Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
The report highlights 10 technologies with the greatest potential to reduce pressure on the planet and make power supply more reliable. These include calcined-clay limestone cement, virtual power plants, and thermal energy storage, which can store energy in sand and brick.
The study provides an atlas of associations between early-life environmental exposures and health, highlighting factors like tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution, and dietary quality. Many associations were observed in early childhood and remained visible years later, suggesting that early environmental conditions may leave durable heal...
A new study published in Nature confirms that higher microplastic exposure in more human-disturbed areas results in higher microplastic burdens in terrestrial animals. The study found that concentrations in the blood were significantly higher among free-ranging animals whose home ranges included more intensive human disturbance.
A Northwestern University study analyzing 5 million public comments on pollution policy found that economic concerns carried more weight than climate and public health benefits. The research highlights the complex process of shaping government policy and the potential for competing interests to slow progress toward cleaner transportation.
A recent study from Ohio State University found distinct bacterial profiles across eight Ohio cities, highlighting associations with chronic conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and asthma. Wastewater monitoring may help policymakers identify communities facing greater health challenges and direct resources accordingly.
Ammonia exposure linked to respiratory disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and liver toxicity through contaminated water and eutrophication. New therapeutic approaches, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, offer potential solutions to rebalance the liver-gut axis and manage ammonia toxicity.
A new study found that using portable air filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can reduce daily blood sugar swings and morning sugar surges in people with prediabetes. By cutting levels of tiny air particles by 36%, cleaner air was linked to a nearly 8% drop in blood sugar swings and smaller morning surges.
A new study found that chemical concentrations in NYC nail salons can spike repeatedly throughout the workday, revealing potential health risks that traditional exposure assessments may overlook. The study highlights the need to incorporate peak-based metrics alongside full-shift averages when evaluating nail salon exposures.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a durable, plant-based coating that can eliminate plastic particles and simplify paper recycling. The cellulose-based coating remained intact during testing, even when exposed to boiling water and solvents.
Researchers at Umeå University create a climate-controlled lab to study the impact of heatwaves on older adults' mental well-being, using virtual environments and technology to monitor physiological responses. The project aims to provide practical guidance on measures to reduce indoor heat, supporting older people to stay well at home.
A Jeonbuk National University study found that PM2.5 exposure accelerates bone marrow stem cell aging and impairs regenerative function in diabetic mice, worsening liver injury and fat accumulation. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in these effects.
The 2025 Los Angeles Eaton firestorm produced a toxic plume with 80 times normal lead concentrations, exceeding 7 million residents' 24-hour exposure limits. The plume also contained high levels of arsenic, halogens, and heavy metals, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies as urban wildfires become increasingly common.
A new national study reveals alarming trends in US schools and childcare centers struggling to keep indoor breathing conditions clean due to wildfire smoke. Fine particulate matter, a known health hazard, is linked to cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness, emphasizing the need for improved indoor air quality.
Avian influenza poses a significant threat to vulture populations globally, as the virus has spread widely in critical vulture habitats, causing thousands of deaths. To mitigate this threat, researchers propose a holistic approach, including monitoring, vaccination campaigns, feeding stations, and strict biosecurity protocols.
A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that colorectal cancer rates are rising across younger and older age groups, with younger adults now at the highest risk. The study found that the age-adjusted incidence rate fell in the early 2000s but rose to 38.3 in 2023, with the sharpest increase among 45-49-year-olds. The researchers w...
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that night shifts during pregnancy are linked to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in young children. Prenatal sleep length may modify this association, with longer sleep duration associated with an 80% heightened risk of abnormalities.
A McGill University study found that Montrealers reduced their outdoor activities by only 5.8% when wildfire smoke warnings were issued, switching to more enclosed modes like bikeshare and public transit. The researchers suggest pairing advisories with practical incentives to encourage compliance.
A new study warns of the increasing impact of climate change, urban living, and digital misinformation on sleep health across Europe. The researchers call for coordinated action to protect sleep health, improve sleep health literacy, and tackle structural inequalities.
A European study found associations between air pollution, temperature variability, and blood glucose levels in people without diabetes. Greater exposure to air pollution, particularly PM10 particles, and increases in temperature and temperature variability were linked to higher blood glucose levels.
Researchers identify five types of war brownfields with distinct recovery paths, including remnant military fortifications and radioactively contaminated sites. These landscapes require tailored approaches, taking into account security risk, environmental consequences, and heritage value.
A 16-year study found that older adults with greenery within 100 meters of their homes have a 20% lower risk of developing dementia. The study highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing greenspace in urban environments to support brain health and healthy ageing.
A nationwide study found diamide insecticides in 47 Chinese cities, with concentrations ranging from undetectable to 119 ng/L, and a national median of 40 ng/L. The study highlights regional pollution patterns and unexpected exposure risks to human populations, particularly children.
Climate scientists expanded scenarios to include public health complexities, providing comprehensive visions of possible population health and health system development. The expanded narratives explore how communities can prepare for shifting health risks in an uncertain future.
A new study has linked exposure to the safer plastic additive DINCH during pregnancy to lighter and smaller newborns. Higher levels of DINCH in the urine of pregnant women resulted in a 27-gram reduction in newborn birth weight, highlighting potential risks of chemical additives on fetal development.
A new study found that school meal participation and strong English skills are linked to lower levels of certain PFAS in Hispanic children. Eating more animal-based foods and living in the US longer are associated with higher PFAS levels, highlighting the need for community-informed interventions to mitigate exposure.
A global study found that nature-based social prescribing can significantly reduce loneliness, with spending time in nature with others working even better. The study, which included 320 lonely adults in Barcelona, showed a 17% reduction in loneliness scores at one year.
Research found a positive association between house dust-related cleaning behaviors during pregnancy and lower odds of screening positive for developmental concerns in children up to 3 years old. Higher frequencies of cleaning behaviors were associated with progressively lower odds of screening positive, suggesting a potential role for...
A twin study found strong links between screen time and mental health problems in adolescence, particularly for interactive activities like gaming and chatting. However, when shared family factors were accounted for, these associations weakened, suggesting that genes and upbringing play a significant role.
Chronic respiratory disease burden in the WHO Western Pacific Region has increased, with 22 million incident cases and 155 million prevalent cases reported in 2023. The disease composition was dominated by COPD, with tobacco smoking and air pollution being key modifiable risk factors.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that women who frequently bend forward at work face a 36% increased risk of miscarriage. Employers are advised to consider adjusting tasks and providing a chair to reduce the risk.
The study found that enclosed regions, such as the Adriatic Sea and Baltic Sea, are at the highest risk of exposure to harmful light pollution. In contrast, open areas like the Macaronesia region and the Barents Sea are considered to be of low risk.
A new study by the European Respiratory Society found that regular walking reduces COPD symptom flare-ups regardless of air pollution levels. Walking 1000 steps per day reduced the likelihood of flare-ups by around 5%, and faster walking speeds increased the benefits.
A new five-year study, supported by a $3.3 million NIH grant, will investigate the link between PFAS exposure and IBD, with researchers exploring biological changes that occur years before diagnosis. The study aims to uncover mechanisms that could help identify individuals at risk and inform prevention strategies.
Exercise performed in hot environments improves aerobic performance, reduces resting and exercise core temperature, and increases sweat rate. Additionally, exercise-induced metabolic heat production promotes a degree of heat resilience even without environmental heat exposure.
Researchers found that lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and living environment contribute to faster biological ageing in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescent lifestyle and environmental exposures explained approximately 28% of the variation in biological age at the age of 22.
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that older adults may not fully recover from heatwave effects overnight, even with cooling, and may require longer recovery periods. The study involved 18 adults between 67-84 years old, who were monitored in a climate-controlled chamber during a simulated multi-day heatwave.
The Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center will continue to support research on air pollution, PFAS, and environmental health effects. The new grant will enable the center to expand its research programs and support junior investigators.
A new study evaluated the ethical properties of large language models (LLMs) in generating advice for urban design and health, finding that they avoid harm but lack consistency on community participation and human oversight. The study suggests that LLMs could serve as an initial input for urban designers, but should not replace profess...
Patients undergoing major surgery are at a higher risk of suboptimal recovery in urban heat islands, with Black patients and those in socially vulnerable communities hit hardest. Researchers recommend incorporating questions about home cooling and hydration into discharge planning to mitigate this risk.
A study of 2.7 million marathon performances found that higher air pollution levels were associated with slower finishing times, particularly in recreational runners. Nitrogen dioxide levels were strongly linked to finishing times, with effects six times larger for recreational runners than elite athletes.
Participants with mild disabilities experienced a $1,177 annual reduction in care costs, compared to non-participants. Community gathering places promote social participation, exercise, and mutual support, contributing to healthy aging and mitigating long-term care costs.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute identified hundreds of chemicals in pesticide products that may increase breast cancer risk, including inert ingredients that evade safety testing. The study highlights a regulatory blind spot and calls for stronger oversight of pesticide formulations.
Scientists have created functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles that can bind to various PFAS molecules and microplastics, enabling their removal from water using a magnet. The technology has been successfully tested on contaminated drinking water sources, reducing PFAS concentrations by 87%.
Working with engineered stone can lead to silicosis, a lung disease, as seen in a 47-year-old man who developed lung nodules after 10 years of exposure. The case highlights the need for regulatory reform, mandatory surveillance, and proactive worker education in industries using engineered stone.
Researchers found that higher nighttime light exposure was associated with shorter, less efficient sleep and more nighttime wakefulness in people with schizophrenia. The study suggests that reducing unnecessary light in bedrooms could provide a low-cost approach to support sleep management.
Researchers found a strong link between daytime air pollution and nighttime coughing levels, even when pollution levels were below the WHO's recommended daily exposure limit. The dataset, which analyzed cough sounds from 32 cities in 12 countries, suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor to respiratory issues.
A study by Brown University researchers found that younger military veterans have higher per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in their blood serum than non-veterans of similar ages. The study's findings can help guide healthcare decisions for veterans and recommend early testing for elevated PFAS levels.
Researchers analyzed 40,000 industrial plants and 5,000 U.S. House elections to find that firms in Democratic districts have lower emissions due to increased inspections and enforcement actions. This reallocation had potential financial impacts for firms and public health concerns for local communities.
A new PNAS special feature examines how segregation shapes environmental risks and benefits in cities, including access to water, safety from floods, and exposure to extreme heat. The authors argue that understanding segregation as a social-ecological system can help break cycles and build more equitable cities.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that people with excessive visceral fat around their organs are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultrafine particulate air pollution. Using HEPA filters can help mitigate this risk, especially for those with high waist circumference.
A study published in Nature Communications found that living in hotter, more polluted neighborhoods with limited green space increases the risk of frailty, PTSD, and depression among World Trade Center responders. In contrast, greener environments were associated with lower risks of these conditions.
Andi Jilling is leading two USDA-funded projects to identify threats to healthy soil and protect it for farms and consumers. Her research focuses on understanding how to manage soils to support climate-resilient ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change on soil carbon and nutrient availability.
Researchers at Wayne State University will investigate how air pollution levels in Detroit accelerate biological aging and impact metabolic and cognitive health. Preliminary studies show that BTEX exposure impairs cognitive function and metabolic health in preclinical models.
Eric Vejerano's NSF-funded project will explain how sunscreens form persistent free radicals, how long they last, and how seawater affects their behavior. The goal is to develop safer sunscreen formulations that protect people and marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals a seasonal pattern in community-acquired acute kidney injury in Japan, with incidence peaking in summer and a larger seasonal increase among those aged 19 years and younger. The study highlights the importance of summer prevention strategies.
Researchers found that 78% of children's toys in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region contain at least one toxic element, with nickel being the most common cause of allergic reactions. The study, led by the University of Texas at El Paso, highlights the need for harmonized safety standards and better labeling to protect children from poten...
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
A global initiative, Global Wastewater Day, was launched to harness wastewater as an early warning system for public health protection. The initiative brings together scientists, governments, and public health organisations to establish a coordinated global wastewater intelligence network.
Two new studies from Karolinska Institutet suggest that inflammation and genetic factors may contribute to cluster headache, a rare neurological disorder characterized by severe headache attacks. The studies also found that exposure to substances in tobacco smoke may interact with biological mechanisms in the condition.
Researchers discovered Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans bacteria in geese feces in China carrying carbapenem and tigecycline resistance genes. The bacteria showed high resistance to meropenem and reduced susceptibility to tigecycline. Genome sequencing revealed two distinct resistance-associated regions, one carrying bla PST-2 and the oth...