Articles tagged with Risk Assessment
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers are using advanced DNA sequencing technologies to monitor environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes and assess their impact on human health. The study highlights the importance of integrating gene detection, host identification, and quantitative analysis to evaluate environmental antibiotic resistance.
A new 3D model of the fault beneath the Marmara Sea reveals where a future major earthquake could take place, helping improve earthquake forecasts. The study uses magnetotelluric measurements to identify distinct high-resistivity and low-resistivity zones, shedding light on ongoing processes of fault mechanics.
The BfR children's book aims to educate children from grade 1 upwards about the dangers of contaminated food and how to avoid cross-contamination. The book features colorful illustrations and teaches kids how to defeat 'Campys' and other bacteria and viruses.
A new review highlights the challenges of composite pollution in facility agriculture, where heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes interact to affect soil organisms, crop growth, and consumer health. The authors call for more integrated assessment frameworks and sustainable control strategies.
Researchers have combined molecular imprinting technology with biochar to create materials that can selectively target specific molecules, achieving high adsorption capacity and selectivity. These smart sorbents show promise for efficient pollution control in complex mixtures and at low concentrations.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a significant majority of Americans will experience cost burdens due to healthcare expenses throughout their lives. The study suggests that policies aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs could potentially improve the well-being of individuals in the US.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is launching a new study module to investigate the influence of parental nutrition on children's eating habits. The study aims to provide insights into how plant-based diets of parents affect the eating habits and food consumption of children.
A new study found that calcium accumulation in breast arteries and its progression on mammograms can predict future cardiovascular disease. Women with more severe calcification and those whose calcification worsened over time had a higher risk of heart-related events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death.
A new AI-driven framework reimagines chemical risk assessment by merging high-throughput screening, AI-enabled toxicity mapping, and quantitative in vitro–to–in vivo risk modeling. This unified approach enables rapid identification of hazardous chemicals and prediction of risk thresholds.
A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
Heavy metals in soil can overestimate real risk to crops, ecosystems, and human health due to low bioavailability. A new review provides a practical framework using tools such as chemical extractants, biological assays, and models to estimate the accessible fraction of metals.
A new genetic study found that people without prior suicidal thoughts or behaviors have fewer psychiatric diagnoses and genetic risk factors for psychiatric conditions compared to those with known suicidality. This suggests that conventional wisdom on how to reduce suicide may need to be rethought.
Bahaa Eltahawy's dissertation highlights the importance of integrated cybersecurity strategies for protecting critical infrastructure. The study reveals that current standards have limitations and proposes a model that expands protection into seven domains.
The BfR is part of a nationwide interdisciplinary surveillance system, OHIS, to monitor antibiotic resistance. The goal is to identify trends and develop targeted measures.
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warns of flawed scientific studies and advises critical evaluation. Experts emphasize the need to consider study results in context, as laboratory tests on cells cannot be directly applied to humans.
The Hepatitis E virus has been found to be transmissible between rats and humans, with cases reported in Germany. The virus is primarily transmitted through contaminated food products from pigs and game animals, but its transmission via rat feces is still being investigated.
Researchers found high-engagement social media posts lack essential risk information and promotional elements, potentially eroding patient decision-making. The study highlights the need for fair balance in online advertising to maintain informed consent.
Risk-adjusted mortality declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming prior improvement trends. Patient acuity, measured by case mix index, remained elevated, suggesting a new postpandemic baseline.
Researchers developed two risk prediction models to estimate the risk of death and illicit drug overdose in patients discharged against medical advice. Multimorbidity, heart disease, cancer, homelessness, and opioid use disorder were strong predictors of death and overdose, respectively.
The increasing use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms poses a pressing need for public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy, highlighting the need for real-world research on psilocybin use.
Researchers found that providing feedback to everyone after the entire simulation ends leads to better learning outcomes. The study's findings suggest that companies can design more effective software tools using this approach, which has been implemented by KnowBe4.
A study found that the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a quick predictor of patient risk after heart failure administration. The researchers used anonymized patient information from Japan and found that CFS scores were strongly correlated with physical and cognitive impairment, as well as increased mortality risk.
A new study published by Yonsei University reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to workplace accidents, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities by 2.6 times when PM2.5 concentrations double. The study estimates economic losses of up to $10 billion annually.
According to the BfR Consumer Monitor, only 10% of respondents expressed concern about raw milk's health risk. Raw milk can transmit pathogens, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Healthy adults also face an increased risk of mild to severe food poisoning from unboiled raw milk.
A cross-sectional study found that FDA-cleared AI-enabled medical devices lack standardized efficacy, safety, and risk assessment, highlighting the need for dedicated regulatory pathways and post-market surveillance to address these challenges.
Ensemble projections suggest vaccinating high-risk groups reduces disease burden, while broader vaccine availability saves more lives. Averted COVID-19 burden due to vaccination is robust across immune escape scenarios.
Researchers conducted a survey of published studies on the transmission risk of 39 pathogens and diseases, finding that only 7.4% consider hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The study recommends integrating these components for reliable models and guiding public policies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that rented e-bikes have an eight times higher crash risk than rented e-scooters, calculated based on trip distance. The researchers used GPS data to compare micromobility in seven European cities and found a surprising result.
A comprehensive review of new pollutants in China highlights knowledge gaps and strategic recommendations for pollution control. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts to address complex environmental challenges.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.
A personalized approach to recommending CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may decrease adverse cardiovascular events. However, CPAP use can also increase cardiovascular risk for those with low-risk OSA markers.
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
Researchers developed a robust framework using deep learning and contextual data to accurately predict mountaineering accident risks in advance. The model achieved over 60% accuracy for two types of accidents, identifying critical predictors such as time of day, terrain, weather conditions, and climber demographics.
A new analysis suggests that preventive mastectomy is a cost-effective way to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer compared to breast screening and medication. Women aged 30 or above with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or more may benefit from this treatment option.
Researchers developed a new testing method to assess floor slipperiness caused by dry contaminants, revealing particles like salt and flour can be just as dangerous as oil or water. The study found that even sparse layers of salt can reduce friction by up to 28%, making tile far slicker than permitted safety thresholds.
The BfR emphasizes that vitamins and minerals are essential but unnecessary additional intake can lead to health issues. The institute also discusses various health risks associated with food supplements, including plant-based ingredients.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that an average of 21% of teen drivers engage in distracted driving, with many believing their peers drive distracted due to social norms. The study suggests encouraging strategies like 'Do Not Disturb' mode and ensuring teens get adequate sleep can mitigate this behavior.
A large-scale study found no association between medication use and the development of microscopic colitis, contradicting previous findings. SSRIs were linked to a slightly higher risk, but also increased the likelihood of receiving a colonoscopy.
Researchers found that individuals with European ancestry have a higher inflammatory response to the dengue virus, which can lead to severe disease. In contrast, those with African ancestry have a lower inflammatory response, making them less susceptible to severe dengue fever. The study's findings could lead to precision medicine appr...
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
A circulating tumor DNA-based blood test demonstrated acceptable accuracy for colorectal cancer detection in an average-risk population. However, it struggled to detect advanced precancerous lesions, highlighting the need for further improvements.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.
A 1,200-tonne boulder in Tonga is one of the largest known wave-transported rocks, providing new insights into past tsunamis. Numerical modelling suggests tsunami heights of 50m lasting 90 seconds dislodged the boulder from its cliff-edge origin.
A new study finds that nano-encapsulated pesticides have dramatically lower environmental risks than conventional formulations, reducing freshwater ecotoxicity impact scores by up to five orders of magnitude. This breakthrough highlights the importance of life-cycle assessments in developing safer agrochemicals.
A study proposes five action fronts for civil defense units to increase their organizational capacity, including professionalization and resource allocation. Municipalities face challenges such as monitoring urban expansion, lack of financial resources, and social participation.
A decrease in first-generation students was found among U.S. medical student matriculants, with high risks of attrition due to intersectional factors. This study emphasizes the need for targeted recruitment and retention efforts to better reflect physician workforce diversity.
A new study suggests that urban agriculture alone can only feed about one fifth of a city's population, but combining it with near-urban farming can ensure food security for the entire city. Peas are found to be the best crop for maximizing protein and calories while minimizing land requirements in normal climate scenarios.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed RiskPath, an Explainable AI toolkit that predicts disease progression years before symptoms manifest. The technology analyzes health data to identify high-risk individuals with unprecedented accuracy, offering new insights into risk factor interactions and disease development.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has launched a new risk calculator for patients undergoing ascending aorta and aortic root surgery, which provides real-world data collected through the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. The calculator supports more accurate assessments of expected outcomes, including mortality and major morbidity.
A new study found that some bird species with large geographic ranges and big brains are actually more susceptible to climate change than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from citizen scientists and found that birds adapted to narrow climate niches, such as the Arctic, are at higher risk from climate change.
Researchers found that adults under 50 with migraine headaches and certain heart defects are at increased risk of stroke. The study highlights the importance of assessing both traditional and nontraditional risk factors in younger people to prevent strokes.
A study mapped US counties with high rates of water system violations and inequalities in access to safe drinking water. Counties in West Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 for violations, while Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas topped the list for water injustice.
New research suggests that conservation efforts can better protect bird species at greatest risk from climate change by understanding the specific climatic conditions they need to thrive. The study found that species with narrower climatic niches are more susceptible to population declines.
A new study reveals that two dam failures and flawed risk assessment amplified the Derna Flood, which was nearly twentyfold more destructive than expected. The research highlights the urgent need for improved flood mitigation strategies, especially in dryland regions.
A new machine learning model improves risk assessment for patients with myelofibrosis seeking a transplant, identifying high-risk patients with a 40% chance of dying within a year. The open-access model provides a practical tool for clinicians to enhance shared decision-making with their patients.
A large cohort study found living alone to be a critical factor in suicide risk assessments for individuals with depression and anxiety. The study of 3.7 million individuals highlighted the importance of preventing mental illness while addressing living arrangements.
The study reveals that riders who deliberately crash or cause dangerous situations when riding are a significant concern. The researchers also found that one-handed steering and group riding increase the risk of crashing by six times and almost triples it respectively.
The BfR conference discusses the role of microorganisms in food production, focusing on both beneficial and pathogenic properties. The event explores topics such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and the importance of food microbiology in ensuring public health.
Researchers found that lifestyle and health factors linked with heart disease have a stronger impact on women than men. Women were more likely to have fewer negative risk factors but faced a greater increase in cardiovascular events if they had more negative risk factors compared to men.