Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Verbal abuse is a significant occupational hazard for home care health workers, with one in four experiencing at least one incident in the preceding year. Cramped living conditions and dementia are major risk factors, while predictable working hours reduce the risk.
Research finds that cutting off lights at bedtime could reduce women's chances of becoming obese. The study analyzed data from 43,722 women and found a link between artificial light exposure and increased weight gain.
Sadiqa Kendi, a pediatric emergency physician at Children's National Hospital, is tackling the burden of injury in DC communities as a Bloomberg Fellow. She aims to lessen morbidity and mortality among children due to unintentional injuries, with a focus on environmental challenges.
A recent study published in Environmental Health found that the US uses voluntary mechanisms for pesticide cancellations, leading to a delayed ban on harmful pesticides compared to the EU, Brazil, and China. The study identified nearly all pesticide cancellations in the US as being done voluntarily by the industry.
A Mount Sinai scientist has been awarded $8 million to investigate the dynamic interface between environment and human physiology over a lifetime. The research aims to prevent diseases decades before clinical signs appear, with a focus on autism, schizophrenia, and ALS.
Fishing workers in England and Wales experience poor general health, with 2.8% reporting 'bad' or 'very bad' health and 10.3% limited by long-term illness. The industry is facing social, environmental, and political change, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A University at Buffalo study found a strong association between chronic ozone exposure and progression of carotid artery thickening, as well as an increased risk of carotid plaque. The research suggests that air pollution may contribute to cardiovascular disease and stroke by accelerating arterial conditions.
Researchers found 69 metabolites changed significantly when air pollution fluctuated during the Beijing Olympics, affecting systems like cardiovascular and nervous systems. The study identified two major metabolic signatures, including lipids and dipeptides, which were involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and other processes.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the city's Clean Air Taxi regulations led to significant reductions in air pollution emissions, with overall fuel efficiency of medallion taxis doubling between 2009 and 2015. The emission reductions were associated with decreases in concentrations of pollutants in the city's air.
A study on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's RAD program found mostly positive results among residents at three conversion sites in Central California. Residents reported improved unit conditions, safety, and resident resources, but also safety concerns and pest infestations that were not fully resolved.
Research finds that anxiety disorders are linked to an increased incidence of seasonal and perennial allergies. The study also reveals a positive correlation between perennial allergies and depressive episodes. Furthermore, the team found no significant influence of psychological factors on food and drug allergies.
Researchers used a two-dimensional acoustic array and convolutional neural networks to detect and analyze sounds of human activities and identify them with high accuracy. The tests achieved an overall accuracy of 97.5% for time-domain data and 100% for frequency-domain data.
A study analyzing mortality risks among pro athletes found elevated risks of death from cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases in football players compared to baseball players. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests the existence of sport-specific disease mechanisms that mandate further investigation.
A UC Davis study found that environmental temperature significantly affects the development of frog eggs into larvae, influencing gene expression and neurodevelopment. The research also suggests that fluctuations in body temperature may impact nervous system development and disease in humans.
A graphene-based adhesive biosensor was created with an octopus-like sucker, allowing for full contact with both wet and dry skin. The device can monitor various human activities, including heart rate, step count, and speech patterns.
Over the past decade, US air pollution has led to a decline in mortality impacts from fine particle (PM2.5) pollution, but ground-level ozone (O3) pollution has remained relatively unchanged. This report estimates health impacts of air pollution for every US city and highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce these pollutants.
A recent study used virtual reality to observe burglars' behavior, revealing their expertise and skill in choosing targets. The results suggest that experienced burglars are more efficient and discriminate in their thefts, targeting high-value areas and avoiding security measures.
A Rutgers study found that 65% of economically vulnerable Sandy survivors plan to take active steps to protect themselves and families in advance of the next major disaster. The researchers recommend public awareness campaigns, community focus groups, and better-equipped evacuation shelters to help these communities prepare for future ...
A review of 52 studies involving 13,000 elite athletes found stigma was the main barrier to seeking help, with poor understanding of mental illness, busy schedules, and gender stereotyping also playing a role. Coaches and sports governing bodies are key to changing the culture and promoting mental wellbeing.