Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Research suggests that the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has decreased among frequent users between 2002-2016, with significant declines observed across all age groups. This decline may be attributed to changes in social attitudes and perceptions of risk associated with cannabis use, as well as increased legalization.
The UMass Amherst team will expand research into the impact of phthalate exposure on male fertility and sperm epigenetics. The study aims to identify epigenetic signatures associated with phthalate exposures and altered sperm function, which may provide better preconception advising for couples.
A Colorado State University team is developing small, wearable air pollution sensors to assess occupational hazards. The devices will be easy to use and provide comprehensive data on airborne chemicals, particles, and vapors, making it possible for workers to know what they're breathing.
A Swedish study found that long-term exposure to traffic exhaust at home increases the risk of stroke in low-pollution environments. The researchers discovered that black carbon from traffic exhaust was the primary culprit, with a 4% increased risk for every 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter.
Researchers found that lower environmental quality in rural counties was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, urban areas showed a stronger link between air and sociodemographic domains. The study's findings suggest a significant impact of cumulative environmental exposures on diabetes risk in rural populations.
Using information theory, researchers at UNIGE aim to understand how impaired cellular communication influences cancer development. They propose a new approach to oncology, focusing on restoring proper signaling pathway activity rather than shutting them down.
Researchers discovered that consuming healthier foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables has a significant positive impact on the environment. In contrast, diets high in red meat and processed foods lead to substantial negative environmental impacts.
A new MIT system uses computer-vision techniques to detect and classify subtle changes in shadows on the ground, enabling autonomous vehicles to quickly avoid collisions with other objects. The system outperforms traditional LiDAR technology by more than half a second in real-world scenarios.
Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to observe rhomboid protease movement, revealing a gate that opens for substrate protein entry. This study provides new insights for developing medication targeting these proteins.
Researchers at UofSC's Arnold School of Public Health discovered a novel treatment approach for Gulf War Illness by repurposing existing antiviral drugs. The study, published in the journal Viruses, shows that adjusting GI tract viruses can help alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue and widespread pain.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that new organophosphate flame retardants have been associated with lower IQ in children and reproductive problems. These chemicals are also being carried by wind and water far from their origin, polluting areas worldwide.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.
A new series on Frailty published in The Lancet highlights the need for evidence-based interventions and robust trials to prevent and manage frailty. Despite progress in understanding frailty, gaps in knowledge remain, including a lack of consensus on its definition and assessment.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Pennsylvania analyzed crash risk, exposure, and built environment factors. They identified specific variables related to exposure and risk, but found a lack of clarity on the role of built environment in traffic injury and death.
A team of researchers from the University of Vienna has shown that the widespread food estrogen zearalenone migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances. The study found that even small concentrations could have a greater impact on the embryo than previously assumed.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute found that people who eat more meals at home have lower levels of PFAS in their bodies. Consuming fast food and eating out frequently are associated with higher exposures to these chemicals.
A study published in Neurology found that young adults experiencing annual income drops of 25% or more are at risk of having thinking problems and reduced brain health in middle age. Participants with higher income volatility during peak earning years showed worse brain aging, including smaller total brain volume and reduced connectivity.
A new study suggests that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may protect the lungs from short-term spikes in air pollution. The researchers found that nearly half of the negative impact of particulate matter on lung function was reduced with NSAID use.
University of Queensland researchers studied human responses to unexpected changes in environment, like falling into a hole. They found that humans use different strategies to stabilize themselves based on the drop height and utilized distal lower-limb joints such as the ankle for energy absorption at low drop heights.
A recent study found that better access to clean water, sanitation services, and family planning can substantially reduce preventable child mortality in Africa. The analysis determined that large households are linked to worsening child health outcomes in developing nations.
The University of California, Irvine will conduct a major multi-site health study on the relationship between PFAS-contaminated drinking water and health outcomes. The study aims to advance scientific evidence on human health effects of PFAS and provide answers to communities exposed to contaminated water.
A new study from the University of Washington found that employment conditions beyond wages and hours impact overall health. Workers in insecure jobs reported poor mental health and increased injury risk, while those with high empowerment experienced similar health to standard employees.
DNA molecules have a hydrophobic interior that groups together when exposed to water, controlling the binding process. The discovery opens doors for new understanding in medicine and life sciences, with potential applications in fighting resistant bacteria and curing cancer.
A team of Wayne State University researchers is working to better understand the physical, chemical, and biological character of fatbergs through advanced analysis. Their study aims to identify contaminants in fatbergs and inform targeted prevention and mitigation efforts.
A study published in Neuron found that brain areas and patterns of interaction are similar regardless of navigation method, suggesting that sufficient information can be obtained from visual cues alone. The research suggests that even basic virtual reality systems may be useful in instructional applications.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pulegone, contained in menthol and mint flavored e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, exceeds safety levels with potential carcinogenic properties. The FDA does not regulate pulegone's presence in these products, despite being banned as a food additive.
Scientists have found that cryptochromes from migratory birds have evolved a mechanism that enhances their ability to respond to light, allowing them to sense and respond to magnetic fields under nighttime conditions. This discovery sheds light on how vertebrate cryptochromes function in low-light environments.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that socio-cultural values and beliefs around menstrual hygiene management are key to improving school environments for menstruating girls. The study identified gaps in research and provided recommendations for policy and practice changes.
A comprehensive case report documents the dermatological progression of a patient stung by a box jellyfish off Cambodia's coast. The patient recovered fully with proper wound care and management, healing without skin grafting.
A study found daily marijuana use is seven times higher among bisexual women than heterosexual women, with gay/lesbian women also reporting higher rates of daily and past-year medical marijuana use. The research highlights the need for targeted health-promoting policies for LGB individuals.
Exposure to built environment, outdoor temperature, and chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to prehypertension and hypertension in childhood. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas with access to green spaces had lower blood pressure.
A review of 52 publications found inconsistent results on the effects of prenatal opioid exposure on childhood outcomes and development. Studies showed some null effects of opioid exposure on cognitive and behavioral outcomes, but behavioral effects emerged as children got older.
A new graphene-based film has shown promise in blocking mosquito bites by interfering with their ability to sense skin and sweat. The dry film provides a strong mechanical barrier that prevents mosquitoes from landing and biting.
A new center at UC Riverside aims to reduce health disparities among Latino communities and marginalized populations in inland Southern California. The center will use a community-based approach to assess and improve the health of underserved populations.
A team of Australian researchers has designed a reliable strategy for testing physical abilities of humanoid robots using machine learning methods and algorithms. The findings have promising implications in the broad use of humanoid robots in fields such as healthcare, education, disaster response, and entertainment.
Researchers developed a fluorescent nano-thermometer that can detect temperature changes inside single cells by monitoring the light-emitting properties of molecular motors. The technique could be useful for identifying cancer cells and measuring the effects of tumor ablation therapy.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations influencing body mass index (BMI) are sensitive to environmental conditions, while those affecting human height are stable across environments. This finding could help determine whether specific traits are influenced by genetics or environment.
A new study finds that California's rooftop-solar adoption is closely correlated with socioeconomic status and health indicators in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that state programs must target these communities to improve access to clean energy, rather than relying on broad income classifications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that 88% of past-12-month prescription opioid users used the drugs only as prescribed by a physician, while 4% misused them. Prescription-only misusers were more likely to be depressed and have higher rates of substance use disorder and benzodiazepine misuse.
A Finnish study found that lifestyle guidance and mobile application usage can reduce waist circumference and improve dietary habits. The study used a digital screening tool to identify at-risk individuals, with promising preliminary results.
A US study found a significant increase in depression, cannabis use, and binge drinking among former smokers from 2005 to 2016. The findings suggest that these risk factors could threaten progress in reducing cigarette use.
Research reveals lavender oil exposure contributes to premature breast development in young girls and boys. Discontinuing use of lavender-containing products resolves the issue, suggesting essential oils mimic estrogen and block testosterone.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that family physicians overestimated their patients' geographic footprint by 112% on average. Integrating geography into practice data and community-oriented approaches can improve patient health outcomes.
A new study found that naproxen's degradation products are up to 15 times more toxic to southern toad larvae than the medication itself. Researchers emphasized the importance of considering the full life cycle of medications when evaluating their environmental impact.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering developed a robotic cane that provides light-touch assistance in walking, improving stability and balance. The device, called CANINE, acts as a mobile assistant to track a person's gait and provide support, resulting in narrower strides and increased gait stability.
Researchers investigated the financial and environmental impact of unused pharmaceuticals in cataract surgery, revealing substantial economic and ecological consequences. The study's findings emphasize the importance of implementing effective waste management practices to minimize these effects.
A study by World Vision and Columbia University found that Child Friendly Spaces have a positive impact on younger children's well-being but little effect on older children. Implementing high-quality spaces with local context is crucial for reducing protection concerns and promoting development.
A new study from University of Arizona researchers finds that walkability and traffic safety are crucial factors in determining how often people visit community greenspaces. Residents who live in areas with high levels of perceived traffic safety and surveillance are more likely to visit parks frequently, while those who travel by walk...
A new multi-national survey found that nearly one-tenth of work hours are missed by asthma sufferers, resulting in significant productivity loss. Additionally, workers reported feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and inferior when using inhalers at work.
Research from the Center for Air Quality, Climate, and Energy Solutions at Carnegie Mellon University found significant human health benefits when air quality is better than the current national ambient air quality standard. The studies estimated that improving air quality could save over 30,000 lives annually.
An international team developed a framework for cities to quantify and incorporate nature's benefits on mental health, considering elements of nature, contact, interactions, and benefits. This tool aims to address environmental justice and health disparities in underserved communities.
Researchers found small increases in nonmedical prescription opioid use and slight decreases or no change in prescription opioid use disorder among nonmedical users. Medical marijuana laws had little impact on individual-level opioid outcomes, suggesting insufficient policies to reduce misuse.
Obesity experts argue that it should be recognized as a chronic disease due to its strong biological influence and severe complications. They believe this approach can help reduce stigma and discrimination, but critics caution that labeling obesity as a disease may not lead to better outcomes for individuals or society.
Researchers analyzed 2-million-year-old teeth to understand breastfeeding patterns in extinct early human species Australopithecus africanus. They found the species breastfed for up to one year and experienced cycles of food scarcity, influencing their nursing behaviors.
Researchers found higher levels of tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in cats with hyperthyroidism, suggesting a link between the flame retardant and feline health. TDCIPP exposure correlated with air freshener use, house age, and furniture preference.
Researchers found that environmental stressors can influence phenotypes of offspring and even be passed down to future generations. The study discovered a specific brain region involved in the inheritance of ethanol preference behavior, which was observed for five generations in fruit flies.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to study proteins trapped in glass, offering new insights into medicinal research. The method allows for the creation of a three-dimensional model of proteins in their natural environment, revealing their chemical composition and structure.
A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that implementing permit-only access to Half Dome cable handrails did not result in a significant reduction in hiker safety or search and rescue activity. In fact, the number of incidents and fatalities remained similar before and after the restrictions were implemented.
A $24.8 million grant-funded longitudinal study will examine the long-term impact of vaping, environmental factors, and lifestyle on lung health in millennials. The study aims to identify risk factors, biomarkers, and early interventions for chronic lung diseases.
A comprehensive alcohol policy can help curb adolescent alcohol use in Tanzania, where high-density outlets and advertising contribute to rising youth drinking. The study suggests that restricting outlet density, enforcing minimum drinking age laws, and using economic policies like taxation can reduce access to alcohol among adolescents.