Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high-striving minority youth in early adolescence may experience accelerated puberty development, a potential indicator of 'skin-deep resilience,' which can lead to physiological changes such as inflammation and metabolic disorders.
A new two-year study will examine the impact of environmental factors on children's health, including those with disabilities. The researchers aim to recruit a diverse population of pregnant people and their children to understand the bidirectional relationship between mother and child.
New research finds that PAHs in wildfire smoke can persist on indoor materials for weeks, posing health risks. Effective household cleaning techniques, such as laundering cotton and using glass cleaners, can significantly reduce exposure.
Researchers investigated tiny plastics' impact on soil microbes and antibiotic resistance, revealing significant effects of nanoplastics. The study emphasizes the need to understand these impacts and reduce plastic pollution to protect environmental and public health.
Research found that nearly four out of ten sepsis patients are still out of work two years after contracting the illness. Younger individuals and those with fewer chronic diagnoses were more likely to return to work.
Researchers at UNIST developed a novel one-pot process for growing Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium with potential as 'living antibiotics'. This approach eliminated the need for multiple vessels and reduced growth time by over 50%, enabling large-scale cultivation without compromising efficacy.
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.
A new study finds that tropical cyclone exposure is increasing globally, with vulnerable populations facing greater risks. The analysis reveals a significant increase in the number of people at risk from these storms, particularly among those over 60 and socioeconomically deprived.
Research finds that animated short videos are an effective means for disseminating environmental health information to health professionals. The studies showed significant increases in participant knowledge and perceived comfort in identifying at-risk patients impacted by air pollution.
Researchers found that less than two percent of patients in Medicaid and commercially insured plans received Z-codes to document Social Determinants of Health. The study highlights the need for improved tracking and documentation of SDOH in healthcare settings, with recommendations for policy changes and provider education.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that patients generate more actionable and creative ideas when explicitly invited to share them. The research offers a rigorously tested methodology for eliciting creative ideas from patients, which can be used to improve healthcare delivery and quality improvement.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
A study found that individuals who perceive climate change as a health threat are more likely to endorse interest in cancer screening. Those with greater awareness of climate change impacts may also be more overall health conscious, driving their interest in preventive healthcare measures.
Researchers analyzed over 500 young skateboarders' moves, finding that flat ground, quarterpipe, and ramp tricks pose the highest risk of falls. The study suggests grading skatepark features according to popularity and expertise required to reduce fall risk.
The center will focus on research and programs to help communities in Arizona and other hot, dry geographic regions adapt to climate-driven health threats. SCORCH aims to build resilience through cross-disciplinary research and community engagement.
Research finds that social factors, particularly racial and socioeconomic inequities, drive the use of scented menstrual products. The study found that Black participants were more likely to use scented products, while those with higher education levels preferred unscented options.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic adolescents and young adults found that PFAS exposure is linked to lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis. The study's findings highlight the need for stricter regulation of PFAS to protect vulnerable populations.
A review article links pesticide exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease through alterations in the gut microbiota. The authors recommend reducing or replacing agrochemicals and implementing coordinated efforts to develop standardized biomarkers for gut integrity and microbiome changes.
A Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute study found a strong link between higher prenatal PFAS exposure and increased rates of obesity and body fat in adolescent offspring. Higher levels of certain PFAS were associated with a 13-59% increase in the risk of obesity, highlighting the long-term consequences of PFAS for developmental health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers found a significant decrease in measles antibody concentrations with increasing urinary arsenic levels in children with low serum folate levels. Folate intake may mitigate the toxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure, but the unequal impact of arsenic by sex remains unclear.
A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.
The BioSPACE project aims to provide farmers, environmental agencies, and water-reliant industries with portable sensors to rapidly detect germs that threaten marine and freshwater life. The economic burden caused by waterborne diseases exceeds $3 billion in direct health care costs each year in the United States.
A new study confirms that pesticides commonly used in farmland significantly harm bumblebees. Data from 106 sites across 8 European countries shows that bumblebees encounter multiple pesticides, resulting in fewer offspring and reduced colony performance.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a stagnation in cardiovascular health trends among middle-aged adults, with low-income individuals facing higher rates of hypertension and other risk factors. The research highlights the need to address social determinants of health contributing to these disparities.
A new study found that exposure to coal particulate air pollutants is associated with a mortality risk more than double that of exposure to PM2.5 from other sources. The researchers estimated that 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5 in the US between 1999 and 2020.
A study found that workaholics have a consistently negative mood throughout the day, regardless of workload. Women are more vulnerable to workaholism due to role conflict and cultural expectations.
Testing wastewater for COVID-19 provides a more accurate forecast of new hospital admissions than clinical data. The researchers found that wastewater surveillance improved prediction models by 11 and 15 percent over models using case data and regional estimates, respectively.
A study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that liver cancer risk increases with each successive generation of Mexican Americans, particularly among men. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and found third-generation Mexicans to be 66% more likely to develop liver cancer than first-generation individuals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a miniature, injectable glucose biosensor and wearable device that enables user-friendly, minimally-invasive continuous glucose monitoring. The device addresses challenges associated with existing CGMs, including size and skin tone compatibility.
Researchers found a tradeoff between fast growth and heat tolerance in corals, with thermally sensitive algae dominating faster growth but only in cooler water. This study helps predict reef futures and inform conservation strategies, highlighting the complexity of coral growth on a reef.
The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health will host its annual meeting, featuring Major General (ret) Paul Friedrichs as the keynote speaker. The event focuses on disaster medicine and public health, with discussions on vulnerable populations and AI in emergency response.
A team of engineers and public health experts from USF helped decrease blood lead levels of 87% of children tested in Toamasina, Madagascar. The team replaced old car batteries with lead-free check valves in pumps, educating city technicians on the dangers of lead.
Researchers aim to identify contaminants in ash, soil, and surface waters from the Maui fire, posing risks to human health. The study will also help educate communities on the presence and risk of contaminants, informing prevention measures for future fires.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
A comprehensive systematic review of 25 studies over nearly 50 years reveals consistent evidence of associations between insecticide exposure and lower sperm concentration in adult men. The findings warrant concern, particularly given observed downward trends in semen quality.
A national study found that exposure to environmental hazards in neighborhoods is associated with poor cardiovascular health, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The study used the Environmental Justice Index to assess cumulative environmental burden and its impact on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.
A special issue of Medical Care journal highlights the need to study economic impacts on patient outcomes, including trade-offs in family decision-making about health care. The studies aim to improve data collection and infrastructure to measure nonmedical economic outcomes and track economic well-being over longer periods.
A study of US neighborhoods found a strong association between environmental burden and higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed the strongest associations, highlighting the need for initiatives to address poor environmental conditions and improve cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found hundreds of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets from 13 countries. The findings highlight the risks associated with recycling plastics and the need to phase out harmful chemicals. The researchers urge policymakers to take action to limit hazardous chemicals in plastics.
Experts from Regenstrief Institute, IMIA, IAHSI and AMIA will address the role of health informatics in resolving climate-related health issues. The mini-summit aims to bring together national and international experts to form an informatics infrastructure that highlights climate change's effects on health.
A recent report shows 37 percent of sampled drivers reported talking on their handheld cell phone while driving, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate the public on safe driving practices through free online courses and materials.
A group of 35 scientists calls out conflicts of interest in global plastic treaty negotiations, which have hindered timely action on health and environmental issues. They recommend implementing guidelines to prevent industry influence on the UN's Science Policy Panel on chemicals, citing past examples of pollution protection dilution.
A new Northwestern University study estimates that approximately 171,000 premature deaths per year are linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure, with a disproportionate number occurring in marginalized communities. The study found that NO2 pollution affects predominantly Black census tracts 47% higher than the national average.
A meta-analysis of studies found guilt has only a small persuasive effect, making it less effective than previously thought. Existential guilt appeals better for broader issues like environmental and educational topics, while personal responsibility-based guilt is less effective in health communications.
The OBCT Project aims to identify the causes of obesity and design guidelines to tackle the problem. The study will analyze data from millions of individuals across Europe and map 'obesogenic environments' that promote weight gain or prevent weight loss.
Research highlights short-term increases in fine particulate air pollution associated with increased health care visits for heart attacks and unstable chest pain. The risk for each cardiac event differs by season, with summer wildfires causing immediate hospitalization needs for chest pain but delayed action for heart attacks.
Two new studies reveal that depression, anxiety and chronic stress increase the risk for heart and brain health complications. Researchers found that these mental health conditions can accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that approximately 1 in 5 mothers delayed or forgoed needed care in the postpartum year. Medicaid beneficiaries reported lower health care use and higher social needs, such as food insecurity and intimate partner violence.
A new study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to manganese may be beneficial for verbal learning and memory in adolescence. Manganese levels were linked with fewer errors in adolescents, particularly males.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.
The study highlights the significant role petrochemicals play in cancer risks through every stage of processing, from extraction to disposal. Communities like East Palestine, Ohio, face increased cancer risks due to air pollution, while climate change worsens healthcare disruptions for patients with cancer.
A new study reveals that the coral microbiome changes after just 48 hours when oxygen levels drop, with some bacteria increasing in abundance. The research suggests that changes in the microbiome may influence coral resilience to low oxygen conditions and warming seas.
A new Duke University-led study finds that Gulf War Illness significantly reduces the ability of white blood cells to make energy, creating measurable biochemical differences in veterans with the disease. The study reveals impaired mitochondrial function, leading to lower levels of extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption.
A new analysis from Penn researchers projects a significant increase in US cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat over the next four decades. Older adults and Black adults will experience greater increases in excess cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat, according to the study.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found a significant relationship between soy expansion and childhood leukemia deaths in Brazil. Pesticide use in the region has been linked to increased cancer mortality, with an estimated 123 children under 10 dying from ALL associated with pesticide exposure between 2008 and 2019.
A recent study found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, and eastern Michigan were identified as regions with higher rates of the disease.
A large USGS study assesses methylmercury in adult amphibians, finding it to be a toxic compound that bioaccumulates in animals as they feed. The study's results provide new methods and baseline data for assessing mercury risk in endangered species, including those listed under the Endangered Species Act.