Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
The American Osteopathic Association's comprehensive whole-person health poll found that 71% of Americans have good or excellent health and wellness. However, socioeconomic disparities emerged, with lower-income individuals facing greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The poll also highlighted concerns about mental health, financ...
A new UCI-led study reveals that early life adversity is directly linked to opioid addiction vulnerability by affecting brain development and function. The research highlights the importance of attention to sex differences in future studies and prevention strategies, which could help address the growing opioid crisis.
A new study in Frontiers in Neuroscience used virtual reality to determine how people plan their movements by
This special issue of Science explores safer and more sustainable chemicals to address environmental and health concerns. Reviews argue for rethinking chemistry and considering inherent properties in early stages of design.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher is studying the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on breast density in college-age women, a strong risk factor for breast cancer. High breast density has been linked to increased breast cancer risk in older women, and this study aims to shed light on the link in younger women.
Research found that PFOS changes the gut microbiome of mice, suggesting potential mechanisms outside human cells and metabolic effects on microbes. The study supports emerging ideas that chemical exposures can impact gut microbes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago report that hospital visits associated with homelessness have tripled since 2011. Their findings show that annual conservative estimates of homelessness using hospital-based data have exceeded HUD estimates since 2016.
A recent study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that indoor air quality is connected to respiratory and general symptoms like colds and headaches. However, the association was too weak to reliably assess indoor air quality based on reported symptoms.
A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals a relationship between lead exposure risk and brain structure in children from lower-income families. The research found that an increased risk of lead exposure is associated with decreases in cognitive performance and brain volume, but not in mid- or high-income families.
Researchers at Silent Spring Institute found that anonymized environmental health data can be traced back to individuals. The study highlights the need for greater protections for participants in human research studies, particularly with the proposed federal rule by EPA requiring scientists to make their data public.
Researchers identified three main themes that shape people's experience of living with loneliness, including individual differences, social isolation, and lack of meaningful activities. The study suggests that effective interventions can be developed by understanding the underlying causes of loneliness in senior housing communities.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that hospital-based palliative care services reduce treatment intensity at the end of life, with a 10% reduction in ICU use. This could lead to cost savings of approximately $265 million per year in the US.
The prevalence of marijuana detected in homicide victims increased significantly between 2004 and 2016, with a notable rise among adolescent victims. The study found that over two-thirds of victims aged 15-20 years tested positive for marijuana, highlighting the potential risks associated with marijuana use.
A UK study found that poor sexual health affects women in diverse ways and is often overlooked by current intervention efforts. The research identified distinct groups at risk, including women with low interest in sex and those experiencing depression, alcohol or drug use. Tailored programs may be needed to address these vulnerabilities.
A longitudinal study of 209 New York City women and their offspring found a decrease in fine-motor functions among girls following prenatal exposure to specific phthalates. The analysis identified three phthalates most linked to the deficits: mono-butyl phthalate, mono-benzyl phthalate, and mono-isobutyl phthalate.
A recent study found a 50% increase in total mortality and three-fold increase in heart disease deaths in individuals with high 3-PBA levels, a metabolite of pyrethroids. The study's findings challenge the assumption that these insecticides are safe, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women, with exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with a 50% higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of environmental exposures during pregnancy.
A study led by ISGlobal found that living near green spaces reduced the risk of excess weight and obesity in women. Genetic predisposition and gene-environment interactions also played a role in the association.
A new study from the University of California San Francisco and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health challenges assumptions about contraceptive use among women. Despite having a strong preference against pregnancy, over half of the women studied used a contraceptive method.
Research led by UMass Amherst scientist Alexander Suvorov identified the mechanism responsible for flame retardant's effect: an altered liver epigenome. Perinatal exposure permanently changed liver metabolism in rats, potentially applicable to humans.
A new study by Columbia University researchers estimates the per-case costs of six childhood health conditions linked to air pollution, including preterm birth and asthma. The study suggests that policies to clean the air and address climate change will yield numerous benefits for children's health.