Articles tagged with Environmental Health
The WVU toxicologist aims to improve health and well-being in susceptible populations by studying the impact of air pollution on lung regeneration. He plans to identify adverse outcomes of carbon black and ground level ozone inhalation, and study mechanisms leading to lung injury and impairment of lung regeneration.
A study analyzing dolphin blood biomarkers reveals age-related declines in hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and lymphocytes. This variation in aging rates suggests potential strategies for slowing disease progression and preventing chronic conditions in humans.
A new study found that children's pester power significantly influences their family's dietary intake and parenting practices. The research suggests that children's influence on their homes may be an underdeveloped potential target for future interventions.
A study by Syracuse University found that Americans who live in blue states tend to live longer than those in red states, primarily due to state policies. Liberal state policies could raise US life expectancy by over 2 years, while conservative policies could reduce it by 2 years.
Dream Tech LLC will develop a more comprehensive and reliable modeling and library system for chemical risk assessment using its BBMD system. The grant will allow the startup to analyze diverse types of dose-response data from various studies, providing effective solutions to practical dose-response assessment.
A study published in Health Affairs found that one in four US younger women reported cost-related nonadherence to prescription medicines compared to one in seven younger men. The largest disparities were observed among US women versus men in other high-income countries, with significant health implications.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that RGGI successfully reduced PM2.5 emissions and improved children's health between 2009-2014, avoiding 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 ASD cases, and 56 low birthweight cases. The initiative also generated economic savings of $191-$350 million.
A University of Cincinnati ergonomics expert warns that workers' discomfort levels are increasing after months of remote work. To combat this, he recommends using a laptop stand, placing a cushion on the chair, and taking regular breaks to stretch and move around.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a link between elevated BPA levels and increased asthma symptoms in low-income children. The study also did not find a statistically significant association between BPS and BPF levels and asthma symptoms.
A new study shows that community-based genetic screening can identify individuals at increased risk for three common inherited conditions, including Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The study found that up to 90% of carriers were not previously identified in a clinical setting.
Researchers estimate aerosol emissions from simulated individuals with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19. The study aims to provide insight into the potential for airborne transmission of the virus.
A team of bioethicists from Johns Hopkins University emphasizes the need for informed consent in public health activities, including those related to COVID-19. The authors suggest that good governance of public health surveillance infrastructure is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent research abuses.
Researchers detected novel fluoroethers in 85% of participants' blood, representing 24% of total PFAS, and showed faster excretion rates compared to legacy PFAS. The study aimed to understand the effects of these chemicals on human health.
Dr. Lewis A. Lipsitz outlines his vision for a healthy longevity at 84, emphasizing the need for social connections, sense of purpose, and accessible healthcare. He envisions multigenerational communities with technology-enabled support, affordable housing, and community-based health services.
Experts say mask requirements protect workers at retail stores and restaurants from COVID-19. Mandatory mask-wearing could normalize in the US like it has in east Asia.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that bed bug infestations alter the indoor microbial diversity in homes, with the presence of Wolbachia bacterium being a key driver. After eliminating bed bugs, home microbiomes gradually shifted toward those of uninfested homes.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.
Most dietary guidelines are not compatible with global health and environmental targets, finds an analysis published by The BMJ. Reforming national dietary guidelines could prevent deaths from chronic diseases and cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.
The grant will support masters and doctoral-level training programs in critical fields like industrial hygiene and occupational ergonomics. It aims to improve worker health, safety, and well-being in the American workforce.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate the health risks of PFAS in drinking water. The study found that women are particularly at risk of decreased thyroid hormone T3 levels due to exposure. Around 4% of local women in Ronneby, Sweden, may experience a 10% drop in T3 levels.
A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that extending US menthol cigarette flavor bans could encourage smokers to quit and lower smoking rates. The authors estimate that up to 45% of current US menthol smokers may quit in response to a ban, while some retailers continue to sell banned products.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that short, frequent walks in blue spaces significantly improve well-being and mood. Researchers measured participants' blood pressure and heart rate before, during, and after walks in a beach environment versus urban environments.
Researchers discovered unicellular green algae with enzymes that can convert commercially viable substances without generating co-substrate, using photosynthesis. This breakthrough has the potential to create a greener industry by producing substances at mild temperatures and in water.
Researchers at University of Córdoba successfully substitute up to 40% of conventional aggregates with granite sludge, maintaining mortar's durability and strength. The use of granite sludge reduces environmental harm and promotes sustainability in self-compacting concrete.
A recent study by Oregon State University finds that the state's occupational health monitoring system is not timely enough, resulting in a 2- to 3-year lag between hazard occurrence and data dissemination. The study suggests adopting state-specific health indicators to improve timeliness and relevance.
A new study has identified environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity, including exposure to smoking and air pollution. Areas with higher walkability were found to have lower BMI levels in children.
A University of Washington study reveals that 75% of US workers cannot work exclusively from home, putting them at increased risk of exposure to disease and other job disruptions. These workers are also more likely to be in lower-paid jobs, with some earning as little as $32,000 per year.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no significant association between urban density and COVID-19 infection rates. However, it was linked to lower COVID-19 death rates, possibly due to better healthcare systems in densely populated areas. Larger metropolitan areas with closely linked counties are ...
The University of Pennsylvania's CEET will focus on air pollution, lung health, and environmental neuroscience with a strong emphasis on community engagement. The $8 million grant will support cutting-edge research and policy-making to improve the health of vulnerable individuals and communities.
Researchers found that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during liver development can prematurely age the epigenome, leading to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to metabolic disorders. This study highlights the long-term effects of environmental exposures on health and disease susceptibility.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute shows that using electronic health information exchanges to prepopulate forms for notifiable disease reports increases reporting rates and completeness. This method facilitates public health surveillance, enabling quicker response to outbreaks and informing public health decisions.
The project aims to develop a computationally efficient model of viral spread to better understand the effectiveness of disease mitigation strategies. Funding from the CDC enabled the development of this model to support H-2A farm worker health and safety.
A study from China found that frontline healthcare professionals who were adequately protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) did not contract COVID-19 or develop immunity. The researchers emphasize the need for adequate PPE and training for healthcare professionals working in high-exposure environments.
A new study from the University of Georgia has found that exposure to a banned flame retardant can alter the genetic code in sperm, leading to major health defects in children. The research focuses on paternal exposure prior to conception and uses a unique combination of observational and laboratory approaches.
A new study found that women living within six miles of oil and gas wells in California were 8-14% more likely to experience spontaneous preterm births. The study analyzed 225,000 births from 1998 to 2011 and focused on how exposure to wells may affect health outcomes.
A Stanford-led study reveals that reducing the number of unused containers can be an effective means of mosquito control, with women and children playing key roles in implementing this approach. The researchers identified laundry buckets and tires as common breeding habitats for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A study of nearly 3 million California births found that living near active oil and gas wells may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, with rural residents being more affected. The study also found a slightly increased risk of small for gestational age babies in urban areas.
Researchers used silicone dog tags as passive environmental samplers to collect data on everyday chemical exposures in dogs and their owners. They found significant correlations between exposure levels for owners and pets, as well as similarities in urinary biomarkers.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that cloth masks can block droplet and aerosol contamination, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The researchers recommend using multiple layers of cotton cloth for maximum protection.
Researchers found elevated levels of gadolinium in Tokyo river water, particularly near treatment plants, highlighting the need for new policies and removal technologies as MRI become more widespread.
A new review links dozens of environmental chemicals to changes in the gut microbiome, associated with health challenges such as reproductive defects, Type 2 diabetes, and poor immune function. Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates has been linked to altered hormone metabolism and microbial shifts.
The Lancet review calls for guidelines and research agenda to ensure equitable and ethical use of AI in low- and middle-income countries. The recommendations focus on human-centered design, data protection, and regulatory standards.
The BladeSense project has shown strong potential for advancing rotor blade health monitoring through real-time data collection. This technology could substantially save on lifecycle costs and provide new pathways for performance monitoring, using novel interferometric fibre optic shape measurement.
The exposome concept captures diverse environmental factors affecting human health, including chemicals in air, water, and food. Recent technological advances and analytical tools are crucial for identifying unknown chemicals and their impact on health.
A new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that strong relationships are key to influencing physical activity in older adults. Participants with higher educational attainment and a strong relationship with others were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that blockchain technology can improve food quality and ensure consumer safety by providing transparency throughout the supply chain. The system creates a record of actions that is difficult to change, allowing companies to offer data and reassurance about product provenance.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine emphasizes the importance of addressing risks in correctional facilities and marginalized communities. Researchers outline guidelines to mitigate transmission and protect workers and prisoners, as well as caution about existing health disparities and potential exacerbation of stigma.
A study found that an optimal minimum legal age of 19 for non-medical cannabis use balances the risk of adverse outcomes with the potential benefits. This age limit is lower than previously recommended ages, but higher than the current age of 18 in Canada.
A new study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opening of a FreshDirect warehouse in Mott Haven, Bronx, increased truck and vehicle flow, leading to small increases in air and noise pollution. The researchers estimated increases of 0.06 dBA (noise) and 0.003 µg/m3 (black carbon air pollution).
A study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between long-term exposure to segregated neighborhoods and decreased processing speed in midlife. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 black participants and found that high segregation was linked to poorer cognitive function.
Long-term buprenorphine treatment is associated with improved health care outcomes, including lower prescription opioid use and opioid-related events. Patients with continuous treatment had significantly lower rates of overdose events, inpatient and emergency department services, and prescription opioids use compared to those who disco...
Research found that gardeners report better general health, psychological wellbeing, and physical activity levels compared to non-gardeners. Access to private gardens and outdoor spaces also showed significant benefits for mental health.
A recent study found that participants were more likely to choose non-alcoholic drinks when presented with eight options, including increasing the proportion of non-alcoholic drinks. The study suggests that interventions to encourage healthier food and drink choices may be effective by changing the relative availability of options.
Researchers found that 92% of employers believe public health professionals with climate change training will be in high demand in the next 5-10 years. Employers value skills such as knowledge of climate mitigation, health equity, and risk assessment. The study analyzed 16 years' worth of job postings to project future workforce needs.
A new commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of environmental cleaning during the pandemic. Environmental services personnel play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and their work is essential for patient safety.
A study estimates that 14.4 million workers face weekly and 26.7 million monthly exposure to infections in the workplace, highlighting the need for improved protective measures.
A new study predicts that US agricultural workers will experience double the number of unsafe days due to extreme heat by 2050, with health risks tripling. The research suggests that adapting working conditions, such as using lighter protective clothing and taking breaks, can mitigate these risks.
A zero-emissions Boston could avoid nearly 200 deaths each year, with significant reductions in cardiovascular and respiratory illness across the region. The city's climate policies would also save $1.7 billion in Suffolk County and $2.4 billion for the entire 75-square-mile zone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a tripling of domestic violence reports in China's Hubei Province, with women performing most of the frontline healthcare work. Researchers call for governments to incorporate gender considerations into their response and leverage technology to support women's access to essential services.