Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
A new European study found that families with a higher socioeconomic position are at a greater risk of exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. Pregnant women and their children from more affluent backgrounds had higher levels of pollutants such as PFAS, mercury, and pesticides in their bodies.
A new review suggests that educational programs, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications can improve sleep quality and duration among employees. The study found that workplace interventions yielded positive results in most studies, leading to better sleep outcomes and decreased absenteeism.
Researchers at the University of Kent found that virtual reality helped patients recall old memories, providing positive mental stimulation. The study also showed improved social interaction between patients and their caregivers, as well as a boost in mood and motivation.
Researchers have found microorganisms in toxic sites like the Berkeley Pit, which produce potent molecules with potential human medicine uses. These molecules show anti-cancer and antibiotic activities, offering new hope for treating diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.
A team of scientists conducted a comprehensive health evaluation on Bronx River turtles, discovering the presence of various environmental contaminants, including PCBs, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. The study established a baseline for future comparisons, expanding knowledge of turtle health markers and ecosystems.
The largest study of its kind has identified 190 links between genetic code and birth weight, with two-thirds being discovered for the first time. Both maternal and fetal genetic effects play a role in influencing birth weight, with some genes promoting growth while others restrict it.
Researchers discovered that reports of human cases of West Nile virus were delayed by two to 14 weeks between illness onset and confirmation. Accurate and reliable forecasts are possible using real-time reports of human and mosquito testing positive for the virus.
A study found that over 80% of Chinese diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes in 2011 were unaware of their conditions years later. Despite increased screening, disease awareness remained limited, highlighting the need for improved communication and follow-up care.
The Columbia Mailman School's John Rowe identifies five principal domains for measuring successful aging: Productivity and Engagement, Well-Being, Equity, Cohesion, and Security. Middle-income elders will face challenges in education, work, retirement, healthcare, and housing.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 27% of popular e-cigarette products contained endotoxin, a microbial agent found on Gram-negative bacteria, while 81% contained glucan, a fungus cell wall component. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to respiratory problems and inflammation in humans.
Two proteins, glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor, work together to support heart health in mice. The study's findings may lead to the development of therapeutic compounds that help people with an increased risk of a heart attack by regulating cortisol levels.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that injured miners who worked shifts longer than 9 hours tended to have irregular schedules or less than two years on the job. Long work shifts were associated with a 32% increased risk of injury resulting in death and a 73% increased risk of multiple worker injuries.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are undertaking an economic and environmental impact assessment for BOHEMIA, a four-year project using ivermectin MDA campaigns in Tanzania and Mozambique. The study aims to evaluate the potential indirect economic benefits of improved human and livestock productivity.
Dr. Constance Nathanson, a professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, has been awarded the Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship to explore health crises and institutional change in France. Her research compares how HIV contamination of the blood supply played out in France versus the US.
Research in mice and rats reveals a molecular pathway stimulated by physical activity that promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. A key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) is identified as a therapeutic target to increase regeneration, with promising results in animal models.
The ClinEpiDB database has released new data from the MAL-ED study, which investigated environmental exposures early in childhood and their impact on growth and development. The dataset contains over 1.3 million observations covering anthropometrics, nutrition, vaccination status, and more.
Scientists discovered that providing rodents with more space, exercise and toys before a spinal cord injury can 'prime' their cells, making it more likely for damaged nerves to regenerate. Researchers also found a key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) that may be effectively reprogramming nerve cells.
Community Noise Lab, launched by Dr. Erica Walker, explores the relationship between community noise and health through real-time sound monitoring, lab experiments, and community engagement. The lab aims to inform, empower, and impact communities, sharing ride-sharing science to advance public health research.
A study published in Nature Human Behavior found that genetic factors play a small role in shaping children's health and educational success, while neighborhood conditions have a significant impact. The research team analyzed data from thousands of children living in Britain and Wales, and found that children growing up in worse-off ne...
A recent study by Columbia University found that over half of gluten-free pizza and pasta dishes in restaurants contained detectable amounts of gluten, with 51% of pasta samples positive for gluten.
Researchers genetically engineered yeast cells to control their response to environment, improving our understanding of cell signaling. This breakthrough has immediate biotechnology uses and could lead to new treatments for diseases by modifying diseased cells.
Research found that daily cannabis use was three times higher among those with past-month serious psychological distress compared to those without it. The study suggests potential consequences of increased cannabis use for vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical efforts to reduce excessive use.
A new study in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling found strong relationships between ecowellness measures and overall wellness among participants aged 19-84. Counselors can integrate this research by asking clients about ecowellness and incorporating nature-based activities into treatment plans to help them feel effective and whole.
Families of patients who died after medical errors argue that the term 'second victim' is incompatible with patient safety and accountability. They suggest abandoning this term as it reinforces an inward-gazing provider-centric approach to healthcare.
Researchers discovered a novel strategy used by microorganisms to survive in the hypersaline environment of the Dead Sea subsurface. They found that remains from extreme halophilic archaea were recycled by other microbial populations, allowing them to build carbon stocks and mitigate extreme salinity.
A prospective study found that pregnant women working two or more night shifts in one week had a 32% higher risk of miscarriage the following week. The association between night work and miscarriage was strongest after week eight of pregnancy.