Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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 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 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 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 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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between structural racism and racial disparities in fatal police shootings at the state level. States with higher levels of residential segregation had higher rates of unarmed black victims killed by police, even controlling for arrest rates.
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.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related complications in Germany result in high healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 people with type 2 diabetes and estimated the costs associated with each complication, including eye disease, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study by University of Exeter researchers has identified three main themes influencing GPs' decisions to leave or remain in direct patient care. The findings highlight concerns about the under-value of general practice within the healthcare system, professional risk in delivering care, and considerations about career options.
Researchers from Saarland University conducted a systematic meta-analysis of studies on sunbed use and malignant melanoma. While they found an association between the two, they identified significant methodological shortcomings in earlier studies. Moderate solarium use was not shown to increase the risk of malignant melanoma.
Research reveals exposure to air pollution during high school is correlated with menstrual cycle irregularity, potentially affecting reproductive health. The findings suggest reducing emissions could mitigate human disease implications.
A new method developed by NIH researchers uses a novel approach to categorize and visualize career outcomes of postdoctoral fellows, revealing distinct differences between US and international postdocs. The study found that nearly half of NIEHS postdocs went into the academic sector, contrary to common assumptions.
A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.
A University of Southern California-led research study demonstrates occupational therapy's value in improving blood glucose levels, diabetes-related quality of life, and habits among young adults with diabetes. The REAL Diabetes program, a manual-guided intervention, showed significant improvements after six months.
ToxicDocs is a free searchable online database of millions of pages of internal corporate and trade association documents relating to toxic substances in products. The database provides a wealth of information on the dangers of toxic agents, including lead poisoning, vinyl chloride, silicosis, PCBs, and asbestos.
Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a new biomaterial-based delivery system that releases therapeutics in response to specific physiological conditions. The system uses 'logic gates' programmed with Boolean logic to open and release cargo only when certain environmental cues are met.
Research finds that insufficient nurse numbers are strongly linked to unfavorable views of hospital care. Increasing registered nurses on duty may boost patient satisfaction with quality of care.
Researchers found a significant increase in lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among individuals with focal epilepsy, but not generalized epilepsy. The study suggests a shared genetic susceptibility to these conditions, specifically expressed in people with focal epilepsy.
A recent study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that worry about deportations is associated with multiple cardiovascular health risk factors in Latinas. The study, which gathered data from 545 women enrolled in the CHAMACOS cohort, found that those who were more concerned had higher waist circumferences and blood pressure.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that frequent business travelers experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also showed a link between extensive business travel and unhealthy behaviors like smoking, sedentary behavior, and substance abuse.
The Renown Institute for Health Innovation is partnering with Helix to offer DNA sequencing to an additional 40,000 Nevadans through the Healthy Nevada Project. This phase will utilize Helix's proprietary Next Generation Sequencing technology to provide unparalleled access to genetic data.
Scientists tagged bone marrow cells with a genetic label to track their family tree as they form naturally. The study reveals differences in how stem cells behave in their native environment versus laboratory settings, with implications for blood cell transplantation and gene therapy.
A team led by Dr. Marcus Conrad showed that selenium-containing GPX4 protects specialized neurons from oxidative stress and ferroptotic cell death. This study explains why selenium is essential for mammals, but not dispensable in other organisms.
The PLOS Medicine collection addresses diverse topics in the field of STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers investigate vaccine development, online testing services, healthcare provider perspectives, and antibiotic shortages.
Researchers in Colorado study 200 people affected by AFFF contamination, collecting data on biological markers and health indicators to assess biopersistence and potential health impacts of PFASs. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the effects of long-term exposure to these chemicals.
A new study by NIH researchers found a molecular basis for the theory of aging, suggesting that environmental stressors can shorten lifespan. The study identified a protein called Mthl10, which helps flies defend against inflammation but ultimately shortens their life.
A new study found that cigarette smoking rates increased among individuals with substance use disorders, including hallucinogens and heroin, while decreasing among those with cannabis use disorders. More than half of individuals with a substance use disorder reported cigarette use in the past month, compared to 18% without a disorder.
A new PLOS Biology collection examines the divide between evidence and policy regarding toxic chemicals. The collection reveals barriers to developing health-protective policies despite clear scientific evidence of harm. Authors suggest ways to work toward more effective health-protective policy, including research on chemical exposure...
The study found that 90% of US homes have at least one elevated allergen level, with pets and pests playing a major role. Housing characteristics and geographic locations also impact allergen exposure levels. Preventive actions can help reduce exposure to indoor allergens.
Researchers developed micro-grippers that can navigate PacMan-like virtual mazes with up to 3.4 body-lengths per second. The grippers' shape and size were crucial for successful navigation.
A new NIH-funded study aims to examine the association between environmental exposure to lead and cadmium and hearing loss in Detroit firefighters. The research project will test the hearing of 200 firefighters and assess genetic factors and bone lead levels.
Researchers are developing a hands-free system that documents battlefield injuries to improve medical care and ensure troops receive due benefits. The system uses audio and video recordings automatically transcribed to provide relevant information to doctors, helping them decide on proper care.
Noise in hospitals is a significant problem, with alarms sounding an average of 133 times per day, leading to patient stress, impaired communication, and reduced healing. To address this issue, hospitals are developing noise control programs using engineering and administrative interventions.
Researchers from UTA found that workplace sexual harassment persists as an occupational health issue, with limited progress made in addressing its complexities. The study suggests that effective strategies can be developed by understanding the characteristics of harassers and their use of power.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used computer analysis to study IgG antibodies and reveal new steps in the glycosylation pathway. The findings confirmed predictions made by an algorithm and were replicated using genome-wide association studies and laboratory experiments.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to use marijuana on a daily basis. The strongest relationship between cigarette smoking and daily cannabis use is among 12 to 17 year olds, who are 50 times more likely to be daily cannabis users than non-smokers.
The Heilbrunn Department at Columbia University is conducting a study to measure the impact of the expanded Mexico City Policy on women's health and wellbeing in Kenya and Nepal. The research aims to assess the current policy's effects on access to life-saving services such as abortion, contraception, and HIV testing and treatment.
A review paper compares health determinants of people and healthcare systems in Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The study highlights the need for policies impacting population health and country development to guide policymakers and healthcare providers.
A new NYU report reveals that the phase-out of Teflon-like coatings, which contain PFOA, has led to a significant decrease in low-birth weight babies and related brain damage. The study estimates that this shift has saved over $13 billion in healthcare costs and improved educational prospects for thousands of children.
Three new studies have identified key proteins in microbes found in extremely salty environments, enabling them to survive in cold, dry conditions. These findings have applications in green biotechnology and could lead to the removal of toxic contaminants like perchlorate from groundwater.
The 'Human Trafficking, Exploitation and Health' collection in PLOS Medicine explores the global crisis of modern slavery, highlighting extreme hazards suffered by trafficked workers in high-risk sectors. Research is needed for evidence-based approaches to prevention and providing appropriate health care for victims.