Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Research reveals that changes to environment, such as building walking paths and playgrounds, improve nutritional quality of foods and increase physical activity levels. However, more research is needed to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of policy and built environment changes.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has published a report assessing the status of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risk science in nanotechnology. Stakeholders identified four key areas for improvement: communication resources, decision tools, data resources, and standards and guidance resources.
A new OSU study found that young women with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to experience clinically significant depressive symptoms over a five-week period. The results suggest a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels for overall health.
Genetic effects on amount of alcohol use are greater in low SES conditions, while shared environmental effects increase in high-SES conditions. This study suggests that individual differences in drinking vary by level of SES.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that female health workers deployed to a remote rural area in northern Nigeria led to significant increases in healthcare service utilization. The program showed a 500% increase in health post visits, sustained over two years.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a key RNA mechanism that helps plants adapt to their environment, which could lead to improved crop yields and gene therapies for diseases like cancer. The findings also suggest similar mechanisms exist in humans, providing new avenues for medical research.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found that underlying subfertility may account for some of the risks associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) births. Singletons born to mothers with ART had higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, while twins had better outcomes.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has received a $1.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016, with a focus on accelerating the transition of nanotechnology-based discoveries from lab to market.
A new study confirms that prenatal exposure to phthalates disrupts male sexual differentiation and correlates with lower fertility rates. Higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in mothers' blood were associated with a lower anogenital distance in male babies.
A new study estimates that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure in the European Union costs around €157 billion ($209 billion) each year, mainly due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses. The estimated cost burden includes conditions such as lowered IQ, male infertility, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Research from UCL's ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies found direct biological effects of stress during unemployment contribute to higher levels of inflammatory markers, predicting atherosclerosis and heart disease. Unemployed men and women had higher levels than employed counterparts, with stronger effects in Scotland.
A recent ATS membership survey found that 89% of respondents believe climate change is happening, while 68% attribute its causes to human activity. The survey also reported adverse health effects such as worsening asthma and increased cases of acute and chronic lung conditions due to climate change.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new approach to diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) using oral swab samples, greatly improving on standard diagnostics. The method was tested in 20 healthy individuals and 20 TB patients, detecting TB in 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
A 10-year decline in perception of marijuana risk is reported in a study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Women over 50, non-white individuals, and those with lower incomes are more likely to perceive cannabis use as risky.
Researchers found that having too many food choices increases the obesity problem, as offspring tend to eat more when given a choice between high-fat and low-fat diets. In contrast, those on a low-fat diet showed no negative impacts, but had higher energy expenditure.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine reveals that the UK 'fit note' is associated with fewer people taking long-term sick leave of 12 weeks or more. However, the proportion of people off work with depression, anxiety, and stress has increased.
A recent article highlights the importance of local health departments' roles in responding to global health security threats posed by infectious diseases. Key findings include the need for dedicated staff to interpret federal guidance, form partnerships with healthcare coalitions, and communicate accurate risk information. The Ebola e...
Research at University College London reveals that grid cells in the brain modify their patterns based on the environment's geometry. The study found that grid patterns align with the local environment and distort in trapezoid-shaped spaces, challenging previous theories about the brain's navigation system.
A heat wave in 2011 Houston resulted in significantly more emergency department visits than expected, with elderly individuals experiencing an 8.9% increase in admissions. The study suggests that heat warning systems could help prevent future emergencies.
A new study found that exposure to mercury, even at low levels considered safe, is associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity in women. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that greater exposure to mercury was linked to a higher rate of autoantibodies, a precursor to autoi...
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $3 million to six outstanding early-career scientists to study the effects of environmental substances on human health. The researchers will investigate connections between pollutants, cognitive function, asthma, and DNA damage.
A package of scientific papers reveals that private wells in many US states and parts of Canada are contaminated with arsenic, threatening public health. The reports highlight the need for better regulation and mitigation measures due to low levels of oversight and inadequate measures.
A recent study found that almost 60% of Ontario Family Health Teams offer physical activity services, but their quality and accessibility vary. The study suggests that standardized physical activity promotion is needed to increase its effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyles among Canadians.
A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.
A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.
Neuroscientists studied animats with complex neural networks that evolved to master video games of varying difficulty. The research found that in more complex environments, the animats developed intricate neural connections and increased their ability to integrate information, supporting the theory of Integrated Information Theory (IIT).
A study found that giving employees more control over their work schedules can improve sleep quantity and quality, reducing the risk of chronic disease and early mortality. Participants experienced an average gain of nearly an hour of sleep per week compared to those without flexible scheduling.
Yale researchers developed a new bio-containment method using genetically modified bacteria that require a synthetic amino acid to activate genes. This approach solves a major obstacle to widespread GMO use, ensuring safer confinement of organisms in the environment.
A new study found that teen girls who practiced saying 'no' to unwanted advances in a virtual environment reported less sexual victimization. The effects persisted over three months, with those who previously experienced dating violence showing lower levels of psychological aggression and distress.
A new study found that both genetic and environmental factors influence the correlation between an individual's own drinking and their peers' drinking behaviors. Genetic factors play a more significant role in adulthood, while environmental factors dominate adolescent behavior.
A Stanford University School of Medicine investigation found that the environment, rather than genetics, influences the state of the human immune system. The study compared monozygotic and dizygotic twins to determine the relative contributions of nature and nurture to immune variation.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that half of young victims of fatal crashes in nine US states were under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana, or both. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2011 and found that 50.3% of deceased tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, or both.
A new study shows that cold atmospheric pressure plasma significantly reduced the number of virus particles in norovirus samples, making it a promising method for continuous disinfection of contaminated surfaces. The technology is environmentally friendly and effective against viruses with high tenacity, like noroviruses.
The LongROAD project tracks 3,000 active drivers aged 65-79 years for 5-10 years to shed light on aging drivers' safety needs. Findings will inform future interventions to maintain independence.
Researchers developed a culturally-based program that increased fruit and vegetable intake among Latina breast cancer survivors, leading to improved clinical outcomes and weight loss. The program's success has implications for other cancer survivors and larger populations.
A study analyzing alcohol sales data across GB regions found that areas with higher sales per adult had higher rates of alcohol-related deaths. The South West region, despite high consumption, had low alcohol death rates, possibly due to tourism.
Women with high DDT levels and sufficient B vitamin intake had a 42% greater chance of early miscarriage than those with lower DDT levels. However, women with high DDT and low B vitamin levels took nearly twice as long to conceive.
Researchers developed a novel sensor that changes color depending on the confinement of space in cells, demonstrating the effects of lack of space on protein behavior. The study reveals attractive forces inside cells that override compression effects, leading to changes in protein functions under osmotic stress.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that urban stressors contribute to a rising rate of diabetes in developing nations. High cortisol levels were found to be a key factor, with urban residents having significantly higher levels than rural counterparts.
Researchers have identified a key brain region responsible for navigational skills and found that its signal strength predicts performance. The study's findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation, which may help explain why some individuals are better at navigating than others.
A team of researchers found that inhibiting the intestinal farnesoid X receptor with drugs like tempol and antibiotics can prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. This discovery highlights the complex role of gut microbes in human health and potential targets for treating metabolic disorders.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant link between prenatal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and substantial drops in child IQ scores. Children exposed during pregnancy to these chemicals had IQ scores on average six points lower than those exposed at lower levels.
A new case study assesses the immediate and ongoing response to the 9/11 disaster, identifying key elements that impact the health of exposed populations. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical expertise, site safety, attention to vulnerable populations, and developing trust and transparency in public health disaster response.
The global spread of asbestos is a pressing concern, with over 50 countries banning the substance due to its deadly health risks. India and the US remain among the largest producers and importers of asbestos, contributing to the ongoing challenge to global health.
A recent review of over 150 peer-reviewed studies suggests that exposure to chemicals released during natural gas extraction operations may be harmful to human health, particularly reproductive and developmental health. The review found evidence of adverse effects on fertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and semen quality in humans.
Researchers found that individuals conceived during the Dutch Famine had altered regulation of growth genes, which may help them withstand adverse conditions but also increase risk for metabolic disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into epigenetics and its impact on human development.
A special issue of Journal of Public Health Management and Practice presents 15 articles on urban public health leaders' efforts to design new approaches to make cities healthier places to live. The strategies include comprehensive plans, health promotion, injury prevention, and collaboration with community players.
Researchers sequenced RNA of 400 pairs of twins to understand genetic and environmental context on gene expression. They found that both genetic and environmental factors contribute significantly to the way a person's genetic composition is expressed and their risk of developing certain diseases.
A world-first breakthrough drug therapy for treating battle casualties is being developed by James Cook University scientists in Australia, with potential to save thousands of soldiers' lives and has widespread civilian applications.
A new Drexel study finds that neighborhood and community-level factors play a significant role in diabetes risk, with areas of poverty, low education and high obesity rates having higher diabetes rates. The researchers report that improving the physical and social environment can reduce diabetes risk by up to 12%.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually, with state-level costs ranging from $14.4 million in Wisconsin to $907 million in California.
A new study finds that police officers are at a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death during stressful situations, such as suspect restraints and chases. The researchers also found that physical training activities were associated with a 20-25 fold higher SCD risk than routine law enforcement work.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found an association between phthalate exposure and increased levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women. Oxidative stress may be related to preterm birth, adverse fetal development, and maternal health complications.
A new study recommends five steps for businesses and Americans to benefit from workplace disease prevention programs. The program could positively influence the health of 155 million working-age Americans while financially benefiting their employers by reducing healthcare costs.
The Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University has won a $4.35 million grant renewal to support its efforts in designing and disseminating interventions that prevent chronic disease in urban neighborhoods. The center's collaboration with the Health Improvement Partnership-Cuyahoga County and...
A community-based study found air pollutants released by unconventional oil and gas production exceed recommended levels in the US, with hazardous chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde detected. The study highlights the need for improved air-quality monitoring programs near these sites.
A handheld device developed by UT Arlington researcher Yuze Sun can analyze a person's breath to reveal the presence of hazardous gases, such as those specific to diabetes. The device has the potential to non-invasively monitor blood sugar levels and detect chemical markers in complex samples.
The EyeCane device translates point-distance information into auditory and tactile cues, enabling users to better estimate distance and navigate their environment. After less than five minutes of training, both blind and blindfolded individuals successfully estimated distances almost 70% of the time.
A new study examines the trajectory of emerging chemical threats to human and environmental health over 30 years. The research reveals a common pattern of emergence, rising to peak concern within 14 years before declining, and identifies potential stages of concern related to these chemicals.
The new approach to diversity in medical education focuses on differences beyond race and ethnicity, acknowledging shared experiences that no longer track simply with race. Achieving this requires a commitment to diversity that is inseparable from an institution's identity and success.