Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
A review highlights the impact of paternal diet, nutrition, and lifestyle on future generations, with strong evidence suggesting a western diet leads to imbalances in nutrient intake. Advanced paternal age is linked to genetic, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders in offspring, emphasizing the need for men's healthcare.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals LSD1's role in regulating skeletal muscle response to environmental stress. The findings suggest that LSD1 moderates muscle adaptation to environmental conditions, with potential implications for maintaining muscle health and preventing diseases such as sarcopenia.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.
A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.
A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.
A team of BU School of Public Health researchers will study the cumulative impacts of chemical hazards and climate change on 21 communities surrounding the Mystic River Watershed. They aim to identify solutions that protect vulnerable populations from both chemical and climate stressors.
A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.
A new study found that New York City's Open Streets program, which allocated more public spaces for physical activity and recreation, was associated with higher daily street and sidewalk noise complaints. The researchers also found that census tracts with more affluent populations had more Open Streets segments.
Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.
A Rutgers University study found that nanoscale plastic particles from pregnant rats' food passed to their offspring and may harm fetal development. The research suggests a potential health risk for human children exposed to these plastics through their mothers' diets.
Researchers are developing a deep learning model to predict where waste is accumulating in cities and how often public bins should be cleared. This can help councils optimise their waste management services, schedule bin clearances and relocate rarely used bins.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A new UK Biobank study analyzes data on nearly half a million participants and finds that Asian and Black groups have lower all-cause mortality rates compared to White groups. The study also identifies specific risk factors associated with each ethnic group, such as mental health diagnoses for Asians and parasitic diseases for Blacks.
A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
A new study finds that a California policy restricting antibiotic use in animals raised for food is associated with a reduction in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection in people. The study suggests that regulations limiting antibiotics in livestock can significantly impact human health.
The metaverse can be used to investigate the effectiveness of large-scale interventions before implementation, saving time and money. It also provides a platform for people with limited access to natural environments to experience green spaces, reducing negative mental health effects.
A large study found that air pollution accelerates bone loss from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, particularly on the lumbar spine. Nitrogen oxides were identified as a major contributor to this damage.
A study found that BRCA1 mutations increase the risk of malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. People with this genetic defect are more susceptible to tumor growth due to impaired ferroptosis defense mechanisms.
A new study found that people with large social networks, particularly those with women, are more likely to take action to protect their health during environmental disasters. The research also highlighted the importance of community leaders and local groups in disaster recovery efforts.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a possible cause for rare genetic disorders, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and arhinia. The toxic protein DUX4, overproduced in FSHD patients, not only kills muscle cells but also prevents the development of the human nose.
Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.
A study by North Carolina State University found that PFAS chemical GenX and another chemical, PFHxA, can suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst, a method used by white blood cells to kill invading pathogens. The research highlights the potential toxic effects of PFAS on the human immune system.
Researchers found that stevia-based sweeteners cause significantly less environmental impact than sugar, with reduced land use and water consumption. The study provides promising news for the planet's health, but highlights the need for further research on the health impacts of these natural sweeteners.
A recent study has linked high levels of certain chemical pollutants to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. The research found that individuals with higher blood concentrations of specific pollutants were more likely to become infected and develop the disease.
A recent study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that socioeconomic deprivation and frailty are independently associated with increased late mortality in childhood cancer survivors. The research highlights the importance of policies to improve local environments and access to interventions that may improve health conditions.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.
A study by Brown University researchers found that night shift nursing home staff had significantly lower rates of COVID-19 testing and primary vaccination compared to day shift staff. The study highlights the importance of considering work shifts in designing workplace health interventions.
Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
A new study found that people in highly walkable neighborhoods are more likely to engage in adequate physical activity and have lower BMIs, but the association differs among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The study highlights persistent inequities in physical activity due to systemic racism and policy barriers.
Researchers developed a new method for measuring indoor air quality using transgenic nematode strains that produce fluorescence when exposed to harmful pollutants. The amount of fluorescence can be measured and used to detect various impurities in the air, including fungal samples, surfactants, and volatile compounds.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic hairdressers are exposed to a complex mixture of unknown chemicals, many potentially hazardous, and undisclosed on product labels. Researchers used advanced screening techniques to identify these chemicals and found higher levels in hairstylists compared to women working in office jobs.
A recent study found that most US children use makeup and body products containing carcinogens and toxic chemicals like lead, asbestos, and PFAS. The survey of over 200 parents revealed that 79% of children under 12 use these products, with many reporting unintentional ingestion or prolonged exposure.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that certain occupations in South Korea are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss. Women in health and social work, manufacturing, and education had increased risks of no live births and early abortive outcomes.
A higher rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was observed among siblings of children who died of SIDS compared to the general population. Shared genetic and/or environmental factors may contribute to this clustering of SIDS, warranting consideration of family history in clinical assessments.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health suggests that implementing net zero policies will have significant health benefits, particularly from retrofitting homes with insulation. This could add up to 836,000 life-years gained by 2050, driving the largest benefit to health.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that brief exposure to diesel exhaust causes decreased brain connectivity and may impair cognitive performance. The study's findings suggest a link between air pollution and altered brain network connectivity in humans.
Panelists emphasize the need for better treatment options and increased access to naloxone as overdoses increase dramatically. Community collaboration, fast-tracking vaccine development, and reducing stigma around people who use drugs are also key strategies.
A survey of primary care clinicians revealed that 44% of patients experience cost-related insulin underuse, with those experiencing poor diabetes control not being more likely to report underuse. Clinicians can address this issue by using empathy to discuss cost barriers and increase the likelihood of changing insulin prescriptions.
A nationwide study using Google Street View images found that predominantly White neighborhoods had better neighborhood conditions associated with good health, such as fewer neglected buildings and more greenery. In contrast, neighborhoods with residents who were primarily Black or of other minority races had fewer green spaces and mor...
A new Lancet Series argues that a 'One Health' approach is needed to prevent, monitor, and respond to public health emergencies globally. The series calls for greater investment in preventive and preparedness interventions, as well as greater representation of environmental organisations.
A new study found a direct link between hypospadias and epigenetic alterations, suggesting an environmental cause. Researchers identified a potential biomarker for early detection and better clinical management of the condition.
A new study reveals racialized beauty norms perpetuate the use of chemical hair straighteners and skin lighteners, associated with poor health outcomes. The study found a decline in chemical straightener use among Black women, but steady use among Asian women.
A new study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health found that proper hand hygiene in clinical work can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how good or poor hygiene affects resistance evolution, and tested it against data from 691 long-term care facil...
People surveyed during the pandemic reported using fewer personal care products, more household cleaners, and eating less fast food. However, these changes may worsen health outcomes due to increased exposure to environmental chemicals linked to poor health.
A trapped mountaineer survived 16 frigid hours in a crevasse on Denali, highlighting the importance of expert rescue efforts and proper treatment. The case study emphasizes the need for responders to continue extrication and treatment efforts even when survival seems impossible.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that frequent visits to urban green spaces were associated with lower use of prescription meds for depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and asthma. The frequency of green space visits was linked to a significant reduction in medication use, particularly am...
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
A new study reveals that falls are nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and health-related risk factors. Key findings highlight the need for tailored screening and prevention interventions specifically designed for this high-risk population.
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that subway stations near river tunnels have significantly higher concentrations of hazardous particles in the air. The study suggests increasing ventilation and cleaning efforts to improve air quality in these areas.
A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that children living near airports are exposed to toxic levels of lead from aviation gasoline. The researchers found a significant correlation between blood lead levels and proximity to the airport, with higher levels detected in East-facing directions.
A study found that 6.5% of the general population in Spain hesitated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with younger and less educated individuals being more reluctant. In contrast, healthcare professionals showed higher vaccination rates and had fewer concerns about the vaccine's effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.