Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
Global experts call for international assistance as African nations battle COVID-19 and HIV. The authors argue that success in one country is limited if epidemics continue elsewhere.
A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.
A public health education campaign targeting NYC nightlife venues aimed to increase awareness of the risk of opioid overdose due to fentanyl-laced cocaine. The pilot study found that 87% of bar owners had heard about fentanyl, but only 43% knew about naloxone.
A traditional vegetable diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can lower the risk of premature birth. Consuming high amounts of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and other vegetables before conception helps women reach full term pregnancy.
A new study using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) analyzes caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in a large university population, providing valuable data on psychotropic compound use. The findings highlight the utility of long-term monitoring networks for improving student health and identifying disease trends.
The review emphasizes the importance of natural daylight and air circulation in reducing disease transmission. Opening windows to improve airflow and admitting natural light can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The study found significant increases in antinuclear antibody prevalence in the US population, particularly among males and adolescents. The researchers suggest changes in lifestyle or environment may be involved in these increases.
The study highlights the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on displaced populations, who are often stigmatized and blamed for disease spread. The authors share lessons learned from past epidemics to inform a more effective, inclusive COVID-19 response.
Cancer drugs are detected in water systems due to human excretion and wastewater treatment facilities. Researchers urge proactive measures to identify potential gaps in knowledge regarding the consequences of anti-neoplastic exposure on aquatic organisms.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that ride-hailing trips increase the number of crashes for motorists and pedestrians at pick-up and drop-off locations. The research used data for individual ride-hailing trips and found no link between ride-hailing and cyclist or taxi crashes.
A recent study found that image-and-text health warning labels on alcoholic drinks and energy-dense snacks can significantly reduce consumption. Labels depicting bowel cancer were associated with the highest level of negative emotions, while those on high-density snacks were judged more acceptable.
A University of Helsinki study reveals significant differences in fearfulness among urban and rural dog populations. Socialisation in puppyhood, activity levels, and breed-specific factors all contribute to fearfulness in dogs.
Researchers at Stanford University explore viral and environmental characteristics that affect COVID-19 transmission via surfaces, air, and fecal matter. They propose a broader approach to understanding viruses to better predict their behavior in the environment.
Researchers at KAIST developed a novel wearable strain sensor that overcomes limitations of conventional sensors. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, flexibility, and stretchability while being environmentally stable, making it suitable for healthcare applications.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is launching a new COVID-19 worker training program to protect frontline responders' health. The program aims to provide virtual safety training and resources to employees at high risk of exposure, with the goal of preventing illness and reducing transmission.
Dr. Gwenith Fisher has made significant contributions to occupational health psychology, particularly regarding the aging workforce and its impact on society and work organizations. She is a leader in I-O psychology, currently serving on four editorial boards and authoring over 50 peer-reviewed articles.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that organizational supports for nurse practitioners enhance their ability to deliver patient-centered care. NPs working in good practice environments were more likely to integrate patient preferences into care compared to those in mixed or poor environments.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an AI-powered smart insole that turns any shoe into a portable gait-analysis laboratory. The technology provides accurate real-time data on stride length, speed, and power, overcoming limitations of existing wearable technologies.
Dr. Nathan A. Bowling has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, demonstrating his impact on employee attitudes, counterproductive work behavior, and self-report questionnaires. With over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published in prestigious publications.
Researchers found that young, first-time sugarcane workers with even slightly lower than average kidney function were at a greater risk for rapid onset of kidney injury. The study highlights the importance of routine blood pressure and renal function screenings for workers in high-risk occupations.
A study of 4,788 child-parent pairs and 2,380 siblings found that 36-58% of coffee intake is genetically determined, with environmental factors influencing the amount consumed. The correlation between parent's and offspring's coffee drinking increased with each quantile, suggesting a complex interplay between genetics and environment.
A Columbia University expert argues for a more effective inter-governmental partnership in implementing the ACA, with states having significant policy and administrative discretion while adhering to strong national standards. This approach can achieve universal coverage without eliminating the private insurance system.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln will investigate the impact, risks, and cost of stress in the construction industry. The study aims to identify types and causes of occupational stress, which is estimated to cost British industry £5 billion annually.
A participatory study in Bilbao reveals that the urban environment influences eating behavior, with socioeconomic differences affecting food choices. The study identified six themes, including unhealthy eating behaviors, cultural diversity, and limited involvement of citizens and authorities in improving neighborhoods.
Researchers found that reconnecting with nature enhances human health and encourages environmental protection. People who visit natural spaces weekly report better wellbeing, while also being more likely to engage in eco-friendly activities.
The University of Bristol is working with the Children of the 90s health study to examine the effect of environmental exposures on health. The project aims to develop tools to predict disease risk based on environmental factors and will combine data from multiple studies across Europe.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully detect protein structures in Escherichia coli bacteria using EPR spectroscopy and nanobodies. They can measure distances between proteins within native membranes, opening up new possibilities for studying membrane protein dynamics and functions.
The Cross-Border Science Journalism Project will award financial support to a team of Latin American science writers to produce a cross-border environmental investigative project. The project will be published in Spanish by media partners in Latin America and in English by U.S. media partners.
Coronaviruses can survive on surfaces for an average of four to five days, with low temperatures and high air humidity extending their lifespan. Effective disinfection solutions, such as those containing ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite, can significantly reduce the number of infectious particles within minutes.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released new clinical practice guidelines addressing critical issues in wilderness medicine, including diabetes management and spinal cord protection. The guidelines emphasize personalized care and evidence-based approaches to prevent complications and optimize patient outcomes.
A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.
A new study found that general anesthesia in cesarean delivery is associated with a 54% increase in the odds of severe postpartum depression requiring hospitalization. Women who received regional anesthesia had a lower risk of developing suicidal thoughts or self-inflicted injury.
The Value Transformation Framework (VTF) provides a step-by-step guide for healthcare organizations to shift to value-based care, focusing on improving quality of care and outcomes. The framework addresses three domains: Infrastructure, Care Delivery, and People, with 15 Change Areas offering flexible steps toward improvement.
A study examined water chemistry, macroinvertebrate community health, and microbial community structure in 25 streams with varying levels of oil and gas development intensity. The researchers found no significant associations between OG development intensity and chemical tracers or measures of ecosystem health.
Researchers at George Mason University will investigate the role of early life exposures in childhood health and disease as part of a $1.5M NIH grant. The project aims to understand how early life experiences impact children's development and health outcomes.
A review by Boston University School of Public Health researchers calls for recognition of 'take-home' exposures as a public health hazard. The authors propose a multi-tier intervention approach to prevent chronic, low-level exposures that harm developing children.
New study reveals previously unknown, highly toxic compounds formed when chlorine disinfects drinking water. The discovery raises questions about the need for chlorination and potential alternatives like ozone treatment or filtration.
Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and deadly heatwaves in China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found that extreme daytime heat and rainfall events are becoming more common, with night-time temperatures rising significantly.