The NIH has partnered with The Lancet to address the public health impacts of climate change through four case studies on household energy, transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural food production. These studies demonstrate that cost savings from improving health can offset the cost of addressing climate change.
The NIEHS has awarded 13 grants to develop better methods to assess exposure and health effects associated with nanomaterials. This research is essential for harmonizing results, forming a scientifically sound basis for hazard assessment.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $14 million in Recovery Act grants to study the potential health risks of bisphenol A (BPA). Researchers will investigate BPA's effects on human health, including behavior, obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program awards $62 million to study the epigenome in various diseases and conditions. These studies aim to understand how diet, environmental exposures, and stress affect human health and disease.
A new optoelectronic nose can detect and identify 19 toxic industrial chemicals, including ammonia and sulfur dioxide, in a matter of seconds. The wearable sensor uses a disposable array with 36 dyes that change colors when exposed to different chemicals.
Researchers at NIEHS found an association between UV radiation and the frequency of dermatomyositis in women. Women with higher UV levels were more likely to develop this form of myositis, which weakens muscles and causes distinctive rashes.
A recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban areas had lower full-scale and verbal IQ scores compared to less exposed children. The effects were similar to those seen with low-level lead exposure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual private well testing for nitrate and microorganisms, particularly for infants under three months. Children are vulnerable to waterborne illnesses that can come from contaminated wells, and proper care is essential to prevent contamination.
A new study has found a positive association between obesity and allergies in children and adolescents, with obese kids being 26% more likely to have allergies. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that IgE levels were higher among obese children.
Countries including US, Canada, Japan, and European Union agree on globally coordinated scientific recommendations for alternative toxicity testing methods. This will reduce the number of animals needed for product safety testing, improving animal welfare.
A new study reinforces the importance of healthy living by finding that women with a healthy weight and lower perceived stress may have slower telomere shortening, potentially reducing breast cancer risk. The study suggests that duration of obesity and levels of perceived stress can impact telomere length, accelerating aging.
Researchers discovered a new cause of airway irritation and wheezing after exposure to ozone, a common urban air pollutant. They found that high amounts of hyaluronan, a sugar molecule, are responsible for narrowing the airways.
Researchers at NIH and Duke University Medical Center found no evidence of cytogenetic damage in children taking stimulant medications for ADHD. The study included 63 children aged 6-12 who received either methylphenidate or mixed amphetamine salts, and showed similar results with both treatments.
Researchers found that a healing process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) actually worsens symptoms. In healthy individuals, the body forms new blood vessels to promote wound healing, but in IPF patients, this process backfires, causing more shortness of breath.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is awarding three new grants to investigate the role of environmental factors in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research will focus on identifying mechanisms that link pesticide exposure, mitochondrial damage, and altered dopamine storage to the dev...
A new study found that pregnant women who binge drink early in pregnancy are more likely to have infants born with oral clefts. The researchers also found that the frequency and total amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy matters most, not just the frequency or duration of drinking.
Two alternative test methods, the bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay and the isolated chicken eye (ICE) assay, have been accepted for ocular safety testing. These non-animal tests can identify substances that may cause permanent or severe eye damage, reducing animal use in this area.
Researchers found that licensed pesticide applicators who used chlorinated pesticides for over 100 days were at greater risk of developing diabetes. The study associated specific pesticides with a 20-200% increase in risk, with trichlorfon showing the strongest relationship.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which seizures increase production of a drug transport protein in the blood-brain barrier, leading to reduced medication effectiveness in epilepsy patients. This discovery offers promising new therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes.
A new rodent study finds exposure to diacetyl, a chemical in artificial butter flavoring, can cause respiratory issues in mice. The research suggests workplace exposure to diacetyl may contribute to the development of obstructive bronchiolitis (OB) in humans.
A new national survey found that elevated indoor allergen levels are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals, particularly those with allergies. Regular household cleaning and reducing exposure to pets and pests can help alleviate symptoms.
The new plan aims to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research and regulatory testing through partnerships with industry and stakeholders. It emphasizes the development of predictive systems using new technologies to minimize animal use.
The NIEHS is awarding a total of $6.8 million to three new research centers called DISCOVER, which will bridge the gap between basic research and clinical treatment of diseases caused by environmental factors.
A new study reveals that individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) experience greater drops in lung function after acute ozone exposure. The research found that underweight individuals have lower ozone-related drops in lung function, while overweight and obese individuals exhibit the greatest declines.
Researchers have identified a unique pattern of gene expression in the blood that can indicate toxic levels of acetaminophen. This finding could lead to the development of a simple procedure for clinicians to estimate liver damage and prevent or treat resulting liver damage.
The NIEHS has awarded grants totaling $3.5 million to seven outstanding young environmental scientists. These researchers will investigate the mechanisms of environmental exposures and human biology, human pathophysiology, and human disease.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. The study, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, showed a 14% reduction in total blood arsenic levels in Bangladesh.
The National Academies of Sciences report introduces new tools to assess health risks from chemicals, enabling better predictive toxicology and risk assessment. These technologies provide critical information on environmental agent interactions with human genes, helping identify individuals at higher disease risk.
The study found that over 50% of asthma cases are linked to allergies, with cat allergy being the leading cause. Atopy, a condition resulting from gene-environment interactions, is measured by skin tests and was associated with nearly 57% of asthma cases.
The study of 15 mouse strains' genetic makeup reveals potential causes of environmental diseases. Researchers can now compare genetic variations to determine individual susceptibility to toxins in humans.
DNA polymerase epsilon plays a primary role in replicating leading strand of DNA in bakers yeast, influencing genome stability and responses to environmental stress. The discovery advances understanding of DNA replication in higher organisms like humans.
Researchers discovered that hexavalent chromium causes cancer in laboratory animals when consumed in drinking water, leading to malignant tumors. The study found significant increases in tumors at high doses, highlighting the chemical's potential health risks.
Researchers found an association between the use of products containing lavender oil and/or tea tree oil and prepubertal gynecomastia in young males. Laboratory studies confirmed that these oils can mimic estrogen effects and inhibit androgen effects, leading to breast tissue growth.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can substantially reduce the risk of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate in babies. Researchers discovered that taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per day during pregnancy can lower this risk by one-third.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of 15 commonly used mouse strains, discovering over 8.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. This data will help understand complex genetic traits and their relation to human diseases, such as Parkinson's, cancer, and asthma.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is allocating $74 million to study the environmental causes of disease. The Exposure Biology Program will focus on developing innovative technologies to assess exposures to chemical and biological agents, dietary intake, physical activity, and psychosocial stress.
Research conducted at NIH/NIEHS found that men with increased body mass index (BMI) were more likely to be infertile than normal-weight men. A 20-pound weight gain was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in infertility among obese men.
Researchers found a chemical compound in many air fresheners and deodorizing products may cause modest reductions in lung function. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed blood concentrations of common volatile organic compounds and pulmonary function measures in a representative sample of adults.
Researchers found that Caucasians with the K55R polymorphism had an accelerated breakdown of beneficial fatty acids called EETs, which play a protective role in the cardiovascular system. This increase in EET degradation is associated with higher coronary heart disease risk.
A study found that small increases in fine particle air pollution resulted in increased hospital admissions for heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections. Fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, posing a significant health risk to elderly citizens.
Researchers discovered a compound called CDDO-Im that protects against liver cancer at extremely low doses. The compound activates a protein called Nrf2, which stimulates the cell's defense mechanisms and detoxifies harmful agents.
A study found that genistein, a major soy component, disrupts ovarian development in newborn female mice. High doses of genistein were associated with infertility and subfertility, while lower doses caused abnormal ovary function.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particle air pollution and a high-fat diet together contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. The study suggests that even low concentrations of air pollution may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly among those with risk factors.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that artificial light at night can stimulate the growth of human breast cancer cells in laboratory mice. The researchers discovered that melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain, plays a key role in regulating tumor growth and development.
Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences discovered that the TLR4 gene plays a critical role in protecting against tumor development and chronic inflammation. This finding suggests targeting the innate immune system may be a useful tool in fighting various human diseases, including cancer.
A study found that diets rich in meat, refined starches, and sodium are associated with an increased risk of persistent coughs with phlegm. The 'meat-dim sum pattern' was positively linked to new onset symptoms, while the 'vegetable-fruit-soy pattern' showed a protective effect.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $37 million to train emergency and hazardous waste workers. The grants will fund five training programs: Hazmat Disaster Preparedness, Hazardous Waste Worker Training, Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Cleanup, Minority Worker Training, and Brownfield Minori...
The NIEHS Hurricane Katrina Information Website offers a wealth of information on environmental pollutants and their potential impact on human health. The website draws from various sources, including research programs and Superfund Basic Research Program data.
Researchers found a strong association between endotoxin levels and asthma prevalence, with bedroom floor and bedding dust having the highest concentrations. Exposure to endotoxins worsens asthma symptoms in adults, regardless of allergy status.
A new study found that childhood exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of chronic dry cough and other respiratory problems in adulthood. Researchers discovered that consuming a small amount of fruit fiber, equivalent to eating two apples daily, can help mitigate these effects.