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People who see climate change as a health threat show more interest in cancer screening

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Do “forever chemicals” have “forever impacts”? Study suggests link between higher prenatal pfas exposures and offspring obesity risk in adolescence

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.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 6, 2023

Scientists plead to be heard in pesticide debate: Exposure linked to risk of developing parkinson's disease via changes in gut microbiome

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.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 6, 2023

Powerful financial giants could play vital role in preventing the next pandemic

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.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Liver cancer rates increase in each successive generation of Mexican Americans, study finds

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Study reveals link between neighborhood environmental burden and risk of cardiovascular disease

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 15, 2023

Neighborhood environmental burden and cardiovascular health

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2023

Scientists flag conflicts of interest ahead of UN plastic and chemical talks

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.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 9, 2023

Communities of color suffer disproportionately higher pollution-related deaths

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

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.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Soy expansion in Brazil linked to increase in childhood leukemia deaths

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2023

Certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl “forever chemicals” identified as potential risk factor for thyroid cancer

A recent study published in eBioMedicine found an association between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The researchers investigated plasma PFAS levels in thyroid cancer patients and non-cancer controls, finding a significant positive association with exposure to n-PFOS.

The true costs of corn

A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 24, 2023

How to slow the spread of deadly ‘superbugs’

A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2023

Nail salon and other small beauty service workers face significant daily health challenges

Asian female immigrants working in the US beauty service industry face numerous workplace health challenges. Researchers suggest that outreach and education at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels can address these issues, including cultural competency, better wages, training, and paid time off.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateOct 19, 2023

New study finds racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain

A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain, with Hispanic adults being less likely to use these services. The study also found that policy changes are needed to address these gaps in access, particularly in underserved communities.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2023

Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants, study finds

New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2023