Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that over half of spice samples had detectable lead concentrations, with higher levels detected in spices purchased abroad. The study highlights the importance of considering spices as a potential risk factor for lead exposure in high-risk populations.
Researchers at NIST discovered that oxide-coated silicon photonic devices can withstand up to 1 million gray of radiation exposure, making them suitable for measuring radiation dose in medical and industrial applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of precise radiation sensors for medical imaging and therapy.
Researchers developed a method to measure 71 elements in water, beverages, and biological fluids simultaneously, providing a distinct 'fingerprint' to differentiate substances. This advancement has implications for fields like nutrition, ecology, climate science, and environmental health.
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative releases a special supplement to Public Health Reports addressing five urgent US health challenges. The supplement features articles and commentaries on addiction and overdose, violence, obesity and the food system, environmental challenges, and adolescent health.
A new study found that Agile Implementation reduced central-line associated blood stream infections by 30 percent, improving patient safety and reducing costs. The methodology enabled fast and effective implementation of evidence-based solutions, involving all stakeholders in the change management process.
New research suggests that infant girls fed soy formula are more likely to develop severe menstrual pain as young adults. Women who had ever been fed soy formula as babies were 50% more likely to have experienced moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between the ages of 18 and 22.
Leading researchers urge government intervention to phase out organophosphates, citing evidence of lower IQs and difficulties with learning in children exposed prenatally. The review calls for reduced exposures through monitoring, education, and alternative pest-control measures.
A recent pilot study by kinesiologists at UMass Amherst found that pedaling while working improved insulin responses to a test meal, with lower insulin levels observed when using a pedal desk compared to a standard desk. The study suggests that pedal desks could be a feasible solution for sedentary work environments.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Twitter users proposed many effective strategies to prevent sexual violence, but also perpetuated misinformation and myths. The researchers analyzed over 1,400 tweets using the #HowIWillChange hashtag and identified gaps in prevention strategies.
Women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders due to fears of inappropriate touching, causing injury, and misperceptions about their health. Studies suggest these concerns can lead to delays or no CPR being administered.
A new MIT study finds that every five-year delay in reducing mercury emissions results in a 14% decrease in the effectiveness of policy measures, with remote regions suffering most. The researchers used modeling to estimate legacy emissions and found that delays lead to an accumulation of toxic mercury in the environment.
A study published in Science Advances reveals short-term lead exposure in ancient Neanderthals, with implications for understanding human evolution and the effects of environmental exposures. The research team analyzed teeth to reconstruct climate and developmental events during and after birth.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new environment for repairing eyes using hyaluronic acid. By creating an ideal substrate layer with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, they aim to improve the treatment of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, which can lead to opaque corneas.
A new AR device enables surgeons to interactively explore 3D cardiac data in real-time, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient care. The technology has shown exciting potential for guiding treatment and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study finds that 12% of frequent marijuana smokers experienced Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome, including symptoms like nervousness, hostility, and sleep difficulty. The study also links CWS to psychiatric disorders, mental disability, and a family history of depression.
A UCR psychologist argues that low expectations set by ADL and IADL questionnaires may contribute to cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Wu advocates expanding the range of functional independence to include new skills and adaptability, potentially leading to greater long-term independence.
Researchers highlight importance of environmental surveillance in detecting silent polio transmission, which can lead to paralytic cases if left undetected. The study found that a substantial proportion of children under 10 were likely infected during the 2013 silent polio outbreak in Israel.
A new study suggests that feeding 10 billion people sustainably by 2050 is achievable through a combination of dietary changes, improved agricultural practices, and reduced food loss and waste. The researchers found that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over half and other environmental impacts.
Researchers found that some substitutes for di-n-butyl phthalate and triphenyl phosphate may be harmful, raising concerns about 'regrettable substitution'. The study of 40 nail polishes revealed that manufacturers have removed DnBP but still use similar toxic substitutes without disclosure.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that drinking water fluoride levels significantly impact pregnant women's urine. Researchers discovered that Canadian cities with fluoridated public drinking water have higher urinary fluoride levels compared to non-fluoridated areas.
Dream Tech LLC is developing a methodology to reduce animal use in chemical toxicity studies of food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other products. The project aims to enhance dose-response assessment efficiency and effectiveness.
A USC-led study of over 20,000 European youths found that children with asthma are more likely to become obese. Asthma increases the risk of obesity by 50-66%, especially in those with persistent wheezing symptoms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found gas station vent pipes release vapors containing toxic chemicals like benzene. The researchers' findings exceed safe limits for benzene exposure, prompting officials to reconsider setback regulations.
Researchers analyzed children's asthma management and found that environmental exposures like secondhand smoke and pet ownership were not significant factors in improving asthma control. Once asthma guidelines are followed, these exposures do not impact overall asthma improvement.
Carlos Vargas-Irwin's research aims to decode intentional movements and develop more accurate brain-computer interfaces using cameras, artificial vision, and neural activity information. The goal is to improve control of robotic limbs for paralyzed individuals.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher levels of stress are associated with lower odds of conception for women, but not for men. Women with high perceived stress were 13% less likely to conceive than those with low perceived stress.
The University of Freiburg has been granted two Clusters of Excellence, CIBSS and livMatS, with funding of up to 100 million euros over seven years. The clusters will focus on biological signalling studies and bioinspired materials research.
The UN is calling for the establishment of prevention programs to reduce tuberculosis among miners and others exposed to silica dust. Implementing primary prevention in high-risk occupations can prevent 300,000 new cases annually with improved ventilation, water spray misting, and personal protective equipment.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to worse kidney function and other signs of kidney damage in studies analyzing all relevant research. The analysis points to the need for further research on the effects of PFAS on kidney health.
A study by Durham University found that industry-certified particle masks are most effective at protecting people from volcanic ash, while surgical masks offer less protection. The study also showed that cloth materials like bandanas and T-shirts provide very poor filtration.
New York University has received nearly $66 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health to investigate how environmental factors impact children's health. The ECHO initiative will explore how early life exposures affect brain development, obesity risk, and overall well-being.
Sherpas' unique physiological adaptations to high altitude may help improve oxygen delivery in critically ill patients. By increasing blood flow and delivering oxygen to tissues, Sherpas thrive at low oxygen environments, offering a potential alternative to traditional high oxygen content strategies.
Asthma patients with specific genetic profiles exhibit more intense symptoms following traffic pollution exposure. The study suggests that tailoring treatments to individual gene-environment interactions could enhance quality of life for people with asthma.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that the presence of new or worsened bedsores is associated with lower quality outcomes for rehabilitation patients, including decreased functional independence and longer hospital stays. The study used data from nearly 500,000 Medicare patients discharged between 2013 and 2014.
Researchers found that the CSB protein, previously thought to be solely responsible for DNA repair, also enhances acetylation of alpha-Tubulin and regulates autophagy. HDAC inhibition restores balance, improving skin symptoms in mouse models. Further studies aim to explore its potential treatment for Cockayne syndrome.
A new study finds that NYC's tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density overall, particularly in high-income neighborhoods. However, disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced little to no change in retailer density, highlighting unequal impact across neighborhoods.
Researchers compared personal and spot measurement methods for assessing radio frequency exposure in children, finding that spot measurements can be a useful alternative for classifying low, moderate, or high levels of exposure. The study involved 50 children who participated in personal measurements over three days.
Researchers found a lower retention rate among Hispanics (85.2%) compared to blacks (90.5%) and whites (98.5%) in TBI outcomes research. Environmental and socio-economic factors with race/ethnicity interactions are crucial to consider for effective retention strategies.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered a metabolic network controlled by muscle cell circadian clocks, regulating fat storage and glucose metabolism. The study found that without this internal clock, mice became leaner and had more muscle mass.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that open bench configurations led to higher levels of physical activity and lower stress outside the office. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 government workers, suggests that an open plan design may be a healthier alternative to cubicles or private offices.
Research led by the University of Arizona found that workers in open bench seating had lower physiological stress during after-work hours and were more physically active at the office. This study provides objective measurements to inform policies and practices that affect the health and well-being of millions of office workers worldwide.
A recent survey conducted by the Center for Health, Work & Environment found that 13% of veterinarians in Colorado had seen a client intentionally injure or abuse an animal to obtain prescription painkillers. The study's results highlight the need for better training and surveillance to address opioid misuse among pet owners.
Researchers used a twin study to identify factors influencing chemical modifications to DNA across the genome, finding epigenetic marks are more similar between identical twins due to genetic variation. Environmental exposures like smoking and obesity also show partly genetic control.
A new study estimates that up to 1,139 people died in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria, surpassing the official death count of 64. The researchers used vital statistics records and calculated an average number of expected deaths for each month before and after the hurricane hit.
New research reveals that very low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistant bacteria, highlighting the environment as a critical battleground in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The study found that sewage waste water and natural environments can be breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, which can th...
Noa Pinter-Wollman's research aims to create a new field of study combining biology, psychology, and architecture to improve human health, teamwork, and collective behavior. The new field has implications for designing healthy environments, such as buildings and communities, that promote well-being.
A Swiss study of 700 adolescents found that cumulative RF-EMF brain exposure from mobile phone use over one year may negatively affect figural memory performance. RF-EMF absorption was more pronounced in adolescents using the mobile phone on the right side of their head.
A large international study has identified new genetic risk factors for allergic rhinitis, accounting for about eight percent of all cases. The study, involving nearly 900,000 participants, revealed loci in the human genome associated with an increased risk of disease.
The Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center has been awarded a five-year grant to continue studying the effects of environmental factors on human health in arid climates. The center will expand collaboration with communities, identify potential health effects from environmental exposures, and reduce hazardous exposures.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.
A study analyzed 4,701 comments on physician review sites, finding that negative ratings for office staff, billing, and wait times are more common than for surgeon competence or outcomes. Surgeon-independent factors, such as office environment and billing, have a significant impact on overall scores.
Research predicts a disease burden of 125.8 million DALYs globally due to climate change-induced crop nutrient deficiencies, primarily affecting South-East Asian and sub-Saharan African countries.
Researchers found that handwashing and house cleaning can effectively lower exposure to flame retardants, with a 43% decrease in Tris levels measured in urine after both interventions. The study's results support the EPA's recommendations for reducing exposure to these chemicals.
A study of 5,366 US flight attendants found a higher lifetime prevalence of breast, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers compared to the general population. The authors suggest that factors such as circadian rhythm disruption and exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation may contribute to these increased cancer rates.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that fetal T cells persist into adulthood and play a crucial role in fighting infection. These fast-acting immune cells can provide broad protection against pathogens and are activated faster than adult cells.
The University of Louisville launches the Envirome Institute with a $5 million gift, supporting research on the holistic approach to studying how the human-environment interrelationship impacts people's lives. The institute aims to introduce a new approach to health research incorporating community engagement and citizen science.
A study at Summit Health found that nearly all hospital room checklist surfaces passed testing for biological residues, but markers and erasers tested positive for ATP. The findings emphasize the need for accurate checklists to include frequently touched items like writing instruments.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that playing recordings of mothers' voices can significantly improve sleep quality for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The study, which enrolled 50 babies born after 33 weeks gestation, showed that babies slept better and woke up less often when exposed to their mother's voice. Researc...
A comprehensive analysis of Medicaid expansion found significant improvements in various health outcomes, including increased insurance coverage among adults without a college degree, higher use of primary care and preventive services, and reduced reliance on emergency departments. The study also reported declines in short- and long-te...
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created ChemMaps, a webserver that allows users to interactively navigate the chemical space of over 8,000 drugs and 47,000 environmental compounds in 3D. The platform features two main maps: DrugMap and EnvMap, which include approved drugs and environmental chemicals, respectively.