Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
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.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded a four-year, $5.2 million grant to Wayne State University's Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES). The CURES team will investigate the basis for urban environmental health disparities and the human health impact of environmental exposure...
A new mobile app, Every Walk You Take, aims to promote physical activity and health among citizens over 55 through personalized walking routes. The app provides real-time data on green areas, obstacles, pollution, and weather, allowing users to identify barriers and features of each route.
Researchers discovered significant differences in particulate matter (PM) toxicity among Chinese cities, with some cities up to 6.5 times more toxic than others. This study highlights the need for city-specific air pollution control strategies that integrate toxicity factors to maximize health and economic benefits.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that cardiovascular health is a significant risk factor for future dementia rates. The study analyzed data from 27 papers and found that rates of obesity and diabetes have increased over time, contributing to higher dementia risk.
Research from Duke University found that citizen science tools used in urban areas understate the problem of heat islands. The study suggests a statistical method to improve estimates of urban heat, highlighting the need for additional weather stations to better understand the issue.
A new study finds that over 100,000 oil and gas wells in the western US are at risk of wildfires, posing a compound hazard to nearby populations. The research highlights the need for proactive action to prevent future harms.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers identifies 92 compounds in biosolids that could pose potential risks to human health and the environment. The team screened 16 samples of biosolids from US and Canadian cities and found a range of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.
A new study published in Environment International reveals that 15 out of 17 commonly used synthetic 'forever chemicals' can be absorbed through human skin. The researchers used 3D human skin equivalent models to investigate dermal bioavailability and found significant absorption rates for most substances.
A new study from George Mason University found that trace amounts of non-essential elements, such as lead and mercury, in ovarian follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates. Higher concentrations of cobalt and copper were associated with a stronger ovarian response, while higher levels of lead were linked to reduced fertility.
A recent study analyzed the transfer of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from mothers to newborns, revealing high detection rates and median concentrations in maternal serum, cord serum, and breast milk. The research highlights the need for tighter regulations on PFAS exposure during pregnancy and lactation.
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
A recent study reveals that plastic water bottles can emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to sunlight, posing serious health risks. The research emphasizes the need for safer storage practices and stricter industry regulations to reduce exposure to these potentially harmful compounds.
A new study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that air pollution significantly increases cardiovascular disease and mortality in cancer patients, contributing to health disparities. Short-term exposure to high pollution levels rapidly impacts cancer patients' cardiovascular health.
A new study from POSTECH forecasts over 110,000 premature deaths in Korea by 2050 due to PM2.5 exposure and rapid population aging. To mitigate this burden, PM2.5 concentrations must be reduced to approximately 6 µg/m³.
Nearly 40% of US households will exceed safety recommendations for lead-contaminated soil, with remediation costs potentially exceeding $1 trillion. The study found that approximately 29 million households are affected by elevated lead levels in their yards.
A new study reveals patterns in disease-associated gut microbiomes that could inform new cost-effective treatments based on diet, lifestyle, and environmental microbiome exposures. The research also found a new approach to describing and measuring the health of gut and soil microbiomes.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate in combination with a high-fat diet has a more damaging effect on male mice than each factor alone.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
Researchers measured concerning levels of ethylene oxide in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' using mobile optical instruments. The study revealed that most locations had ethylene oxide levels above the EPA's acceptable upper limit, with some areas having potentially serious health risks for facility workers.
Researchers at WVU are exploring the potential of solar panels to generate energy on grazing lands, diversifying farmers' income streams and promoting more sustainable practices. The study aims to understand how dual-use solar systems impact soil health and animal performance.
A new study by Dr. Allan Hassaniyan argues Iran's water policy is discriminatory, leading to socioecological deterioration in peripheral regions and causing devastating effects on agriculture, health, and the environment.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that fine particulate matter pollution was associated with approximately 135 million premature deaths globally between 1980 and 2020. The impact of pollution was worsened by climate variability phenomena, leading to a 14% rise in premature deaths.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children exposed to weed pollen in urban environments are at higher risk of developing respiratory health problems, including asthma. However, tree canopy can mitigate this effect to some degree.
The study found that 1 in 5 children and adolescents experience excess weight, with rates varying by region. Excess weight is linked to multiple factors, including inherent, behavioral, environmental, and sociocultural influences.
A new UMD study found that areas with higher levels of greenery, streetlights, single-lane roads, and sidewalks have fewer fatal car crashes. Sidewalks had the greatest impact, reducing traffic accidents by 70% in places with more sidewalks.
The number of calls to US poison centers has increased sharply, with a 233.9% rise in intentional exposures among adults. The severity of unintentional exposures also increased, with 37.4% more cases resulting in severe harm and 65.3% more deaths.
A study found that higher phthalate exposure is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women. Pregnancies involving female fetuses are more susceptible to these hypertensive disorders.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
A new study finds that climate change will increase ozone pollution in the US by 2050, with potentially millions more people exposed to dangerously high levels. The study's findings suggest that current emissions reductions efforts may be less effective in meeting air quality standards.
Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.
The 'Air of the Anthropocene' project uses digital light painting and low-cost sensors to create impactful images of air pollution levels in cities across Ethiopia, India, and the UK. The team aims to make invisible air pollution visible and demonstrate its health risks through accessible visuals.
Researchers found that eating more than one gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the US and can be difficult to cope with when unpredictable.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a high-resolution neutronics model that increases <sup> 238 </sup> Pu yield by close to 20% in high-flux reactors, reducing costs. The refined production process supports deep-space exploration and life-saving medical devices.
Arctic sea ice is expected to lose mass in the coming decade due to dominant natural climate patterns. Exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat, may lead to adverse birth outcomes in China. Researchers also found that ocean warming intensifies typhoons, but moderation comes from atmospheric temperature and humidity changes.
A study by Imperial College London researchers shows that focusing on urban sources of fine-particle air pollution can reduce health inequalities in deprived areas. By targeting these sources, the UK population's exposure to PM2.5 air pollution can be reduced, benefiting everyone while alleviating the impact on the most vulnerable.