Researchers found that individuals with low antioxidant levels and high sunlight exposure are at a higher risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. The study also found that blue light exposure is associated with the development of early stages of AMD, especially in middle-aged individuals.
A study found that birth weight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer later in life, particularly among women living in developed countries. The analysis of over 600,000 women revealed a 7% increase in risk for every 0.5 kg increment in birth weight.
A 'dodgy dossier' of faulty intelligence and tactics contributed to the failure of the war against malaria in tropical countries. Dr. Colin Sutherland explains that a one-size-fits-all approach was miscalculated, and the parasite is now at its strongest in these regions.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming oily fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 50%. Researchers associated high levels of omega-3 fatty acids with lower AMD risk, particularly those above 300mg per day.
A worldwide study found significant differences in cancer survival rates between rich and poor countries, as well as between black and white men and women in the US. Cancer survival varies widely across regions, with some countries having much higher or lower survival rates than others.
A new study found that providing preventive treatment for malaria significantly improves the cognitive ability of schoolchildren and reduces rates of anaemia, while also revealing a link between malaria infection and reduced attention in class. IPT dramatically reduced the occurrence of malaria infection in schoolchildren.
A new report by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found significant gaps in advice given to European businesses to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. The report suggests that most strategic efforts have been directed at preparing public health systems, leaving the non-health sector unprepared.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry reveals that 54% of Ugandans meet symptom criteria for PTSD, while 67% show signs of depression. The study attributed these findings to the country's history of trauma exposure, including rape, hunger, and lack of medical care.
Researchers have found a way to prevent malaria parasites from becoming sexually mature, a crucial step in transmission. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this stage of the life cycle, helping to control the spread of drug resistance.
A 5-year study found that one or two rounds of mass treatment with azithromycin can eliminate trachoma infection in communities with moderate levels of infection. The trial showed a significant reduction in trachoma prevalence from 9.5% to 0.1% after just two years.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has been awarded grant funding to develop new treatments for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The $59 million investment will support research initiatives, including a co-ordinated programme to optimize combination drug treatment for malaria in Africa and Asia.
A study in rural South Africa found that young people in school reported fewer sexual partners and engaged in protective behaviors, leading to lower HIV infection rates. The researchers suggest that increased access to education can play a critical role in HIV prevention.
New research suggests that stunting among children under three in poor countries can be reduced by up to a third, and deaths by up to a quarter, with existing maternal and child nutrition interventions. The Lancet series aims to highlight the impact of undernutrition on child health.
A study finds that HIV prevalence falls more consistently among highly educated groups than less educated ones in sub-Saharan Africa. The research suggests that while HIV education campaigns led to a decline in infections among the well-educated, they had little impact on the least educated populations.
The US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries on preventable deaths, with a 4% decline compared to an average of 16% for other nations. If the US had performed as well as top performers France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually.
A new report emphasizes the importance of good hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections, including colds, flu, and stomach bugs. By washing hands regularly and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, individuals can reduce the risk of transmission and protect themselves and others from harm.
A recent study found strong evidence that respiratory infections increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in winter months. The researchers discovered a doubling of risk in the week following respiratory infection, which reduced over time.
A new study highlights the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS in Serbia, where people face stigma, loneliness, and insecure access to treatment. The research finds that high levels of stress and anxiety result from these challenges, impacting quality of life.
A radical vision suggests London could reduce emissions by 72% if all cars are banned and active transport like walking and cycling is prioritized. The proposal offers a solution to achieve the UK's 2030 carbon reduction goal, with benefits for public health and safety.
A trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating women co-infected with HSV-2 and HIV with anti-herpes treatment significantly reduced HIV levels in genital secretions and plasma. The results suggest a new approach to reducing sexual transmission of HIV from already infected individuals.
Women who are underweight before pregnancy are 72% more likely to miscarry in the first three months. However, taking vitamin supplements, eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily, or consuming chocolate can significantly reduce their risk.
The study found that monogamy is the dominant pattern globally, but multiple partnerships are more common in industrialized countries. Rates of condom use vary widely by country and region, with increasing trends in some areas.
A review of global studies reveals that young people's sexual behavior is influenced by stereotypes about men and women's roles, leading to inadequate condom use. Social expectations, such as feeling pressure to have sex or worrying about one's reputation, can significantly hinder the effectiveness of safer sex campaigns.
A leading expert calls for Europe to take the lead in family planning, citing its potential benefits in achieving MDGs. Despite low funding and support, family planning programmes have shown success in raising contraceptive practice and reducing fertility in developing countries.
A new approach to treating malaria in pregnant women in West Africa has been found to be both safe and effective. The study, published in The Lancet, used the drug amodiaquine, either alone or in combination with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, to almost completely eliminate the malaria parasite without serious side effects.
A recent study published in Injury Prevention calls for increased vigilance on car manufacturers' commitment to road safety initiatives. The research analyzed word frequency analysis of road safety documents from the Global Road Safety Partnership and found that commercial interests often conflict with evidence-based recommendations.
The Lancet warns that Millennium Development Goal 5 will only be met with intensified commitment and effective strategies to reduce maternal deaths. The authors call for governments and donors to invest in training, deployment, and retention of skilled attendants, particularly midwives, to make a significant difference.
The number of vCJD cases continues to decline due to BSE-infected beef consumption, but researchers explore the potential for transmission via blood transfusions and surgical operations. Key factors determining epidemic scale include instrument reuse frequency and cleaning effectiveness.
Ignoring Indigenous communities' health experiences under current MDG policies puts them at risk of disappearing forever. The Lancet series highlights the importance of including Indigenous wisdom and rights in international health and medicine.
The Asia-Pacific region is facing challenges in pandemic preparedness, with some countries lacking comprehensive operational guidance manuals. However, countries like Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand have developed robust plans to respond to pandemic influenza, drawing from their experience with SARS.
A recent study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found considerable gaps in pandemic preparedness across Europe. The report analyzed national plans and concluded that increased cooperation is needed to ensure effective response to a pandemic.
Scientists warn of international spread of antimalarial drug resistance, tracing mutations to South East Asia and recommending screening of passengers from affected regions. Artemisinin-based combination therapy may help slow the spread, but a coordinated global response is needed.
The Global Fund's performance-based payment system is challenging for recipients and sub-recipients to meet, hindering disease control intervention scaling-up. Experts call for clearer guidelines, improved coordination among donors, and simpler funding systems to achieve the Fund's goals.