A new study found that people with severe atopic eczema have a higher risk of dying from health issues like infections, lung problems, and kidney or bladder disorders. The absolute risk of death was modest, but the findings suggest that those with severe or more active forms of the disease face a higher risk.
Researchers used neuroimaging techniques to reveal that severe oxygen deprivation is the biggest cause of malaria deaths in adults. The study found no correlation between brain swelling and death in adult patients, unlike children, who die from respiratory arrest caused by brain swelling.
A recent study found that cancer survivors are more likely to be hospitalized or die from seasonal influenza and have a greater chance of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The researchers suggest that this group should be prioritized for vaccination against both diseases, with the risk persisting for at least 10 years after cancer diagnosis.
A new study using AI and satellite technologies has produced the most detailed coverage of air pollution in Britain to date, revealing the South-East as the most polluted region. The research also shows an overall decline in air pollution in Great Britain over the last decade, with hotspots identified in urban and industrial areas.
A study found that one third of UK fruit and vegetables are imported from climate-vulnerable countries, threatening national food security. The increased reliance on imports may lead to supply problems, higher prices, and reduced consumption of these essential foods.
A meta-analysis of preventive malaria treatments among school-age children found that treatment cuts malaria prevalence by 46% and subsequent cases by 50%. Preventive treatment also improves learning outcomes and reduces anaemia cases.
A systematic review found that the severity of infectious diseases peaks in school-age children, with young adults facing a higher risk of severe disease. The study analyzed data on 32 different infections and suggests 'immune aging' may start as early as young adulthood.
Intramuscular tranexamic acid injection can rapidly absorb and reach lifesaving levels within 15 minutes, expanding access to urgent treatment for trauma victims. The new method requires less training and takes less time than traditional intravenous injections.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals from Black and Hispanic backgrounds in the US are twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than their White counterparts. Despite this higher risk, there was no significant difference in mortality rates among those who tested positive across racial and ethnic groups....
A study found that approximately one-third of HIV patients in Malawi's Zomba Hospital had significant levels of HIV in their blood, with over 80% resistant to multiple antiretroviral drugs. Patients with multidrug-resistant HIV were 70% more likely to die within two months.
A study found that following the Eatwell Guide diet in the UK can reduce mortality risk by 7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The diet recommends consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, wholegrain carbohydrates, and lean proteins.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal resulted in a 49.9% decrease in health facility births, leading to increased stillbirth rates by 50% and neonatal mortality by over 3-fold. The lockdown had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare duri...
A new simplified protocol for treating acute malnutrition in young children shows similar recovery rates as the standard approach but is more cost-effective. The streamlined protocol resulted in $123 less per child recovered and reduced ready-to-use food required, providing a potential solution to addressing the issue of nearly 50 mill...
The global pandemic could significantly increase the global burden of tuberculosis due to disruptions to health services and delays in diagnosis and treatment. Researchers predict up to 110,000 additional TB deaths over five years, with 6,000 in China, 95,000 in India, and 13,000 in South Africa.
Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that bereaved individuals have a 17% higher risk of dying from melanoma compared to non-bereaved persons. Those who had lost a partner were also 12% less likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, highlighting the importance of skin checks for early detection and improved survival.
A study of three million UK adults found that atopic eczema increases the risk of fractures by up to 13%, with those with severe eczema having a significantly higher risk. Targeted screening and fracture-prevention strategies are recommended for these individuals.
A global trial has found that early treatment with tranexamic acid can reduce deaths from traumatic brain injuries by up to 20%, depending on the severity of injury. The study, published in The Lancet, included over 12,000 patients and showed a significant benefit in those with mild and moderate injuries.
Research found raised risks of blood clots, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure among cancer survivors, particularly those treated with chemotherapy. Long-term cardiovascular risks were elevated for over five years after diagnosis.
The £7m Penda project aims to evaluate interventions improving the well-being of people with disabilities in LMICs, addressing poverty, health, education, stigma, and discrimination. The project seeks to provide evidence-based policies and services that meet the needs of disabled people on an equal basis.
Continuing PCV in Kenya is estimated to prevent over 100,000 cases and save 14,000 lives annually. The vaccine's full price is less than Kenya's GDP per person, making it a cost-effective option.
A mass drug administration study in the Solomon Islands found a 90% reduction in scabies cases and a 75% decrease in impetigo cases after treating entire communities. The strategy is effective in reducing both diseases, especially in children aged five to nine years old.
A study found that sexual satisfaction among older people is influenced by factors beyond just health, including communication with partners, relationship quality, and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of a holistic approach for healthcare professionals when discussing sexual problems with older adults.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that improved housing prevalence doubled from 11% to 23% in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015. Despite this progress, 53 million urban Africans still lived in slum conditions in 2015.
A global team of scientists has mapped a newborn's life development in unprecedented detail, revealing thousands of changes over the first week. This breakthrough study could transform our understanding of health and disease in babies, and inform the development of optimized protective measures, including vaccines.
A new study found that offering voluntary HIV testing and immediate treatment to those who test positive can significantly reduce new HIV infections. The 'universal test and treat' strategy was associated with a 30% lower rate of new HIV infections compared to standard care.
New research from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine shows that interventions in West Africa can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The study found that women who received support reported being 70% more likely to exclusively breastfeed than those who did not receive the intervention.
Researchers discovered that septins can detect where bacteria will split for division and prevent it from doing so by forming cage-like structures around the bacteria. This finding provides new clues to stop the spread of deadly infections, including Shigella, a 'superbug' deemed a priority by the World Health Organization.
A systematic review by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that repressive policing increases the risk of violence, poorer health, and HIV/STI rates among sex workers. Reforms are urgently needed to protect their safety, health, and rights.
A randomised controlled trial found that a whole-school approach using restorative practice improved student-reported indicators of bullying and mental wellbeing. The programme also showed small but significant benefits for smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among students.
Research suggests a BMI of 21-25kg/m2 is associated with the lowest risk of dying from cancer and heart disease. The study found that underweight individuals were more likely to die from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and dementia.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that boys tend to form tighter-knit groups than girls in secondary school, with factors like location and schedule influencing their social networks. The research surveyed over 1,200 year 7 pupils across four UK schools, finding that popular children remain popular over time.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) have a role in developing outcome-based contracting but are not a panacea for public service reform. SIBs were shown to be effective in providing personalized support and flexibility, but their impact on cost savings is limited.
Scientists have discovered how epigenetic marks behave in the first few days after conception, shedding light on their role in shaping later health. The study found that these marks are sensitive to external environmental factors and may be linked to adverse health outcomes in later life.
Researchers warn that projected climate change may decrease vegetable and legume yields, threatening food security and population health. The study estimates potential yield reductions of 35% for tomatoes and 31% in hot settings like Southern Europe.
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine identified six common categories of disgust related to infectious diseases, including infected wounds and poor hygiene. These findings could help target public health messaging and develop new methods to keep environments healthy.
Patients with severe eczema have a 20% increased risk of stroke and a 70% increased risk of heart failure compared to those without eczema. The absolute risk is low, but targeted screening and primary prevention strategies could be needed for these patients.
A new study found that taxing sweet snacks like chocolate and confectionary could lead to a similar reduction in consumer demand as taxing sugar-sweetened drinks. The research also showed that this approach may have wider effects on purchasing patterns, potentially bringing additional benefits to public health.
Research found that infected children produce distinctive chemical fingerprints in their skin odors, making them more attractive to malaria mosquitoes. The study identified key volatile chemicals, including aldehydes, which are detected by mosquitoes and increase attractiveness.
A two-year trial showed that a long-lasting insecticidal net treated with piperonyl butoxide reduced malaria prevalence by 44% and 33% compared to standard nets. The study also demonstrated unprecedented control through indoor residual spraying, reducing infection by 48%. WHO has revised its recommendations for the use of these novel n...
A randomized controlled trial found nearly doubling of STI testing in a group using internet-accessed testing compared to face-to-face appointments. E-STI testing should be considered as a complement to existing services, increasing uptake and treatment rates.
The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed nationally-representative data from Natsal surveys and found rising prevalence of oral and anal sex among 16-24 year olds, with median age at first heterosexual experience remaining stable.
A cohort study of nearly 80,000 UK women found that inducing first-time mothers aged 35 or over 1-2 weeks earlier was linked to the risk of perinatal death falling from 26 per 10,000 pregnancies to 8 per 10,000 pregnancies. Early induction may reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths in this age group.
A global study suggests that rising temperatures will outweigh decreases in cold-related deaths, leading to sharp net increases in mortality rates in many regions. Implementing mitigation strategies can largely avoid these deaths under scenarios with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that treatment with tranexamic acid must be given within minutes of severe bleeding to improve survival by 70%. The World Health Organization has updated its recommendations for the use of tranexamic acid, calling for it to be made readily available in all health systems to reduce global deaths from severe bleeding.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria affect an estimated one in five pregnant women worldwide, leading to stillbirths and infant deaths. A new study estimates that GBS is responsible for at least 147,000 stillbirths and infant deaths globally each year.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that introducing a small levy of 10 pence per drink to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Jamie's Italian restaurants contributed to a significant decline in SSB sales, with a 9.3% decrease observed six months later. The study suggests that financial measures...
A study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that alcohol industry organisations distort information on cancer risk, particularly for breast and colorectal cancers. The researchers call for policymakers to reconsider relationships with these bodies, which develop alcohol policy and disseminate health info.
A new case-control study found that the BCG vaccine protects over 50% of UK children against TB for at least 20 years after vaccination in early teenage years. The research highlights the importance of BCG in preventing the spread of disease, particularly in areas with high TB risk but low vaccination coverage.
A randomized study found that schools providing prevention education, insecticide-treated nets, and antimalarial treatment can dramatically cut malaria infection and reduce the risk of anemia among schoolchildren. The benefits lasted until the end of the school year.
A new study has identified human factors that could be targeted by elimination interventions for 'monkey malaria', a complex and potentially life-threatening parasite. Adult male farmers in the Sabah region are more likely to contract Plasmodium knowlesi malaria due to their outdoor work on plantations.