African settings, offering a solution for vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that DACA-eligible individuals were 50% less likely to report symptoms consistent with major depression. This suggests that increased access to the US labor market and improved economic prospects contributed to reduced levels of depression among these individuals.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that an electronic system reduced median wait time to see a specialist by 17.4% and increased appointments scheduled within 30 days. The eConsult system improved access to care for low-income patients, providing sustainable improvements in specialty care.
A Harvard study found that heavy lifting and non-daytime work schedules can decrease fertility in women, especially those who are overweight or over 37. The researchers measured biomarkers of fecundity in nearly 500 women seeking infertility treatment, revealing an inverse association between physical demands and egg yields.
A new study found that hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases decline on snowy days but surge 23% two days later, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. The researchers analyzed data from four major Boston hospitals and found cold-weather-related disease admissions increased by 3.7% on high snowfall days.
A new study provides powerful new tools for clinicians to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk globally, especially in resource-poor settings. The researchers developed two models: one using lab-based blood measurements and another that can be used without bloodwork, improving CVD risk prediction in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found a wide variety of CRE species and genetic traits enabling resistance, with traits transferring easily among species. The findings suggest that CRE may be transmitting from person to person asymptomatically, highlighting the need for increased genomic surveillance.
A new study found that chain restaurants participating in a National Restaurant Association initiative made no significant changes to the nutritional quality of their children's menus. Despite individual restaurant pledges to reduce sugary drinks, they still made up 80% of kids' beverage options.
Researchers found a 4% lower relative risk of dying prematurely and a 5% lower relative risk of being readmitted for patients treated by female physicians. The association remained consistent across various clinical conditions and severity of illness, suggesting that patient selection did not explain the results.
A hormone-disrupting compound could provide a new strategy for controlling the spread of malaria by preventing transmission of malaria parasites in female mosquitoes. The study found that DBH-treated mosquitoes were less likely to be infected and produced fewer eggs, making it an effective alternative to insecticides.
A new study suggests that Santa's visits are more closely tied to socioeconomic status than child behavior. The researchers found no association between Santa visits and school absences or youth conviction rates, but higher odds of non-visit in areas with poverty and deprivation.
A survey of nearly 1,850 airline pilots found that many are managing depressive symptoms due to fear of stigma and job impact. The study highlights the importance of assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment.
Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School found that 58% of men and 62% of women of European descent cannot smell the unpleasant odor present in urine after eating asparagus. In contrast, players of Pokémon GO showed a moderate increase in physical activity for six weeks after game installation, but this effect diminished over time.
A new study found that optimism is associated with a significantly reduced risk of dying prematurely among women. The most optimistic women had a nearly 30% lower risk of dying from any disease analyzed in the study, including cancer, heart disease, and infection.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals a causal link between RNA splicing and aging in roundworms, shedding light on the biological role of splicing in lifespan. The finding suggests that manipulating specific splicing factors in humans might help promote healthy aging.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that consuming high amounts of four major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with healthier alternatives, such as whole grains and plant proteins, may reduce this risk.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analysis found that Republican and Democratic voters have vastly different views on future health policy issues, influencing potential policy changes. The study suggests that party control will heavily impact future policies, including the Affordable Care Act.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that elderly people displaced by disasters may experience increased symptoms of dementia. Those who lost touch with neighbors and reported depression had the highest levels of cognitive decline.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion in Oregon increased hospital emergency department visits by 40% after the initial spike, with a significant increase in both doctor's office visits and combined care, contradicting expectations of a temporary rise.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that less-intensive cervical cancer screening is needed among women who have been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), as these women face a substantially lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
A new study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death. Snus users had higher levels of nicotine and exposure to carcinogens compared to never-users, suggesting a potential link between snus use and prostate cancer progression.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly 25% of low-income adults in three US states switched their health coverage within the previous 12 months, resulting in significant negative effects on healthcare, including frequent gaps in insurance, skipped medications, and low-quality care.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that patients who had major surgery at high-quality hospitals in the US cost Medicare less than those who had surgery at low-quality hospitals. The difference was driven primarily by lower use of post-acute care services.
A large study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals born by cesarean delivery were 15% more likely to become obese as children than those born vaginally, and this risk may persist through adulthood.
Researchers have identified a potential molecular mechanism through which lead exposure can harm neural stem cells and neurodevelopment in children. Lead exposure was found to induce oxidative stress response in these cells, with two proteins involved in the process: SPP1 and NRF2.
A new study reveals that China is facing a significant increase in cardiovascular disease cases due to factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The study found that these risk factors are associated with a substantial burden of heart attacks and strokes in the Chinese population.
A new study reveals that fusobacteria use a special sugar-binding protein to stick to developing colorectal polyps and cancers. This mechanism may inform ways of blocking fusobacteria from homing in on tumors, and could potentially prevent colorectal cancer progression.
A study by Harvard researchers found unsafe levels of toxic chemicals PFASs in public drinking water supplies for six million people in the US. The highest levels were detected near industrial sites, military fire training areas, and wastewater treatment plants.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act led to increased primary and preventive care, reduced emergency department visits, and improved quality of care for low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas. The findings suggest that how states expand coverage may not be as important as expanding coverage itself.