Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Children's Environmental Health Center will investigate the cumulative health impacts of early exposure to pollutants and non-chemical stressors among children in underserved communities. The center aims to reduce environmental health disparities and promote environmental justice for children.
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 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 new study finds that heat-related cardiovascular deaths may more than double in the US by the middle of the century, with elderly and Black adults being most at risk. The projections suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can mitigate this impact, but infrastructure interventions such as increasing tree cover may also be effe...
Researchers from Texas A&M University's Department of Geography and collaborating departments aim to improve understanding of how environmental hazards influence human health outcomes. The project, 'Climate-LEAD,' will create robust models using localized data to inform decision-making in vulnerable communities.
The study reveals that human-driven global nutrient imbalances are linked to increased risk of diseases such as coeliac and cancer. The research proposes a new strategy for managing fertilizers by adjusting the N:P ratio, potentially enhancing therapy effectiveness against certain cancers.
A new UN study finds that global Bitcoin mining activities have substantial water and land footprints in addition to a significant carbon footprint. The top 10 Bitcoin mining countries are responsible for 92-94% of the global environmental impact.
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.
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.
Researchers at UC Riverside successfully engineered a plant to turn beet red in the presence of a banned pesticide, enabling an environmental sensor without damaging its native metabolism. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for detecting other toxic substances like drugs and birth control pills in water supply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that residents of neighborhoods with more greenspace tend to have longer telomeres, indicating better cellular health. However, the positive impact of greenspace is not enough to compensate for other environmental challenges like air pollution and racial segregation.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to accelerated BMI gain in children from birth to nine years old. The study found that certain mixtures of these chemicals increase the risk of childhood obesity and its related health consequences.
A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.
A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
A study by researchers in the US and Indonesia found that women exposed to the 2004 tsunami had lower cortisol levels 14 years later, linked to stress and 'burnout' of the HPA-axis. The research provides insights into the long-term impacts of climate change on populations worldwide.
Researchers at UCSF found a feedback loop between immune protein IL-31 and nerve cells, which dials back nearby inflammation and promotes skin healing. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma by targeting the nervous system's role in regulating the immune response.
The new Global Center on Climate Change, Water, Energy, Food, and Health Systems program will address the impacts of climate change on rural and refugee communities in Jordan. The three-year program will focus on health effects research, health equity, intervention research, and training and capacity building.
The article highlights that mental health problems and disorders are common in the working population, affecting 15% of adults of working age. Interventions focus on individual-level support, but proactive measures are needed to protect and promote workers' mental health and wellbeing.
Researchers measured metabolite concentrations of two herbicides in urine samples from Ecuadorian adolescents and found negative associations with attention, memory, and language. Glyphosate was also linked to social perception issues.
A study found that renting in the private sector is associated with faster biological ageing, but this effect can be reversed through policy changes. The research emphasizes the importance of housing policy in improving health outcomes.
A new study finds that many wells and community water systems in the US contain unsafe levels of toxic contaminants, including cancer-causing substances like arsenic and lead. Climate change will exacerbate the issue, particularly in underserved communities, as clean sources of drinking water become harder to find.
A 10-year study found that even low doses of radiation may contribute to an increased risk of diabetes among emergency workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 workers and found a significant association between low-dose radiation exposure and a higher risk of developing diabetes.
A study of US adults ages 45+ found that neighborhood-level safety, physical, and social environments, as well as individual-level discrimination, narrowed racial disparities in cardiovascular health. Interventional approaches targeting these factors are needed to improve ideal cardiovascular health.
A University of Cincinnati study found that exposure to PFAS may delay the onset of puberty in girls by an average of five or six months. The researchers also discovered decreased hormone levels consistent with the delay, raising concerns about negative long-term health outcomes such as breast cancer and renal disease.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
A new study found that US K-12 students' science learning standards vary widely in their coverage of environmental issues, reflecting the states' dominant political ideology and major industries. The quality and depth of information on planetary health issues are greatly impacted by these factors.
A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.
Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.
A new EWG study reveals that humans can serve as sentinels for understanding the impact of toxic PFAS on wildlife health. The study's findings show that over 625 species, including fish, birds, and mammals, are contaminated with PFAS, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent chemicals.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has launched a five-year, $50.3 million multi-omics study to better understand the causes and prevention of various diseases, including NAFLD, in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
A new editorial addresses clinician burnout by proposing a unifying systems medicine model that incorporates biological, psychological, environmental, and consciousness factors. The authors suggest that Transcendental Meditation can enhance resilience and prevent burnout-related mind-body conditions.
A new study by Northwestern University found that Chicago's West Side experiences significantly elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution compared to other areas. The study used three state-of-the-art datasets and consistently identified the West Side as a hotspot in both February and August, affecting approximately 501,000 people
A new global study assesses the scale of metal mining contamination in river systems worldwide, impacting human populations and ecosystem services. The research estimates 23 million people affected by toxic waste, highlighting the need for new safeguards to address growing demand for 'green' minerals.
A new NIH study found an association between higher prenatal phthalate levels and a slightly increased risk of postpartum depression. Exposure to chemicals like phenols, phthalates, and parabens during pregnancy may influence hormone levels and contribute to the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
Researchers found that AI/ML based programs can successfully detect PCOS with an accuracy of 80-90%, making it a promising tool for early diagnosis and reducing the burden on patients. The study suggests integrating large population-based studies with electronic health datasets to identify sensitive diagnostic biomarkers.
The new facility will enhance the lab's capabilities to study the impact of chemicals and nanomaterials on human health, with applications in areas like toxicology and disease prevention.
A team of UC researchers, led by Ashley Kubley, have received a $2.5 million state grant to continue research on improving firefighter protective gear. The project aims to develop a firefighter jacket liner that brings down body temperature through advanced cooling technology and protects against external hazards.
Research estimates that natural flood disasters correlate with increased cases and fatalities from neglected tropical diseases, malaria, respiratory infections, and tuberculosis.
Climate change exacerbates cardiovascular disease through poor air quality and extreme temperatures, according to a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Experts review environmental influences, exposures, and practical tips for healthcare providers to mitigate these effects.
Replacing combustion engines with electric vehicles in Chicago would significantly reduce air pollution, especially in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods. The study found that electrification of all on-road vehicles could save over 1,000 lives and $10 billion annually.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists found that common household cleaning products release hundreds of volatile organic compounds, many of which are hazardous to human health. The study also suggests that choosing 'green' or 'fragrance-free' cleaning products could reduce exposure to these chemicals.