Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A large European study found that prolonged exposure to even low levels of air pollution can increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon were linked to adverse cardiovascular effects, with no safe thresholds detected.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst scientist suggests that rising social stress may contribute to the projected global population decline starting in 2064. Stress from social media and other social interactions may be leading to changes in reproductive behavior and physiology, resulting in decreased reproduction rates.
A study found that over 50 US localities allow indoor cannabis smoking lounges, exposing customers and employees to secondhand cannabis smoke. Most laws do not require smoke-free environments or effective ventilation, putting public health at risk.
A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that individuals experiencing fear, social pressure, and perceived scarcity are more likely to engage in panic buying. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social components of panic buying to mitigate its detrimental impact on societies.
Researchers investigate how the internal circadian clock affects asthma severity. The study found that people with worse asthma experience greater drops in pulmonary function at night, and exhibit more symptoms-driven bronchodilator use during nighttime hours. This understanding could lead to new treatments for asthma.
Health journals call on governments to intervene and transform societies to limit global temperature increases, halt nature destruction, and protect health. Wealthy nations must do more, with substantial investment needed for positive health and economic benefits.
Health professionals call for world leaders to take emergency action to transform societies and limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health. The editorial urges governments to intervene with short-term plans to reduce emissions, conserve nature, and support low-income countries.
A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that exposure to high levels of air pollutants like NO2 and PM2.5 and low distance to green or blue spaces are associated with worse health-related quality of life in COPD patients.
Researchers used new approaches to track Lyme disease in Texas, finding an overlap between tick-bite locations and human cases. The study suggests that tick-bite location may serve as an indicator for human disease risk in nonendemic areas.
A study of over 14,000 children found Midwestern kids have the highest body mass index (BMI) levels, while Western kids have the lowest. The research suggests regional influences may play a role in childhood obesity, with factors such as environmental exposures and mother's education also contributing to BMI.
Two studies found that breathing humid and salt-enriched air reduced respiratory droplet generation by approximately 50% within 10 minutes. The study suggests this mechanism may contribute to the effectiveness of cotton face masks in reducing COVID-19 incidence and death.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers and Salinas Valley teens found that switching to green cleaning products can reduce users' exposure to up to 17 different harmful chemicals. The study, led by co-author Jessica Cabrera, showed an 86% decrease in chloroform exposure after making the switch.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
A new study has detected high levels of PFAS chemicals in indoor air, particularly in carpets and other products treated with the forever chemicals. The research suggests that children may be exposed to these harmful substances through inhalation, highlighting the need for reduced use of PFAS in products.
Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.
A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic patterns associated with heart disease in diverse populations, offering potential early warning signs. The study analyzed genome data from four cohorts and found unique methylation points linked to coronary heart disease.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
Robyn Tanguay, a renowned toxicologist, has received an $8 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She plans to use this funding to conduct large-scale studies on zebrafish embryos exposed to 10,000 common chemicals, which could lead to significant breakthroughs in predictive toxicology.
A new study asked over 470 firefighters about their recovery methods in extreme heat, finding that simple strategies like finding shade and drinking water are often used. The research suggests potential for better cooling and recovery protocols to improve firefighter safety and performance.
A new study suggests that improved building energy efficiency can prevent up to 5,100 yearly premature deaths and up to 2,900 lives in the US. The 'optimistic' scenario envisions a 50% increase in appliance efficiency and 60-90% increase in building shell efficiency by 2050.
A recent review suggests that normobaric hypoxia, simulated altitude environments, can reduce the risk of high-altitude illnesses and improve exercise performance. Pre-acclimatisation strategies using low-oxygen tents or rooms are considered effective tools for prevention and treatment.
Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.
A Hebrew University study reveals that as worldwide lead production increases, so do rates of lead absorption in people, leading to toxic effects. The research uses ancient human bones to show the close relationship between lead production and human exposure.
A recent study published in European Journal of Epidemiology reveals that widowers are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The research highlights the importance of social environment and lifestyle factors in the development of the disease.
A large cross-sectional study in Canada found no association between loud noise exposure and changes in biomarkers for cardiovascular disease or outcomes. However, there were associations found between noise and several biomarkers, but these remained statistically insignificant after adjusting for important variables.
A study from the University of South Carolina's Environmental Health & Disease Laboratory found that andrographolide successfully restored bacteriomes and viromes, increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria. The treatment also decreased gut inflammation and neuroinflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.
Researchers at UIC have received a $725,000 grant to develop an AI system that can help protect US Navy divers from waterborne bacteria, parasites, and other harmful pathogens. The system aims to provide real-time information on water conditions, allowing divers to make informed decisions about their mission.
A recent study conducted by MIT economists found that increasing nighttime sleep had no positive effects on work productivity, earnings, or overall sense of well-being among low-income workers in Chennai, India. However, short daytime naps did show significant improvements in these areas.
The European Respiratory Society has announced the press registration and program for its upcoming International Congress 2021. Over 4,000 presentations on various lung health topics will be presented during the event.
A team of scientists used hybrid machine learning methods to predict the incidence of heatstroke in Japanese cities. They achieved a high level of accuracy using publicly available information such as demographics and weather forecasts.
A recent ASU study reveals that up to 75% of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in laundry and dish pods goes untreated in US wastewater treatment plants, amounting to around 8,000 tons released annually. This raises concerns about the environmental impact of these products, as PVA can sequester heavy metals and alter gas exchanges.
A study by Texas A&M researchers found that silicone wristbands can be used as passive samplers to measure exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy. The wristbands yielded similar results to traditional testing methods, suggesting they could be a useful tool in studies of semi-volatile pollutants.
A new MIT study estimates that disposable N95 masks generate up to 84 million kilograms of waste during the first six months of a pandemic, equivalent to 252 Boeing 747 airplanes. Reusable silicone masks could reduce this waste by 80-90%.
A University of Alberta research team found that firefighters dealing with the massive 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire suffered from long-term lung damage, including increased bronchial reactivity and thickening. The risk of developing asthma was more than doubled compared to the general population.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...
Researchers at Utrecht University found shelter dogs rest less and have higher stress hormone levels than pet dogs, indicating a need for adaptation time
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has identified 10 key principles for integrating health components into urban design, aiming to reduce premature mortality. The study provides a checklist for urban planners to incorporate public health into their work, promoting active and public transport, green spaces, and mixed land use.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.
A recent study found that minority groups in the US are more likely to experience cognitive issues earlier in life. The study analyzed data from over 179,000 adults and found that Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to self-report memory loss and cognitive decline compared to white individuals.
A robot system with a digital twin uses intra-operative ultrasound to guide cardiac surgeons, improving their view of the patient without radiation exposure. The platform can assist less experienced operators and aid in pre-planning and real-time control.
Environmental injustices, such as toxic landfills and chemical plants, are often located in predominantly Black, Latinx, and Indigenous neighborhoods, threatening the health of these populations. The Hastings Center Report highlights the need for bioethics to consider environmental injustice in its principles of justice.
Biologists studied the impact of environmental factors on ultrathin nanofibers of biopolymers, finding that water absorption depends on polymer structure. The results show that biodegradable nanofibers with a crystalline structure are more resistant to decomposition by water and ozone.
A new study reveals that wastewater sequencing can detect emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants like B.1.1.7 up to 8 weeks before they become prevalent in clinical cases. This early warning system provides a more accurate picture of virus circulation among humans, including asymptomatic individuals.
A junk food diet may increase the risk of dangerous driving among truck/lorry drivers by boosting fatigue. The study found that vegetable-rich and staple food diets were associated with safe driving behaviours, while animal protein and snack diets were linked to higher rates of errors and unsafe behaviour.
A new study at Northwestern University suggests that environmental inequities may lead to health disparities through the gut microbiome. Minoritized populations are more likely to have lower microbial diversity and associated health risks due to limited access to green space.
Researchers developed a new framework to establish safe thresholds for antimicrobial release into the environment, addressing the global health threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The framework provides guidance on risk assessment and could inform policy to reduce antimicrobial levels in water systems, helping to mitigate resistance.
Researchers at George Mason University are investigating health impacts of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New York state communities exposed to contaminated drinking water. The study aims to understand the threat of PFAS to human populations and design efficient interventions to mitigate exposure.
Researchers developed a predictive model to monitor infant gene expression changes, potentially identifying early markers for T1D progression. The study used data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium and identified specific gene expression patterns related to natural killer cells.
Researchers found that training health workers to promote healthy feeding practices in pregnant women resulted in children consuming less fat and carbohydrates at 3 years of age and having lower measures of body fat at 6 years. The study suggests that early intervention can have a significant impact on childhood obesity risk.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science used fruit bats to study navigation in an experimental setup that emulates their natural environment. They found that a single neuron can represent multiple place fields and that the size of each field changes according to location, resolving the discrepancy between traditional models.
The study reveals that the environment can have contrasting effects on localization in quantum systems, depending on the strength of disorder and interaction. This discovery suggests new ways to protect quantum devices from noise and potentially grant them novel properties.
A study found that mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) improved mindful parenting, self-compassion, and mental health in parents of children with ADHD. The training also showed small effects on ADHD symptoms and anxiety in children, but a subgroup benefited from improved self-control.
Researchers have developed a new technique using chemically-sensitive soft X-rays to analyze the internal structure, chemistry and environmental behavior of organic nanocarriers. This non-disruptive method allows for detailed analysis of nanocarrier properties, including their size, water-content and response to changing environments.
A new study reveals that telomeres shorten rapidly during early childhood, setting the stage for lifelong health outcomes. Researchers found that a mother's telomere length is predictive of her child's telomere length through pre-adolescence.
The Mason4C Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health will expand its partnership with NMA fellows and community-based environmental justice groups. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this collaboration aims to amplify the voices of doctors and other health professionals in addressing climate and health injustices.
A study by UC San Diego scientists reveals that extreme heat and elevated ozone levels have a disproportionate impact on low-income ZIP codes in California. Areas with higher unemployment rates and car traffic are more affected, with increased hospitalizations for respiratory issues.
Research suggests that implementing ATS-recommended air quality standards could prevent tens of thousands of deaths, lung cancer cases, and illnesses. By meeting these standards, the US could avoid an estimated 14,650 deaths, 2,950 lung cancer cases, and 33,000 additional illnesses annually.