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Consensus statement: Environmental toxins hurt brain development, action needed

A consensus statement from Project TENDR highlights the link between environmental toxins and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. The alliance calls for immediate reduction of toxic chemical exposures through policy changes and industry action.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 1, 2016

Report: A host of common chemicals endanger child brain development

A report by University of Illinois professor Susan Schantz highlights dozens of common chemicals posing risks to fetal and child neurodevelopment. The report criticizes regulatory lapses allowing toxic chemicals into everyday products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 1, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Certain occupations linked to increased bladder cancer risk

A new analysis of UK workers found a significant association between certain occupations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study identified the greatest risk in workers within the chemical, rubber, and dye industries, as well as those in electrical, chemical, and transport roles.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 30, 2016

Electronic medical practice environment can lead to physician burnout

A national study of US physicians reveals that the use of electronic health records and computerized physician order entry leads to lower satisfaction and higher rates of professional burnout. The findings highlight the need to find ways to incorporate these tools without increasing clerical burden or reducing efficiency for physicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 27, 2016

Health Equity, a new peer-reviewed open access journal, launching Fall 2016

Health Equity is a new peer-reviewed open access journal launching in Fall 2016, focusing on translational research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease to achieve optimal outcomes and health equity. The journal will serve as a primary resource for organizations and individuals working with vulnerable populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·DateJun 23, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists identify ways to prevent heat-related deaths from climate change

A new model predicts that up to 3,331 people could die annually from heat exposure in NYC by the 2080s, but reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting measures could save an additional 1,779 lives. Limiting emissions could also reduce heat-related deaths by limiting to moderate greenhouse gas trajectories.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 23, 2016

Impulsive children raised in caring families drink less during adolescence

Researchers found that impulsive children raised in non-coercive environments tend to drink less alcohol than their peers, as they thrive under proper care and attention. High impulsivity at age 6 was associated with lower alcohol use at age 15 when maternal coercive practices were infrequent.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJun 22, 2016

Fossil fuel combustion endangers children’s health in two significant ways: A scientist reviews the evidence

Children are disproportionately affected by disease from air pollution and climate change due to their biological vulnerability. Reducing fossil fuel dependence can alleviate these issues, resulting in fewer low birth weight babies, asthma cases, and neurodevelopmental problems.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 21, 2016

NIH launches large study of pregnant women in areas affected by Zika virus

The National Institutes of Health has launched a multi-country study to investigate the health risks associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The study aims to enroll up to 10,000 pregnant women across several locations affected by Zika outbreaks, followed throughout their pregnancies and into early childhood.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 21, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Dull and dirty: Your workplace could affect brain function

A new study by Florida State University researcher Joseph Grzywacz found that both a dirty working environment and a lack of stimulation in the workplace can have a long-term cognitive effect on employees. The study showed that men and women who had jobs that exposed them to a dirty working environment saw a cognitive decline.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 16, 2016

Hurricane Sandy: Collection of post-disaster studies published by DMPHP journal

A collection of studies investigated the effects of Hurricane Sandy on public health, highlighting factors contributing to community resilience and healthcare system impacts. Research also explored the effect on at-risk individuals, with funding allocated through the US Department of Health and Human Services.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJun 14, 2016

Why some bisexual men stay in the closet

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 9, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

UAB developing training program on Ebola for first responders in Deep South

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...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateJun 1, 2016

In wake of Flint crisis, new proposal seeks to 'focus on the fix' for lead poisoning

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 27, 2016

New NIH-EPA research centers to study environmental health disparities

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMay 25, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Can't resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 24, 2016

Exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase thyroid problems in women

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMay 23, 2016

Mom's exposure to BPA during pregnancy may put her baby on course to obesity

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 17, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How will people interact with technology in the future?

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 9, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Toronto researchers to investigate environment's impact on health

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateMay 2, 2016

Veterans more likely to delay seeking health care--possible link to long wait times for VA care

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 2, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

One-fifth of young drinkers report consuming 'jello shots,' BU study finds

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateApr 27, 2016

When pornography uses condoms, those watching have safer sex

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2016

Study: Even a little air pollution may have long-term health effects on developing fetus

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 27, 2016

Zika present in Americas longer than previously thought

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 26, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalToxicology in Vitro·DateApr 20, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateApr 19, 2016

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 15, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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 ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalImplementation Science·DateApr 14, 2016

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 14, 2016

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.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 13, 2016

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 14, 2016

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiologic Reviews·DateMar 8, 2016

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 7, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.