Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Three-quarters of migrants traveling to US through Mexico experience food insecurity

A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateAug 5, 2020

Severely damaged human lungs can now be successfully recovered

A multidisciplinary team from Columbia Engineering and Vanderbilt University has successfully recovered severely injured donor lungs using a cross-circulation platform. This method provides intrinsic biological repair mechanisms over long periods, enabling the recovery of lungs that cannot be saved by standard clinical EVLP.

New study: Publicizing OSHA violations increases compliance

A Duke researcher found that publicizing OSHA violations through press releases leads to a significant improvement in compliance among nearby facilities, with effects persisting up to 31 miles away. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective tool for regulatory agencies to promote safety and health in the workplace.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 18, 2020

Grocery depot brings increased traffic to South Bronx

A new study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opening of a FreshDirect warehouse in Mott Haven, Bronx, increased truck and vehicle flow, leading to small increases in air and noise pollution. The researchers estimated increases of 0.06 dBA (noise) and 0.003 µg/m3 (black carbon air pollution).

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 11, 2020

Primary care patients assess econsult model for provider-to-specialist consultations

Patients across five academic medical centers reacted favorably to an electronic consultation (eConsult) service for primary care provider-to-specialist consultations. Key benefits included quicker access to specialty care and convenience, with approval rates high among patients with a trusted primary care provider.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Long-term blood pressure variation and risk of dementia

A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

US-born residents more than 5 times likely to use prescription opioids than new immigrants

A new study from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth University found that US-born residents are significantly more likely to use prescription opioids than new immigrants. The study analyzed data from the national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found that US-born residents were more than five times as likely to use opioids a...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 29, 2019

Images offer most detailed glimpse yet into how skin senses temperature

Columbia University researchers have captured the most detailed images yet of a temperature-sensing molecule in its open, intermediate, and closed states. The findings will help us understand the mechanics of hot and cold sensation, which could accelerate the development of drugs for inflammatory skin disease, itch, and pain.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 21, 2019

Fetching water increases risk of childhood death

A new study reveals that adults fetching water is associated with an increased risk of child death and children collecting water with increased odds of childhood diarrheal disease. Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces maternal and child health risks, including lower child mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 3, 2019

Robotic cane shown to improve stability in walking

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering developed a robotic cane that provides light-touch assistance in walking, improving stability and balance. The device, called CANINE, acts as a mobile assistant to track a person's gait and provide support, resulting in narrower strides and increased gait stability.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

Good medicine depends on diversity

A new national study led by Columbia University aims to understand barriers to minority group participation in genetic studies and support policies to create a more diverse genetic database. The four-year study will analyze diversity and inclusion practices at academic medical centers across the US.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 2019