A study published in Preventive Medicine found that physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, with young adults over 20 showing the only increases in activity levels. The study also identified patterns of highest and lowest activity throughout the day across age groups and genders.
A new cost-benefit analysis suggests that a supervised facility in Baltimore could generate $7.8 million in annual savings by reducing overdose deaths, HIV and hepatitis C infections, hospitalizations and bringing people into treatment. The study found that such a space would save thousands of lives and prevent numerous overdoses.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
New research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that the US could see a significant decline in HIV infections and prevalence if critical milestones are met. By 2025, annual new infections could drop to 12,000, marking a turning point for the epidemic.
A systematic review finds that criminalizing drug use has negative health effects, including increased HIV transmission and overdose rates. The study suggests that alternative strategies and policies are needed to address the harms associated with drug use.
A peer-support program launched at Johns Hopkins Medicine has saved the institution nearly $2 million each year, according to a recent analysis. The program helps clinicians cope with traumatic events, reducing productivity losses and turnover rates.
A computational analysis led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers estimates that even a mild Zika outbreak in the US could result in $183 million in medical costs and productivity losses. A more severe outbreak could cost over $1 billion, with increased risks of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A modest increase in children's physical activity could avoid $21.9 billion in medical costs and result in 340,000 fewer obese and overweight youth, according to new research. This would also lead to a reduction of over four percent in obesity rates among eight- to 11-year-olds.
Cholera cases in East Africa increase by roughly 50,000 during El Niño years due to increased rainfall and vulnerable water systems. This research can help health ministries anticipate future cholera surges and save lives.
Research finds that dengue virus transmissions are often centered in and around homes, with a high percentage of cases related to individuals living within a short distance. The study's findings could aid in developing targeted mosquito control programs and reducing severe illness.
A large-scale study found that people who lose a partner to suicide are at increased risk for cancer, depression, and mood disorders. The risk persists for five years after the loss.
A group of researchers recommends increased transparency at the FDA, including disclosure of regulatory information, analysis, and study data. This would enhance understanding of existing therapies, pharmaceutical pipelines, and innovative product development.
Research suggests that temporary episodes of dizziness upon standing may cause lasting damage to the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Middle-aged individuals with orthostatic hypotension were 40% more likely to develop dementia than those without it.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that severe hypoglycemia is associated with nearly double the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Within three years of a dangerously low blood sugar episode, one-third of those in the study died.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health warn that renewed focus on debunked autism-vaccine links diverts attention from growing threats to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are under attack, posing a serious risk to essential protections.
Researchers found several gene variants near ABCB4 and ABCB1 genes that may predispose individuals to gallbladder cancer. These variants could lead to better understanding of the disease causes and potentially develop new treatments.
A new study suggests that many patients receiving buprenorphine for opioid addiction also continue to receive prescription opioids during and after treatment. The study found that 43% of patients filled an opioid prescription during treatment and 67% did so within 12 months of completing buprenorphine therapy.
A new mouse model reveals that the Zika virus can cross the placenta and lead to high percentages of miscarriages and thin brain tissue in babies. The study's findings suggest a mechanism by which the virus may be evading antiviral proteins, highlighting potential targets for treatment or vaccine development.
Research suggests that state-level same-sex marriage policies are associated with a significant reduction in adolescent suicide attempts, particularly among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents. The study found a seven percent reduction in suicide attempts among high school students generally.
A national survey found that nearly 70% of prescription opioid medications kept in homes with children are not stored safely. Among households with older children, only 12% reported safe storage. The study highlights the need for education and new technology to prevent accidental ingestions and overdose among young people.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found high levels of toxic metals in five leading e-cigarette brands, including cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel. The liquid in these e-cigarettes contains the aerosol that is inhaled by users, posing a health risk when inhaled.
A federal law aimed at ensuring equal insurance benefits for physical and mental health care has led to modest increases in healthcare utilization among children with autism spectrum disorder. Despite these gains, researchers highlight the need for stronger enforcement of the parity law to ensure adequate access to services.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a mechanism by which the chikungunya virus controls infection severity. The study found that all alphaviruses and coronaviruses may work in the same way, and that breaking a specific protein bond can prevent viral replication.
New research suggests cervical cancer death rates are higher among older and black women in the US, particularly due to exclusion of women who have had hysterectomies. This discrepancy highlights the need for better screening and treatment options for these groups.
Research suggests that the Affordable Care Act has effectively reduced the uninsured rate among people with mental illness and substance use disorders, but significant barriers to treatment persist. Despite increased insurance coverage, access to services such as counseling and medication remains limited.
New research reveals that patients are often surprised with medical bills four-to-six times higher than expected when they see out-of-network specialists, despite not choosing them. The study finds that anesthesiologists and other specialists charge significantly more than Medicare pays for similar services.
Researchers genetically modified mosquitoes to resist infection from dengue virus, boosting their natural ability to fight the disease. The findings could be a prelude to developing a strategy to eliminate the threat of dengue.
Teenagers who play video games for more than four hours a day suffer from symptoms of depression, but frequent use of social media and instant messaging may mitigate symptoms of game addiction. Strong friendships appear to be a key factor in balancing out the negative effects of gaming.
A new systematic review of long-term studies found that young people exposed to more alcohol marketing are more likely to start drinking early and engage in binge drinking. The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data from over 35,000 participants across seven countries.
Mandatory ignition interlock laws are effective in reducing alcohol-involved fatal crashes, preventing approximately 1,250 fatalities. States with such laws have seen a seven percent decrease in the rate of fatal crashes with at least one driver having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.
A new study suggests that fewer people perceive e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, dropping from 50% in 2012 to 43% in 2014. The researchers found no association between awareness of e-cigarettes and attempts at quitting among current smokers.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that only 12% of older Americans have dental insurance, and those who do often face high bills. The research found that income is a significant predictor of receiving dental care, with high-income beneficiaries more likely to receive care than low-income ones.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental insurance incur average annual out-of-pocket costs ranging from $2,116 to $8,115. Hospitalizations are a major driver of these costs.
A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that some hog workers are carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses and may be developing skin infections. The researchers suggest that these bacteria can spread more broadly between animals and humans if not properly controlled.
A recent study suggests that the rate of adolescents reporting clinical depression has grown by 37% over the decade ending in 2014, with a notable increase among girls. The findings highlight the need for increased mental health support and targeted interventions to address this growing trend.
A new definition of pre-diabetes based on hemoglobin A1C levels can help identify individuals at high risk of developing long-term complications from diabetes. The study suggests that this more accurate predictor can encourage lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, ultimately preventing the development of full-blown diabetes.
Researchers found that more than a quarter of chikungunya cases were spread within households and half occurred in homes less than 200 meters away. Women are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease due to increased time spent at home, making them at higher risk of infection.
Every year, approximately 30,000 sports-related eye injuries in the United States result in ER visits, with most cases occurring among children under 18. Basketball and cycling are identified as the most common causes of these injuries. Protective eyewear can significantly reduce the incidence of such injuries.
A new study finds that young children residing with adults who work on large industrial hog operations in North Carolina have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus, including MRSA and MDRSA, in their nasal passages compared to children living with non-industrial hog workers.
Only four in 10 gay and bisexual men in Baltimore are aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that reduces HIV incidence by 92 percent. Despite its effectiveness, PrEP is underused due to lack of education among healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers find that a widely available dengue vaccine could worsen the disease in some settings, particularly in low-transmission areas. The vaccine has shown to reduce illness and hospitalization by 20-30% in high-transmission countries but may increase these rates in locations with lower transmission.
Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health won Zika challenge grants for groundbreaking ideas on mosquito control and behavior change strategies. The grants aim to develop custom fragrances to bait mosquito traps and improve disease prevention.
A study published in American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that following a DASH-style diet can lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease over two decades. The diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, was also shown to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the need to educate the public about preventable chemical eye burns in young children. The study found that one- and two-year-olds are at the greatest risk, with injuries most commonly occurring at home and among those in lower-income households.
A new study suggests that generic biologic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, offering a cheaper alternative for consumers and the healthcare system. The findings have significant implications for the pharmaceutical market, with wide adoption of biosimilars expected to save billions of dollars.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that India's official statistics significantly underreport pedestrian and motorcycle deaths, suggesting a much higher number than reported. The researchers recommend using police reports instead of government data for research and policy decisions.
Researchers discovered that cells from the same lot purchased from a cell bank exhibited vastly different responses to chemicals and had distinct genetic profiles. This finding raises concerns about the reliability of cell culture experiments, which rely on these cells as a foundation.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that 22 out of 25 physicians reported having favorite patients, often due to long-standing relationships and personal connections. Despite concerns about playing favorites, physicians strive to provide the best care for all their patients.