Articles tagged with Epidemics
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.
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A study of 7,699 fast food diners in NYC and NJ found that calorie labels don't reduce overall calories consumed. While some consumers notice and respond to calorie counts, awareness decreases over time, suggesting a need for multi-faceted approaches to address obesity.
TB researchers propose a biosocial approach combining biomedical interventions with social actions to address root causes of the disease, which include poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding. The strategy aims to reduce morbidity and mortality while alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development.
The prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription opioids decreased among adults in the US from 2003 to 2013, while the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorders and related deaths increased. The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address nonmedical use of prescription opioids and heroin abuse.
A study by University of Florida scientist Derek Cummings found that high temperatures during strong El Niño seasons increase dengue incidence in Southeast Asia. Urban areas act as 'pacemakers' for traveling waves of epidemics moving to nearby rural areas.
A recent study found that dengue epidemics are more likely to occur during abnormally high temperatures brought by El Niño weather patterns. The research team analyzed 18 years of data and discovered synchronicity in dengue transmission across the entire region, highlighting the need for improved disease surveillance and control efforts.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that employees using sit-stand desks stood for 60 minutes more per day and burned up to 87 more calories than those with sitting desks, supporting the redesigning of office environments as a potential approach to fighting obesity.
Researchers developed a method to estimate real-time death risk during outbreaks, revealing that older patients and those with pre-existing illnesses had significantly higher mortality rates. The study applied this method to the 2015 Korean MERS epidemic, showing an estimated 20% overall mortality rate.
A study by Umeå University researchers found that population growth is responsible for 86% of the increase in dengue incidence in Singapore, with climate change and urban heat islands contributing to the remaining 14%. The findings have significant implications for predicting future trends in dengue epidemics.
A new study uses mobile phone records to predict the geographical spread and timing of dengue epidemics, providing critical early warning to policymakers. The model accurately forecasts outbreaks in locations of recent epidemics and emerging trouble spots, enabling national control programs to plan in near real time.
Experts claim number of people with dementia in some Western European countries is stabilizing. The findings suggest a decrease in prevalence and incidence of dementia across specific age groups.
Researchers found genetic changes in group A streptococcus that increase toxin production, contributing to large epidemics. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of epidemic bacterial infections and potential strategies for developing novel therapeutics.
A Kansas State University study uses aggregated data to estimate detailed cattle movement and predict disease risk in the US. The research reveals a significant risk of disease infiltration, highlighting the need for more accurate epidemic models and animal movement parameters.
A sociologist has revealed significant traces of HIV in Montreal's urban landscape, including public spaces like Park of Hope and the Chapel of Hope. These urban vestiges reflect the history and presence of the gay community and the fight against AIDS.
Researchers discovered that dengue virus adapts by interacting with host RNA and proteins, allowing it to bypass the immune response. This finding explains the 1994 Puerto Rico epidemic and may help predict future outbreaks.
Singapore researchers have identified specific molecular interactions in the dengue virus genome that allow it to manipulate human immune defenses and spread more efficiently. These genetic changes increase the virus's capacity for epidemic outbreaks, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and response strategies.
Scientists at the Institut Pasteur sequenced three distinct Ebola virus variants co-circulating in Guinea, with each variant defined by unique mutations affecting viral proteins. The study highlights the genetic diversity of the viruses circulating in Guinea during the epidemic's spread and will aid in optimizing treatments and vaccines.
A new mathematical model investigates the impact of individual movement on infectious disease spread, finding that spatial dispersal can create up to nine stable equilibria. The study highlights the importance of considering both backward bifurcation and spatial mobility in epidemiology.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that a low-cost, non-profit weight loss program offers clinically significant and long-term weight loss results. The TOPS program, which costs just $92 a year, was shown to be effective in maintaining weight loss for over seven years.
Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.
New estimates suggest that the West African Ebola outbreak could have resulted in comparable number of malaria deaths as those due to Ebola itself. Implementing mass drug administration and ITN campaigns may largely mitigate the impact of Ebola on malaria.
The Ebola epidemic has revealed critical weaknesses in the global public health system, including delayed responses and inadequate resources. Experts recommend adjusting WHO criteria for public health emergencies and increasing local authority involvement to develop culturally appropriate measures.
Researchers say treating human health as part of an ecosystem can resolve problems like antibiotic crisis and obesity epidemic. Professor Mark Wahlqvist advocates for integrative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of nature and varied diets.
Researchers from Arizona State University and Georgia State University model the impact of timely diagnostic testing on Ebola's spread across populations. Early detection provides the opportunity to safely isolate and treat individuals before they become contagious, significantly reducing the number of infected individuals.
New research reveals that established HIV epidemics conserve 'founder effects', slowing the spread of secondary strains. This means the dominant strains may not be the most transmissible, but rather lucky to have been picked up early in the pandemic.
A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.
A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University predicts that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June 2015 if hospitalization rates and safe burial practices are maintained. The model, which includes factors such as location of infection and treatment, hospital c...
Healthcare workers face difficulties in differentiating between obstetric emergencies and suspected Ebola cases, while limited evidence exists on asymptomatic pregnant women. The article highlights the need for continual assessment of minimising risk to healthcare workers while providing lifesaving care.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University projects that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June if an 85% hospitalization rate is achieved. The model takes into account various factors such as infection location, treatment, hospital capacity, and safe buria...
A new study projects that the US drug overdose epidemic will peak at 50,000 annual deaths in 2017 before declining to 6,000 deaths in 2035. The researchers use Farr's Law to analyze the rise and fall of epidemics and predict a similar decline based on trends in prescription painkiller deaths.
Ebola survivors can donate blood, care for sick patients, and generate community-based responses. Employing trained survivors as caregivers could also provide a source of income.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...
A recent review reports on the devastating effects of the Syrian conflict on the healthcare system, including outbreaks of poliomyelitis, measles, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically, hampering efforts to combat these epidemics.
A new model developed at NYU School of Engineering aims to accurately predict the spread of epidemics by accounting for individual human behavior and contagion. The researchers hope this model will help determine who should be vaccinated or isolated first and what travel restrictions are most effective in preventing different epidemics.
A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.
Researchers recommend shifting from expanding to declining Ebola epidemic through hygienic funeral practices, case isolation, contact tracing, and better health worker protection. Achieving these goals at a success rate of about 60 percent could ultimately curtail the epidemic in Liberia.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases predicts that the Ebola epidemic in West Africa will worsen unless international aid is significantly increased. The model developed by Yale researchers estimates tens of thousands of new cases and deaths by December 15 if current efforts are not intensified.
A new study predicts that current international efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia, will not be sufficient to contain the epidemic. The research estimates that up to 170996 total cases and 90122 deaths are projected by December 15, 2014, without expanded control measures.
A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.
A new study by Brown University researchers estimates that increasing condom use among HIV-positive male sex workers could reduce the annual infection rate among their partners from 8% to 5.2%, while increasing antiretroviral therapy could slash the rate to 4.4%. The study also found that making interventions work, such as counteractin...
Researchers analyzed Ebola data to estimate case fatality rates and impact of control measures on epidemic size. They found that swift interventions can halt transmission and prevent outbreaks, with Nigeria's response being a successful example.
Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.
Penn Medicine bioethicists emphasize the duty to provide humanitarian assistance, global justice, and ethical requirements to combat the Ebola outbreak. The experts also discuss the importance of randomized clinical trials in advancing research and ensuring fair benefits for communities affected by the disease.
A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.
A new Comment in The Lancet calls for a Global Health Systems Fund to prevent future infectious disease crises and strengthen health infrastructure. The proposed fund would address human resource shortages and fragile health systems that contributed to the devastating Ebola outbreak.
Researchers have used next-generation sequencing to rapidly identify pathogens in the United States. A recent discovery of porcine enterovirus G highlights the importance of this technique in detecting viruses that can cause disease. The virus is thought to be benign but raises concerns about other viruses getting through borders.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that sleep deprivation can lead to errors in memory, particularly in simulated crimes, with those getting less than five hours of sleep more likely to misremember event details.
Substantial levels of HIV transmission are emerging among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa, with an estimated 626,000 individuals infected. High rates of HIV infection and hepatitis C virus among this population highlight the need for expanded harm-reduction programs and surveillance systems.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have identified a new mutation in the chikungunya virus that could lead to more efficient transmission and infection. The mutation, which emerged in the Indian Ocean Basin, has the potential to spread to temperate regions where the Asian tiger mosquito thrives.
A study published in mBio suggests that the virulent US fish epidemic emerged from an Asian source, with the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila causing serious infections in catfish. Researchers identified a common ancestor responsible for the virulent strains of A. hydrophila affecting both China and the United States.
A new review by the American Cancer Society concludes that inexpensive food is a key factor in rising obesity rates in the US. The study finds that Americans are spending less on food than ever before, yet consuming more calories, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic.
Scientists have developed an early warning system to predict dengue infections for Brazil's 553 microregions during the football World Cup. The system estimates little risk of dengue outbreaks in southern and central capitals, but predicts a moderate risk in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
Nearly 4 million Americans may be infected with hepatitis C virus, with one in six inmates having the disease. Implementing hepatitis C treatment programs in US prisons and jails could save lives and reduce costs.
A new study by University of South Carolina anthropologist Sharon DeWitte provides insights into how the plague shaped population demographics and health for generations. The findings suggest that survivors of the Black Death experienced improvements in health and longevity, with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years.
A study by Sharon DeWitte suggests that survival may have improved following the Black Death, with post-epidemic populations having a higher proportion of older adults and lower mortality risks. This could indicate enhanced survival and decreased mortality after the epidemic.
Children conceived during a severe epidemic show increased resistance to later diseases, a phenomenon known as functional trans-generational effect. This discovery suggests that parents can prepare their children for future diseases, and the underlying mechanism may be linked to an optimized immune response in high-pathogen environments.
Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.
Research finds that HIV transmissions within communities are often facilitated by sexual contact with partners from outside the community. The study, conducted in Uganda, analyzed data from 46 communities and found that most new infections occur through sex with an outsider.
A recent study by New York University researchers found that programs for people who use drugs, such as syringe exchange and treatment, are associated with lower rates of AIDS incidence and death among heterosexuals. The study highlights the importance of addressing HIV epidemics in one population to reduce risks in other populations.
A study by World Health Organization found that keeping vaccines at ambient temperatures during campaigns could cut storage and transportation costs in half. The approach significantly reduces the workloads of health workers and extends vaccines to remote areas without access to electricity.