Articles tagged with Environmental Illness
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 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.
Individuals with Parkinson's disease are less likely to smoke or consume high doses of caffeine than their family members. Smoking, caffeine consumption, and NSAID use were found to be inversely associated with Parkinson's disease, with no link between NSAID use observed.
Research highlights the role of pesticides, toxic agents, and inflammation in Parkinson's development, while also exploring potential neuroprotective agents like nicotine. The findings aim to better understand the disease process and develop preventive measures.
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.
A study by human factors/ergonomics researchers found that virtual reality-based simulators can effectively train military medical personnel in high-stress conditions. The simulation tested the efficiency and quality of emergency chest tube thoracostomy procedures, revealing a correlation between faster completion times and poorer work...
Researchers found that consuming foods with low glycemic levels and glycemic load can naturally stimulate metabolic response. A study on healthy volunteers also discovered that a low-glycemic-index-breakfast increased levels of the hormone peptide YY, promoting satiety and decreasing food intake.
Research on civil servants reveals that high job demands and low workplace support are key factors contributing to sick building syndrome symptoms. Physical building attributes have a small influence on symptoms, suggesting that poor psychosocial conditions play a significant role.
A large-scale study confirms that Alzheimer's disease has a significant genetic component, accounting for 79% of risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 11,800 twin pairs and found that identical twins showed only a 45% concordance rate for the disease.
A US study found that employees working overtime were 61% more likely to sustain a work-related injury or illness compared to those who did not. Long working hours, particularly over 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week, also increased the risk of injury or illness.
Plant pathologists warn that SBS is a complex problem requiring objective inspections for possible causes. Mold growth and dust are two of the main contributors to SBS, necessitating the expertise of more plant pathologists and mycologists.
Scientists have pinpointed the site of a defect in a brain circuit associated with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects thinking and cognitive abilities. The study used MRI scans to identify a small region in the brain's white matter that lacked grey matter in people with the disorder.
A recent study provides new hope for understanding autoimmune diseases like pemphigus foliaceus by identifying an inexpensive blood test that can detect antibodies and intervene to halt disease progression. Environmental factors, including mercury exposure, ultraviolet radiation, and female hormones, are also being investigated as pote...
A new DNA registry at UNC will study the interaction between genes, environment, and disease. The registry aims to identify groups of individuals with genetic polymorphisms that may be linked to environmental risk factors.
A recent Neurology journal study has identified levodopa addiction in non-parkinsonian patients, suggesting the potential for addiction to this common Parkinson's disease treatment. Additionally, researchers have discovered RNA gene slicing mutations in McArdle patients, revealing new insights into neuromuscular diseases.
A recent investigation found that a Texas salvage store was the source of a foodborne botulism outbreak. Food safety experts advise customers to inspect packaging for signs of decay and spoilage, as well as to maintain standards of health when shopping at any facility.
Emory University will lead a new center studying the relationship between environmental agents and Parkinson's disease, with research focusing on pesticides, organochlorine insecticides, and genetic causes of PD. The center aims to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
People with Down's syndrome experienced almost double the life expectancy from 1982 to 1997, averaging 49 years. The majority of deaths were attributed to characteristic Down's syndrome disorders, such as congenital heart defects and leukaemia.
A study of 15 professional welders found they developed typical clinical signs of Parkinson's disease 15 years earlier than the general population. Brain imaging scans revealed no significant difference in dopamine levels between the welders and control patients, suggesting a possible environmental link.
Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are at increased risk for asthma and wheezing, with effects strongest among youngest children. Exposure also associated with school absences and low lung function in older kids, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking exposure through home and public restrictions.
Scientists have fabricated erasable polymer multilayers that can be selectively destroyed by environmental stimuli, enabling controlled release of embedded compounds. These films have potential applications in medicine and materials science.
A recent study reveals a new parameter regulating cell attachment, which is influenced by the physical properties of the surrounding environment. The rigidity of the matrix affects cell adhesion dynamics, leading to the formation of different types of adhesions.
Research highlights potential causes of autoimmune diseases, including prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals and certain dietary factors. Studies also explore links between ultraviolet radiation, stress, and exposure to heavy metals.
A study by University of Toronto Professor Roy Shephard found that light physical training has the strongest protective effect on immunity in sedentary young adults. The research, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, suggests that low-volume exercises are optimal for improving immunity in this population.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stimulating environments can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Rats living in enriched surroundings showed 45% less brain cell death compared to those in basic conditions.
A study found that adults with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia were more likely to experience early parental loss than healthy individuals. Early loss before age 9 had a stronger impact on psychopathology in adulthood.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking brain cell transplantation technique aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and epilepsy. By selectively growing and implanting targeted brain cells, the team hopes to promote healing and repair damaged brain tissue.
The report highlights the need for clinical microbiologists to integrate new technologies with existing methods to provide high-quality service. It emphasizes the importance of rapid laboratory turnaround times, particularly in outpatient settings, where clinicians require timely results to inform treatment decisions.
Research suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption can lower stroke risk by up to 62% compared to non-drinkers. However, excessive drinking and cigarette smoke increase the risk of stroke. The study found a strong association between passive smoking and an increased prevalence of silent brain lesions, which can lead to stroke.