Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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.