Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that Photovoice, an educational intervention, significantly improves STEM-capacity scores and environmental awareness in low-income, urban youth. The results suggest a potential solution to environmental justice issues.
Scientists found that male sex hormones prevent stomach inflammation by suppressing immune cells, while females lack this protection. The study suggests treating males with stomach inflammation differently than females.
Researchers found that individuals with asthma living in historically redlined neighborhoods have lower lung function than those in non-redlined areas. This association was independent of race and co-occurring diseases, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in worsening asthma outcomes in these communities.
The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship aims to honor Jennifer's memory by providing travel stipends for field experience in fragile settings.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with heart disease are less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering statin prescriptions later in the day, particularly after 12 pm. The odds of prescription decreased progressively throughout the morning and remained low throughout the afternoon.
Researchers developed a modular robot that autonomously adapts to its environment, achieving optimal behavior without a central controller. The robot learned to navigate and maintain behavior even with damage, paving the way for miniaturized robotic materials for various applications.
A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.
The intersection of child poverty with race, immigrant status, and environmental threats is a critical issue that affects the health and development of vulnerable populations. Experts discuss the impact of systemic inequalities and environmental toxins on children's well-being.
A USC study found that neighborhoods with poverty and unemployment may pose an environmental risk to children's brains, impacting neurocognitive performance and brain size. The research highlights the importance of neighborhood environments for child and adolescent brain development.
A new study found that short-term air pollution exposure can impair cognitive performance, but taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can reduce these effects. The study used data from the Normative Aging Study and found that elevated PM2.5 exposure over 28 days was associated with declines in global cognitiv...
A Rutgers University study found that volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals' in their bodies than the general public. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are linked to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that UVC light can neutralize benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common ingredient in disinfectants, making them safer for humans and the environment. The treatment reduces BAK's toxicity and minimizes its harmful effects on skin and eyes.
The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.
A comprehensive review of US fatalities linked to methylene chloride paint strippers reveals more deaths than expected, with 85 reported between 1980 and 2018, most in occupational settings. Safer alternatives are available, and experts urge the EPA to limit use and prevent further deaths.
A new study found that granddaughters whose grandmothers were exposed to DDT have higher rates of obesity and earlier first menstrual periods. This may increase the granddaughters' risk for breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases.
COVID-19 experts argue that close-range inhalation is the primary route of transmission, and that improving indoor ventilation can help reduce aerosol concentrations. Effective masks with high filtration efficiency are also crucial in protecting against inhaled aerosols.
A study analyzing over 73 million hospitalizations found that site of delivery is a key factor contributing to racial disparities in maternal mortality. Black women are more likely to die from severe maternal morbidity at birth or immediately after childbirth compared to White and Hispanic women.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found evidence linking pregnant women's exposure to phthalates to slower information processing in their 7.5-month-old infants. Males were more likely to be affected, especially when exposed to certain chemicals and unfamiliar faces.
A small study found that exposure to phthalates and bisphenols, commonly found in plastics, may contribute to lower progesterone levels during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could be a potential avenue for preventing postpartum depression.
A study published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice finds that the number of preventive medicine physicians is not likely to match population needs in the US. The specialty is aging, with nearly half of physicians over 60 years old, and new trainees are scarce.
The study reveals that air pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area causes over 3,000 deaths and 5,500 new childhood asthma cases each year. Health impacts vary dramatically within neighborhoods, with certain areas experiencing a much larger burden.
Research highlights the importance of understanding social factors in preventing knee injuries among girls and women. The study suggests that gendered experiences and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping injury outcomes. Experts urge attention to these topics to improve prevention and management strategies.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.