Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study finds that redlined neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of heart disease, comorbidities, and reduced access to healthcare. Residents of these neighborhoods face lower cholesterol screening rates, higher diabetes and obesity rates, and limited health insurance options.
The Emu project effectively identifies bacterial species by leveraging long DNA sequences spanning the entire length of the gene under study. This approach facilitates the analysis of key genes in microbiome researchers' efforts to sort out harmful and helpful bacteria.
A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
A systematic literature review found that existing chemical risk assessments are inadequate and contradictory. The review of 74 toxicology studies and 74 epidemiological studies revealed an underestimation of the levels of flame retardants needed to cause harmful health effects.
A MU researcher has earned a federal grant from the United States Fulbright Program to conduct community engagement research in South Africa. He aims to assist disengaged, vulnerable youth in rural areas through community development initiatives.
A new study found that pregnant people in the South and Midwest experienced higher risk of miscarriage in late August and early September, respectively. Researchers suggest exploring links between extreme heat and pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for further research to understand potential causes.
Researchers found that Black communities with high population densities and moderate levels of aggregate stress experience higher COVID-19 mortality rates. The study highlights the disproportionate burden on Black communities due to decades of institutional and societal bias, leading to increased risks of chronic illness and stroke.
A new study found that exposure to high levels of outdoor air pollution increases the risk of death by 20%, while living far from specialty medical clinics and near busy roads also poses a significant risk. The study's predictive model can help policymakers reduce disease burden in communities by mitigating environmental risk factors.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution and indoor burning without ventilation significantly increases the risk of heart disease mortality. Researchers created maps of eight environmental risk factors across Golestan Province, Iran, and identified associations between death and these factors, controlling for traditional risk f...
Researchers found an association between estimated groundwater arsenic concentration and risk of low birth weight, suggesting efforts to reduce arsenic in private wells could help more babies be born at healthy weights. The study used machine learning algorithms to estimate arsenic levels in nearly all US counties.
A study conducted at Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station discovered high levels of microplastics in the lake's surface waters. The research, led by Dr. Xiong from China's Institute of Hydrobiology, identified three main ways microplastics enter the lake: atmospheric deposition, river inputs, and shoreline sources.
A recent study found that approximately 43.5% of rivers worldwide have concerning concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients, including antidepressants and painkillers. The research highlights the need to reduce emissions of these substances into the environment to mitigate their impact on river health.
A new report highlights the nation's race and ethnicity data shortcomings, recommending federal leadership on standardizing demographic data collection and reporting across critical issue areas. The report aims to help policymakers craft solutions that take into account where resources should be concentrated to address racial disparities.
A nationwide study by UTEP researchers found that public housing residents experience higher levels of fine particulate matter, disproportionately affecting Black, Hispanic, disabled, and low-income populations. The study highlights the need for environmental, public health, and housing policies to address air pollution disparities.
The WVU program trains next generation of toxicologists to collect, analyze air samples from mining, fracking sites, using the university's Inhalation Facility. Students will work with preceptors from various fields to investigate health effects of inhaling toxicants.
A study by Rice University finds that agricultural nitrogen emissions cause substantial damage to air quality, human health, and the climate. The researchers quantified emissions from fertilized soils over three years and found that ammonia had a much larger impact on damages than nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.
Researchers developed a scalable process for a biodegradable coating that protects against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, transportation damage, and reduces weight loss in avocados by 50%. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic children are more likely to develop asthma, even in well-resourced neighborhoods. Neighborhood characteristics at birth and race/ethnicity-based inequities may play a role in the development of childhood wheezing and asthma.
Researchers sequenced the whole genomes of three species of carpenter bees, gaining insights into their gut microbiome, diet, and viral load. They found beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, which protect against fungal pathogens and boost the immune system.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.
A new study published in mSystems demonstrates that a surface sampling method can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, improving environmental surveillance in public health labs.
Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh scientists demonstrates that institutional racism, rather than race-based biology, worsens asthma severity in Black people. The study links discriminatory lending practices from the 1930s to long-term environmental and health inequities, particularly in historically redlined neighborhoods.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
A team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science has successfully produced hydrogen peroxide using spent coffee grounds and tea leaf residue. The new method, which is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, opens up new applications for unused biomass resources.
Researchers have developed an electric nose using porous metal-organic framework films to distinguish between xylene isomers in mixtures. The MOF-based e-nose achieved 86% and 96% accuracy for detecting xylene at low concentrations, paving the way for improved environmental monitoring and diagnostic health testing.
A University of Washington-led team found that people in China with higher socioeconomic status are more exposed to outdoor air pollution. The study discovered a unique correlation between socioeconomic status and ambient air pollution levels, which runs counter to existing studies conducted in the US.
Healthcare accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with inhaled anaesthetics contributing significantly. Doctors advocate for a regulatory framework for mandatory reporting and accountability to reduce healthcare's substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
The US Department of Health and Human Services is establishing an Office of Environmental Justice to tackle environmental injustice and promote health equity. The new office will focus on improving wellbeing in underserved communities disproportionately affected by pollution and industrial development.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that traffic noise at schools is detrimental to working memory and attention in primary-school students. Children attending schools with higher levels of traffic noise showed slower cognitive development, with a 5 dB increase resulting in a 11.4% slower development rate.
A recent genetic study found a link between height and lower risk of coronary heart disease, as well as higher risk for peripheral neuropathy and circulatory disorders. Being tall appears to protect against cardiovascular problems, but may increase the risk of non-cardiovascular conditions.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children exposed to road traffic noise in schools have slower attention and working memory development compared to those in quieter environments. The research suggests potential implications for environmental noise policies protecting school environments.
A new 'climate cardiology' specialty is needed to tackle the growing links between climate change and cardiovascular health. Experts warn that the healthcare sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A global survey of 51 healthcare facilities from 35 countries found that 98% lacked key components of World Health Organization's multimodal improvement strategies for infection prevention and control. The study results will inform refinement of a self-assessment tool to enhance HEH practices globally, reducing healthcare-associated in...
Recent research by scientists at Duke University has found that ordinary silicone wristbands can absorb semi-volatile organic compounds firefighters are exposed to while working, tracking their risk of cancer. The study reveals strong associations between active firefighting and exposure to certain contaminants.
The University of Louisville is launching a new campus to focus on health as a shared community resource, incorporating environmental and cultural factors. Researchers will engage with the community to discover how natural environments impact health.
A new report from the InterAcademy Partnership highlights the severe impacts of climate change on human health, including increased risk of heat-related illnesses and food insecurity. The report calls for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen disease surveillance systems to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.
A NTU Singapore study found that consumers associate higher-pitched commercials with healthier food products. The researchers also discovered a link between more stimulating visuals and consumer perceptions of healthiness.
Researchers developed flexible, porous nitrogen dioxide sensors that can be attached to skin and clothing for continuous monitoring. The sensors have potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and military use, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
A nationwide analysis found that local increases in green vegetation could have prevented between 34,000-38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in large US metropolitan areas. The study also showed a significant increase in overall greenness in metro areas over the past two decades.
A new Stanford University study reveals that US power plants generating electricity for export account for approximately 700 premature deaths in 2019. The majority of these health damages occur within the states where the power is both generated and used, but large discrepancies exist across regions.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a device combining an air-curtain and LED irradiation to inactivate viruses in close environments. The technology blocks exhaled air and destroys virus particles, inactivating 99.9% of COVID-19 particles.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
The Lancet report states that air pollution, water pollution, and chemical pollution are responsible for nine million deaths globally. Despite declining mortality from traditional pollution, industrial pollution has increased over the past two decades, offsetting these gains.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent over 50,000 premature deaths each year. The study also found that this action could provide more than $600 billion in benefits annually from avoided illness and d...
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center confirmed that sarin nerve gas is the underlying cause of Gulf War illness, a condition affecting thousands of veterans. The research found that a specific gene variant modulates the risk of developing GWI symptoms after exposure to sarin.
Researchers measured biomarkers of azoxystrobin in pregnant women and young children, revealing widespread exposure and transfer to embryos. The study found that the fungicide can cross the placenta and enter the developing brain of mouse embryos.
An analysis found that government websites often understate PFAS health risks, failing to address the needs of highly exposed populations. The study recommends improved communication from agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide accurate and practical guidance for those affected.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on infant and childhood immunity, filling a knowledge gap in SVOC health impacts. The research aims to identify specific SVOCs or mixtures that impair immune function, which could lead to new preventive measures and interventions.
A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.
Surgeons-in-training suggest reducing waste, switching to reusable devices and gowns, optimizing OR energy use, and delivering care via telemedicine to lower climate impact. Implementing these changes can help extend patient lifespan and expand access to timely care while addressing climate change.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
A new study finds that many children's products, including those labeled as water- or stain-resistant, contain harmful PFAS chemicals. The research highlights the need for stricter safety standards in green certifications and retailer accountability to prevent toxic chemical pollution.