A shift to healthier diets could lead to a significant reduction in global agricultural land use and livestock production value, with potential benefits for human health and the environment. The study suggests that transforming food systems could result in a 42% decline in global livestock production value compared to 2020.
A new study conducted with the help of communities in Tamil Nadu suggests that most human scrub typhus infections may occur inside villages rather than during agricultural work. Chigger numbers on rats and shrews caught within human settlements were far higher, indicating a potential increased risk of infection.
New research suggests that plastics systems' adverse health impacts could double by 2040 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and toxic chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for systemic change, including government policies and industry transparency, to curb this growing global plastics public health crisis.
A major study of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers found significant inequalities in global care, with many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) diagnosing cancer at a later stage. Surgery was offered consistently, but treatment consistency varied, with LMICs often choosing mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.
A comprehensive mapping study predicts India could experience the greatest long-term impact from chikungunya, with 14.4 million people at risk globally each year. Chronic health impacts will be a major concern, with around 50% of infected individuals left with long-term disability.
A new analysis of existing studies found that pedestrians and cyclists hit by SUVs or light trucks are more likely to suffer fatal injuries. The likelihood is higher among children, with a child hit by an SUV/LTV being 82% more likely to be killed than a child hit by a passenger car.
A study of over 32,000 people in rural India found scrub typhus infection affects up to 10% annually, leading to hospitalisations due to severe fever symptoms. The researchers highlight the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and community awareness to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations and fatal cases.
A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimates 64,260 traumatic injury deaths in Gaza between October 2023 and June 2024. The analysis found that approximately 3% of Gaza's population has died due to violence, with women, children, and the elderly disproportionately affected.
A study of 668 infants found a small decrease in birth weight for gestational age with every 1°C increase in average daily heat stress during the first trimester. Infants up to two years old exposed to high heat may have lower weights and heights for their age.
A phase 1/2 trial found microarray patches to be safe and induce strong immune responses in children, with over 90% protected from measles. The method could help achieve high population immunity levels required to control childhood diseases.
A new vaccine against meningococcal disease has shown safety and efficacy in a phase 3 trial, generating higher immune responses than existing vaccines across five strains. The vaccine, NmCV-5, also induces a strong response to the emerging meningococcal X strain, providing potential protection against epidemics.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that intramuscular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is safe and quickly reaches therapeutic concentrations in pregnant women. Oral TXA was also well-tolerated but took an hour to reach therapeutic blood concentrations.
A new study models current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the MENA region, predicting a significant increase in deaths under high-emissions scenarios. Limiting warming to 2°C may prevent over 80% of these predicted deaths, highlighting the urgent need for better adaptation policies and renewable technologies.
A global study reveals a bi-directional relationship between antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between humans and animals. The study finds that higher animal antibiotic use increases AMR in human pathogens, while higher human antibiotic use increases AMR in food-producing animals.
A recent study found that pregnant subsistence farmers in The Gambia experience physiological strain due to heat stress exposure, leading to raised foetal heart rates and slower blood flow. The research highlights the need for effective interventions to protect these women and reduce adverse birth outcomes.
A study analyzing data from 13 studies found that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The most frequently observed manifestations included microcephaly, neurological impairments, and sensory abnormalities. Ri...
A new study found that vulnerable populations, including children, older individuals, and men, faced significant challenges in accessing TB diagnoses due to COVID-19 disruptions. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to TB care.
A new analysis found that women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face a higher risk of death following childbirth beyond the standard 42-day postpartum limit. The research, published in The Lancet Global Health, suggests that this risk remains elevated until around four months after childbirth.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals stark differences in survival rates for children with retinoblastoma between high- and low-income countries. In low-income countries, the risk of death from retinoblastoma within three years of diagnosis is significantly higher, with over two-fifths of children dying within t...
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.
A study analyzing 17 million patient GP records in England found that people with certain inflammatory immune conditions were at higher risk of dying or needing hospital care from COVID-19. The analysis suggests that targeting prevention strategies and early interventions towards those most at risk can help inform evidence-based policy.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that injured women are half as likely as men to receive the life-saving drug TXA, despite the treatment being equally effective regardless of sex. The study highlights a significant disparity in trauma care, with clinicians needing clearer guidance to reduce bias.
A novel bed net treated with chlorfenapyr has been shown to significantly reduce malaria infection in children, with a 43% decrease in the first year and 37% decrease in the second year. The study found that the bed net reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 44% over two years.
A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
A new study found that Transport for London's policy restricting junk food advertising led to a 1,000 calorie decrease in energy from unhealthy products. This corresponds to a reduction of 317.9 kcal per week in chocolate and confectionary purchases.
Researchers found that switching to virtual conferencing can significantly cut carbon emissions, doubling attendance from low-middle income countries, while eliminating travel-related emissions. However, the study highlights limitations, including reduced feedback survey responses and potential equity issues.
A 22-year study in Tanzania found that children who slept under bed nets at an early age had a 40% higher survival rate compared to those who didn't. The study tracked over 6,700 children and provided unique insights into the long-term benefits of malaria control in young children.
Government actions, such as road travel restrictions, significantly reduced NO2 concentrations and deaths in Europe. The study estimated that more than 800 deaths were avoided due to improved air quality.
A new study suggests that UK plant-based alternative food consumption has nearly doubled over the past decade, with younger generations and women being more likely to adopt this diet. The research found that plant-based milks were the most popular among the UK population, followed by vegan sausages and vegetable burgers.
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
A new study found that retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+ who suffered three or more rugby-related concussions during their career have no worse average cognitive function than those with no, one, or two concussions. However, over-75s with a history of multiple concussions showed significantly worse cognitive function on a...
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a combination of seasonal vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 E and antimalarial drugs significantly reduces clinical episodes, hospital admissions, and deaths from malaria. The results show a 70% reduction in these outcomes compared to current interventions.
A new study found that nearly one in five babies in Brazil were born 'small' and at increased risk of mortality. The researchers identified six 'small vulnerable newborn' phenotypes, which showed the highest mortality risk was 62 times greater than full-term babies.
A global systematic review and meta-analysis found that nearly 8% of men who have sex with men (MSM) are infected with syphilis worldwide, significantly higher than the general population. The study highlights the urgent need to address this high-risk group's unique challenges in accessing healthcare services.
A new study predicts that climate change could increase the global population at risk of malaria and dengue by up to 4.7 billion people by 2100, particularly in lowlands and urban areas. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent millions from contracting these diseases.
A smartphone-based eye screening and referral system improved access to care for people with eye problems, tripling attendance rates at primary care. The system also increased appropriate hospital services uptake, while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
A study in Uganda reveals that school-aged children with asymptomatic malaria are a significant source of mosquito infections, driving the spread of the disease. Targeting these children for control interventions could help sustain malaria gains and prevent resurgences.
A new study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates the potential of machine learning to identify high-risk patients with pancreatic cancer up to 2 years before diagnosis. The algorithm achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates, identifying 41% of patients under 60 as high risk and 72% of those diagnosed as having a detectable risk. T...
A new study found that human-induced global warming is responsible for 37% of all heat-related deaths globally, with Central and South America and South-East Asia most affected. Cities like Santiago de Chile, Athens, and Tokyo saw significant increases in mortality due to climate change.
A large study shows that infants infected with Group B strep are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments and need special education compared to uninfected children. The study also found significant long-term effects, including cognitive impairment and higher rates of hospitalization, in up to one in twenty survivors.
A new study suggests that dengue outbreaks in Brazil are more likely after extreme droughts due to improvised water containers housing mosquitoes. The research recommends timing interventions accordingly and investing in local infrastructure for permanent water supply.
New research highlights the need to protect and strengthen care for small and sick newborns during the pandemic. The study found that implementing Kangaroo Mother Care could save over 125,000 newborn lives, with a 65-fold increase in risk of death if not done.
A new study suggests that vaccinating all babies on the day of birth with BCG could reduce neonatal infections and death in areas with high infectious disease rates. The results also increase the possibility that the vaccine might be used to protect children and adults against COVID-19 and other new infectious diseases.
A new survey found that 52% of UK adults thought the government was doing a good job controlling COVID-19, despite lower levels of trust in its honesty and transparency. The study suggests that targeted community engagement measures can help maintain public support for control guidelines.
A new study finds that self-testing increased HIV testing rates by over 93% amongst trans participants, but highlights the need for inclusive and welcoming sexual health services. The study's findings suggest that most existing services do not meet the unique needs of this community.