Researchers found that despite a ban on menthol cigarettes, similar products with green coloring and 'smooth taste redesigned without menthol' are being marketed to undermine the effectiveness of the ban. The study suggests that these tactics could have an adverse impact on public health.
A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.
Research suggests that prisoners are released without access to medications that control their illnesses, leading to a spike in viral loads and increased risk of transmission. Decreasing incarceration rates for people who inject drugs could reduce the burden of HIV among prisoners.
Researchers reviewing Zika's history highlight the need for better understanding of global spread and sustainable control strategies. Most people infected with Zika show no symptoms or minor ones like rashes, but prevention methods like mosquito spraying are crucial.
Research suggests that increasing male circumcision rates and ART coverage significantly reduces new male HIV infections in rural Ugandan communities. Communities with higher circumcision coverage saw a 39% decline in new infections, while those with higher ART coverage among women saw a 23% reduction.
A new study suggests that despite advances in HIV treatment, the epidemic continues among gay men globally due to inadequate access to preventive measures like PrEP. Stigma and discrimination also play a significant role in the spread of the disease.
A study found that 34% of hospitals in low- and middle-income countries lacked continuous running water, compromising patient care. Hospitals without running water often rely on trucked-in or rainwater, which can be contaminated and unsanitary.
Using drones to deliver vaccines in low- and middle-income countries could improve vaccination rates by up to 96% while producing significant cost savings. The technology has the potential to save $8.93 per dose and annual infrastructure costs of up to $60,000.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of patients prescribed opioids have leftover pills, with many saving them for future use. The study also revealed that nearly half of respondents received no information on safe storage and disposal of their medications.
Researchers found that nearly four in 10 news stories connect mental illness with violent behavior, despite less than five percent of violence being directly related to mental illness. The study suggests that this routine linkage paints an unfair portrait of those with mental illness and may have increased stigma.
In the first year of two Florida laws aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions, the state's top prescribers wrote significantly fewer pain medication prescriptions, with a 6.2% drop in volume and 5.1% decrease in patients. Despite this, most physicians did not change their prescribing patterns.
Researchers found a strong association between increasing unemployment rates and weight gain among public school students in California from 2008-2012. The study suggests that economic troubles can have long-term health consequences for children, with an increased risk of becoming overweight by up to 21%.
New research suggests that women with a high genetic risk of breast cancer can reduce their risk by following a healthy lifestyle, including eating right, exercising, and quitting smoking. The study found that approximately 30% of breast cancer cases could be prevented by modifying known risk factors.
A new study estimates that the world's 60 million refugees need at least 2.78 million surgeries annually, with many types of care, including C-sections and burn care, being essential but often neglected in crisis situations. The researchers call for increased attention to surgical needs in refugee populations.
Researchers found that high levels of folate and vitamin B12 after giving birth double and triple the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. The study analyzed data from 1,391 mother-child pairs and recommends optimal folate levels to ensure offspring's health.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that nearly three-quarters of poor children in a Bangladeshi slum were infected with Cryptosporidium, leading to stunted growth and malnutrition. The parasite can cause permanent damage to the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, even if symptoms are not present.
The US saw an 11% decrease in new HIV infections and a 17% drop in transmission rates from 2010 to 2015. However, the country fell short of its goal to reduce these numbers by 25% and 30%, respectively.
Seven of the top 10 most profitable US hospitals in 2013 were nonprofit hospitals, earning over $163 million each. The study suggests that monopolies in their communities allow these hospitals to charge high rates to private insurers, leading to substantial profits. In contrast, rural and urban hospitals with smaller patient volumes te...
New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.
A new study estimates that norovirus causes approximately $4.2 billion in healthcare costs and $60.3 billion in societal costs each year. The disease, which affects nearly 700 million people worldwide, also results in significant productivity losses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a way to encourage adult stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into testosterone-producing cells. The findings could lead to the development of transplantable cells that can produce testosterone, avoiding side effects associated with current treatments.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that three-strikes laws increase fatal and non-fatal assaults on officers by 33% and 62%, respectively. In contrast, permit-to-purchase handgun laws appear to protect law enforcement officers against handgun assaults, with Missouri's repeal associated with...
A simulation study found that coordinated efforts can prevent over 75% of CRE infections in healthcare facilities. The CDC has issued a toolkit to assist with planning and communication.
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland's 2011 increase in alcohol sales tax led to a 3.8% decrease in total alcohol sales. Sales of spirits were 5.1% lower, beer sales were 3.2% lower, and wine sales were 2.5% lower.
A new analysis suggests that investing in basic healthcare services, including contraception and nutrition, can save up to 4.7 million lives annually at an average cost of $4.70 per person. The study found that these services could prevent half of all maternal, newborn, and child deaths.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Lancet report finds that harsh drug control policies increase the risk of death from overdose, restrict access to medications, and undermine public health. Decriminalization of minor and non-violent drug offenses is a key recommendation.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds a significant link between rodent infestations and depressive symptoms in low-income residents. Residents in neighborhoods with rats are more likely to experience acute depressive symptoms, despite having similar perceptions of rats as those in other neighborhoods.
Researchers found a promising single-dose dengue vaccine effective in preventing human volunteers from contracting the virus, protecting against infection. The study's findings could be the final piece in developing an effective vaccine against dengue, which infects nearly 400 million people annually.
Researchers found that starting patients with CML on generic form of Gleevec (imatinib) would save nearly $100,000 over five years per patient. This translates to huge cost savings for insurers and patients, with the potential to reduce medication costs by 60-90%.
A new analysis from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the increasing use of plant-based feeds in farmed fish may change the levels of healthy fatty acids in these fish. This shift has large implications for dietary recommendations, as farmed fish are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers found that industry-sponsored programs for reducing drinking and driving often lack evidence of effectiveness or have not been studied. Examples of effective interventions like sobriety checkpoints and ignition interlocks were rarely used in these initiatives.
A new study found that while prescriptions for Adderall remain unchanged among young adults, non-medical use and emergency room visits have risen significantly. The majority of non-medical use comes from family or friends, with 60% of cases occurring among 18-25-year-olds.
A new study finds that unpaid caregivers, often family members, experience significant emotional, physical, and financial difficulties due to their caregiving responsibilities. They are also more likely to be less productive at work and require support from healthcare providers and employers.
Researchers have developed a searchable database of 10,000 chemicals with available safety data, predicting the toxicity of similar untested substances. The 'chemical landscape' map allows for safer product development and reduces animal testing.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed tiny 'mini-brains' made up of human brain cells, which can be replicated on a large scale. These mini-brains can help study neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism, reducing the need for animal testing.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that vaccinations in 94 low- and middle-income countries could save up to $44 for every dollar spent. The study estimated a total cost of immunization programs at $34 billion, with averted costs of illness totaling $586 billion.
A smartphone app containing motivational videos transformed the interaction between married rural women and community health workers in India, leading to a significant increase in modern family planning method use. The study found that women who watched videos were 4.5 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who did not.
Children born into smaller families in developing countries have a life expectancy that is three years longer than those born into larger families. This finding shows that family planning programs have real health impacts on individuals and can provide a positive healthy developmental environment.
A Baltimore-based study found that teens experiencing fear of violence, observing violent events, or being victims of violence are more likely to engage in sex and use condoms. The study suggests that reducing high levels of violence in neighborhoods may help young people process experiences and learn coping skills.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that women using contraception have three times more regular sexual intercourse than those not using it. The study analyzed data from over 210,000 women in 47 countries, highlighting the importance of separating sex and pregnancy in family planning.
A survey of nearly 4,000 people found that 60% of Americans would buy a smart or childproof gun, debunking the argument that there is no market for such guns. The technology uses fingerprint or RFID verification to prevent unauthorized use.
A Johns Hopkins study found that changes in medical marijuana laws, particularly the increase of dispensaries in some states, led to a shift in the number of people using the drug. Medical marijuana users are more likely to be in their 50s and often use it for pain relief.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that estrogen may offer additional benefits to hormone replacement therapy or infertility treatment. The research found that estrogen dramatically reduced the amount of flu virus that replicated in infected cells from women, but not from men.
A new set of 'no buy' list criteria could greatly reduce underage viewers' exposure to alcohol advertising on cable TV. The criteria recommend avoiding non-compliant ad placements on low-rated cable shows and late-night programs.
A new online calculator accurately estimates the risk of kidney failure in people with chronic kidney disease using common medical tests. The tool provides reassurance for most patients, who are not at serious risk of kidney failure, and helps high-risk patients prepare for dialysis or transplant.
Researchers found that a crackdown on pill mills in Florida led to an estimated 1,029 fewer opioid-related overdose deaths between 2003-2012. The state's increased oversight of pain clinics may have prevented new cases of heroin addiction from developing.
The number of industry-sponsored clinical trials has dramatically increased since 2006, while NIH-funded trials have declined substantially. This trend raises concerns about the influence of commercial interests on medical research, potentially compromising public health outcomes.
Researchers found that paying attention to results of a simple blood test can help predict the likelihood of patients experiencing kidney failure or death. The studies emphasize the importance of monitoring measures of kidney function over time to inform treatment decisions.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that over 112,000 people exiting prison or jail got health care coverage through Medicaid in a single year. The programs that helped with enrollment primarily targeted low-income men, and the number of new enrollees likely far exceeds this total.
A new analysis suggests that paying for sex reassignment surgery and hormones is actually cost-effective, with costs comparable to treatment for depression and substance abuse. Providing health care benefits to transgender people makes economic sense, improving quality of life without a huge financial impact on society.