Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
A stepped care approach is more effective in reducing PTSD prevalence than usual care in the aftermath of hurricanes. The study found that stepped care delivered greater reach, treatment effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness than usual care when it came to hurricane-related PTSD.
A new article introduces the concept of food justice to address infant feeding disparities and environmental injustices in breast milk access. The authors propose activism strategies to advance food justice, emphasizing the importance of breast milk as a basis for infants' immune response.
Research at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona suggests that green gentrification in cities may not equally benefit all residents, particularly socially disadvantaged neighbours. The process of recovering natural spaces tends to displace low-income populations, increasing chronic stress and negatively affecting their mental health.
Researchers found that a protein named ZATT can eliminate DPCs with the help of another protein TDP2. Understanding how TDP2 and ZATT work together may improve cancer patient health outcomes. The discovery could lead to development of new drugs targeting these defenses.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with lower health literacy levels experience longer hospital stays. Patients with low health literacy spent an additional median of one day in the hospital compared to those with high health literacy.
Researchers compare sanitation systems in Brazil and USA, finding presence of contaminants in drinking water, including industrial compounds, pesticides, and endocrine disrupters. The study suggests that complementary treatments are needed to obtain clean water that can be safely consumed.
Researchers developed a predictive model using childhood blood-lead level records and census data to identify high-risk areas. The model highlights the importance of targeting poor and minority neighborhoods with interventions and support.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate how genetic profiles interact with stressors like trauma exposure and HIV infection in cocaine addiction. The five-year study aims to develop more tailored treatments for this chronic public health problem.
A new NIH-funded study aims to develop evidence-based treatments for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition affecting newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (ACT NOW) project will evaluate treatment options and develop research protocols.
Research reveals that genetic mutations in PDGFR-α and TGF-β signaling pathways contribute to the development of BPD. Lowered production of PDGFR-α leads to increased oxygen demand, defective septation, and apoptosis.
A recent study published at Medical University of South Carolina found that epigenetic enzyme HDAC5 influences the brain's response to drugs, leading to persistent triggers for relapse. The research suggests that understanding these connections could lead to better treatments for addiction.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opioid epidemic on Staten Island disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The researchers identified areas with high overdose rates as underserved in treatment services, highlighting the need for expanded methadone clinics and detox capacity.
A study found that cold temperatures and atmospheric pressure increases are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death in elderly patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that elderly patients should avoid fog and low cloud weather in winter to prevent such events.
A new study found that women exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War had higher levels of hormones in their breast milk, which were then transferred to their babies. The research revealed a nearly three-fold increase in DHEA in babies from dioxin hotspots compared to non-contaminated regions.
Laura Vandenberg, a leading expert on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on human health, has been named one of CHE's '20 Pioneers Under 40 in Environmental Public Health'. Her groundbreaking research informs prevention-focused behaviors and policies to protect public health.
Research finds that antibiotic use on people or pets, and biocidal cleaning products like bleach, contribute to MRSA multidrug resistance in the home environment. The presence of domestic pets and unwanted pests is also associated with multidrug-resistant strains.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that higher manganese levels in children are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive decline. The research analyzed blood and hair samples from 106 children aged 7-9 and found significant declines in full-scale IQ, processing speed, and working memory.
A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that increasing tobacco taxes across the EU can lead to significant reductions in cigarette consumption, particularly in higher-income countries. In contrast, lower-income countries may experience negative tax revenue effects, highlighting the need for alternative funding strategies.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that Gulf spill cleanup workers who handled oil dispersants or were exposed to them during cleanup reported symptoms such as cough, wheeze, and skin and eye irritation. The study suggests a short-term effect of dispersants on health symptoms.
A Rutgers University study found that 83% of sindoor samples collected from the US and India had at least 1.0 microgram of lead per gram, exceeding FDA limits. Researchers urge government to take action as a public health issue, not relying on consumer choice.