Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Dr. Matthew Cave is awarded $4 million to investigate the long-term effects of environmental chemicals on liver health. He plans to explore how endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA contribute to fatty liver disease, using a flexible research approach.
A Melbourne research team has identified a protein called SIDT2 as critical for cells to detect viral components and initiate an immune response. This discovery has important implications for delivering new therapeutics based on dsRNA.
A study published in mBio finds that household environment plays a major role in shaping the salivary microbiome, with similar bacteria found in individuals living together. The research team sequenced DNA and saliva from an extended Ashkenazi Jewish family to determine how environmental influences affect the microbiome.
Regulatory T-cells in adipose tissue increase in response to environmental stimuli, promoting heat production and fatty acid breakdown. This discovery highlights the complex interactions between immune cells and environment in maintaining metabolic balance.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Jacob Bor found that counties with lower life expectancy gains saw a significant increase in Republican votes, while Democrats lost votes in these areas. The findings suggest that voters' health needs may be driving their electoral decisions.
Scientists have discovered that bacteria can act as an aphrodisiac for choanoflagellates, one-celled marine organisms notable for being the closest living relative of all animals. The discovery reveals how these eukaryotes regulate their life history in response to bacterial cues.
Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.
A common type of flame retardant was associated with reduced likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth following IVF. Women with higher urinary concentrations of a specific flame retardant had lower reproductive success rates.
A study found that 17.6 million Americans live within one mile of an active oil or gas well, correlating to increased risk of heart and neurological problems, cancers, and adverse birth outcomes. States with high percentages of residents living near active wells include West Virginia and Oklahoma.
A large long-term study found that women who live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night may be at higher risk for breast cancer. The link was stronger among women who worked night shifts and were premenopausal or current/past smokers.
Daily e-cigarette use was found to be the strongest predictor of smoking cessation among established smokers. Over half of daily e-cigarette users had quit smoking in the past five years, compared to just 28% of those who never tried e-cigarettes.
Research highlights the disproportionate impact of beauty product-related chemicals on women of color, who face higher levels of exposure and health risks. The study suggests that marketing practices and societal pressure contribute to this issue, emphasizing the need for improved testing and disclosure to advance environmental justice.
A study by CSIC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that higher temperatures increase health risks, but sensitivity varies by region. The study suggests adapting to excessive heat and developing migration strategies as climate change projections increase temperatures.
A new study finds that smoking during pregnancy is disproportionately common among women with depression, affecting nearly one-third of this group. The study suggests that depression is a significant barrier to quitting smoking, and addressing it may be crucial for helping women quit during pregnancy.
A study found that immersive cycling workouts increase satisfaction and lower perceived exertion in novice exercisers. The immersive class created a high-intensity workout without feeling intense, resulting in higher heart rate zones without discomfort.
Researchers will use genomic technologies to understand genetic basis of traits influencing wildlife and plant survival in changing environments. The project aims to advance understanding of how organisms cope with environmental challenges and develop guidelines for genomic interventions.
Scientists at Nagoya University found two brain pathways that control thermoregulation, revealing their separate roles in 'feeling' and responding to external temperature changes. Disabling one pathway led to impaired ability to regulate core temperature.
A recently conducted study revealed that the cured-in-place pipe repair (CIPP) method can emit hazardous chemicals into the air, posing potential health hazards to workers and the public. The research found a complex mixture of organic vapor, water vapor, and liquid droplets of water, which can cause short- and long-term health impacts.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health highlights the dangers of vaginal bleeding taboos in low-income countries, where limited access to clean water and sanitation exacerbates the issue. The researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach addressing vaginal bleeding across the life course.
Experts argue that working 24-hour shifts may not negatively impact patient care, but can lead to burnout. The medical profession must address the issue of sleep deprivation and its effects on doctors' wellbeing and patient safety.
A study found a significant increase in prescription opioid involvement in fatal car crashes between 1995 and 2015. The prevalence of prescription opioids among fatally injured drivers rose from 1% to over 7%, with higher rates in female drivers.
A comprehensive study reveals a 52.4% decline in sperm concentration and a 59.3% decline in total sperm count among Western men, highlighting impaired male health and decreasing fertility. The study suggests environmental and lifestyle influences may be contributing factors.
Molting feathers help birds quickly eliminate mercury accumulation and reduce concentrations in tissues. This process may be key to mitigating environmental contaminant effects on bird populations.
The University of Delaware research team, led by Jennifer Biddle, will investigate how environmental factors affect gene expression in microbes. They aim to develop a new method for detecting epigenetic signals, which could have wide-ranging impact on human health and renewable energy.
A new study reveals birds are less likely to cross roads due to predation fears and territorial boundaries, with smaller forest-dependent species being the most affected. The findings highlight the need for measures to connect fragmented forests across roads, allowing wildlife to move freely.
A new hearing test, developed by researchers at the University of Southampton, has been implemented to assess auditory fitness-for-duty among military personnel. The test, a speech-in-noise test, takes into account real-world scenarios and challenges faced by soldiers, providing a more accurate measure of their hearing abilities.
Researchers tracked 106 bacterial symbioses in animal, plant, and fungi species, finding that vertically transmitted bacteria are better for hosts. Removing these bacteria can have a significant negative impact on the host, while horizontally transmitted bacteria have less impact.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.
Researchers found that rats use local visual cues more than idiothetic cues when navigating through identical environments in darkness. Place cell activity indicated that animals were unaware of separate environments, suggesting reliance on visual cues over directional sense.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered banned flame retardants, like PBDEs, are passed from mother to baby through the umbilical cord. The study found higher levels of these chemicals in infant blood compared to their mothers.
A new study found that nearly 25% of socioeconomically marginalized women stopped breastfeeding after one month compared to about 7% of those in the privileged group. The reasons for early cessation differed between the two groups, with skin-to-skin contact and other factors identified as targets for interventions.
Researchers replicated traditional Native Californian Indian water bottles to analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels. The study found PAHs in the air during production, but not significant leaching from storage.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to children with respiratory distress significantly decreased mortality rates and improved respiratory rates. The treatment was safely and effectively administered by nurses in district-level hospitals, offering a lifesav...
Over 200 scientists and medical professionals issue a warning on the dangers of antimicrobial products, citing no health benefits and environmental harm. Experts urge caution in using these chemicals in everyday products, calling for alternatives to prevent unneeded exposures.
A new research study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that taking stock early on is essential for working late in life. The study found that many people who worked beyond 50 years old had changed their career relatively early and were self-employed or consultants, while others practiced 'career crafting'.
New research from Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute finds that radon increases the risk of developing malignant skin cancer, with a 50% increase in risk for 30-year-olds. The study highlights the importance of reducing residential radon exposure through appropriate house construction.
The VHA initiative significantly reduced MRSA infections in a Veterans community living center by implementing active surveillance and decolonization with strict environmental control. The program resulted in substantial monetary savings of $2.2 million and improved patient safety.
A new study found that adult marijuana use rose significantly in states with loosely regulated medical marijuana laws, particularly among adults over 26. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder remained largely unchanged. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of regulation on marijuana use.
A study published in Environment & Behaviour found that patients who visited a virtual Wembury beach experienced less anxiety, pain, and had more positive recollections of their treatment. The benefits were not found for those who walked around a virtual city.
A long-term study found a significant link between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Exposure to night-time aircraft noise was associated with a doubling in risk of heart flutter and stroke, with every additional 10 dB of noise linked to a 69% heightened risk of high blood pressure.
A University of Michigan study found exposure to chemicals like naled and chlorpyrifos during pregnancy associated with lower fine and gross motor skills scores. Infants exposed to these pesticides showed signs of motor delays, which may predict developmental problems later in childhood.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that mixing booze and pot increases the risk of fatal two-vehicle crashes. Drivers who used alcohol, marijuana, or both were more likely to be responsible for causing fatal crashes compared to sober drivers. The researchers analyzed data from 14,742 fatal two...
A new University of Iowa study examines the link between obesity and food container chemical substitutes, finding no associations with BPF and BPS. However, the study confirms that BPA is associated with increased obesity in humans.
A Clemson University graduate discovered that certain toxicants can disrupt the maturation of Daphnia magna by altering lipid levels, affecting development and reproductive rates. The study found that triclosan and atrazine can lead to stunted growth and altered lipid allocation in newborns.
Researchers have developed a new surface molecule that makes immune cells more aggressive against cancer cells. The approach could enhance adoptive T-cell therapy, allowing for more effective treatments and personalized medicine.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that police officers working the afternoon shift are more fatigued, with a two-fold higher prevalence among male officers compared to day shift workers. Women officers appeared to use more effective coping mechanisms to manage shift work-related stress and fatigue.
Experts discuss emergency medicine in space, where severe medical events and loss of crew life are significant risks during long-duration flights. Alternative CPR methods have been tested in microgravity experiments, showing a 'hand-stand' technique as the most effective method.
Researchers found higher levels of lead and lower levels of zinc and manganese in children with autism compared to those without. The study used lasers to map growth rings in baby teeth to track metal uptake during development.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that differences in toxin and nutrient uptake during critical developmental windows increase autism risk. Researchers analyzed baby teeth to identify associations between metal exposure and ASD severity, suggesting a potential pathway for interplay between genes and environment.
The IRIDIS app assesses physical aspects of design impacting on older people's quality of life, recommending changes such as lighting and colour contrast improvements. It provides a simple 20-minute assessment of home suitability for an older person.
Researchers found elevated levels of PFOA in Mid-Ohio River Valley residents, with 99.9% of samples testing positive for the contaminant. The study suggests that use of granular activated carbon filtration reduced exposure by up to 60%.
A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.
A study tracked microbial community composition in a newly opened hospital, finding patients initially acquire bacteria from the environment before their own microbiota influences what's present. The research provides context for future studies of hospital-acquired infections.
Research finds that tulip bulbs from the Netherlands are carrying a fungal pathogen resistant to key antifungal therapy, Voriconazole. The discovery raises concerns for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for vigilance in preventing the spread of resistance.
Researchers found that banknotes harbor a diverse range of bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli and Vibrio cholera. The banknotes also contain higher amounts of antibiotic-resistance genes than other environmental samples, highlighting the potential for currency to pose a health risk.
Researchers found that commercial preparations for allergy shots often lack sufficient levels of key allergens, which could affect treatment success. Customized immunotherapy tailored to individual patients' reactions is a promising approach, but its development is still in its infancy.
The study analyzed umbilical cord tissue from 669 babies and found a link between higher DNA methylation in the CDKN2A gene and lower bone mass at four and six years. This suggests that epigenetic modifications early in life may play a role in determining skeletal growth.
A study found that UK care workers' understanding of their role and job control are significant workplace hazards. Despite this, zero-hours contracts did not significantly influence employee wellbeing, but employees with these contracts had greater levels of engagement in their jobs.
A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.
The Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES) at Wayne State University has received a $7.5 million NIH renewal for five years. The center aims to understand the integrated health impacts of environmental exposures in Detroit's urban landscape and develop strategies to mitigate environmental health concerns.