Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
A new University of Georgia study found that childhood exercise habits can significantly impact adult physical health, with healthier habits in adolescence setting the stage for a lifetime of fitness. The study suggests that maintaining these habits is crucial to preventing cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Advanced filtration systems can cut levels of cancer-causing DBPs, nitrates, and heavy metals, in addition to removing toxic PFAS from drinking water. The Environmental Working Group study found significant reductions in these contaminants across 19 US utilities.
Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.
A new study finds structural abnormalities in the brain and poorer motor function among NYC children exposed prenatally to chlorpyrifos. The findings are associated with progressively greater alterations in brain structure, function, and metabolism.
A new study found that adolescents with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prior to bariatric surgery regained more weight and had greater increases in waist circumference up to five years after surgery. Researchers believe PFAS exposure disrupts endocrine and metabolic processes, leading to weight regain.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
A new study by University of Virginia researchers reveals high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression among residents exposed to the 2023 chemical spill. The survey of 1,000 adults found elevated psychological toll with half reporting worsening physical health symptoms.
Researchers have identified 21 new PFAS chemicals in Sydney's tap water, exceeding previous estimates. The findings highlight the need for broader monitoring and underscore the persistence of 'forever chemicals' in human systems.
A new study found a link between parents' workplace chemical exposure and their child's autism severity, with certain chemicals associated with cognitive deficits and developmental delays. The research emphasizes the need for workplace safety measures to protect not only workers but also their future children.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researcher Ashley Merianos reveals a troubling connection between adverse childhood experiences and tobacco smoke exposure in US school-aged children. Adverse childhood experiences, such as parental divorce or financial hardship, increase the likelihood of children living with tobacco users and b...
Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
A large study examines 17 years of Medicare hospitalization claims and major flooding events, finding increased rates of specific health issues among older adults. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach, robust evacuation planning, and improved access to medical services to protect public health during climate change.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the US by 15% could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers pinpointed regions where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends and demonstrated the value of coordinated clean energy efforts.
Researchers found that hot days increase emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while cold days are associated with fewer deaths, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that health policy needs to account for temperature-related impacts across different age groups.
A study found that prolonged sitting decreases cutaneous vasodilatory function under both constant and alternating temperature conditions. Alternating exposure to cooling and heating did not significantly suppress these changes.
The study uses systems modeling to analyze potential trade-offs of proposed NIH cuts, considering implications for long-term biomedical research and public health. The results suggest that funding policies must consider systemic interactions beyond immediate budgetary impacts.
ShadeLA aims to reduce heat risk by expanding tree canopy and shade infrastructure in key public spaces, targeting major sporting events and heat waves. The initiative builds on USC's Urban Trees Initiative and engages community-based organizations to create locally driven solutions for a more comfortable L.A.
A new study found that exposure to PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Higher levels of PFAS were associated with a significantly greater risk of developing T2D in the future.
Researchers have discovered a non-autoimmune form of type 1 diabetes prevalent in young people in Sub-Saharan Africa, differing from the typical autoimmune pattern seen in other regions. The study's findings also suggest an ancestral or genetic link between this subtype and African ancestry in the US.
ADLM 2025 will tackle urgent topics like clinical AI integration and fake medical news, as well as leveraging genomics for personalized healthcare. The meeting also explores the health threat of plastics and microbiome medicine to combat diseases.
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
Researchers emphasize the need to distinguish between harmful PFAS and essential fluoropolymers used in medical devices, which have not been linked to health issues. Experts advocate for a balanced approach to protect both human health and environmental concerns.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
A study published in Science Advances found that higher childhood lead levels are significantly associated with a faster rate of forgetting, even at low median blood lead levels. Additionally, older children and those with higher maternal IQs showed better memory retention.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
Scientists have discovered that certain species of gut bacteria can absorb PFAS, potentially protecting against its harmful effects. The researchers plan to develop probiotic dietary supplements to boost the levels of these helpful microbes in our gut.
A national study found children aged 2-4 years in the US are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and pesticides, which can interfere with hormone development and immune function. The research emphasizes the need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.
Residential segregation contributes to lung cancer development in African Americans, highlighting the need for policymakers to address disparities. Structural racism in neighborhoods affects health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of reducing racial gaps in healthcare.
Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.
Researchers studied the effects of 6-PPDQ on the citric acid cycle in C. elegans, finding disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study revealed reductions in key metabolites and enzyme gene expressions, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity.
A new study reveals how specific underground conditions lead to toxic uranium levels in drinking water. The research could help local communities monitor and manage this health threat by identifying areas with high contamination risk.
A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.
A new research article analyzes 103 scientific studies on microplastics and nanoplastics from food packaging, revealing that normal use of FCAs is a source of MNPs in food. The study highlights the need for harmonized testing and reporting framework to inform policy decisions.
A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.
A study published in JACC found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of heart failure, particularly among older adults, women, and those living in lower-income areas. The risk was found to be higher with increased levels of PM2.5 air pollution from wildfires compared to other types of air pollution.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Researchers found that co-exposure to bisphenol A and retinoic acid disrupts neurodevelopmental gene signaling, leading to brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential link between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that residents in U.S. coastal counties near ocean waters with high concentrations of microplastics are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 152 counties and found a significant association betwe...
Researchers propose Intrinsic Health as a measure of the body's ability to maintain internal balance, enabling resilience and performance. The study aims to shift focus from disease treatment to health optimization, catalyzing transformative advances in public health and medicine.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.
A cohort study of schools found that COVID-19-related decline in youth physical fitness persisted during the pandemic, but not associated with remote or hybrid environments. The reduction was observed in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness healthy zone achievement.
A body-mapping study of nail technicians' occupational health and lived experiences highlights the complexities of their work, revealing emotional, social, and creative aspects beyond occupational hazards.
A new study finds that the Salton Sea emits hydrogen sulfide at rates exceeding state air quality standards, with emissions regularly going unreported by government monitoring systems. The presence of these toxic emissions poses significant health risks to local communities already burdened by environmental and socioeconomic stressors.
A new animal study suggests that microscopic plastic particles found in food and beverages may affect glucose metabolism and harm organs such as the liver. Researchers observed dose-correlated changes in mice consuming polystyrene nanoparticles, including systemic glucose intolerance and elevated alanine aminotransferase.
A new study reveals that Heat-Health Action Plans globally fail to propose concrete interventions to protect vulnerable populations from heat-induced mental health crises. Most (75.9%) acknowledge mental health risks, but only a few specify unique impacts and outline concrete interventions.
A large observational study suggests that US general military service may actually lower, rather than heighten, the risk of depression. The study found a 22-23% lower risk of depression associated with military service, after adjusting for influential factors such as age, sex, and income.
Researchers developed a new method to identify hazardous chemicals in sewage sludge and electronic waste, revealing toxic compounds like PFAS, bisphenols, and phthalates. The study highlights the need for better monitoring tools and treatment strategies to address circular economy goals.
Subsidies to agriculture, fossil fuels, and other sectors cause significant environmental degradation, threatening biodiversity and public health. The study highlights the urgent need for a transformation of the current economic model to protect nature and ensure well-being.
A cohort study found children on the path to obesity by age 3.5, highlighting modifiable risk factors that can be targeted in prevention programs. The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort provided valuable insights into early-life factors and BMI trajectories.
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher from Simon Fraser University is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. The review paper examined the causes behind the causes of CVD, using data from the ongoing collaborative Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
A NTU Singapore study found that robust air pollution control measures can prevent 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths annually in Southeast Asia by 2050. Implementing stringent emission reduction measures could drop annual deaths by 22,000 under a business-as-usual scenario.
A new study highlights the presence of synthetic chemicals in food packaging and processing, increasing health risks from ultra-processed foods. The research emphasizes the need for safer food systems, better testing methods, and policy reforms to address this growing public health issue.
A new method using artificial intelligence and DNA decoding can predict how well disease-causing bacteria like Listeria tolerate disinfectants. The research may lead to smarter hygiene strategies and faster responses when pathogenic bacteria are present in food production.
A new study found that PFAS exposure remains a concern for California adults, with drinking water, seafood, eggs, and brown rice identified as contributors. While dietary associations are lower than previous studies, the findings highlight the need to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.