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How community stress affects Black Americans’ mental health and wellbeing

A new study found that community stress significantly impacts the mental health and emotional well-being of Black Americans, particularly women. Objective neighborhood quality was related to lower levels of negative emotions in women, while perceived community stress had a similar effect on men's emotionality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter

A new study reveals that switching to environmentally friendly food alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries. The analysis found that making like-for-like product swaps within sub-categories of foods could lead to emission reductions of up to 26% or 71%.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Air pollution during pregnancy linked to low birth weight, study finds

A recent study reveals a significant link between PM2.5 air pollution exposure during pregnancy and low birth weight in newborns worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for stricter air pollution controls. The study emphasizes the impact of air quality on prenatal development and draws attention to regional variations in health risks.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 26, 2024

Extreme temperatures may increase risk of stroke mortality, especially in low-income countries

A new study found that extreme temperatures are associated with increased risks of death from ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, particularly in low-income countries. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.4 million ischemic stroke deaths and 2.4 million hemorrhagic stroke deaths across 522 cities in 25 countries.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalStroke·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2024

Tracking down toxic metals from tobacco smoke

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory identified 28 trace metals in secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke, including cadmium, arsenic, and chromium. The study found that the predicted indoor air concentration for these metals exceeded California's cancer risk guidelines, highlighting the need to understand their contrib...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Detroit researchers find connection between PFAS exposure in men and the health of their offspring

A recent study by Wayne State University researchers has demonstrated a connection between exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in males and health problems in their offspring. The study found that PFAS mixtures can alter sperm methylation and affect the long-term reprogramming of offspring liver and fat tissues.

Consultative support to pediatric primary care providers in providing gender-affirming care

A study found that access to consultative support increases pediatric primary care provider comfort in providing gender-affirming care. Providers with fewer than 10 years of experience and those trained in pediatrics were more likely to agree that consultative support would improve their ability to provide this care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to increased risk of childhood neurobehavioral problems, study finds

A new US-based study examines the link between prenatal fluoride and childhood social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Higher fluoride exposure levels during pregnancy were associated with a higher chance of children showing neurobehavioral problems, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2024

Study suggests that air pollution promotes inflammation in the brain, accelerating cognitive decline and increasing risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Study reveals consumers value animal welfare more than environmental sustainability when buying meat and dairy products

A new study found that consumers prioritize animal welfare, freshness, and quality over environmental sustainability when purchasing meat and dairy products. The research suggests that producers can market sustainably produced food products by highlighting their animal welfare credentials.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

Climate change likely to aggravate brain conditions

A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 15, 2024

Researchers conduct first-ever study to characterize microbiota in saliva of weaned piglets on commercial farms in Brazil

Researchers characterized the microbial composition of oral fluid, feces, and environment of nursery piglets on commercial farms in Brazil. The study found distinct oral fluid bacterial profiles differing from those in feces and environment, with potential implications for swine health and production.

During peak of COVID-19 some lacked access to safe water and lavatories

A UC San Diego study found that people injecting drugs in San Diego and Tijuana often lacked access to drinking water, toilets, handwashing facilities, and showers. The study highlights the need for improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in both cities to reduce health disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

Improved nutrition, sanitation linked to beneficial changes in child stress and epigenetic programming

A large-scale randomized controlled trial found that integrated health interventions, including drinking water, sanitation, handwashing, and nutrition, had measurable effects on children's genetic levels, enhancing their stress-response system and reducing oxidative stress. The study provides comprehensive evidence on the impact of env...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method

A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

These communities are most vulnerable to weather-related power outages in New York State

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that certain regions in NY State, including Queens and the Bronx, were more severely impacted by severe weather-driven power outages. The study analyzed hourly power outage data from 2017 to 2020 and found that rural areas were affected for longer periods than cities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024

Every breath you take: Study models the journey of inhaled plastic particle pollution

A recent study by University of Technology Sydney has modelled the transfer and deposition of plastic particles in the human respiratory system. The results have identified hotspots where plastic particles can accumulate, particularly in the nasal cavity and lungs, posing a risk to respiratory health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

How to clean up New Delhi’s smoggy air

A study led by the Paul Scherrer Institute reveals that incomplete combustion and biomass burning are major contributors to New Delhi's air pollution. The research found that particulate matter in the air causes oxidative stress, leading to illnesses such as asthma and hypertension.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Location, location, location

A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2024

Escape the vapes: scientists call for global shift to curb consumer use of disposable technologies

Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 25, 2024

Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson’s disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds

A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 25, 2024

SMART researchers pioneer sensor multiplexing for real-time decoding of different plant stresses

SMART researchers develop a nanosensor that selectively detects salicylic acid in live plants, vital for stress response. The sensor combines sensors for H₂O₂ and salicylic acid, enabling simultaneous monitoring of plant hormones and aiding in early diagnoses to improve crop resilience.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Study shows key role of physical activity and body mass in lung function growth in childhood

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.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2024

PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Pregnancy accelerates biological aging in a healthy, young adult population

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2024