Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
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.
A Texas A&M University study found that stand-biased workstations led to more standing time, reduced sitting time, and fewer discomforts compared to traditional desks. However, the benefits were not statistically significant, and energy expenditure was higher in stand-biased groups.
A meta-analysis of 35,000 children from eight European countries has found a robust link between exposure to green spaces and better lung function. Children living in greener neighborhoods had higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), indicating improved airway function.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
Research shows that oil and natural gas development in the Permian Basin contributes to high eight-hour ozone concentrations frequently exceeding EPA health standards during summer months. The study uses data from a 2019 field survey to confirm the impact of drilling, flaring, and other activities on ozone levels.
Researchers found arsenic treatment media in 71% of tested homes and water softener resin in 84% of homes with water softeners, posing potential health risks to users. The study highlights the need for further research and recommends installing a post-treatment sediment filter to capture escaping media.
Households are willing to pay $156.84 annually for targeted home systems to remove PFAS, which is less than the cost of municipal-level treatment. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis filters are estimated to have a yearly total cost of around $100, including maintenance.
The UTEP research team found that nanoplastics and PFAS can alter proteins in human breast milk, infant formulas, and affect oxygen storage. This could lead to developmental defects, compromised immunity, and reduced mineral absorption.
Yanomami children face the most severe nutritional deficit in Indigenous communities in the Americas, with 52.2% undernourished and 570 starved to death in four years. Malnutrition during infancy can have lifelong effects on health, increasing disease risk and mortality rates.
A new ECHO study reveals that neighborhood characteristics played a lesser role in child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The pandemic altered how people interacted with their neighborhoods, making factors like green spaces and recreation less important.
A new study suggests that people trying to conceive living close to oil and gas development sites experience heightened risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes. High perceived stress was elevated among those living just 1.25 miles away from the activity.
Researchers from Pusan National University conducted a participatory planning process with children to improve walking safety in a school zone. Children successfully identified and ranked solutions, which were later presented to the local government and implemented as a policy.
A special issue of WORK Journal explores the importance of designing healthy workplaces that address musculoskeletal conditions, burnout, and chronic pain. The issue highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach integrating medical, psychological, and occupational therapies to prevent work-related illness and injury.
A large cohort study in Canada found an association between prenatal ambient PM2.5 exposure and increased cerebral palsy risk in offspring. Further research is needed to understand this association and potential biological pathways.
A study found that air pollution in India is extremely high, with daily mortality rates increasing rapidly at lower pollution levels and then leveling off. The study estimated that 7.2% of all deaths in ten major cities were linked to PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO limit value.
Researchers found a significant association between exposure to common environmental toxicants and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted mechanistic research. The study provides insight into reducing environmental exposures to mitigate depression risk.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that tampons from various brands contain toxic metals, including lead and arsenic. The findings highlight the potential public health risks associated with tampon use.
The Texas A&M Center for Environmental Health will promote research in four areas of environmental health, including climate change and health, environment and metabolism, and environmental justice and policy. The center aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers and make funding more accessible for junior faculty.
A new theory deciphered the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials, revealing an elastic instability that breaks symmetry. This discovery aims to create more resistant and durable materials with a positive environmental impact.
New research reveals surprising differences in songbirds' diets and gut microbiomes in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Contrary to expectations, birds growing up in radiologically contaminated habitats have a higher diversity of insects in their diet.
The review highlights the need for accurate bioaerosol detection methods that can distinguish between microorganisms at the species level. Laser-induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy are identified as promising technologies for online monitoring, but flaws in current methods must be addressed to improve accuracy.
A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...
A new study creates a framework to reduce confusion around fish consumption during pregnancy and provide clearer guidance on risks and benefits. The research found that consuming low-mercury fish was beneficial, while high-mercury fish was detrimental to neurodevelopment.
Black participants with greater access to green spaces had up to 35% lower odds of calcification, while those near a river had 32% lower odds. These findings highlight the potential benefits of environmental policies promoting public health and addressing racial and neighborhood-related health disparities.
Researchers found that Black women living near areas of unrest experienced higher levels of emotional eating and stress, while those in safer neighborhoods engaged in cognitive restraint. The study suggests that vicarious racial discrimination can lead to race-based traumatic stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes.
A study of 1,106 newborns from five countries found that prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide is associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference. The results suggest that reducing exposure to ethylene oxide could protect fetal health and improve birth outcomes.