Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A new study found that sleep-related symptoms like insomnia are associated with decreased work productivity. Those with moderate-severe insomnia experienced a 107% increase in productivity loss compared to those without insomnia.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased visits, asthma treatment, and hypertension control in rural community health centers, while also reducing uninsurance rates. The study suggests that expanding Medicaid can improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas.
A national resilience strategy is proposed to reverse mortality trends from drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicides. The strategy includes improved pain management, harm reduction services, and new approaches to suicide prevention.
Researchers at UBC created a system where software engineers can use simple voice commands to automate mundane tasks, increasing productivity and speed. The tool also enables typing minimal requests, allowing engineers to focus on important parts of their jobs.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that US state laws permitting the denial of services to same-sex couples due to religious or moral beliefs harm the mental health of sexual minority adults. The research, which analyzed BRFSS data from 2014-2016, showed a significant increase in mental distress among gay, l...
A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.
A study found a dramatic spike in cases of progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung disease, among former US coal miners, particularly those working in smaller mines and longer hours.
A new study found that women who used DES during pregnancy had a 36% higher risk of ADHD in their grandchildren. The study analyzed self-reported health data from over 47,000 participants and found no difference by sex.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that men with highly physical jobs have an 18% higher risk of early death compared to those with inactive work. The analysis controlled for leisure time physical activity and found no such association among women.
Researchers have developed a new technique called spectrally resolved fiber photometry (SRFP) that can measure the activity of two distinct neuron groups in the mouse brain. This method allows for the simultaneous measurement of neural activity in both healthy and diseased brains, shedding light on neurological disorders such as Parkin...
The University of Arizona Sleep and Health Research Program has been awarded a $3.6 million grant to study sleep health along the US-Mexico border. The Nogales Cardiometabolic Health and Sleep Study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and cardiometabolic disease risk factors.
Neuroscientists have found that distinct memories of similar events are represented by synchronous neuron activity, not remapping. The study used mice to explore this concept and discovered that co-firing neurons control memory discrimination, not changes in place cell fields.
A study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found a correlation between certain gut microbes and resistance to typhoid fever. Those with higher levels of methanogens were significantly less likely to become sick after exposure to virulent bacteria.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that prescription drug monitoring programs may not reduce fatal overdoses as expected, but instead linked to an increase in heroin overdose deaths after restrictions on opioid prescribing were implemented.
The VR-SRT System, a virtual reality-based treatment for spatial neglect after stroke, aims to enhance therapy participation through immersive training scenarios. This innovative intervention leverages 3D virtual environments to maximize improvement of health and function in stroke survivors with spatial neglect.
Researchers at NIST are creating a virtual reality test bed to develop user-friendly interfaces for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders. The goal is to enable faster development, testing, and deployment of these interfaces, reducing risk exposure in real emergencies.
Todd Holmes, UCI professor, receives NIH grant to study phototransduction in insects, aiming to design safer light-based insect control strategies. The research could lead to environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic pesticides, reducing health and environmental harm.
The All of Us Research Program aims to accelerate research and improve health by collecting genetic, biological, environmental, health, and lifestyle data from 1 million+ volunteer participants. Participants will have access to their own health information and contribute to a national research resource.
Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.
A new study found that smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation, with risk factors at age 55 rising to 38%. An optimal risk factor profile was associated with a reduced lifetime risk of 23%, highlighting the importance of modifiable borderline and elevated risk factors in prevention.
A new approach to hearing assessment has been developed and validated, focusing on whether public safety professionals can perform 'hearing-critical' job tasks in specific noise environments. The method takes into account real-world noise environments and provides an objective means of occupational hearing screening.
Researchers from INRS published a study demonstrating the potential effects of neonicotinoids on human health by disrupting hormonal systems. The study found an increase in aromatase expression and changes in its pattern similar to those observed in certain breast cancers.
Research suggests genetic factors drive increases in teen substance use, with environmental influences playing a smaller role. The study used twins to tease apart genetic and environmental effects on substance use between early and late adolescence.
Experiencing rude behavior at work is linked to insomnia symptoms, but taking mental breaks can improve sleep quality. Employers can encourage programs aimed at reducing workplace incivility.
A study of a majority-black cohort found no clear upward trend in cognitive abilities among older adults, contradicting previous observations. Cognitive performance differed significantly by race and function, with black participants scoring lower than their white counterparts.
A study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that flipping the classroom approach in public health does not significantly improve student performance. However, students reported greater flexibility and applied learning opportunities with the flipped format.
Researchers found that organs from overdose deaths have noninferior outcomes to those from trauma or natural death, but may carry higher risks of HIV and hepatitis transmission. Optimizing their use could help address the organ shortage, but caution is needed due to small potential risks.
Researchers propose causal chains as an approach to understanding interplay between social and ecological spheres. These chains identify ordered sequences of effects on how a system responds to perturbations, with implications for policy and management.
A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that 271 million people visit England's coastal environments each year, with walking being the most popular activity. Additionally, research shows that these 'blue' spaces play a crucial role in supporting physical activity, especially among females and older adults.
Research reveals a decline in blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children following the phase-out of these toxic chemicals. However, PBDEs were still detected in nearly all child blood samples, suggesting ongoing exposure to flame retardants.
A study by Oregon State University found that over 60% of veterinary care professionals do not counsel clients on the environmental stewardship aspect of medicine disposal. Pet supplies and over-the-counter pet medications are a significant industry, with potentially harmful effects on the environment when disposed of improperly.
A recent Ohio University study found that 67 percent of theater workers have experienced concussion-related symptoms and head impacts; 77 percent had more than three head impacts. Many respondents continued working despite experiencing symptoms, citing concerns about not wanting to be seen as 'not tough enough',
A study of 5293 US adults found that smokers consumed around 200 more calories a day than non-smokers or former smokers, despite eating smaller portions. Smokers' diets were also high in energy density, meaning they consumed food with fewer nutrients and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A recent study found that consuming food at restaurants, fast-food outlets, or cafeterias is associated with increased levels of phthalates in the body. The study suggests that eating at home may be less likely to contain high levels of these chemicals, which are linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.
A study by Indiana University found that 93% of pregnant women had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, correlating with shortened pregnancy lengths. Glyphosate exposure is suspected to be primarily through dietary intake of genetically modified food items and caffeinated beverages.
Researchers found that key chemicals in lavender and tea tree oil act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, interfering with hormones in the body. The study suggests a link between regular exposure to these oils and abnormal breast growth in young boys, known as prepubertal gynecomastia.
A yellow fever outbreak in Brazil highlights the need for tourists to get vaccinated before visiting affected areas, with the risk of severe illness and death being up to 60% among those who contract the disease. The Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine is currently unavailable in the US due to manufacturing difficulties.
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that cannabis industry workers in Colorado are generally job-secure and valued safety, but lack formal training and face hazards such as ergonomic concerns and slips, trips, and falls. The industry needs to establish best practices and guidelines to improve worker health and safety.
A Rutgers study emphasizes the importance of proper training and equipment for tree care workers to prevent injuries and deaths. The research found that workers employed by licensed arborists received better training and used personal protective equipment than those in companies without professional affiliations.
A large-scale study analyzing over 1.6 million data points found that environmental exposures, such as air pollution, have a greater impact on gene expression related to respiratory diseases than genetic ancestry. The research used big data to uncover the environmental factors behind diseases and inform strategies for prevention.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found a clear link between a person's health and their perceptions of fairness at work over time. Colleague support was identified as the most significant factor in this link, suggesting that organisations should foster a supportive culture among colleagues to ensur...
Researchers developed an advanced analytical model to optimize multiple uses in a given area, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and other uses. The model increased sector values by millions of dollars and reduced environmental harm by less than 1 percent compared to conventional approaches.
A conditional cash transfer program in New York City showed positive effects on parents' perceptions of their health, level of hope, and access to preventive health services. The program improved dental care use, health insurance coverage, and reduced the likelihood of forgoing medical care due to cost.
A team of investigators found the mcr-1 drug resistance gene in Shigella flexneri, a common cause of diarrhea globally. The gene was detected on a transferable plasmid and can jump to other bacteria, raising concerns about its potential spread.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate bisphenol A levels reaching the fetus, with 100 pregnant women as test subjects. The P-PBPK model monitors compound effects on pregnancy and future health outcomes.
A study suggests that frequent exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with a stronger link observed in men exposed for more than 50% of their working life. The research, published in the American Academy of Neurology's meeting program, found no associations among women, highlighting the...
Researchers aim to understand BPA's pro-arrhythmic effects and its potential cardiac toxicity using animal models and human data from the Fernald Medical Monitoring Program. The study also examines the cardiac impact of Bisphenol S (BPS), a substitute for BPA.
A special receptor called dectin-1 recognizes a protein found in house dust mites, cockroaches, shellfish, and other invertebrates, suppressing immune reactions to these common allergy triggers. The discovery suggests new ways to treat or prevent allergies and asthma, which affect tens of millions in the US.
A five-year research project aims to help new bus operators succeed early in their driving careers and avoid health pitfalls. The study will assess working conditions, measure the impact of driving on eating, exercise, sleep, and weight, and provide tools for operators to stay healthy.
Researchers at Columbia's Mailman School developed a method to forecast the spatial transmission of influenza in the US, improving accuracy by 35% compared to previous versions. The system accurately predicts local onset of flu six weeks ahead of time, informing decisions on vaccine distribution and public health measures.
Primary schoolchildren raised in homes surrounded by more greenspace tend to present with larger volumes of white and grey matter in certain areas of the brain. This is associated with beneficial effects on cognitive function, according to a recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Researchers explore the link between lighting spectral power distributions and wellness, with LED technology striving to bring new healthy lighting to market. The workshop white paper provides insights shaping the field for lighting designers and health-care providers.
Researchers found that increased tissue stiffness leads to tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in breast cancer cells. The study suggests that developing drugs that can prevent stiffness may stop the spread of cancer.
Researchers used mutant bacteria to study how changes in membrane proteins impact cellular processes, finding that phospholipid environment can control protein structure and function. This discovery provides a new way to understand cellular regulation and integration of chemical reactions.
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that high intake of sugary drinks is associated with lower fertility rates. The researchers analyzed data from 3,828 women and their male partners, finding that consuming at least one soda per day reduced female fecundability by 25% and male fecundability by 33%.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that women with depression, anxiety, and fatigue are more likely to be injured at work. The study, which analyzed claims data from over 17,000 employees, suggests that behavioral health factors significantly affect women's risk of injury but not men's.
A study by North Carolina State University finds that bed bug-infested homes have substantially higher histamine levels than pest-free homes, which can persist for months even after treatment. Histamine is a chemical released as part of an immune response, but in humans it can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.
A study by ISGlobal found high concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in people living close to the North Peruvian oil pipeline. The study, which assessed 130 individuals, revealed that 50% had mercury levels above safe threshold values, with children under 10 showing the highest risk.
Research suggests that EGR3 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play critical roles in the impaired cellular resilience seen in bipolar disorder. The study's findings may lead to new therapeutic strategies by modulating EGR3 expression.