Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with jobs requiring more complex thinking had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment after age 70. Cognitive stimulation at work during different stages of life was linked to reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers analyzed global ambient particulate matter to understand the health risks associated with exposure to airborne trace elements. The study highlights elevated levels of arsenic and other toxic metals in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification changes the mix of microbes in coral reef systems, which can be used as an early indicator of ecosystem stress. The research suggests a novel measurement approach by analyzing microbial communities alongside larger organisms.
The new centers aim to better understand the interplay between environmental science, climate change, and human health in oceans and Great Lakes. Researchers will study microplastics, algal blooms, and their impact on seafood safety and human health.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered a simple method to increase Euglena gracilis carotenoid content ratio by exposing it to strong red-light irradiation in bonito stock. The approach has potential to enhance the nutritional profile and scalability of this edible microalga.
A new study published in Thorax reveals that increased physical activity and higher body mass index can help recover early-life lung function deficits, leading to normal values in adolescence. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years, identifying four trajectories of lung function growth.
A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.
New behavioral health intervention programs aim to increase physical activity and healthy eating among Americans. Researchers are testing innovative approaches, including integrating physical activity into schools and community programs, to address the growing diabetes epidemic.
Researchers found a significant association between storing chemicals in attached garages and increased ALS risk. The study suggests that volatile chemicals released into the living space may contribute to this link.
A recent NIH study found that children living near natural spaces from birth experience fewer emotional issues between ages 2 and 5. Higher levels of green spaces were linked to lower anxiety and depression symptoms during this period.
Researchers found that personalized training areas, accessible healthcare, and transportation improve athlete performance. Built environments with open-air lounges and unique spatial designs also enhance mental well-being.
Researchers found high concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in peregrine falcon eggs across North America, indicating long-term exposure to phased-out flame retardants. The study highlights the persistence of flame retardant pollution in wildlife and potential health risks for humans.
A new study finds that women who have been pregnant look biologically older than those who haven't, with the number of pregnancies accelerating biological aging in young adults. The study used 'epigenetic clocks' to measure cellular aging and found a significant association between pregnancy history and biological age.
A new UNSW-led international study reveals that much of the world's global source water contains PFAS levels above recommended drinking water guidelines. In Australia, firefighting foams used in military institutions and fire training facilities are a common source of contamination, with many locations exceeding safe limits.
A new study found that younger people from high-income areas accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in New York City. This led to lower coverage rates in low-income areas with high proportions of older residents, resulting in higher mortality rates over the year.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified the most effective AI method for monitoring insect populations using bioacoustics, with deep learning models achieving high accuracy. The study found that machine and deep learning are becoming the gold standards for automated bioacoustics modeling.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that one-third of ride-share drivers have been involved in a crash while working. The survey revealed that drivers are uniquely susceptible to crashes caused by cellphone use, tiredness, and driving on unfamiliar roads.
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.
A new study reveals that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions, with average costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually globally. Wealthier nations can mitigate this issue by investing in invasive species management in neighboring countries.
Research highlights socioecologic factors contributing to racial disparities in breast cancer prognostic scores, emphasizing the impact of structural racism on health outcomes. Additional research is needed to better understand the influence of social determinants on breast cancer biology among disadvantaged communities.
A study found that residents living in areas with more sidewalks and vertical greenspace (trees, clear sky) had a lower risk of major adverse cardiac events. The researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze Google Street View images of over 50,000 participants' residences.
Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.
A long-term study found that coronary heart patients who live in greener areas have a significantly lower risk of mortality after undergoing bypass surgery. The study, which followed over 3,000 patients for 14 years, found that living in a green environment was associated with better chances of survival.
International experts, led by Professor Lidia Morawska, recommend setting standards for ventilation rate and three key indoor pollutants to improve indoor air quality. The recommended standards could help minimize the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19 and contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
A study found open waste burning increases health risks to a remote Arctic community due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. Continuous air quality monitoring is crucial for protecting public health, particularly in the Arctic region.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that neighborhoods with more adversity have up to twice the increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The research highlights the complex interplay between social and environmental factors on health outcomes.
Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.
The study emphasizes the need for international cooperation to implement ecological interventions, such as protecting food sources and natural habitats, to prevent pathogen spillover. By conserving biodiversity, bats can be less stressed, reducing their shedding of viruses that can infect humans.
Researchers will characterize initial environmental exposures and collect biospecimens and data from residents potentially impacted by the disaster. Investigators will evaluate biospecimens for early signs of liver dysfunction, detecting known liver carcinogen vinyl chloride.
A new study published in Stroke found that exposure to artificial, bright outdoor nighttime light may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 28,000 adults living in China, suggests that higher levels of outdoor light pollution at night may be a risk factor for these conditions.
Scientists have discovered six proteins that can accurately diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The breakthrough study paves the way for a simple blood test to detect the bacteria, which could prevent millions of cases annually. TB is the world's deadliest infectious disease, killing over one million people each year.
A group of coastal Alaska Native tribes have successfully taken the lead on shellfish toxin testing, filling a critical gap in public health protection. However, securing stable funding and improving outreach has been limited, threatening the effectiveness of the program.
The study found that the improvement in air quality has led to a significant reduction in fine particles and nitrogen oxides, resulting in large health gains. Despite improvements, many residents are still exposed to high levels of air pollution, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce emissions.
A recent study in Florida found that nearly all farm workers were dehydrated at the end of their shifts and more than half remained dehydrated the following morning. The researchers emphasized the need for stricter federal regulations and smaller interventions to address this issue.
A new study by UT researchers links air pollution in Austin neighborhoods to increased asthma-related emergency room visits, particularly among Black and Latinx residents. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate pollution in high-asthma-burden neighborhoods.
Preliminary research suggests that short-term heat exposure can lead to increased inflammation and impaired immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Adults older than 60 and those with existing cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk.
A new study finds that e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers. The researchers also found that some smoking-related epigenetic changes remain more stable after giving up smoking, suggesting that e-cigarettes may not be completely safe.
A new study calls on pediatric primary care to prioritize menstrual health, highlighting barriers that limit clinician engagement and patient guidance. Researchers offer practical solutions to improve access to menstrual health services for adolescents.
A team of researchers developed an innovative technique to identify 60 different liquid crystal monomers in various samples, including electronic waste and even in dog feces and urine. The method demonstrated satisfactory levels of precision and accuracy, providing insight into the biological and environmental exposure to these chemicals.
A new study from the University of Chicago analyzed DNA methylation in tissue samples from former smokers, finding evidence of the body's attempts to defend itself from tobacco smoke. The research team identified new regions associated with smoking and found that DNA methylation varies dramatically across cell types and tissue types.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that recreational activities such as golfing, gardening, and woodworking may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in men. The study surveyed over 700 individuals with and without ALS to assess their hobbies and non-work related activities.
Research shows that Americans living in federally-supported housing have lower blood lead levels than those who would join these programs later. This likely due to stricter compliance with federal residential lead paint laws in HUD housing compared to non-assisted private market housing.
Research finds a nearly 40% decline in respirable particulate matter (PM2.5) in Krakow, Poland, following policy changes targeting coal emissions. This improvement translates to substantial benefits for children's outcomes, including fewer asthma cases and better birth outcomes.
A new study quantifies the significant health impacts of oil and gas flaring in the US, resulting in over 700 premature deaths and 73,000 asthma exacerbations annually. The research highlights the need for stronger controls on emissions from this sector to improve public health and mitigate climate change.
A new study finds that reducing CO2 emissions from motor vehicles can bring large benefits to children's health, saving over $82 million annually. The Transportation and Climate Initiative policy framework is proposed to achieve this goal, with significant health co-benefits for vulnerable populations.
A recent study highlights the negligible impact of waste-to-energy plant emissions on public health in China's Bohai Rim. The research used advanced regression analysis to evaluate the health risks associated with living near WtE plants, finding that levels of pollutants were below international safety thresholds.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.
A 20-year analysis found that calcium and vitamin D supplements reduced cancer mortality by 7%, but increased cardiovascular disease mortality by 6% in postmenopausal women. The study suggested that cancer incidence depends on pre-supplementation status, while CVD mortality is higher among supplement users.
A study using AI to analyze almost 180,000 food outlets found that restaurants tend to have the healthiest menus, followed by cafes and snack bars. The research reveals a 'double burden' on people living in deprived areas due to high concentrations of unhealthy fast-food outlets.
A new study reveals that migrant drowning deaths in the Pacific Ocean rose 3200% after the border wall height was increased from 17 feet to 30 feet. The study analyzed data from the Missing Migrants Project and found a significant increase in drownings along the San Diego coast, with relatively stable rates in other areas.
A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.
A new study finds that communities of color in the US suffer from nearly 8 times higher rates of pediatric asthma and 1.3 times higher risk of dying prematurely from exposure to pollutants. The study highlights the need for place-based policies to address health disparities linked to air pollution.
A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.
Climate change is exacerbating dangerous humid heat conditions in US carceral facilities, with 44 states lacking universal air conditioning. Incarcerated people are disproportionately susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with preexisting health conditions increasing risk.
A Texas A&M professor will lead a team in evaluating the distribution and potential hazard of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in East Palestine, Ohio, using a mobile platform. The research aims to inform response methods to measuring air quality following environmental disasters.
A new study from Columbia University finds that communities severed by roads and traffic in NYC experience a larger number of collisions, including pedestrian and cyclist injuries. The Community Severance Index developed for this study can help identify areas requiring targeted interventions.
A new study led by Brown University researchers found an association between household firearm ownership and elevated lead levels in children's blood in 44 states. The study suggests that firearm-related lead ammunition use is a significant source of lead exposure in the US, disproportionately affecting children.
A Mass General Brigham study found that emergency department visits and deaths rose by 1.22% and 1.4%, respectively, one week after major climate-driven weather events, with elevated mortality rates persisting for six weeks.
Researchers at NJIT's Newark College of Engineering and College of Science and Liberal Arts receive $265K in grants from the New Jersey Health Foundation to develop biodegradable materials, enhance bone regeneration, and create air filters for viral removal. The projects focus on addressing environmental impact and promoting healthcare...