'Dirty mouse' may model human immune system more accurately, NIH-funded study suggests
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
Environmental Health
Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Chemical exposure could lead to obesity, UGA study finds
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.
Study: Cities have individual microbial signatures
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.
Greenness around homes linked to lower mortality
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.
How can lay health advisor programs be designed for maximum impact?
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 ...
More exposure to vegetation linked with lower mortality rates in women
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.
Fast food may expose consumers to harmful chemicals called phthalates
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.
Sexually transmitted infections, peer pressure may have turned humans into monogamists
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.
Challenging the American consensus on e-cigarettes: The English raise the ante
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.
Global study finds neighborhood design helps put best foot forward for health
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 urge UK parliament to take action to reduce food waste
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.
Certain mealtime practices at hospitals may help patients eat better
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.
Prenatal exposure to air pollution linked to impulsivity, emotional problems in children
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.
Marijuana use disorder is on the rise nationally; few receive treatment
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.
You are what your parents ate!
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.
New learning procedure for neural networks
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.
Risks less likely to be reported by public-health researchers paid by industry or military
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.
UTHealth research: Excess heat significantly affects health of migratory workers
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.
Risk of being involved in an avalanche less for smaller groups of recreationists
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.
Do gun restrictions help reduce gun deaths?
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.
Fighting food poisoning in Las Vegas with machine learning
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.
Teen girls see big drop in chemical exposure with switch in cosmetics
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.
NIEHS funds five early career researchers for innovative science
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.
Twin study: Genetics and environment affect different regions of the brain
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.
Colorado School of Public Health researcher examines chronic disease in workplace
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.
Couples' lifestyle choices impact on obesity risk, study finds
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.
Cancer in 3-D
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.
Smart skin made of recyclable materials may transform medicine and robotics
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.
Science on salt is polarized, study finds
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.
Marijuana smokers 5 times more likely to develop an alcohol problem
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.
Early family system types predict children's emotional attention
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.
Common gene variant influences food choices ... for better or worse
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.
Chinese male teens aren't smoking as much, Saint Louis University research finds
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.
Will more states ban nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccination?
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.
A combined carbon and sugar tax could have environmental and health benefits
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.
Seafood consumption may play a role in reducing risk for Alzheimer's
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.
Prenatal exposure to flame retardants linked to poorer behavioral function in children
A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that prenatal exposure to flame retardants and PFASs may have a lasting impact on executive function in children, characterized by impairments in focus, working memory, delegation of tasks, and emotional control. The research evaluated levels of PBDEs and PFASs in mothers during pr...
Experts offer new approach to prioritizing research on the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals
Researchers developed a new approach to prioritize investigations on pharmaceutical environmental impacts. They identified 16 compounds as a potential priority, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory substances.
Eating soy may protect women from health risks of BPA
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming soy regularly may protect women undergoing infertility treatments from poor success rates linked to bisphenol A exposure. Women who did not eat soy foods had lower embryo implantation rates and fewer live births with ...
Toxic exposures caused illness in Gulf War veterans, new report says
A new report by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher links Gulf War toxins to illness in veterans, citing pesticide and nerve gas exposure as causally associated with Gulf War Illness. The study found structural and electrical abnormalities in the central nervous systems of deployed troops with GWI.
Health goes downhill when older adults stop driving
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that older adults who stop driving face accelerated declines in cognitive function and physical health. This cessation is linked to a higher risk of depressive symptoms, reduced social networks, and increased dependence on caregivers.
NYC pedestrian traffic makes for safer street crossings: Google Street View study
A new study using Google Street View assesses pedestrian safety in NYC, finding intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic have lower injury rates. Billboards and bus stops increase risk of injury.
Lung cell found to act as sensor, regulator of immune response
Researchers found that a type of lung cell acts like a sensor, linking the lungs and nervous system to regulate immune responses. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pulmonary diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
BU study finds geography influences government grading of medicare advantage plans
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that geographic location significantly affects the quality grades assigned to Medicare Advantage insurance plans. The study suggests that accounting for geographic differences is essential to allow for fairer comparisons among plans.
DNA research offers clues on cell mutation
Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered that RNA plays a crucial role in DNA damage, leading to mutations and disease. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and has implications for cancer research.
Extinguishing thirdhand smoke
Thirdhand smoke is a persistent and hazardous environmental contaminant left behind by smoking. Researchers at San Diego State University are studying its spread and effects on human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. The team has found links between thirdhand s...
Here comes the sun: Cellular sensor helps plants find light
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a way plants assess shade to outgrow menacing neighbors, triggering accelerated growth through molecular sensors. This finding could improve crop productivity and help farmers grow crops closer together.
Police shootings of black males: A public health problem
A Saint Louis University researcher proposes concrete steps to stem police shootings of black males, citing high homicide rates and racial biases in policing. Implementing body cameras, community review boards, and addressing prejudice are key recommendations.
Harvard, Wildlife Conservation Society launch new 'Planetary Health Alliance' with support from the Rockefeller Foundation
The Planetary Health Alliance aims to improve understanding of environmental change and human health. The alliance will foster research, training, and policy action at the intersection of environment and public health.
Chemicals in e-cigarette flavors linked to respiratory disease
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found diacetyl, a flavoring chemical, in over 75% of flavored e-cigarettes and refill liquids, posing a risk to respiratory health.
New risk score identifies link between lifestyle risk factors and mortality
A new lifestyle risk score has identified two new risk factors: sedentary behavior and sleep. Higher scores were associated with greater risk of mortality, with a population attributable risk of 31.3%. The findings reaffirm the importance of healthy lifestyles for adults aged 45 and older.
Young men with detectable HIV more likely to have risky sex
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young men with detectable HIV are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, particularly anal intercourse without condoms. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as those aged 13-29 and experiencing substance use issues.
Brain scans explain quickness to blame
The study found that people use two different mechanisms to judge intentionality, relying on emotion for negative outcomes and statistics for positive outcomes. Brain scans revealed differences in brain activity between individuals with different personality traits and psychological measures.
Penn Medicine study is first to map of paths of hundreds of urban males on violence risk
A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.
Underage drinkers' brand preferences vary by race, age, BU study finds
A new study found that underage drinkers prefer certain beer brands more than others based on their age and ethnicity. Bud Light was the most popular brand across all demographic groups, while Smirnoff Malt Beverages ranked high among racial and ethnic groups.
Improving health, 1 step at a time
A study published in BMJ Open found that Canadians living in densely-populated areas with close services report more utilitarian walking but have lower total physical activity. The researchers suggest that walkability can be an opportunity to integrate activity into daily life.
UK health professionals unite for stronger measures to tackle climate change
A new alliance of UK health professionals aims to place health at the center of climate change negotiations. The Health Professional Alliance to Combat Climate Change advocates for improving air quality, increasing active transport, and reducing healthcare's environmental footprint.
Researchers find link between air pollution and heart disease
Researchers found a significant association between coarse particles in the air and increased cardiovascular hospitalizations in people 65 and older. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed data from 110 large urban counties in the US and linked it to Medicare data on hospitalizations from 1999 to 2010.
Team approach may reduce readmissions due to falls in seniors
A comprehensive care program involving a team of specialists from multiple medical disciplines has reduced hospital readmissions for seniors due to falls by 10%. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes early intervention and patient-centered care, leading to improved safety outcomes and reduced risk of future complications.
Bright prospects: Repairing neurons with light
Researchers successfully promoted the repair of an injured neural circuit in zebrafish using a special form of inducible adenylyl cyclase that responds to blue light, increasing repair rates by up to 30%. This breakthrough has potential therapeutic implications for conditions like diabetes-related neuropathies.