Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Research finds that the Zika virus can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for up to eight hours, especially when associated with blood. However, commonly used disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium/alcohol are effective in killing the virus in a short period.
York University researchers have discovered a novel approach to eliminate E. coli bacteria from contaminated water using paper strips laced with sugar. The 'DipTreat' solution has shown efficiency in removing nearly 90% of bacteria, offering a promising alternative to current silver nanoparticle-based systems.
Laura Vandenberg, a UMass Amherst environmental health scientist, has won the 2016 Pearl Award for her work on endocrine disrupting chemicals. Her research reveals associations between low-level chemical exposures and disease, highlighting the need for rethinking safe exposure limits.
A study found that soiled clinical linens can contaminate surfaces with C. difficile bacteria, even in clean areas of a laundry facility. This highlights the potential risk of environmental contamination and emphasizes the importance of infection prevention in healthcare settings.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered proteins in the blood that can predict incipient type 1 diabetes, even before symptoms appear. The study identified 41 peptides from 26 proteins that distinguish children with autoantibodies from those without, including proteins associated with lipid metabolism.
Researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine have shown that interactions between genetic variants and environmental exposures significantly impact human traits and diseases. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine initiatives for communities with different ancestries, including urban areas.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that a low-oxygen environment can regenerate heart muscle in mice. This discovery builds on previous research that showed the ability of newborn mammals to regenerate their hearts, and demonstrates the potential for this approach to reverse heart disease.
Researchers found that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced better function around the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that a diet high in antioxidants and carotenoids may help minimize ALS severity.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School found that 71% of New York State voters supported indicting police officers involved in the 2014 Eric Garner arrest after watching the video. This increase in support was attributed to the physical force used on Garner being a key factor in respondents' opinions.
A team of researchers led by Wayne State University will use naturalistic observations and next-generation genetic sequencing techniques to identify everyday family behaviors that impact youth asthma. The study aims to develop novel, developmentally sensitive interventions to reduce asthma morbidity and inform family-based interventions.
A study found that physically active children had reduced airway inflammation but also higher exposure to black carbon and diesel exhaust. Exercise did not counteract the negative effects of high pollutant levels on lung health.
The ECHO Program aims to understand the early environmental origins of childhood health outcomes, including obesity and neurodevelopment. Researchers will track over 50,000 children across diverse backgrounds for seven years, analyzing existing data and combining standardized approaches.
Treating homeless individuals as an environmental contaminant exacerbates their marginalization and limited access to essential services. The study highlights the human costs of environmental indifference towards marginalized groups.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health observed relationships between impaired glucose regulation, adverse cardiac measures, and early onset diabetes mellitus. The study suggests that targeting insulin resistance may be beneficial for optimal cardiac health and heart failure prevention.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that adults 26 years and older increased their past-month marijuana use from 5.87% to 7.15% after medical marijuana laws passed, but there was no effect on adolescents or young adults. Perceived availability of marijuana also increased among those over 25.
A multi-country randomized controlled trial will assess the impact of cleaner burning cooking stoves on household air pollution and health in four low- and medium-income countries. The study aims to provide compelling evidence for national and global policies to reduce household air pollution among vulnerable populations.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that alcohol-related injuries occurred predominantly at home, accounting for 36.1% of cases. Men were more likely to be seen at emergency departments for at-home injuries compared to females.
Researchers have found that pharmaceuticals can persist in riverine bacteria for extended periods, posing environmental risks. The study suggests improved predictive power is needed to assess the environmental impact of these substances, particularly in lower-income countries where their use is forecast to increase significantly.
A review of the current knowledge on the causes of type 2 diabetes and obesity reveals a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The study highlights the importance of epigenomic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in modulating gene expression and disease risk.
The paper explores various techniques for brain-machine control, including EEGs and near infrared spectroscopy, to facilitate communication and rehabilitation in paralysed patients. Brain-machine assistive interfaces enable patients to communicate or control external devices such as prostheses.
A two-year study of over 37,800 live births in Zambia found that chlorhexidine washes did not reduce neonatal mortality, contradicting previous results in south Asia. The study suggests that the treatment may not be effective in lower mortality settings with more facility-based deliveries.
Research from the University of Exeter found that physical activity in natural environments provides health benefits worth £2.2 billion annually to the English adult population. Over 1.3 billion green exercise visits occur each year, with examples including dog walking and outdoor swimming.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that mice with toys and stimulating environments have healthier immune systems. The research discovered changes in T cells, which are essential for immunity and involved in chronic diseases like HIV and rheumatoid arthritis.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led team is investigating whether the nasal passages' microbial population affects childhood asthma risk. The study, part of the NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes initiative, aims to develop interventions to prevent asthma development.
Researchers at Kansas State University are studying the health benefits and challenges of US tiny house villages. The study aims to understand how living in a tiny house community affects residents' physical activity, indoor air quality, and overall well-being.
A study found that household dust contains 45 potentially toxic chemicals, including phthalates, phenols, and flame retardants, which can be inhaled or ingested. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, developmental toxicity, and respiratory issues.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant relationship between stress levels and poor quality of life in medical center employees. The researchers emphasize the importance of engaging employees into wellness programs to reduce burnout and improve overall well-being.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program is more cost-effective than many health interventions, with a net gain of 2.2 Quality of Life Years over an average lifetime for those who supplemented the program relative to those who did not.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high utility bills lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression among low-income families. Inefficient infrastructure and limited options for assistance also contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for comprehensive policy measures.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that electric fans can exacerbate heat issues for seniors, increasing their heart rates and internal temperatures. The researchers found that when elderly patients used fans to cool down in a hot environment, their body temperature rose instead of falling.
A review of existing empirical evidence suggests that food puzzles can improve cats' physical health by aiding weight loss, and their emotional wellbeing by reducing aggression and fear. By introducing food puzzles, owners can provide cats with stimulation and exercise, leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
Researchers have identified a potential molecular mechanism through which lead exposure can harm neural stem cells and neurodevelopment in children. Lead exposure was found to induce oxidative stress response in these cells, with two proteins involved in the process: SPP1 and NRF2.
Researchers found that an extract from house dust mites triggers different responses depending on the age of the person, with leukotrienes playing a key role in adults. The study suggests that cortisone therapy may not be effective against this type of allergy and that targeted therapies could be more effective.
A large-scale migrant cohort study found that being born in Israel significantly increases the risk of nodular sclerosis HL, with elevated risks also observed among women, those born more recently, and taller stature. The study suggests exposure to unidentified elements of the Israeli environment may contribute to the disease's etiology.
Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have developed a new test to diagnose the specific venom causing an allergic reaction, enabling the creation of personalized vaccines. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment options for patients with allergies to wasp stings.
A study found that young and middle-aged adults in the US prefer to live longer than average life expectancy if they have positive expectations for old age, but those with negative expectations prefer shorter lives. The study used a telephone survey of over 1600 adults aged 18-64 years and found no relationship between age, gender, or ...
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that stand-biased desks can lower BMI in elementary school children, with a three percent drop on average. The intervention was shown to be effective across demographic groups, regardless of age, gender, or race.
A new study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers found that early exposure to high levels of manganese causes lasting attention deficits and impairments in rats. The findings support concerns about the adverse effects of excess manganese on children's development.
A recent study published in Journal of Water and Health suggests that supplemental water fluoridation may be a contributing factor to rising type 2 diabetes rates in the United States. The study used mathematical models to analyze publicly available data on fluoride water levels and diabetes incidence rates across 22 states.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys aged 10-12. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and found no such associations in girls.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that US maternal mortality rates are significantly higher than previously reported, with an estimated rate of 23.8 per 100,000 live births in 2014. The study highlights the need to improve maternity care and prevent maternal deaths in the US.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that Bisphenol S (BPS) damages a woman's eggs at lower doses than BPA. The study exposed roundworms to various concentrations of BPA and/or BPS, revealing decreased fertility in those exposed to either chemical.
A study by Harvard researchers found unsafe levels of toxic chemicals PFASs in public drinking water supplies for six million people in the US. The highest levels were detected near industrial sites, military fire training areas, and wastewater treatment plants.
A research team from Penn Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing and Emory's School of Public Health is awarded a $9 million grant to test an HIV prevention intervention for adolescent men who have sex with men. The iCON intervention offers life skills training and community-based resources through an online app.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that ovarian environment changes with age, leading to decreased egg quality and fertility issues. Fibrotic and inflamed ovaries are identified as key factors contributing to this decline.
A new study found that women who stopped using estrogen-containing contraceptives had average vitamin D levels, while current users tended to have higher levels. Women trying to conceive should take action to maintain adequate vitamin D levels before and during pregnancy.
A North Carolina State University study links several pesticides used by farmers with both allergic and non-allergic wheeze, a sensitive marker for early airway problems. The research, using data from the Agricultural Health Study, found 29 pesticides associated with at least one type of wheeze.
Four individuals selected for a 12-month fellowship at the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, working on tobacco-product regulation and public health strategies. The program aims to enrich fellows' understanding of tobacco products and their regulatory activities.
A recent study published in Epilepsy and Behavior found that individuals with epilepsy have a higher annual suicide mortality rate of 22% compared to the general population. The study also revealed specific risk factors, such as increased likelihood of dying from poisoning or using residential locations for suicides.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center will play a key role in the launch of the Data and Research Support Center for the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The center will standardize and organize large datasets to help researchers identify individual factors contributing to health and illness.
A new software has been developed to analyze time-lapse microscopy movies, enabling the measurement of cellular properties such as cell cycle length and protein expression dynamics. The tool is freely available online and has already led to high-impact publications in top scientific journals.
A new study found that constant artificial lighting leads to severe disruption of health parameters in mice, including pro-inflammatory activation of the immune system, muscle loss, and early signs of osteoporosis. However, the effects are reversible when the environmental light-dark cycle is restored.
A review of existing research concludes that manipulating food product order or proximity can positively impact food choices. Healthy food nudging is promising, with 16 out of 18 studies showing a positive impact. The review suggests using placement of products to promote healthier options, such as vegetables being placed first in line.
A Michigan State University researcher has discovered that a synthetic food additive, tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), may be causing an increase in food allergies. The research found that tBHQ triggers the release of proteins that can trigger allergies to common foods like nuts, milk, and eggs.
A new study maps zones most prone to sea level rise impacts in South Florida, identifying socially and economically vulnerable communities at risk. The research provides a foundation for adaptation and mitigation planning, informing regional resilience efforts.
The National Institutes of Health is launching a landmark longitudinal research effort, the Precision Medicine Cohort Program, with $55 million in funding. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. participants to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
The National Institutes of Health has selected Vanderbilt University Medical Center as the Data and Research Support Center for the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to study genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affecting the health of a million or more people.
The University of Chicago will support a nationwide precision medicine study enrolling 1 million participants, with the Illinois consortium aiming to recruit at least 35,000 additional participants annually. Participants will provide health and lifestyle information, genomic data, and access their clinical records for better disease pr...
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $20 million award to support a national precision medicine initiative, enrolling 350,000 participant-volunteers. The program aims to engage one million or more U.S. participants to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.