A new study found that a slow-growing variant form of Lyme bacteria causes severe symptoms and resists standard single-antibiotic treatment. A three-antibiotic cocktail eradicated the infection in mice, offering a potential solution for patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms.
The PCV10 pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of serious pneumococcal disease among children under five years old, with a 92% decline in cases involving the ten targeted strains. The vaccine also provided herd immunity benefits by reducing disease transmission among older, unvaccinated age groups.
Researchers found that a one-week recall period in public health surveys yields higher estimates of childhood diarrhea prevalence than the traditional two-week period. The study suggests that future versions of the Demographic and Health Surveys should use a one-week recall period to improve accuracy.
A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.
A study found that medical marijuana laws lead to a decline in reported pain and an improvement in overall health assessments among respondents with qualifying health conditions. The study also shows that these laws increase full-time work hours, suggesting improved labor supply among older adults.
A multi-country study found that nearly half of Airbnb listings allowing smoking lack smoke detectors, while nearly two-thirds of non-smoking venues have them. The study also reveals a significant gap in carbon monoxide detector prevalence across smoking and non-smoking venues.
US breast cancer patients experience significant economic burdens due to treatment side effects like lymphedema. Patients advocate for policy changes and institutional adaptations to address these challenges. Recommendations include improved insurance coverage, expanded support services, and enhanced financial assistance.
A survey of heroin users in Baltimore found that while most recognize the presence of fentanyl, they are not adequately prepared to prevent or treat overdoses. Many users reported injecting alone and lacked access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse overdose symptoms.
A US-funded program aimed at reducing childbirth complications in Indonesia has prompted more efficient care, leading to significant reductions in maternal and newborn mortality. The Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) initiative improved quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care and referrals, resulting in a 50% decr...
A new study found that US-based patient advocacy organizations received 74% of total contributions from the world's 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in 2016. The study highlights inconsistent reporting and disclosure across countries, impeding transparency of pharma contributions to patient advocacy groups.
The report identifies weaknesses in current Illinois law and recommends strengthening the state's gun purchaser licensing system, expanding firearm prohibitions for domestic abusers, and providing more funding for local initiatives. These policies aim to reduce gun violence and homicides in Illinois.
A new machine-learning algorithm uses cholera antibody test results to identify recently infected individuals, making it easier to detect deadly epidemics. The algorithm was tested on a dataset of 1,569 blood samples and showed high accuracy in estimating the time window for cholera infection.
A new survey found widespread confusion among US consumers regarding food date labels, leading to unnecessary discards and increased waste. The study suggests that clear and consistent labeling is crucial to reduce food safety risks.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the FDA and manufacturers failed to review prescribing records to prevent inappropriate use of potentially lethal fentanyl products. Despite a monitoring program in place, widespread misuse was discovered among cancer patients.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explores the experiences of early efforts to establish safe consumption sites in five US communities. The research highlights key lessons learned, including the importance of engaging diverse community partners and securing political champions.
Researchers found no significant increase in opioid-involved fatal crashes in Maryland from 2006 to 2017. A new approach defined by limiting analysis to those who died at the scene with opioids in their systems versus those who died later revealed this steady trend.
Scientists developed a new method to study ADP-ribosylation, a process linked to cancer growth and other diseases. The ELTA technique enables researchers to attach molecular beacons to ADP-ribose molecules, allowing for detailed studies on how this process affects cells in health and disease.
A study suggests that only about 10 percent of people who had non-fatal opioid overdoses in West Virginia received treatment in the aftermath. This missed opportunity to prevent future fatal overdoses is particularly concerning given the state's high overdose death rate.
A new survey technique estimates that 1,857 people injected drugs in Cabell County, W.Va. in the last six months. The study provides valuable data to help tailor response strategies for rural communities battling the opioid epidemic.
A recent review article suggests that understanding human behavior is crucial to preventing malaria transmission. Researchers found that while bed nets have been effective, they only work when people sleep under them, and there are gaps in knowledge about when and where people are exposed to malaria-transmitting mosquitoes at night.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that only 36.1% of US outpatient treatment centers offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder, with significant variation among states. Treatment facilities in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to offer medication treatment.
Childhood malnutrition remained stable in Nepal's hardest hit areas despite the devastating 2015 earthquake. Household food insecurity decreased significantly, with child wasting rates declining by nearly half.
The US has the highest per capita health care spending among developed countries, largely attributed to higher prices. A study found that despite efforts to control spending, the US continues to outspend other countries on healthcare, with a significant gap between public and private insurer payments.
A study of 1,133 Medicare participants found that lower-income individuals with hearing aids face significant barriers to accessing hearing care services. Only 58% of high-income users received such services in the prior year, highlighting the need for expanded coverage and easier access.
Researchers found that street-based FSWs with more frequent abusive police interactions had a higher risk of client violence, emphasizing the need for interventions addressing relationships between FSW and police. The study also highlights the importance of decriminalizing sex work to alleviate pressure on these women.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found significant shifts in Afghan attitudes towards education and child marriage in underdeveloped regions. The research, conducted among nearly 1,400 Afghans aged 12-15 and their parents, indicates that getting married at a young age and leaving school early have be...
A study found that face mask use significantly reduces the likelihood of finding drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in hog farm workers' nasal swabs. Household members of consistent face mask users also showed a significant reduction in bacterial colonization.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that increasing physical activity during the day is associated with improved spirits. The research also suggests that tracking sleep, activity, mood, and energy levels concurrently can provide valuable insights for people with bipolar disorder.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs finds that pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa are the most likely family members to sleep under bed nets to prevent malaria. The study suggests that providing enough bed nets can reduce age and gender disparities in net use, but highlights concerns abou...
A Johns Hopkins report highlights Yemen's inadequate cholera preparedness and response, citing gaps in surveillance, access to populations, and coordination. The authors recommend improving disease surveillance, integrating health and WASH sectors, and boosting laboratory capacity to better prepare for future epidemics.
Researchers found that 10 essential oils, including garlic oil, showed significant killing activity against 'persister' forms of Lyme disease bacteria. The study suggests these plant compounds may be more effective than current antibiotics in treating persistent Lyme symptoms.
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative releases a special supplement to Public Health Reports addressing five urgent US health challenges. The supplement features articles and commentaries on addiction and overdose, violence, obesity and the food system, environmental challenges, and adolescent health.
A South American tribe living in near-total isolation shows no increase in average blood pressure from age one to age 60, contrasting with a nearby tribe exposed to Western dietary influences. The findings support the idea that exposure to Western diet and lifestyle may contribute to age-related blood pressure rise.
The report analyzes 15 countries with the greatest number of deaths from these illnesses, finding that progress is being hampered by persistent inequities. Eight out of 15 countries failed to meet targets for key interventions, highlighting the need for improved access to prevention and treatment.
A new study reveals that patients with untreated hearing loss incur significantly higher total health care costs over time, totaling $22,434 per person over a decade. The study found that older adults with untreated hearing loss generated nearly 46% more in total health care costs compared to those without hearing loss.
Researchers found that a genetic defect tied to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases leads to increased lipid production in starved cells. The mutation alters the regulation of lipid metabolism pathways, increasing levels of enzymes like NOX2, which can damage cells.
Women in Nigeria who received support from clerics were significantly more likely to use modern contraceptives. In contrast, strong religious adherence was linked to lower contraceptive use rates. The study emphasizes the importance of engaging religious leaders to promote family planning services and improve maternal health outcomes.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland Health Enterprise Zones linked to significant reductions in inpatient stays (18,562 fewer) and overall health care cost savings ($93 million). Despite a jump in emergency room visits, the initiative brought large net cost savings.
A Baltimore study found that liquor stores have a stronger association with violent crimes, including homicides and aggravated assaults, compared to bars and restaurants. The researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have higher access to liquor stores and beer wine stores, which are linked to increased violence
A study analyzed TV ads for ACA health insurance plans, finding a shift towards targeting younger, healthier individuals and emphasizing financial assistance, as well as a decline in mentions of 'ObamaCare' or 'Affordable Care Act'. The researchers suggest this trend may be related to low public understanding of the law.
A study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with an increased risk of brain deposits of beta amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who reported excessive daytime sleepiness were nearly three times more likely to develop beta-amyloid deposition in their brains years later.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that the loss of treated bed nets between mass campaigns significantly increases malaria transmission. Continuous distribution approaches can help maintain access to effective nets.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that breast cancer survivors, particularly those with lymphedema, incur significant out-of-pocket costs. The average annual cost for those with lymphedema was $2,306 excluding productivity costs and $3,325 including productivity costs.
Scientists developed a method to characterize the genetic contributions to traits and diseases, revealing that cognitive traits and psychiatric disorders are influenced by tens of thousands of gene variants. The study provides a 'big picture' of genetic influences, useful for designing future genetic studies.
A study of over 350,000 patients found elderly kidney disease patients on dialysis have a substantially higher risk of dementia than healthy community-dwelling older adults. The study calls for more monitoring and prevention measures to address this pressing issue.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that substituting three words (
Researchers found that dark-pigmented yeasts capture more heat from the sun and thrive in colder conditions than their light-colored counterparts. This 'thermal melanism' effect could help predict microbial survival at different latitudes as temperatures rise.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete mitochondrial genome of Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa. The study reveals significant genetic diversity and ancient lineage differences that could inform new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that males recover more quickly from influenza infections because they produce more of the key lung-healing protein, amphiregulin. The research found that females have slower tissue-repair during recovery due to relatively low production of amphiregulin.