Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.
A new trial revealed that a lifestyle-intervention program failed to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in US South Asians, but showed promising improvements in health behaviors. The study underscores the need for culturally tailored interventions to address the unique health needs of this growing ethnic group.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
Columbia University has been awarded $7.7M to establish a new exposomics coordinating center, NEXUS, which aims to organize and stimulate research on the human exposome. The center will support researchers from various disciplines in analyzing environmental exposures and corresponding biological responses.
A study on the UK E. coli outbreak identified contaminated lettuce as the primary source of infection, with heavy rainfall carrying STEC from animal feces to the crops. The investigation demonstrated the value of a One Health approach in predicting and preventing future outbreaks.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pregnant women with higher levels of PFAS during pregnancy were more likely to experience obesity and heart health issues later in life. Women with lower PFAS levels had healthier cardiometabolic outcomes at age 50.
A global study using data from the Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Research Network found that air pollution remains a significant threat to public health, despite lower pollutant concentrations. The study analyzed the impact of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide on mortality rates in urban areas over a 22-year period.
A new study found associations between the use of skin care products and exposure to phthalates and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in young children. The research, led by George Mason University professor Michael S. Bloom, suggests that different skin care products used by children may increase their risk of exposure to these chemicals...
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that horse speed was negatively impacted by concentrations of PM2.5 far below the EPA's current safe limit, highlighting a relationship between air quality and athletic performance in horses. The study's findings could also have implications for better understanding the impact ...
A study of over 5,000 Australian high school students found that those with severe depressive symptoms were more than twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective mental health support to prevent vaping onset during early adolescence.
Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.
The Public Health Career Explorer assesses users' interests and provides matching public health careers with varying levels of preparation. The tool also offers job openings across the country, supporting local health departments in recruitment and retention efforts.
The UofL Green Heart Louisville Project found that residents living in neighborhoods with more trees showed lower levels of general inflammation, a risk indicator for heart disease. The study showed a 13-20% reduction in inflammation, corresponding to a nearly 10-15% reduced risk of heart attacks and certain cancers.
Researchers found a significant association between air pollutant exposure and emergency room visits for mental disorders in communities that were once denied mortgages due to race. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in these neighborhoods increased ER visits by 1.04% and 0.44%, respectively.
A University of Gothenburg study found that occupational exposure to particles in the construction industry may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Construction workers exposed to high levels of dust and particles were about 15% more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
A school-based citizen science program collects well water samples for analysis, revealing alarming levels of arsenic in private water sources. The initiative boosts awareness and drives action to protect public health, leading to increased testing rates and policy changes.
A study from the University of Tokyo found that incorporating humidity data into heat stress indicators improves predictions of climate-related deaths. The researchers analyzed data from hundreds of cities and found that humid environments, such as coastal areas, are more accurate predictors of heat-related mortality.
A new study published in BMC Primary Care demonstrates the effectiveness of screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. The quality improvement study increased screenings for unhealthy alcohol use from 0% to 83% using a validated tool and agile implementation process.
A study analyzing 12 years of data from over 500 hospitals in 25 US states found that weather and geographic location impact hospitalizations for waterborne diseases. Precipitation, soil moisture, and rural locations were linked to increased rates of certain infections.
A new study found that consumer-grade insecticide sprays have little to no effect on eliminating German cockroach infestations. The residues of these products did not kill more than 20% of the cockroaches, with some taking up to five days to die.
A new study found that job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. The research suggests that recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work can foster healthy environments.
A UK-based study reveals that an offshore mussel farm is reviving shellfish reefs off the English south coast, a process previously unseen in 150 years. The research found mussels deposited on the seabed create habitats for commercially important species like European lobsters and brown crabs.
A recent study reviewed current research and methods used to support Australian military veterans' psychological, physical, and social well-being, highlighting the need for holistic and tailored programs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing social, organizational, and environmental factors alongside mental health con...
Toxic pollution is the single largest cause of death and poor health, killing up to 9 million people each year. Business can play a critical role in addressing it and mitigating its effects by embracing innovations like adaptive construction and alternative energy options.
A study in São Paulo state found that peer-to-peer certified organic farms had an average of 58.8 organic items, while conventionally certified farms had only 22.2. This greater diversity includes native and medicinal species, contributing to a more sustainable and biodiverse organic farming system.
A recent study has confirmed the efficacy and safety of the dengue vaccine TAK-003, which reduces the risk of contracting the disease by over 50%. The vaccine has shown a high safety profile, with more than 90% of adults and children developing antibodies after administration.
A recent survey-based study found that physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital who completed climate change-focused educational modules showed significant improvements in their knowledge and attitudes towards the topic. The majority of participants believed that education on climate change's health effects was important and welcom...
Parents who struggle with alcohol use disorders can pass along symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These accelerated aging effects include high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia.
A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Researchers at Auburn University are developing a new instrument to characterize respiratory aerosols, which can transport viruses over longer distances. The technique uses fluorescence to analyze particles sensitive to pH, viscosity, and phase state.
A new study found that adding a ninth psychological health metric to Life's Essential 8 strongly predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The enhanced score showed up to 70% lower mortality risk compared to the original eight metrics.
A new substrate material developed at MIT, University of Utah, and Meta enables not only the recycling of materials and components but also scalable manufacture of complex multilayered circuits. The material's design allows for easy processing and dissolving, making it suitable for recycling precious metals and microchips.
The International Olympic Committee should sever its ties with Coca Cola to promote athlete health and sustainability, despite the brand's lucrative sponsorship deal. The IOC's continued association with Coca Cola puts the Games at risk of being complicit in global epidemics of poor nutrition and environmental degradation.
A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.
Researchers found a significant spike in fine-particle air pollutant levels after the display, with some areas exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to NYC's average daily concentration of 15 micrograms.
Researchers call for coordinated action to address air pollution's complexity, including elevating policy ambition, expanding regulatory scope, and integrating scientific policymaking. The paper highlights urgent need for clean air globally as health harms arise from lower concentrations.
Researchers at FAU will investigate how microbes respond to climate conditions and develop strategies to enhance soil health in drylands. The project aims to improve understanding of microbial resistance to climate change and discover solutions to reduce soil degradation.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a self-powered pump that uses natural light and chemistry to target and remove specific water pollutants. The pump uses synthetic molecular receptors designed to bond to negatively charged ions, which are then trapped and released in a non-reactive substrate.
Researchers found varying bioactivity levels, such as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity and IL-6 levels, indicating potential health risks from microplastics. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to comprehend the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment.
A new study finds that higher levels of six urinary metals are linked to increased cardiovascular disease and mortality in a diverse US population. The findings support the role of urinary metals as novel risk factors for CVD and all-cause mortality.
A recent study published in Environment International found that high levels of tellurium exposure are associated with increased blood pressure and a greater occurrence of hypertension. Tellurium, a contaminant transferred from mining and manufacturing activities, can be present in foods such as cereals and legumes.
A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.
Research on wind farms reveals their potential to slow tropical cyclone winds and reduce precipitation. Additionally, a study found that people experiencing homelessness are four times more likely to suffer temperature-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, than the general population.
A recent study found that people who experienced losses in childhood or adolescence showed signs of older biological age compared to those who hadn't experienced such losses. The research suggests that experiencing multiple losses, particularly in adulthood, is linked to faster biological aging.
The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to experience high levels of ozone and grass pollen, potentially affecting athletes' health. Background air quality monitoring data suggests that PM2.5 levels are below the WHO recommended threshold, but NO2 levels exceed the limit at some stations
A recent study found that 'gene misbehaviour' is a common phenomenon in the healthy human population, with over half of inactive genes showing misexpression. The researchers used advanced techniques to analyze blood samples from 4,568 healthy individuals and identified mechanisms behind these gene activity errors.
A new study finds that large warehouses across the US emit 20% more nitrogen dioxide pollution, disproportionately affecting communities of color who live near them. This exposure increases the risk of asthma and other life-threatening health conditions.
A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.
The ActiveHip+ mobile app has been shown to improve the recovery of elderly people with hip fractures by providing a tailored health education programme and rehabilitation programme. This approach allows patients to recover at home while receiving constant support from healthcare professionals.
A new study found that urban moss in older Portland neighborhoods has up to 600 times higher lead levels than rural areas, with concentrations linked to old telecommunications cables. The findings raise concerns about lead exposure and recommend avoiding soil disturbance in affected areas.
Researchers warn of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires, potentially releasing up to half of the arsenic emitted globally each year. Contaminated mining sites exacerbate wildfire risks, with wetlands being the most concerning due to their tendency to store contaminants.
A recent study found that e-bicycle injuries doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45%. The researchers also noted that e-scooter riders were more likely to suffer internal injuries and conventional scooter riders were more likely to experience upper extremity injuries.
The EPIC Air Quality Fund aims to expand access to real-time air quality data to 1 billion people worldwide by 2030, enabling communities to understand pollution levels and drive policy change. The fund, supported by Open Philanthropy, will provide data-driven solutions to address air pollution in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that children's exposome scores, measuring environmental and lifestyle factors, are associated with altered serum levels of 31 metabolites. These metabolites were linked to cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life.
Pusan National University researchers introduced FLIT-SHAP, an explainable machine learning approach that breaks down pollutant effects in mixtures. The tool revealed significant synergistic and antagonistic interactions, challenging current approaches to regulating pollutants.
Researchers found a 56% reduction in average daily NO2 concentrations in homes with electric induction stoves compared to gas stoves. Participants reported improved health and quality of life, citing reduced anxiety about fires due to gas leaks.
A meta-analysis published in Ecopsychology found that even brief nature exposure can have a positive effect on symptomology, including affect, anxiety, and depression. The study suggests using nature exposure as an intervention to improve health and wellbeing for adults with mental illness.
The HumanIC project focuses on designing hospitals with human-centered indoor climates to minimize the spread of airborne pathogens and improve thermal comfort. This can lead to a 9-20% reduction in costs associated with airborne diseases.