Articles tagged with Environmental Illness
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
UMass Lowell researchers will focus on four projects to better protect employees in various professions, including healthcare workers and teachers. The five-year grant funding supports studies on work-life balance, engagement, burnout, and implementing programs to deal with job stressors.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have contributed to a study on a new antibiotic that may cure Lyme disease and eradicate its occurrence from the environment. The antibiotic, hygromycin A, targets the ribosomes of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and shows promise in treating the disease.
A study from the University of South Carolina's Environmental Health & Disease Laboratory found that andrographolide successfully restored bacteriomes and viromes, increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria. The treatment also decreased gut inflammation and neuroinflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
A new research project aims to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive social, environmental, and health promotion services in affordable housing settings. The study will track the impact of these programs on residents, building culture, and housing conditions over time.
The Pediatric Academic Societies meeting discussed prenatal environmental contaminants and childhood disease, highlighting epigenetic mechanisms associated with transgenerational disease. Three generational animal models demonstrated that fetal exposure to pesticides, dioxins, and other toxins leads to multigenerational diseases.
A recent study has identified two distinct immune profiles in severe asthma patients, which could lead to personalized treatment approaches. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University, used advanced tools to characterize immune cells within the airways of severe asthma patients.
Researchers found altered immune responses and sex-specific brain abnormalities in healthy pig offspring infected with Zika virus in-utero. The study suggests new strategies to prevent long-term effects of Zika infection.
Researchers exposed commonly used anaesthetic drugs to Antarctic weather conditions and found that they were within the allowed security margins, making them safe for use. The study provides reassurance for anaesthetists working in challenging environments.
Researchers successfully adapted an open-source genetic analysis method called Drop-seq to plant cells for the first time, allowing them to see what genes are being expressed in different cell types. The breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of plant biology and ultimately develop more efficient food and biofuel crop plants.
Research at the University of Liverpool found that people with obesity are stigmatized and explicitly considered to be less human than those without obesity. This blunt dehumanization was linked to support for health policies that discriminate against individuals due to their weight.
Researchers review novel research hypotheses and approaches to understand the role of environment in Parkinson's disease, particularly before diagnosis. The study suggests targeting specific environmental factors via the nose or gut may help prevent or modify the disease's progression.
Researchers have found evidence of multiple environmental triggers for Kawasaki Disease, with clusters associated with distinct atmospheric patterns and warmer conditions in Southern California. Gene expression analysis revealed distinct groups of patients based on their gene expression pattern, suggesting varying causes for the disease.
A simple sampling method using swabs from environmental surfaces has been shown to detect viral genetic material in foot and mouth disease outbreaks. This method can be easily performed by smallholder farmers without clinical expertise, providing an effective tool for early detection.
Research reveals tampons, particularly those made from cotton and rayon, can foster Staphylococcus aureus growth and production of toxic shock toxin. Menstrual cups may harbor bacteria more effectively, increasing risk.
Research suggests that perinatal BPA exposure can lead to reduced gut bacterial diversity and elevated gut permeability, resulting in chronic colon and liver inflammation. Early correction of gut dysbiosis induced by environmental toxins may reduce the risk for chronic diseases later in life.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have created a new classification system for common diseases based on genetic and environmental correlations. The study analyzed health insurance claims data from nearly half a million people and found surprising relationships among diseases such as migraine and irritable bowel syndrome.
A comprehensive look at chemical sensitivity reveals its role in diseases like obesity, diabetes, and depression. The issue explores the mechanisms behind these conditions and the impact of commercial interests on environmental medicine.
The University of Utah Health has been awarded a $4 million grant to conduct comprehensive research on congenital heart defects. The project, led by Martin Tristani-Firouzi, will focus on discovering causes and developing strategies for prevention and treatment.
Over 200 scientists and medical professionals issue a warning on the dangers of antimicrobial products, citing no health benefits and environmental harm. Experts urge caution in using these chemicals in everyday products, calling for alternatives to prevent unneeded exposures.
The World Obesity Federation experts argue that obesity is a chronic, relapsing, progressive disease process driven by environmental and genetic factors. This recognition can lead to improved treatment options and reduced stigma around the condition.
The Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES) at Wayne State University has received a $7.5 million NIH renewal for five years. The center aims to understand the integrated health impacts of environmental exposures in Detroit's urban landscape and develop strategies to mitigate environmental health concerns.
A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele, associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in industrialized societies, may actually improve cognitive function in individuals exposed to high levels of parasites in a traditional foraging environment. This su...
Researchers discovered a non-virulent variant of Vibrio cholerae O1 strain in Haitian aquatic environments dating back to the 1500s, sparking concerns about its potential virulence through gene transfer with toxigenic strains. The study sheds light on the history of the pathogen and highlights the need for increased surveillance.
A study of 500,000 people found that shared lifestyle and surroundings contribute significantly to a person's risk of disease. Factors such as shared living space and eating habits make a major contribution to diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.
The University of Chicago will support a nationwide precision medicine study enrolling 1 million participants, with the Illinois consortium aiming to recruit at least 35,000 additional participants annually. Participants will provide health and lifestyle information, genomic data, and access their clinical records for better disease pr...
Emergency services clinicians face a 60% heightened risk of injury and illness when working shifts of 16-24 hours. Prolonged work hours compromise physical strength, mental focus, and alertness, increasing the risk of accidents.
A genetic mutation combined with an urban environment increases the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in children. Children from urban middle-class families were eight times more likely to be hospitalized, a risk similar to extremely premature babies.
A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that exposure to volatile organic compounds from new flooring before and after birth can cause breathing problems in early childhood. Renovations during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of wheezing in infants, particularly those with asthma or allergies.
Researchers sequenced RNA of 400 pairs of twins to understand genetic and environmental context on gene expression. They found that both genetic and environmental factors contribute significantly to the way a person's genetic composition is expressed and their risk of developing certain diseases.
Researchers at Duke University have identified three tree species as environmental hosts for the fungus Cryptococcus gattii, which causes life-threatening lung and brain infections. The study found that these tree species can serve as sources of human infections, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Researchers found that improving lymphatic function can prevent the development of both chronic and acute inflammatory bowel disease in mice. Silvio Danese and colleagues discovered that administering VEGF-C prior to the onset of IBD relieved symptoms, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for humans.
Patients with advanced co-existinig illnesses struggle to cope with the bewildering array of services and treatments, often finding it 'impersonal' and 'challenging'. The analysis of patient and carer feedback emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to identify patients with multiple advanced illnesses.
A study found that residents of major US cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Environmental manipulations such as maintaining humidity and using air filters can help manage the condition.
The TEDDY study has identified a unique perspective on which molecular and environmental factors contribute to type 1 diabetes. By parsing genetic mutations, scientists can better predict disease progression and identify potential protective factors.
Researchers discovered that certain lactobacillus bacteria can dampen the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in the vagina. This finding has implications for understanding and treating vaginal infections, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic tools and probiotic management strategies.
A Chinese study of nearly 6,000 people found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of severe dementia syndromes. The research also found associations between ETS exposure and cognitive impairment in never-smokers, former and current smokers.
Mount Sinai researchers identify top 10 toxic chemicals suspected to contribute to autism and learning disabilities, including lead, methylmercury, and PCBs. The list aims to guide research into preventable environmental causes of these conditions.
A recent study by Yale University researchers has identified more than two dozen new genetic variants linked to disease risk in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest a common genetic basis for many devastating immune system disorders.
Researchers urge the EPA to partner with academic institutions to test and evaluate the risks of high-priority chemicals, prioritizing those that pose a risk to children's health. The authors also propose reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act to improve chemical policy and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Researchers created patient-derived iPSCs, which were then differentiated into neurons to study schizophrenia. The study found that these neurons connected less frequently with each other and had misregulated gene expression profiles, but Loxapine restored connectivity. The findings provide a new model for understanding the disease mec...
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers exposed to loud noise at work are twice as likely to have serious heart problems as those in quiet workplaces. Workers under 50, particularly men and smokers, were at greater risk.
CIMIT has awarded over $3 million in seed grants to support innovative medical research projects targeting brain injuries, pain management and improving care for wounded warriors. The selected projects aim to accelerate medical innovation and improve patient care through novel approaches and clinical systems.
A large-scale study found that restless legs syndrome clusters in families due to genetic influences and environmental effects. French-Canadian women are more affected by the condition, with siblings being three and a half times more likely to develop the disease.
A study found that restless legs syndrome aggregates in families, with 77% of affected individuals having a family history. Siblings and offspring are at higher risk of developing the condition, indicating potential genetic or environmental influences.
A large study of female nurses found that high-pressure jobs boost young women's risk of ischemic heart disease. Nurses who experienced work pressures were 25-60% more likely to develop heart disease, depending on the level of pressure.
A UCLA study sheds light on why gene variants can only partly explain common disorders, and how environmental factors contribute to disease risk. The research highlights the importance of considering interactions between genes and their environment in genetic research.
A study of nearly 1,500 newborns found seasonal occurrences of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, with peaks between April and July, suggesting environmental factors may contribute to the disease.
Researchers found that indoor plants can remove up to 80% of formaldehyde from the air within 4 hours. The study also showed that aerial parts of plants absorb more formaldehyde during the day, while roots and soil microorganisms contribute to nighttime absorption.
Genes and psychological adversity in childhood contribute to major depression, with current treatments limited by delayed onset and adverse outcomes. Research is needed to explore how genes interact with environmental variables to influence major depressive disorder risk.
Researchers at UQ found that speech and language disorders can be validly and reliably assessed over the internet using a telerehabilitation application. This technology holds promise for addressing inequities in access to rehabilitation services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The Global Situational Awareness Tool (GSAT) assesses environmental and health concerns for deployed US forces in Afghanistan and other areas. The system combines malaria prevalence predictions with meteorological and environmental factors to inform decision-making.
A study found that prenatal exposure to famine can cause epigenetic changes in humans that persist throughout life, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Children conceived during the Dutch Hunger Winter had less DNA methylation of the IGF2 gene than their unexposed siblings.
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...
Researchers have identified same-sex mating in nature through analysis of natural hybrids and laboratory observations, shedding light on the evolution of Cryptococcus neoformans population structure. The study provides new insights into the genetic and environmental factors driving the current population's sex-ratio imbalance.
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.
A study found that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson's disease, as does traumatic head injury, with higher levels of exposure associated with greater risk. The two factors are potentially modifiable, suggesting opportunities for prevention and reduction.