A large study found no association between induced labor and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The research suggests that concern about autism risk should not factor into clinical decisions about inducing labor.
A large international study found that being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of dying prematurely, with a BMI of 40.0-<60.0 kg/m2 associated with nearly three-fold risk.
A large study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of unsaturated fats was associated with lower mortality. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats conferred substantial health benefits and should continue to be a key message in dietary recommendations.
A Harvard study monitors subway microbes to identify early warning systems for public health threats. The research found that surface type and human interaction significantly influence microbial community structure, with skin- and oral-associated microbes prevalent on poles and seats.
A plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is associated with a 20% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The study found that even modestly lowering animal food consumption can lower diabetes incidence.
A meta-analysis by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who ate the most whole grains had a lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those who ate little or no whole grains.
A new study finds that US counties would receive significant health co-benefits from a power plant carbon standard, with the largest gains expected in the Northeast and Southwest regions. The estimated net benefits range from $1 million to $5.6 billion annually, outweighing costs of $1.5 to $3.6 billion.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that economic crises are associated with increased mortality from treatable cancers, especially in countries without universal healthcare coverage. In contrast, countries with UHC and increased public health spending on care had lower excess cancer deaths.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase the risk of thyroid disease in women, particularly post-menopausal women. Women with higher levels of these chemicals in their blood are more likely to develop thyroid problems.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who attended religious services more than once per week had a significantly lower risk of both cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality. Frequent attendance was also associated with increased social support, reduced depression, and a more optimistic outlook on life.
A new study finds HPV vaccination is expected to reduce cancer burden across all racial/ethnic groups, with some disparities persisting despite high vaccine uptake. The study suggests that efforts to improve vaccine uptake must be accompanied by efforts to address access issues for screening and timely diagnoses.
A nationwide study found that women living in homes surrounded by more vegetation had a 12% lower overall mortality rate and stronger associations with reduced respiratory disease and cancer mortality. Improved mental health was estimated to explain nearly 30% of the benefit from living around greater vegetation.
Millennials with higher deductible spending are the most frequent comparison shoppers for healthcare services. The study found that women and younger adults use price transparency tools more than others.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health identifies a sugar variant on the surface of human red blood cells that limits the ability of P. knowlesi to invade. The parasite has been shown to evolve and overcome this barrier, potentially leading to enhanced transmission between humans.
A recent poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that four in 10 people mistakenly believe Zika virus infection in women is likely to harm future pregnancies. The general public also has misperceptions about Zika virus transmission, including incorrect beliefs about symptoms and transmission methods.
According to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Botswana has achieved remarkable progress in reducing the number of people who are infectious with HIV through strong treatment programs. The country has reported 96% viral suppression rates among patients on antiretroviral therapy, surpassing Western nations and ...
Researchers found that truckers with OSA who didn't adhere to treatment had a five-fold increase in preventable crashes compared to healthy drivers. Regular screening and treatment can reduce large truck accidents, deaths, and injuries.
A recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that official counts of police homicides are significantly undercounted, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) providing more accurate data compared to two other national systems.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment will cost $261 billion if coverage is scaled up, exceeding domestic financing capabilities. The researchers emphasize the need for innovative funding sources to sustain control efforts.
A new study suggests that routine antibiotics do not increase the likelihood of nutritional recovery in uncomplicated cases of severe acute malnutrition. Reducing antibiotic use would be prudent given global concern over antibiotic resistance.
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that a higher dietary fiber intake during adolescence and young adulthood may lower breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 90,534 women and found a significant inverse association between fiber intake and breast cancer incidence.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that both traditional Medicaid expansion and the 'private option' approach significantly reduced uninsured rates and improved access to affordable healthcare for low-income adults. In Kentucky and Arkansas, which expanded coverage through these approaches, the uninsured rat...
The study found an excess familial risk for almost all types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer, as well as more rare forms like testicular cancer and melanoma. Researchers estimated that having a twin sibling diagnosed with cancer increases the other twin's risk of developing any type of cancer.
Researchers developed an antibody targeting a hormone in adipose tissue called aP2 to improve glucose regulation and reduce liver fat in obese mice. The study found that one of the antibodies effectively improved glucose regulation in two independent models of obesity, with beneficial reductions in liver fat.
Harvard experts advocate for banning models with low BMI (below 18) from fashion shows and photo shoots to prevent life-threatening starvation and associated health problems. The authors argue that such regulations would be necessary given the prevalence of extreme thinness in the industry.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has identified the top five risk factors responsible for more than two-thirds of India's child undernutrition problem. These include short maternal stature, lack of education, extreme poverty, and poor dietary diversity.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health proposes that law enforcement-related deaths be treated as a 'notifiable condition' and reported to the CDC. The authors found that blacks face significantly greater risk of being killed by police than whites, with some cities experiencing rates up to 19 times higher.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found diacetyl, a flavoring chemical, in over 75% of flavored e-cigarettes and refill liquids, posing a risk to respiratory health.
A new study found that as country-level C-section rates increase up to 19%, maternal and neonatal mortality rates decline, while rates above 19% show no further improvement. The World Health Organization's recommended rate of 10-15% may be too low.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological diseases. Drinkers of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee saw benefits, including a lower risk of suicide.
Recent improvements in US diet have helped reduce disease and premature death, but the overall American diet remains poor. Researchers found that healthier eating habits can cumulatively prevent 1.1 million premature deaths over 14 years.
TB researchers propose a biosocial approach combining biomedical interventions with social actions to address root causes of the disease, which include poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding. The strategy aims to reduce morbidity and mortality while alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development.
A study found that workers in well-ventilated offices with low indoor pollutants and CO2 have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores than those in typical offices. The researchers identified green building design attributes that influence cognitive function, suggesting improved air quality could greatly increase productivity.
A new study found that residents of green public housing experienced fewer 'sick building' symptoms and lower asthma outcomes compared to those in traditionally constructed low-income housing. The researchers also found improved indoor environmental quality, including better ventilation and reduced exposure to pollution sources.
Researchers have discovered that short segments of genes associated with severe malaria are shared across multiple species, including humans, apes, and chimps. This finding suggests an ancient genomic structure underlying human malaria virulence factors, which could aid in developing new treatments and vaccines.
A new Harvard study reveals that limiting saturated fat in the diet is still effective in reducing heart disease risk, but only when replaced with unsaturated fats or whole grains. In contrast, swapping saturated fat for refined carbohydrates has no significant impact on CHD risk.
A large worldwide study found that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are at nearly twice the risk of developing small cell lung cancer compared to those without COPD. The study, published in EBioMedicine, analyzed data from 24 case-control studies and estimated the risk more precisely than before.
A new meta-analysis has found that smoking significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, with current smokers at a 37% higher risk than never smokers. The risk decreases after quitting, but former smokers are still at an 18% increased risk after 5 years and 11% more than 10 years ago.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that students with less than 20 minutes to eat school lunches consume significantly less of their entrées, milk, and vegetables. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, as these students are more likely to skip fruits and vegetables.
A new study found that people with health insurance are more likely to have their chronic conditions correctly diagnosed and under control. If half of nonelderly uninsured Americans gain health insurance, an estimated 1.5 million newly insured individuals will be diagnosed with one or more conditions.
A new study uses mobile phone records to predict the geographical spread and timing of dengue epidemics, providing critical early warning to policymakers. The model accurately forecasts outbreaks in locations of recent epidemics and emerging trouble spots, enabling national control programs to plan in near real time.
A new study has found that breast milk can build up toxic chemicals in infants by 20-30% each month, increasing their risk of immune system dysfunction and other health problems. The study followed 81 children born in the Faroe Islands between 1997-2000 and found higher levels of these chemicals in exclusively breastfed infants.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals a molecular mechanism connecting obesity-associated inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction in the development of type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that targeting inflammatory pathways could aid in the treatment of metabolic disease.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that over 70% of pollen and honey samples collected from foraging bees in Massachusetts contain neonicotinoids, a class of pesticide linked to Colony Collapse Disorder. The study suggests that these pesticides pose significant risks to bee health and human exposure.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that low birth weight combined with an unhealthy adult lifestyle can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 149,000 healthy men and women and found that 18% of cases were attributable to the combined effect of low birth weig...
Two new studies quantify potential effects of pollinator declines and decreased zinc levels in food, estimating that up to 173 million people will suffer from vitamin A deficiency and 180 million more from zinc deficiency by 2050.
A new study suggests that treating 48-67% of all adults aged 40-75 in the US with cholesterol-lowering statins would be a cost-effective way to reduce cardiovascular-related events. The researchers found that more lenient treatment thresholds could avert an additional 125,000-160,000 CVD-events.
A study in Botswana found that each additional year of secondary school lowers the risk of HIV infection by 8 percentage points, particularly for women. The research suggests that secondary schooling could be a cost-effective way to reduce HIV transmission and has large benefits beyond HIV prevention.
A new study finds that calcineurin is essential for malaria parasites to invade red blood cells. The protein allows the parasite to recognize and attach to the red blood cell surface, and inhibitors of calcineurin can prevent infection.