A new tool has identified a novel anti-diabetes compound targeting ER stress, improving insulin production and glucose metabolism. The technology also shows promise in treating other diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, cystic fibrosis, and Alzheimer's.
A recent Harvard study found that over half of US children and adolescents are not getting enough hydration, leading to potential health problems. Racial and ethnic disparities were also observed, with black children and boys at higher risk of inadequate hydration.
A survey of nearly 3,000 low-income adults in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas found that state policies significantly affect awareness, application rates, and successful enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Latinos were less likely to complete the application process compared to non-Latino whites.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that death rates among people over 65 are higher in areas with more fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) than in those with lower levels. Exposure to PM2.5 was linked to increased mortality, even at concentrations below EPA standards.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that men with prostate cancer who followed a Western diet had a significantly higher risk of death, including prostate cancer-related mortality and overall mortality. In contrast, those on a 'prudent' diet had a lower risk of death from all causes.
A new national poll finds that more U.S. adults are concerned about prescription painkiller abuse than heroin, with nearly four in ten knowing someone who has struggled with addiction. The poll also reveals differing views on government action and treatment coverage, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address the crisis.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that adults over 50 with persistent depressive symptoms are twice as likely to have a stroke as those without depression. Even after depressive symptoms improve, stroke risk remains elevated, particularly for women.
Researchers found that individual microbial communities are surprisingly unique and can be used to identify people over time. The study suggests that these microbiome 'fingerprints' could potentially expose sensitive information, but also offer new insights into human health and ecology.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified a critical host factor, CD55, that enables the malaria parasite to invade human red blood cells. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing therapies to treat and prevent malaria.
A study published in American Journal of Public Health found that blacks may not experience the same risk reduction from moderate alcohol consumption as whites. The study analyzed data from over 152,000 adults and found varying risks and benefits among different racial and gender groups.
A survey of Massachusetts police chiefs found that 90% favor keeping discretion in issuing concealed carry permits, citing the need for local knowledge to ensure public safety. Police chiefs reported rare discretionary denials, often due to violent behavior or mental health issues.
Researchers call for police to use electronic tablets to gather bicycle-specific data, enabling safer environments and increased cycling. Automatic uploads of data could guide building of safer bike lanes.
Men who consumed more produce with high pesticide residue levels had lower sperm counts and poorer sperm quality. Conversely, those who ate less of such produce had better semen health. The study suggests that minimizing pesticide exposure through organic or low-residue foods may be beneficial for reproductive health.
Researchers developed a global model to predict CVD risk, analyzing data from over 50,000 participants. The model estimates fatal CVD risk over 10 years for 11 countries, highlighting disparities in high-risk populations between low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that chef-enhanced school meals significantly increased students' fruit and vegetable consumption, with an 8% increase in vegetable selection after three months. The study also showed that using 'choice architecture' techniques improved students' selection of fruits and vegetables, but did not lead to long-term changes.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes' reproductive traits evolved with their capacity to transmit malaria, leading to new targets for control. The study reveals key factors driving mosquito ability to spread the Plasmodium parasite.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that manipulating the central nervous system's energy-sensing pathway can cause organisms to perceive their cells as in a low-energy state, even if they are eating normally and energy levels are high. This process may offer an alternative to caloric restriction for pro...
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a link between food intake during early infection stages and disease outcome. Reducing leptin levels or using pharmacologic inhibitors protected against cerebral malaria in mouse models.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that some health insurers are using drug coverage decisions to discourage people with HIV from selecting their plans, resulting in higher costs for those enrolled in these plans. This practice could undermine a central feature of the Affordable Care Act.
A healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among women in all racial and ethnic groups, but has an even greater benefit for Asian, Hispanic, and black women. The study found that healthy diets can prevent 5.3 cases of diabetes per 1,000 white women per year, compared to 8.0 cases per 1,000 minority women per year.
A Harvard study found that older adults are at increased risk of hospitalization during heat waves due to a range of health issues, including fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and urinary tract infections. The study's findings have significant implications for healthcare preparedness and prevention.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health identify hydrogen sulfide as a key molecule responsible for the health benefits of dietary restriction, linking it to increased lifespan and protection against tissue damage. The findings suggest that restricting specific amino acids can increase H2S production, leading to these benefits.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that weight training can help reduce age-related abdominal fat in healthy men. Combining weight training with aerobic activity led to the most optimal results, while aerobic exercise alone was associated with less weight gain compared to weight training.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may increase the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and autism risk.
Researchers found that excessive contact between cellular organelles disrupts metabolism in obesity, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Disrupting these connections improved metabolic health in obese diabetic mice, pointing to a potential treatment target.
A new study finds that police officers are at a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death during stressful situations, such as suspect restraints and chases. The researchers also found that physical training activities were associated with a 20-25 fold higher SCD risk than routine law enforcement work.
The Healthy Heart Score uses data from large-scale studies to estimate an individual's 20-year CVD risk based on nine critical diet and lifestyle factors. The free web-based survey provides practical tips for improving scores by incorporating heart-healthy habits into daily life.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that the use of antiretroviral medications during early pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects in infants. However, one specific ARV drug, atazanavir, was associated with a higher risk of birth defects, particularly musculoskeletal and skin anomalies.
A firearm suicide prevention campaign won over nearly half of firearm retailers in New Hampshire, who displayed materials to reduce access to firearms for suicidal individuals. The campaign's success was linked to store owners' belief that reducing access could save a life.
A recent analysis of public opinion polls reveals a deep partisan divide over the Affordable Care Act, with Republicans wanting to repeal or scale it back and Democrats pushing for its implementation. Despite millions of newly insured Americans, public approval of the ACA has not improved since its enactment four years ago.
A new study published in Circulation found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 9% and death from CHD by 13%. The researchers analyzed data from 310,602 individuals and found that higher intake of linoleic acid resulted in a lower risk of CHD.
A new study found that hospitals converting to for-profit status improve their financial health but do not lower the quality of care they provide or reduce their service to poor or minority patients. The researchers assessed 4,571 hospitals over an eight-year period and found no noticeable change in patient outcomes or access to care.
A recent study found that nearly 80% of low-income adults in three Southern states support Medicaid expansion, with two-thirds planning to apply for the program. The study also revealed that favorable views toward Medicaid were most common among racial and ethnic minorities, people with less education and lower income.
A large-scale genome-wide meta-analysis has identified six new genetic variants associated with habitual coffee drinking. The study suggests that people naturally modulate their coffee intake for optimal effects exerted by caffeine.
A new study from Harvard, Syracuse, and Boston University scientists reveals that strong carbon standards for power plants can significantly reduce air pollution and provide substantial human health benefits. The research estimates that such standards could prevent thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations every year in the US.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that while US dietary quality has improved slightly since 1999-2000, it remains poor overall. The study revealed widening disparities in diet quality between socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups, with those from higher socioeconomic status having healthier diets.
A study from Harvard School of Public Health found that vasectomy is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, including advanced and lethal forms. The association remained even among men who received regular PSA screening, suggesting a potential link between the procedure and aggressive prostate cancer.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that nearly 30 million Europeans have tried e-cigarettes, with most being young people or smokers trying to quit. The study suggests a need for more research on the health impact and potential benefits of e-cigarette use.
Researchers have found evidence of an intercellular bacterial infection in natural populations of two species of Anopheles mosquitoes, a major vector of malaria. The Wolbachia infection has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen infections in mosquitoes and could be used to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
Recent studies on transmissible influenza strains in mammals raise ethical concerns about the risks of accidental release. Researchers argue that alternative approaches using sequence analysis and molecular-dynamics modeling can generate results with similar public health benefits while minimizing risks.
A new study found that low doses of two widely used neonicotinoid insecticides significantly harm honey bee colonies during colder winters. The research suggests that the pesticides impair bees' neurological functions, leading to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health finds that elevated CO2 concentrations will significantly reduce zinc and iron concentrations in crops providing a large share of the global population's dietary intake. The reduction poses a major health threat, with an estimated loss of 63 million life years annually from malnutrition.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that increasing daily coffee consumption by more than one cup per day can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 11%. Conversely, decreasing coffee consumption by more than a cup per day increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 17%.
A new study found that teenage girls who identify as feminine are more likely to use tanning beds, while boys who identify as masculine are more likely to chew tobacco. These behaviors increase the risk of cancer and can be attributed to socially constructed ideas of masculinity and femininity.
Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have discovered a technique to accurately determine the amount of nanomaterials interacting with cells and tissues. The Volumetric Centrifugation Method (VCM) enables hazard rankings of engineered nanoparticles, enabling risk assessors to perform accurate assessments.
A comprehensive atlas of human gene activity has been released, revealing complex networks that govern gene expression. The new findings could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and improve disease diagnosis.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that regular consumption of fried foods increases the risk of obesity in people with a genetic predisposition to obesity. The study analyzed data from three US cohort studies and found that high intakes of fried food exacerbated the deleterious effects of genetic variants associate...
A new study finds that radical prostatectomy reduces mortality in men under 65, while still benefiting older men by reducing metastases and treatment needs. The research used data from the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study Number 4, which randomized 695 men to surgery or watchful waiting with no initial treatment.