Articles tagged with Risk Communication
A new survey found that 82% of U.S. adults know the best defense against mosquito-borne diseases is preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes. However, knowledge about the proper use of insect repellent remains low, with many unsure about the correct application order with sunscreen.
A new study suggests that support for biodiversity conservation measures can be less divisive than climate change measures, particularly among people with egalitarian worldviews. Cultural worldviews and relational values of nature also play a significant role in shaping policy support, the researchers found.
A survey by the BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment found that mould toxins in food are not destroyed during cooking or baking. The survey also revealed gaps in knowledge about mould and its potential health risks, with many people unaware that mycotoxins can occur in food without visible signs of mould.
A new UN University publication reveals that many people in England fail to take action to protect themselves during heatwaves despite receiving warnings. The most common reason is a lack of perception of personal risk, highlighting the need for improved communication and long-term adaptation strategies.
The updated clinical guidelines broaden statin eligibility by looking beyond the next 10 years to a person's risk over several decades. The new recommendations apply to approximately 56.6% of adults ages 30-79, with an additional 21.5 million Americans now eligible.
This study found that households in metropolitan areas with higher population density and income levels show stronger voluntary water conservation during drought. The AI-based scenario analysis showed that increased drought-related news coverage leads to significant water savings in these regions, but has a limited impact on rural areas.
A study found that forecast error types influence public emotion during disasters, with anxiety and worry being the most common emotions. The researchers suggest that communicating forecast uncertainty effectively could improve public trust and reduce emotional distress during future extreme weather events.
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment investigates how PFAS enter food via feed, drinking water, and soil. High concentrations of PFAS in the body have been linked to increased blood lipid levels and liver enzyme elevations. The magazine also explores other topics such as omega-3 fatty acids, raw milk, and food colour safety.
The BfR2GO magazine now offers up-to-date information on consumer health protection and laboratory animal protection. Readers can subscribe to the digital or printed edition for free of charge.
A new children's book from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment aims to educate kids about food safety, highlighting common pathogens like Campylobacter. The book provides tips on how to avoid cross-contamination and stay safe in the kitchen.
The project aims to shape future international engineering guidance for coastal infrastructure as climate change increases storm surge risk. Researchers will gather environmental data on saltmarsh systems and work with international partners to develop practical hybrid green-grey infrastructure solutions.
A new study warns that the UK's failure to protect the most vulnerable people from extreme heat is becoming a public health threat. The research highlights gaps in building regulations, weak enforcement, and low public awareness as key factors contributing to the problem.
A new study found that websites providing PFAS information, including government and news sources, often fail to provide actionable advice on reducing exposure. The researchers recommend clear language about known threats and improved depiction of audience susceptibility levels to effectively communicate with the public.
A new study reveals that natural disasters lead to a 69% spike in public protests across Latin America. Smaller communities tend to face the longest economic recoveries, with damage persisting for up to four months.
A new study published in JCOM finds that images of GMOs tend to reinforce pre-existing attitudes, amplifying polarization rather than changing minds. The study used a representative sample of the US population and found that even positive images could make people who already supported GMOs more positive, while making skeptics and uncer...
A groundbreaking study found that frail men have a significantly higher risk of dying within one year after a heart attack, challenging the prevailing narrative that high clinical risk is predominantly a female issue. The research highlights the need for sex-informed care pathways to address this disparity.
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.
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.
A new online calculator uses percentiles to help younger adults forecast their risk of a heart event over the next 30 years. The tool calculates a person's 30-year risk of developing heart disease using common health measures, such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
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.
A randomized controlled trial found that personalized risk messages failed to increase colorectal cancer screening participation. Despite the lack of improvement, researchers emphasize the importance of continued research and potential improvements for uptake, effectiveness, and efficiency of CRC screening.
A recent study analyzed hourly data from nearly 750 low-cost and regulatory air pollution sensors throughout LA to understand the impact of wildfires on air quality. The findings suggest that combining different data sources, including ground-based sensors and satellite data, can provide more accurate and comprehensive information.
A new online tool calculates a person's 'heart age' based on cardiovascular disease risk factors, revealing significant gaps among certain groups. On average, women had a heart age of 55.4, while men had an average heart age of 56.7, with disparities found among those with lower incomes or education.
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.
The BfR Summer Academy, an international event, brings together 23 participants from 17 countries to discuss food safety and risk assessment. Participants learn about the legal and institutional background of food safety in Germany and Europe.
Experts outline five ways for doctors to facilitate stronger shared decision-making between patients and their healthcare providers. Using numbers effectively can correct overestimation of risk estimates, making patients more likely to take a physician's recommendations.
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.
A new article from the NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute assesses the city's response to the pandemic, highlighting key findings on mutual aid networks and their role in emergency response. The study identifies strategies to strengthen emergency preparedness moving forward.
A recent survey found that over a third of US adults with guns do not store all of them in locked locations. This increases the risk of accidental death, suicide, and child access. Additionally, younger adults and those with children are more likely to report storing their guns in a safe manner.
A new study developed a computer model to predict household displacement duration in US communities after disasters, accounting for socioeconomic factors. The model combines physical damage estimates with socioeconomic characteristics to help inform risk mitigation strategies.
Dr Tewes Tralau is a renowned biologist with extensive experience in scientific management and risk communication, succeeding Professor Dr Tanja Schwerdtle as Vice-President of the BfR. He aims to contribute significantly to ensuring the BfR remains an internationally recognized reference for consumer protection.
A study found that more newspaper accounts supported the holiday-suicide myth than debunked it, with only 42% of stories correcting the false idea. Despite this, experts emphasize that there is no correlation between holidays and suicide rates.
Less than half of Americans know that drinking alcohol raises cancer risk, despite the CDC's claim that reducing alcohol intake lowers cancer risk. The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 40% were unaware or misinformed about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
Researchers find that unabsorbed dietary polyphenols can reduce the risk of type II diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels and appetite through secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. Polyphenol-mediated binding and activation of T2R promotes the release of incretins, which regulate insulin secretion and food intake.
A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.
A UAB study found that lower transthyretin levels are associated with an increased risk of heart failure and all-cause mortality. The research highlights the importance of TTR levels in predicting heart disease risk, particularly for individuals carrying the V142I gene variant.
Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.
A team of UCSF specialists predicts 24-hour seizure risk using brain activity patterns that foreshadow seizures. The discovery may improve quality of life for 2.9 million Americans living with epilepsy.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that nearly three-quarters of patients who were eligible for genetic testing at diagnosis received it over the study period. Those who got testing and found they had a genetic variant were most likely to talk with their family about the results.
A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...
Research reveals that residents of America's wealthiest communities face higher economic losses from natural disasters and exposure to air pollution, despite having more assets. In contrast, low-income municipalities have higher suicide rates, homicide rates, and firearm fatalities, but lower access to health services.
Research suggests that metabolically healthy obese individuals have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those with metabolic unhealthy obesity. Fat distribution plays a crucial role in defining metabolic health, according to a recent review article.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that trust in autonomous vehicles' reliability and performance plays a crucial role in improving perceptions of the technology's risk. Knowledge alone is insufficient to sway people's attitudes toward complex technology like autonomous vehicles.
A study by University of Zurich researchers identified critical shortcomings in current climate risk assessment methods, which often rely on simplified and proxy data. The new methodology provides a more accurate picture of climate risks, highlighting the need for granular data in risk assessments.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...
A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.
A new study introduces a standardized handoff protocol called SHRIMPS, which improves surgical communication and reduces errors. After implementing the tool, 100% of cases included handoffs, with 98.2% of critical elements addressed.
Researchers found that early forecast information sets the stage for how people react to subsequent warning messages, and authoritative sources can better engage at-risk community members. The study identified the most effective types of images in conveying hurricane risks, with the 'cone of uncertainty' being the most retweeted graphic.
A hybrid disaster response approach that combines local data collection with remote expertise saved lives in the Haiti earthquake. Traditional Haitian construction techniques proved to be more effective than modern approaches, with certain homes built using these methods performing better in the earthquake.
A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...
A new risk equation could lead to a significant reduction in statin prescriptions, with 28.3 million adults potentially eligible instead of 45.4 million under current guidelines. The PREVENT equations incorporate recent insights into the biology of cardiovascular disease and remove race as a factor.
A study by UCLA researchers found that one in six primary care patients reported cannabis use, with most using it for symptom management despite identifying as recreational users. The study suggests the need for routine cannabis screening in healthcare settings.
This study investigates the association of mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) with cirrhosis risk and finds that individuals with copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity mCAs have a significantly increased risk of cirrhosis. The risk is higher in patients with expanded cell fractions of mCAs, especially for decompensated cirrhosis.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that longer freight trains are more likely to derail compared to shorter trains. The research, which analyzed US freight train accidents between 2013-2022, showed a 24% higher risk for 200-car trains.
A study found female health apps exposing users to unnecessary privacy and safety risks through poor data handling practices. Researchers discovered apps coercing users into entering sensitive information that could put them at risk.
A recent study by Kyoto University reveals that expatriates' boundary-spanning activities can lead to role stress, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of being an outsider among local employees. The study highlights the need for careful management to mitigate these negative impacts.
A new study published in Addictive Behaviors found that frequent social media use among US youth is associated with a higher risk of tobacco initiation. Youth who engaged with tobacco marketing on social media platforms were more likely to start using tobacco products, highlighting the need for regulation and education.
A study analyzed over 2,000 tweets before and after Hurricane María made landfall, revealing insights into social media use during disasters. The research identified key categories of messages, including information about the disaster, emotional appeals for help, and solidarity efforts among marginalized communities.
Researchers develop hypothetical extreme flooding scenarios by shifting precipitation events, showing regions previously spared could have been hit hard. The approach aims to motivate society to prepare for exceptional flooding events in a warming world.