Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers applied Total Worker Health framework to a large Latin American agribusiness, adapting existing tools and training to meet diverse cultural needs. The study found improvements in employee health, safety, and well-being, as well as increased productivity.
A new study found that unbalanced progesterone signals may cause preterm labor or prolonged labor in pregnant women. The researchers used genetically engineered mouse models to alter the ratio of PGR-A and PGR-B signaling in the uterus, identifying key biological pathways influenced by both forms.
A new study identifies specific job categories that put workers at risk due to close contact with others. Black workers are especially overrepresented in indoor jobs, while Hispanic workers are overrepresented in outdoor high-proximity jobs.
A new study suggests that environmental DNA can help better understand which grasses are the worst offenders for outdoor allergens. The research found substantial variability in airborne pollen from different grass species and identified a disproportionate influence of certain grasses on relevant health outcomes.
The mosquito protein AEG12 destabilizes the viral envelope, breaking its protective covering. The findings could lead to therapeutics against viruses affecting millions of people worldwide.
Women with breast cancer who consumed non-diet soda five times or more per week were 85% more likely to die from breast cancer. The study also found a 62% higher likelihood of dying from any causes among these patients compared to those who never drank non-diet soda.
Long-range wildfire smoke is associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Local wildfires were found to be protective of residents' health due to evacuation efforts and media coverage.
A new study by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers found that individuals with higher sensitivity to visual cues experience more severe motion sickness symptoms in virtual reality. The study suggests personalized device settings and reduced sensory cues can mitigate motion sickness, making VR technology more accessible.
A new study found that tropical cyclone exposure is associated with a significant rise in hospitalizations among older adults, with a 14% average increase in respiratory diseases and a 4% rise in infectious diseases. Hospitalizations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) surged 45% following exposure.
Research shows that airborne pollen can account for 44% of variation in Covid-19 infection rates, with humidity and air temperature also playing a role. High pollen concentrations weaken immune response to viruses, leading to increased respiratory illnesses.
The project aims to understand the impact of peer recovery coaches on outcomes for individuals in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) housing. It will compare residents with and without peer recovery coaches to those in non-MAR housing, evaluating how culture, services, and camaraderie affect their recovery.
A survey of over 8,000 nursing home and assisted living staff in Indiana found that 45% would take a vaccine as soon as it was available, while an additional 24% said they would take it at some point in the future. Concerns about side effects, health risks, and effectiveness were common reasons for not wanting to receive the vaccine.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, pandemic-related anxiety and irregular routines were major drivers of increased nicotine and tobacco use. The study highlights the need for better support for quit attempts and harm reduction policies to address this uptick in tobacco use.
Researchers at the University of Trento have discovered that dandelion clocks can trap air when submerged in water, leading to the development of new materials that could be used in underwater operations. The discovery was made by students and professors who were inspired by a observation made by a high school student.
PFAS substances are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, water, and wildlife. Research highlights the need for effective management strategies to mitigate potential toxicity to humans and wildlife, with data gaps identified for devising an approach.
The article highlights the need for home battery storage to protect medically vulnerable households during power outages, which can be life-threatening. The researchers argue that clean, reliable emergency backup power is crucial for communities affected by climate change.
Research found that jobs classified as skilled trade occupations were most likely associated with heavy drinking, while professional occupations had lower rates. The study used data from 100,817 UK adults aged 40-69 and found associations between occupation and alcohol consumption differed in men and women.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that night owls are more likely to experience poor health, insomnia, and social jet lag, leading to underperformance at work. The study also linked evening chronotype to a higher risk of early retirement due to disability.
A new method using smartphones offers precise means to gauge food consumption over time, capturing seasonal shifts in diet patterns. The approach has the potential to predict physical well-being and tackle food insecurity affecting two billion people worldwide.
Scientists have discovered rare metals in 24 of 31 products tested, including single-use food packaging and children's toys. The study suggests REEs are ubiquitous and pervasive contaminants of consumer plastics.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
A study conducted by Michelle Bell found a concerning imbalance in submissions to a major peer-reviewed journal during the pandemic. Women's submissions increased only 7.9% compared to men's 23.8%, highlighting existing inequities in academia.
A new study found that pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability are at increased risk of preterm birth. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used to determine the likelihood of preterm birth, with socioeconomic and household composition themes showing the strongest association.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health suggests that investing in cycling and walking infrastructure could save up to 770 lives per year across the Northeastern US, with a monetary value of $7.6 billion annually.
Neighborhoods historically redlined by racist mortgage practices in the 1930s are more likely to have limited green spaces. This is associated with elevated air pollution, higher rates of poverty, and worse health outcomes for residents. The study highlights the persistent effects of redlining policies on urban neighborhoods.
The CDC will discuss how COVID-19 has impacted Legionnaires' disease incidence and testing, as well as introduce new control tools to reduce the risk of contraction. The conference aims to provide building owners and managers with information and methods to ensure a safe environment for tenants and visitors.
Physical frailty is defined as a state of depleted reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. A complex systems approach suggests that interventions like physical activity can remedy frailty by addressing dysregulation across multiple interconnected physiological and biological systems.
The article assesses progress in healthcare quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on system cohesion and organizational capabilities. It highlights key findings on how to improve healthcare systems and enhance patient care.
Child care programs in Ohio have shown low COVID-19 infection rates due to clear guidelines, streamlined reporting, and high compliance among workers and families. The study recommends maintaining capacity, developing a supply chain for PPE, standardizing communication, and expanding workforce pipelines.
A recent study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that employees in small businesses with strong health and safety climates reported better well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team distributed a COVID-specific survey to 491 employees from 30 small businesses across Colorado, revealing a positi...
A national vaccine strategy is crucial to defeating COVID-19, according to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The school recommends setting realistic expectations on vaccine effectiveness and promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between adverse childhood experiences and juvenile justice system contact. The researchers analyzed data from eleven studies and found that higher ACE scores were associated with increased risk of connection to the juvenile justice system.
A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.
More than 230 Indiana nursing homes signed up for a program to improve COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control. The ECHO program offers weekly calls for nursing home leaders to discuss best practices and share experiences.
A panel of experts developed guidelines for accurate determination of death in mountain rescue situations, taking into account the challenges of remote environments. Definitive signs of death include dependent lividity, rigor mortis, and decapitation, but absence of vital signs is not definitive.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that NBA teams perform significantly better at home due to the alignment of their internal body clock with the new time zone. This is attributed to disruptions in sleep quality caused by traveling across time zones, which can impact accuracy and impair performance.
Telehealth can deliver robust outcomes for children with special education needs, particularly when barriers to services exist. Proactive biological cycle management principles can reduce the risk of COVID-19 in workplaces, promoting a safe return to work.
A new study from Cardiff University shows that direct messages sent via Facebook chat can significantly reduce the amount of red and processed meat consumed by individuals. Participants reported a significant decrease in their meat consumption, with some even expressing a desire to reduce other types of meat they consume in the future.
A new study found significant inequalities in public drinking water arsenic exposure across US regions and sociodemographic subgroups. Despite a decline in national arsenic levels, Hispanic communities and those relying on groundwater continued to exceed maximum contaminant levels, raising environmental justice concerns.
Researchers share critical information and solutions to address behavioral challenges posed by the pandemic, including new working models, digital service approaches, and learning strategies. The papers explore various aspects of human systems management, from employee engagement to occupational health and safety.
The Lancet Global Countdown on Health and Climate Change highlights the devastating impact of climate change on human health, with key trends worsening unless urgent action is taken. Experts from institutions worldwide, including Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, contribute to the report's findings.
The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) is a new tool measuring work-attributed depressive symptoms. Researchers found that 7.6% of participants met criteria for job-ascribed depression, highlighting the need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.
A UOC project has developed a 3D virtual environment to train surgeons' psychomotor skills, providing real-time feedback and metrics. The tool has been tested with over 148 users, showing its validity in improving surgeons' performance at different stages of their careers.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds a 7% increase in preterm birth rates among women from MENA countries impacted by the 2017 travel ban. Anti-immigrant and Islamophobic policies are associated with detrimental shifts in health outcomes for pregnant women and infants.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that countries like Japan and China show less age bias, while individualistic nations like the US and Germany exhibit greater ageism. States in the US with high age bias also tend to have poorer health outcomes for older adults.
Researchers in Quebec have developed a first-of-its-kind cold-health watch and warning system to predict health risks associated with cold waves. The system considers temperature thresholds that trigger alerts for healthcare professionals, taking into account delays between exposure and observed health impacts.
In response to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Area public health officials issued the first U.S. regional shelter-in-place order in mid-March 2020. They share their experience on crisis decision-making approach, including meta-leadership and decision intelligence, which improved routine team decisions.
Researchers have developed a virtual-reality method that measures susceptibility to psychogenic stressors by analyzing heart rate variability and locomotion data. The study's findings offer a standardized tool for measuring vulnerability to stressors based on objective markers, paving the way for early interventions.
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that newly retired women experience a sharp rise in sedentary time, which persists 2+ years later. The research suggests that prolonged sitting is more harmful than short bouts and may be linked to social isolation and decreased physical activity after retirement.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that loneliness is highest in the 20s due to lower empathy, compassion, and self-efficacy. Levels of loneliness decrease in the 60s, with smaller social networks and sleep disturbances being consistent predictors across all age groups.
Working in farming or wood industries with asthma significantly increases the risk of hospitalization due to worsening symptoms. Asthmatics exposed to dust are more than twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma compared to those without exposure, according to a recent Aarhus University study.
A new study from University of East Anglia found that people with dementia are at higher risk of going missing in areas with dense and disordered road networks. The research identified environmental risk factors that contribute to the issue, including complex intersections and disorganized layout.
A Dartmouth study found that involving pediatric practices in promoting private well water testing can significantly influence parental compliance. The study, which tested two interventions, showed that providing both parents and clinic access to results and follow-up reminders increased testing completion rates.
The study aims to examine the effects of gestational exposure to endocrine disruptors on fetal development in African American and white mothers. It will also explore health disparities in fetal developmental outcomes by race, with the goal of addressing significant gaps in understanding the impact of these chemicals.
Researchers propose a new theory that suggests the existence of a biodynamic interface between humans and their environment, which mediates interaction between biological and environmental systems. This interface considers social, behavioral, and cultural dynamics, allowing scientists to assess its impact on health outcomes.
Researchers developed a rapid, cost-effective method to predict lowest antibiotic concentration increasing resistance in wastewater. The SELECT assay can generate data quickly and inform decisions on safe levels of antibiotics.
Researchers at Lancaster University are exploring the use of cold atmospheric plasma jets to decontaminate medical equipment contaminated with Covid-19. This innovative approach aims to reduce cleaning time, eliminate risk of chemical exposure, and decrease the potential for antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers improved Uppstroms' performance by incorporating personal and population-level social determinants of health, leading to fewer false positives. The algorithm identifies patients at risk, allowing clinicians to offer referrals to specialized services before a crisis occurs.
Researchers found daily average sound levels dropped approximately 3 decibels during the pandemic, which could have a significant impact on people's overall health outcomes. The analysis shows that digital devices can be used to evaluate daily behaviors and exposures.