Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC will investigate PFAS as a risk factor for liver and endometrial cancers. The studies aim to understand the biological mechanisms linking PFAS exposure to cancer risk and identify ways to mitigate that risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 3,339 mother-child pairs and found no significant relationship between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and social communication problems and autism-related traits. However, the study's findings suggest that long-term research is needed to clarify which environmental exposures matter most in co...
A Barcelona trial shows nature-based social prescribing with facilitated groups reduces loneliness among adults experiencing greater loneliness. Participants with higher emotional and social difficulties benefited more from the intervention.
A new correspondence published in The Lancet highlights the importance of human health in the clean energy transition, citing a quintuple win of healthier populations, energy security, and climate mitigation. The authors recommend framing the transition around shared prosperity and wellbeing, and using metrics grounded in community har...
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
A review of 150 years of evidence reveals that elevated metal concentrations in the environment are reflected in increased metal levels in local wildlife, livestock, and human populations.
Researchers found a significant association between declining air pollution and improved cognitive development in children. The study, published in Environmental Health, analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and found a 26% increase in cognitive scores at age 3 with reduced air pollution concentrations.
A new UN University publication reveals that many people in England fail to take action to protect themselves during heatwaves despite receiving warnings. The most common reason is a lack of perception of personal risk, highlighting the need for improved communication and long-term adaptation strategies.
North Americans breathed unhealthy air for nearly 106 million person-days as Ontario wildfires exposed people on both sides of the border. Canada's slow fire season intensified within weeks, with Toronto recording the poorest air quality in the world.
A new study found that nearly all personal care and cleaning products contained at least one unlabeled chemical with known or suspected health hazards. Products marketed as 'natural' or 'non-toxic' frequently contained undisclosed chemicals linked to health harm.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a strong association between air pollution, particularly PM2.5, and increased disease activity and flare risk in RA patients. The study suggests that avoiding prolonged exposure to poor air quality may help reduce disease activity.
A cohort study of 2771 male children found no evidence that neonatal medical male circumcision is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study also examined the effects of acetaminophen use during and after the procedure, but found it to be uncommon.
Recent studies explore the impact of digital technologies on health outcomes, highlighting innovations in maternal care and wildfire preparedness. Digital tools are being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and mitigate adverse effects of wildfires on air quality.
Participation in community gathering places significantly reduces the risk of cognitive disability in older adults who don't regularly exercise. The study found that these groups had approximately half the risk of developing cognitive disability compared to non-participants.
A new study published in BMJ Public Health found that people who live by the coast in midlife are more likely to have two or more diagnosed chronic conditions. The researchers attribute this to higher deprivation and selective migration patterns, where individuals with worse health tend to remain in or move to coastal areas.
A decade-long study found substantial regional variation in lithium exposure and established urinary lithium as a reliable measure of long-term environmental exposure. Household drinking water was linked to stable urinary lithium levels over 15 years, with most samples exceeding health-based screening levels.
A new study recommends reducing and reusing nappies, developing recycling technologies, and creating compostable products to tackle the plastic waste crisis. The research team identifies three system interventions that can radically reduce the environmental impact of absorbent hygiene products.
This study found that young, non-Hispanic white women who are physically active and drink heavily are more likely to engage in intentional outdoor tanning. Intentional tanning is associated with increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce this behavior.
Researchers found tyre particles and potentially toxic tyre chemical additives in dust collected from Brisbane residential balconies. The study provided the first quantitative evidence of tyre pollutants on Australian balconies, including a chemical called 6PPD-quinone.
A new study found that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower levels of chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and cortisone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. This discovery has significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking cost-effective ways to improve public health and well-being.
Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.
The University of Cincinnati launches the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research (CANDR) to improve dementia prevention and treatment outcomes. CANDR aligns with UC's mission to innovate and engage locally while addressing one of the region's most pressing public health challenges.
Researchers developed a machine learning framework to account for water quality differences, enabling accurate MC-LR measurements without repeated calibration. The model achieved a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.89 and improved analytical efficiency while reducing time, labor, and sensor consumption.
A new study suggests that pairing iron and manganese modified biochar with carefully chosen irrigation strategies can reduce cadmium and mercury buildup in rice. FMBC helped stabilize both metals while reshaping microbial processes to control methylmercury formation.
A new study reveals that microplastics in the air can trap heat, making them a previously unknown contributor to climate change. Researchers found that colored microplastics absorb roughly 16% as much heat as black carbon, with an effect equivalent to running 200 coal-fired power plants annually.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
Research examines air quality and respiratory health among children in communities surrounding the Salton Sea, finding that outdoor dust events significantly affect indoor air quality. Families describe daily challenges of protecting children from dust and pollution, which can impact school attendance and overall quality of life.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to understand how airborne nanoplastics affect human health, focusing on neurotoxicity and pollutant-adsorbed nanoplastics. They'll create a standardized method for measuring and describing the health risks of these tiny plastics.
A new five-year project at Wayne State University aims to investigate the effects of e-cigarette use during pregnancy on fetal brain development. The research will utilize a state-of-the-art vaping system to model real-world exposures and examine their effects on neurodevelopment.
JMIR Publications invites submissions on the 2026 Ebola disease public health emergency of international concern, focusing on response strategies, risk communication, and surveillance. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to population mobility and ongoing uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of th...
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
A new study found that higher levels of glyphosate and a related compound were associated with changes in hormones supporting pregnancy and fetal growth. Glyphosate is widely used herbicide linked to hormone disruption as one possible pathway.
A new study published in KeAi journal Landscape Architecture and Sustainability demonstrates that virtual reality-based mindfulness meditation with EEG biofeedback can significantly enhance concentration, relaxation, and emotional well-being among university students. The VR audiovisual-EEG interactive meditation environment produced t...
A new study investigated the effects of ornidazole, an antimicrobial drug, on male fertility. Ornidazole was found to reduce sperm count and motility, as well as disrupt seminiferous tubule structure, in both mouse and human models.
A Stanford-led study suggests that burning 500,000 acres of California conifer forests each year with prescribed fire could cut deadly pollution from wildfire smoke by roughly 10% over a decade. The risk of very severe fires immediately drops 92% in areas burned in low-severity fires, with risks remaining lower for up to a decade and e...
According to new research, a warming climate is making parts of California more suitable for dengue fever transmission. Nearly half of the state's population now lives in areas where conditions allow for local transmission. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of illness and potential outbreaks.
The PediQEESI is a new pediatric adaptation of the QEESI questionnaire to assess chemical intolerance in children. It can help identify patterns among symptoms, exposures, and daily functioning, enabling parents and clinicians to avoid future exposure and trigger symptoms.
A study analyzing nearly 2,000 human infections with Shiga-producing E. coli found increasing resistance to antibiotics, particularly for tetracycline and sulfisoxazole. The researchers propose a 'One Health' approach to address the issue, focusing on antibiotic stewardship in agriculture, food safety, and environmental controls.
A new study found that safe firearm storage can minimize children's exposure to lead, an environmental toxin. In homes where firearms are not stored or locked, dust lead levels are higher and blood lead levels in children increase by up to 20%.
A new study suggests that balancing wetland conservation with economic development is possible through a locally adjusted policy featuring both tradeable offsets and taxes. The study estimates that this approach would retain two-thirds of private gains from trade while preventing about $1.6 billion in flood damage.
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
The journal is seeking articles that explore the transformative power of digital tools to improve safety and health outcomes in occupational settings. Submissions focus on applying mHealth, wearable sensors, and real-time analytics to monitor physical hazards and reduce ergonomic strain.
A new study finds herbal cigarettes can be as damaging as tobacco cigarettes, emitting comparable or even more harmful emissions. Fine particles and oxidative potential were measured, revealing a significant risk to cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Researchers in Brazil's Cerrado biome found that reducing stream sampling from 11 to 6 transects maintained reliable classification of streams as least-disturbed, moderately disturbed, or severely disturbed. The study suggests a streamlined approach can reduce field time and processing costs while preserving ecological indicators.
A recent study published in Journal of Functional Foods found that paraprobiotics derived from Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 can protect against sperm toxicity caused by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. The researchers observed improved sperm motility and reduced oxidative stress markers when rats received FK-23 despite BPA exposure.
The study reveals climate change is a growing social crisis, disrupting connections and community belonging, with impacts felt through heatwaves, air pollution, and economic strain. Vulnerable populations, such as those on low incomes or living with disability, are disproportionately affected by climate-related isolation.
Recent studies investigate the relationship between weather conditions and extreme events like heat-related mortality, tropical cyclone hazards, and changes in precipitation patterns. Researchers also explore new modeling methods to predict visually appealing atmospheric phenomena like 'ornamental twilight'.
A large-scale international study found that spending time in nature is associated with greater life satisfaction due to increased self-compassion and positive body image. The study also identified a pathway through which nature contact helps people feel restored, leading to improved mental wellbeing.
A study published in JMIR Aging predicts early mobility decline in healthy adults aged 45 using a set of home-based measurements and AI. The researchers identified six essential factors, including age, muscle power, and diet, that accurately predict future mobility struggles.
The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases will investigate how environmental exposures cause neurodegeneration and develop methods to prevent or mitigate these exposures. The project aims to improve diagnostics and future therapies for Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by heterogeneity across individuals.
Korea University's College of Medicine has signed an MOU with Armed Forces Capital Hospital to develop public medical care and enhance medical training. The institutions plan to promote cooperation in joint research, personnel training, and customized educational curricula.
A new study found that nearly every person in the US has multiple man-made chemicals, known as PFAS, in their system. The study examined over 10,500 samples and found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS, with many carrying multiple types.
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
Researchers discover hydrogen radicals play central role in PFAS degradation under high-energy UV light, breaking down molecules into smaller, less persistent compounds. This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanism and challenges previous assumptions.
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.
The RURAL Cohort Study aims to understand why residents of rural communities experience higher rates of heart, lung, and blood-related diseases, as well as shorter life expectancy and less-than-optimal overall health outcomes. The study uses a custom-built mobile examination unit to bring research directly to the community doorstep.
Researchers at UTEP found strong connections between Valley fever and extreme weather, wind, and airborne dust, with the disease risk anticipated based on environmental signals. The study identified seasonal patterns, with peak cases in summer months.