Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A cross-sectional study of 139 nurses found moderate levels of job stress and intention to quit. Nurses with higher age, experience, and workplace autonomy reported higher job satisfaction.
A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that behaviorally bisexual men avoid disclosure due to stigma and homophobia, fearing ridicule, rejection, and victimization. The researchers suggest public education campaigns to dispel myths about bisexual men and strategies to minimize negative reactions.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is developing a training program to equip health care and public safety workers with the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves and their communities from potential exposure to contaminated materials or infected individuals. The program, funded by the National Institute of Environmenta...
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has launched a three-year, $9 million training program to educate approximately 35,000 first responders and hazardous waste workers on infectious disease safety. The program aims to minimize the spread of disease to others while protecting these workers from exposure.
A leading expert outlines a three-point plan to identify and eliminate all sources of lead exposure nationwide. The plan emphasizes finding lead hazards in homes and pipes, fixing them using proven interim methods, and funding efforts to hold accountable companies producing lead-contaminated products.
The NIH has partnered with EPA to fund five new research centers studying environmental health disparities, including air and water pollution, housing conditions, and diet. The centers will work with community organizations to develop culturally appropriate strategies to reduce exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
Children raised in poverty exhibit a unique behavioral adaptation: they tend to seize opportunities quickly, rather than delaying for rewards. This counterintuitive finding is linked to high vagal tone, which may facilitate rapid decision-making in uncertain contexts.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase the risk of thyroid disease in women, particularly post-menopausal women. Women with higher levels of these chemicals in their blood are more likely to develop thyroid problems.
A new study from the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that solar power could deliver $400 billion in environmental and public health benefits by 2050. The study finds that a high-penetration solar scenario would result in significant greenhouse-gas emissions reductions, air-pollution health and ...
A Columbia University study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to BPA and measures of body fat in children at age 7. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 369 mother-child pairs, also discovered that prenatal BPA exposure was positively associated with higher levels of adiposity in girls.
A new database has been developed to connect environmental exposures to human health effects and compare diseases. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) manually curates data from scientific literature on how environmental chemicals interact with genes to affect human health.
A clinical trial found that same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy improved ART uptake and viral suppression rates. Patients who started treatment quickly had better health outcomes, despite some loss to follow-up.
Research at ACM CHI 2016 introduces PowerShake for wireless power transfer on mobile devices and Investigating text legibility on non-rectangular displays. The findings also highlight the potential of EMPress hand gesture classification, GauntLev wearable object manipulation and sustainable interaction design principles.
A study by SUNY Downstate Health Science University found associations between pregnant women's exposure to butyl paraben, triclocarban, and propyl paraben and adverse birth outcomes. Findings suggest potential risks of these chemicals in consumer products.
The new journal Occupational Health Science will focus on research related to worker safety, health and well-being. The journal will publish leading-edge research on behavioral, social and psychological aspects of occupational health.
The US lead poisoning crisis worsens as unknown communities are left exposed to tainted water. Inadequate funding may not alleviate damage done in the past.
Researchers at the University of Toronto will investigate how environmental factors contribute to chronic conditions, with a focus on autoimmune disease, colorectal cancer, and respiratory diseases. The funding will help identify better ways to prevent and treat these diseases affecting millions of Canadians.
A study published in Journal of Public Health Management and Practice found that veterans are more likely to report delays in seeking necessary healthcare compared to the US general population. The study suggests that access problems within the VA system may be creating disparities in care for this vulnerable population.
The Maryland Climate and Health Profile report highlights the state's vulnerability to climate change, with extreme weather events increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses, heart attacks, and severe asthma attacks. The report projects higher rates of these health issues in future decades, particularly among coastal communities.
A study found that one in five underage youths consumed jello shots, which were associated with heavier drinking, physical fights, and increased risk of adverse consequences. The study's findings have important public health implications and suggest the need for interventions to address this consumption.
New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.
A study published in PLOS One found that men who view pornography featuring condom use are less likely to engage in condomless anal sex. The research suggests that sexually explicit media can encourage condom use and has important policy implications for the industry.
Researchers used human and environmental samples to analyze microbiome and metabolome data, reporting conclusions in 48 hours. The study found that fermented food molecules influenced the chemical environments of people consuming them.
New research confirms Zika virus was present in Haiti and possibly earlier, contradicting early theories on its spread in the Americas. The discovery sheds light on the virus's history and suggests a more complex spread than initially thought.
Researchers found that benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) causes larger lipid droplet accumulation in cells, potentially leading to obesity. The study's results suggest a possible link between BBP exposure and adipogenesis, a process contributing to fat cell development.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases proposes that co-housing laboratory mice with mice from pet stores could produce
A study found that cities have distinct microbial communities, with offices in the same city showing minimal variation. Human skin was a significant source of microbes in office environments, accounting for 25-30% of the microbiome.
A study of 108,630 women found that living near areas with high levels of green vegetation was associated with lower mortality rates, particularly from kidney disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. The researchers attributed this to improved mental health, social engagement, physical activity, and reduced air pollution.
Lay health advisors play a crucial role in reducing health disparities among medically underserved groups. Research from Roswell Park and Columbia University found that support from academic institutions is key to their success, with partnerships leading to higher retention rates. The study also highlights the importance of clear role ...
A nationwide study found that women living in homes surrounded by more vegetation had a 12% lower overall mortality rate and stronger associations with reduced respiratory disease and cancer mortality. Improved mental health was estimated to explain nearly 30% of the benefit from living around greater vegetation.
A study by George Washington University researchers found that people who ate more fast food had higher levels of phthalates in their urine, which have been linked to reproductive damage and infertility. The study also discovered that grain and meat items were significant contributors to phthalate exposure.
A new study published in Nature Communications proposes that the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and peer pressure drove the emergence of social norms favoring monogamy. As populations grew, STI prevalence increased among polygamist networks, making monogamous mating more advantageous.
Public Health England's report suggests e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes, prompting debate in the US where many advocates denounce them. However, UK experts argue that switching to e-cigarettes with support can help smokers quit tobacco altogether.
A global study found that people living in densely populated and walkable neighborhoods with interconnected streets got up to 90 minutes of physical activity weekly. Four environmental attributes stood out as having the most impact on physical activity: net residential density, intersection density, number of parks and public transit d...
Experts call for legislative action to reduce food waste, citing 7% global emissions contribution and need for sustainable food system. Voluntary agreements deemed insufficient, smaller portions and healthier diets proposed as complementary measures.
Research found that positioning patients correctly and providing timely meal assistance can increase meal intake, ultimately aiding faster recovery. Hospital staff can focus on these simple strategies to positively impact patient eating habits.
A study found that prenatal exposure to PAH is associated with reduced self-regulation skills and social competency in children. High-exposure children showed no improvement in self-regulatory function, while low-exposure children followed a typical developmental pattern.
A recent study found that 2.5% of adults experienced marijuana use disorder in the past year, with 6.3% having met the diagnostic criteria at some point in their lives. Only 7% of those with past-year disorder received any treatment.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that mice offspring inherited epigenetic information from their parents' diets, leading to severe obesity. The research suggests that this epigenetic inheritance could be a major cause of the global increase in diabetes prevalence since the 1960s.
A new learning procedure developed by Robert Gütig enables neural networks to filter out irrelevant sensory impressions and link them to events occurring after a delay. This breakthrough has significant implications for technological applications like automatic speech recognition.
Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.
A University of Illinois Chicago researcher found that scientists with financial ties to firms that make, use, or dispose of industrial and commercial products are less likely to find adverse health risks. In contrast, authors employed by the military reported negligible risks in 64% of studies.
A review of 130 studies across 10 countries found that firearm-related laws led to declines in firearm homicide and suicide rates. Laws regulating background checks and storage also showed specific reductions in certain types of gun deaths.
Research found that traveling in groups of four or more people carried a higher relative avalanche risk than for individuals or groups of two. Additionally, solo backcountry exploration offered protection from avalanche risk, but at the cost of other hazards like injuries and fatigue.
A University of Rochester-developed app helps health departments track foodborne illnesses using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. The app led to a 60% increase in citations for health violations, resulting in 9,000 fewer food poisoning incidents in Las Vegas.
A study of 100 Latina teenagers found a significant drop in levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the body after using personal care products labeled free of such chemicals. The study, led by researchers at UC Berkeley, highlights the importance of choosing products with fewer chemicals to reduce exposure.
Researchers found that genetics play a major role in the bilateral parietal lobes and left temporal lobe, while environment dominates other brain regions. This study provides insights into how nature and environment interact to shape our brains, potentially informing the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Five exceptional early career scientists will receive new grants from NIEHS to study the effects of environmental chemicals on human health. The ONES awardees will investigate how pollutants, such as arsenic and dioxins, cause harm and promote allergies.
Researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health have published a comprehensive review of ways to monitor physical activity and tools for occupational exposure scientists. The study highlights complex relationships between physical activity and common chronic diseases, such as heart disease and arthritis.
A new microscope enables the visualization of cancer cells in 3D, revealing that these cells form small protrusions called blebs in a more realistic tumor environment. This discovery is a first step toward understanding 3D biology in tumor microenvironments and may help explain skin cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that couples' shared lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, have a greater influence on obesity risk than their individual upbringings. By middle age, these shared choices can significantly impact weight management and reduce obesity risk.
Scientists developed a flexible, paper-based skin that responds to external stimuli, sensing pressure, temperature, humidity, proximity, pH, and air flow. This innovative material is made from household items and offers multi-sensory functionalities similar to natural skin.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that adults who use marijuana are five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder compared to those who do not. The study also suggests that marijuana use can increase the likelihood of existing alcohol use disorders persisting over time.
A new study found that scientific reports on salt intake are divided, with 54% supporting a link between reduced sodium and improved heart health outcomes. The researchers' analysis of academic papers revealed little consistency in the selection of primary studies, highlighting uncertainty and disagreement among scientists.
A ten-year longitudinal study found that the type of family system during pregnancy and a baby's first year influences their ability to process emotional information. Children from cohesive families showed automatic disengagement from threatening stimuli, while those from disengaged and enmeshed families exhibited attentional avoidance.
Research from Saint Louis University and Chongqing University found that younger Chinese teenage boys are less likely to start smoking than those born longer ago. The study suggests that urbanization and improved access to education may be contributing factors to the decline in smoking rates among Chinese male teens.
Research found that a common gene variant affects girls' fat intake depending on their early socio-economic environment. Girls with the same gene variant had higher or lower fat intake depending on whether they were raised in poor or wealthy families.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health review vaccination policies, finding that states like Mississippi and West Virginia have high immunization rates with strict exemption laws. The authors suggest alternatives to eliminating nonmedical exemptions entirely, including making them more difficult to obtain.
Research suggests that eating at least one seafood serving per week may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older adults with the APOE-4 gene. The study found no association between seafood consumption and increased brain mercury levels or beta amyloid protein plaques, key markers of the disease.
A combined carbon and sugar tax in the UK could lead to significant environmental and health benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in fiber intake. The tax scenarios predicted a decrease in purchases of beef, lamb, and other meats, as well as an increase in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.