A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that men with prostate cancer are more likely to die from preventable conditions such as heart disease than the disease itself. The study emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle changes in prostate cancer management.
A recent Harvard study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults leads to significant improvements in health and reduced mortality rates. The study analyzed data from three states with expanded Medicaid programs and found a 6.1% reduction in mortality among those covered, corresponding to 2,840 deaths prevented per year.
A new report identifies seven key areas where funding and political will are crucial to ending the AIDS epidemic. The report outlines a comprehensive plan for achieving an AIDS-free generation, including renewed scientific research and implementation of proven treatment tools.
Researchers have identified over 10,000 microbial species living in humans and found that between 81-99% of genera were present in healthy adults. The study's findings highlight the role of beneficial microorganisms in maintaining health and provide insights into their functions.
Researchers found that including genetic variants and environmental factors in disease models only increases risk prediction sensitivity by 1-3% for three common diseases. The study suggests that understanding the complexity of genetic and environmental factors will be crucial to improve risk prediction.
A simple, low-cost checklist significantly improved adherence to essential childbirth care practices at a hospital in south India. The program increased the number of practices performed by healthcare workers from an average of 10 to 25 out of 29.
Researchers found two subclasses of HDL cholesterol: one with apolipoprotein C-III increases heart disease risk, while the other without it is protective. Measuring HDL-apoC-III may be a better gauge of heart disease risk than total HDL.
A new study by Harvard researchers found a significant association between long-term fine particle air pollution exposure and higher rates of hospital admissions for pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes in older adults. The study used novel prediction models to estimate zip code concentrations of fine air particles and compa...
A Harvard School of Public Health study found that positive psychological well-being reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research also showed that individuals with a sense of well-being engage in healthier behaviors and have better biological function.
A study found that large day-to-day variations in summer temperature may shorten life expectancy for elderly people with chronic medical conditions. The researchers estimate that greater summer temperature variability could result in over 10,000 additional deaths per year.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds a link between imidacloprid and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honeybees. The researchers discovered that even low levels of the pesticide can cause hive collapse, highlighting the potential impact on agriculture.
Researchers found that between 15% and 25% of breast cancer cases are overdiagnosed due to routine mammography screening. This can lead to unnecessary treatments and stress for women, with only a small reduction in mortality rates.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the largest hospital-based pay-for-performance program in the US did not improve 30-day mortality rates for patients with acute conditions. Non-Premier hospitals showed similar outcomes to poor-performing Premier hospitals, suggesting that incentives may need to be adjusted.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that red meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of total, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Substituting other healthy protein sources was associated with a lower risk of mortality.
A new Harvard study found that children who don't conform to traditional gender roles are more likely to experience physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Researchers also discovered that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze E. coli bacteria from outbreaks in Germany and France, discovering small differences among strains. The study found that the German isolates were nearly identical, while French strains showed greater diversity, suggesting a bottleneck or uneven seed distribution.
A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery can reduce the risk of serious surgical complications. The study used mice and found that restricting these nutrients can increase stress resistance and prevent injuries to the kidneys and liver.
A study published in JAMA found that exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) was associated with lowered immune responses to childhood vaccinations. The research, which analyzed data from Faroe Island children, suggested a link between PFCs and reduced antibody levels, posing a potential threat to public health.
A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health found that nicotine replacement therapies are no more effective in helping smokers quit than quitting on their own. The study suggests that the FDA should only approve medications proven to be effective in long-term smoking cessation, and lower nicotine levels to reduce addiction.
Researchers discovered that mycobacterial cell growth patterns determine their susceptibility to antibiotics, providing new avenues for targeted treatment. The findings could lead to more effective treatments for the deadly disease, which kills over 1.5 million people annually.
A new study finds that overall hospital admission rates are a significant factor in high readmission rates across different US regions. The research suggests that improving transitional care may not be enough to address the root cause of the problem.
Women who worked rotating night shifts were found to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with longer working periods associated with greater risk. The study also found that weight gain contributed to this increased risk.
Researchers found that consuming canned soup daily led to a 1,221% increase in urinary BPA concentrations compared to fresh soup consumption. Elevated BPA levels may be temporary but highlight concerns for individuals who regularly consume foods from cans.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers predicts that Medicaid enrollment under the Affordable Care Act could range from 8 to 22 million Americans by 2014. The study also estimates a need for 4,500 to 12,100 new physicians to care for new patients, due to low reimbursement rates.
Exposure to BPA in the womb is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. Higher gestational BPA concentrations were linked to more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious, and depressed behavior in girls, while boys showed no significant association.
Researchers will evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of a unique combination of HIV prevention strategies in Botswana, aiming to reduce infections by at least 50%. The study will analyze viral gene signatures and examine the effectiveness of targeting individuals with high viral loads.
The Harvard School of Public Health has received a $12 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve maternal health in developing countries. The project aims to expand research and educational activities critical to eradicating preventable maternal morbidity and mortality.
A new paper calls for coordinated global effort to monitor and prevent childhood obesity, citing taxes on sugary drinks and marketing restrictions as effective cost-saving strategies. International organizations must work with governments and private sector to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among children.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers finds a strong association between the consumption of red meat—particularly when the meat is processed—and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Replacing red meat with healthier proteins can significantly lower this risk.
The world's population is expected to surpass 7 billion in 2011, with a projected increase of 2.3 billion people by 2050. Most of this growth will occur in less developed regions, including Africa, posing significant challenges for food, water, housing, and energy supply.
The Harvard School of Public Health is testing a WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist program in 120 hospitals in India to reduce deaths and improve outcomes for mothers and infants. The four-year study aims to evaluate the impact of the checklist program on maternal and infant mortality rates.
Over 85% of respondents want to see a doctor if they exhibit confusion and memory loss, while nearly half believe there is a reliable medical test for early-stage diagnosis. Public interest in predictive testing also prevails, with two-thirds wanting to know their Alzheimer's risk before symptoms appear.
A study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults increases healthcare use and improves self-reported health and well-being. The study used a randomized controlled trial and compared outcomes between those randomly selected into the program and those not selected, avoiding common limitations of previous studies.
A national study found that critical access hospitals (CAHs) in rural US have fewer clinical capabilities and worse patient outcomes. Patients admitted to CAHs for heart attack or pneumonia had a higher risk of dying within 30 days compared to other hospitals.
A series of studies found that specific dietary and lifestyle changes have strong associations with long-term weight gain. Modest changes in diet, such as focusing on carbohydrate quality and minimizing processed foods, were linked to significant weight gain over 20 years.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health and University of California, San Francisco, found that men with prostate cancer who smoke are at higher risk of disease recurrence and mortality. Smoking was also associated with more aggressive disease at diagnosis.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that watching more than two hours of TV per day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that prolonged TV viewing is associated with an increased risk of premature death.
A new poll finds that most Massachusetts residents support the state's landmark health reform law, with 63% in favor and only 9% opposing it. The majority of residents also believe the law has been successful in providing health coverage to nearly all state residents.
Scientists at Harvard School of Public Health discovered that cells exert forces on their neighbors, leading to a cooperative yet chaotic migration. The study found that collective cellular migration is not a smooth process, but rather an 'organized chaos' with pushing and pulling in all directions.
A large-scale study found that men who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer. The study, led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers, also showed that decaf and regular coffee both reduced the risk, with even moderate consumption offering significant protection.
Researchers have identified several genes that may contribute to the malaria parasite's ability to evade antimalarial drugs. One of these genes, PF10_0355, was found to render drug-sensitive parasites more resistant to three standard antimalarial agents when introduced into them.
Researchers tracked increases in methylmercury levels in black-footed albatross feathers over 120 years, attributing them to human-generated emissions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts in the Pacific Ocean, where mercury pollution poses a significant threat to endangered seabird species and human health.
A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.
A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that there is little historical evidence to justify cutting global health aid during economic downturns. In fact, some countries have increased their aid commitments during crises, contrary to fears of fiscal austerity.
Elderly black patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after a prior hospital stay for heart attack, heart failure, or pneumonia. The study found that racial disparities in health care and hospital care contribute to higher readmission rates among black patients.
Researchers found a significant reduction in middle ear infection cases among children aged 6 and younger, associated with increased smoke-free households. The study suggests that avoiding secondhand smoking at home can protect children from the most common cause of visits to physicians and hospitals.
A new study found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality in men with prostate cancer. Men who did more vigorous activity had the lowest risk of dying from the disease.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that domestic violence against mothers increases the risk of death among female children, but not male children, in India. The researchers attribute this disparity to lower investment in girl children, leading to a higher mortality rate for girls.
A natural substance in dairy fat, trans-palmitoleic acid, has been identified as a potential factor in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The compound is found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter and may mimic the normal biologic role of its produced counterpart, cis-palmitoleic acid.