Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that baby-boomers and millennials are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2014 and found that these age groups experienced a significantly increased risk of death from prescription opioid overdose and heroi...
A University of Michigan study found that food-related cues stimulate brain activity, leading to overeating among some participants. The study revealed that such cues have little impact on liking or pleasure derived from eating.
A new study estimates that between 0.9% and 1.3% of UK adults used emergency food banks in 2013-2015, equating to approximately 850,000 people annually. Repeat visits indicate that distributing emergency food is not a long-term solution to food poverty.
Research suggests that workplace sexual harassment is primarily aimed at women but can affect men as well. Women tend to report more adverse effects than men, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Organizational climate and hierarchical power dynamics are key predictors of workplace sexual harassment.
A UB-led study of over 6,000 older women found that those who engaged in 30 minutes of light physical activity per day had a 12% lower risk of death. Moderate to vigorous activities also showed significant mortality benefits, extending to women with high and low functional ability.
A new analysis of 10.5 million patients found that mothers' exposure to sunlight, air pollution, and carbon monoxide during pregnancy may increase their child's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, depression, and anxiety. The study also found that relative age at school enrollment is a stronger predictor of ADHD.
A pilot project tests a community-level assessment tool from Cuba on reproductive-age women and their families in Englewood, aiming to enhance provider awareness of home life and environments. The goal is to address maternal health and infant mortality outcomes, such as low birth rate and pre-term births.
A pilot study in northeastern British Columbia detected high concentrations of muconic acid, a degradation product of benzene, in the urine of pregnant women. The median concentration was approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general Canadian population, raising concerns about the health impacts of living near fracking sites.
The Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI) aims to preserve environmental justice data and monitor federal landscape changes. EDGI proposes a forward-looking research agenda to advance public access to environmental data, supported by an online infrastructure.
A study published in Environmental Research found that while ambient air pollution decreased in Massachusetts between 2003 and 2010, exposure remained higher in predominantly Hispanic and non-Hispanic black communities. The researchers tracked disparities over space and time using data from the 2000 and 2010 Census and the American Com...
A new study found that exposure to air pollution is associated with osteoporosis-related bone fractures, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers suggest that reducing air pollution could help prevent these fractures and improve bone health.
Researchers found that cockatoos excel at fitting shapes into specific frames without requiring training or visual alignment like humans. They require fewer attempts to insert simple shapes compared to non-human primates, highlighting an allocentric frame of reference similar to toddlers.
A study by UAIPW and GSA found that real-time sensors monitor federal workers' heart activity, physical movement, and sleep quality, providing data to develop best practices for optimizing workplace design for health. The research has the potential to affect millions of office workers and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers found high levels of lead and cadmium in 139 and 134 cases, respectively, on drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives and greater industry awareness of toxic substances used to decorate glassware.
A Finnish study links individual circadian preference to brain activity patterns during the night, with morning larks showing weaker sleep spindles. Sleep spindle activity decreased more towards the morning hours in these individuals.
Research at Boston University School of Medicine found that frequent marijuana use is associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with HIV who have an alcohol or other drug use disorder. The study suggests that marijuana may have detrimental effects on cognitive function in this population, particularly as they age.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that removing weekend allied health services from hospitals had no significant effect on patients' length of stay or adverse events. In fact, having no services was associated with a 2% reduction in length of stay and a 3% decrease in adverse events.
The study analyzed global data on religious affiliation at the time of death, projecting changes until 2060. Christianity is expected to remain the most common religion, while Islam will increase in prevalence. Regional trends also emerge, with Europe's secularization and Nigeria's Muslim majority
Magdalena Osburn, a Northwestern University geobiologist, has been awarded a $875,000 Packard Fellowship to study 'microbial dark matter', or unknown microbes that have evaded cultivation in the lab. Her research will explore how these microorganisms interact with their environments and produce chemical signatures.
Researchers discovered that cells retain properties from their previous environment for several days, known as mechanical memory. This property can aid in tumor invasion and metastasis. The study's findings may lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind cancer spread.
IUPUI has received a $428,000 NSF grant to develop a novel educational program that enhances geosciences education and inspires students to address community problems. The program will engage undergraduates from underrepresented groups and provide opportunities for them to explore environmental justice through a themed learning community.
Compliance with the 2006 EPA regulation on maximum arsenic levels led to a 17% decline in urinary arsenic concentrations among public water users, equivalent to an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder disease per year. Private well water users showed no improvements due to lack of federal regulation.
Alicia Timme-Laragy's research investigates the health effects of PFOS and its replacement chemical PFBS on embryos of fish, worms, and fruit flies. The study aims to understand how these pollutants affect nutrient deposition and later-life metabolic dysfunction.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that permissive concealed-carry laws are associated with significantly higher rates of handgun-related homicide. The study suggests that current trends towards more lenient gun laws are inconsistent with promoting public safety.