Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A new study reveals that social and sensory overstimulation is the primary driver of autistic behaviors, contradicting decades-old views of autism as a mental retardation. The research proposes that autistic brains are hyper-functional, requiring predictable and structured environments to function optimally.
A new study found that US states with stronger alcohol policies have lower rates of youth overall drinking and binge drinking. The study suggests that these policies are effective in reducing adult binge drinking, which has a significant impact on youth drinking rates.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has established a Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative, partnering with the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. This program aims to deliver meaningful training to various audiences, including public service employees and waste handlers.
A new study found that individuals who visited the emergency department four or more times in the past year were 48 times more likely to die from a prescription drug overdose. The research, published in Annals of Epidemiology, highlights the importance of ER visits as a predictor of overdose risk.
Scholars at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health explore the implications of fear-based campaigns in public health, highlighting successes and failures. While fear-based campaigns have been effective in reducing smoking rates, they may be counterproductive for HIV prevention, stigmatizing affected populations.
Research during the Beijing Olympics found a correlation between reduced air pollution and higher birth weights among pregnant women. The study suggests that pollution may interfere with fetal growth, particularly in late pregnancy.
A study by Ohio State University found that people with low self-esteem related to their weight are more likely to have visible food in their homes, eat unhealthy foods, and experience depression. The home environment may contribute to obesity, but it's not a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Proviso Partners for Health (PP4H) has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement to support its efforts in improving community health. The grant will help PP4H develop ways to share and spread effective improvement approaches across the country.
A systematic review of cigar smoking and all-cause and smoking-related mortality found that cigar smoking carries the same fatal health risks as cigarette smoking, including oral, esophageal, and lung cancers. The risk of death from these cancers increases with inhalation of cigar smoke.
Researchers have found that healthy newborns can alter and rid their bodies of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and food packaging. The study challenged the current thinking on BPA toxicology and suggests that exposure to BPA in infancy may not be as harmful as previously believed.
A commentary published in American Journal of Public Health argues that health awareness days have not been evaluated adequately. The authors recommend researching the effectiveness of awareness days and developing resource guides to improve public health initiatives.
Research in mice exposes pregnant females to phthalate DEHP, leading to male-to-female sex ratio imbalance and altered pup reproductive outcomes. Adult ovaries are also disrupted, with decreased follicle growth and steroid hormone production.
Research finds 9/11 emergency medical services workers, especially those on the scene, are at high risk for physical and mental ailments. The study tracked 2281 NYC Fire Department workers over 12 years, finding nearly all health conditions analyzed were more prevalent among those who arrived earliest.
A new study found that sound, light, and temperature levels in pediatric hospital wards vary greatly, leading to sleep deprivation and impacting disease recovery and quality of life. The research highlights the need for consistent clinical standards to be developed to improve children's experience and quality of life.
Research suggests BPA can alter a turtle's reproductive system and disrupt sex differentiation, potentially affecting human health. Scientists applied BPA to painted turtle eggs, which then developed with female-like sex organs, rendering them unable to reproduce.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that BPA exposure can cause reproductive problems in mice for three generations. The study reveals that low doses of BPA can have a profound impact on fertility and pregnancy success, contradicting the common assumption that higher doses are more harmful.
A study found that combined sewer overflows can lead to a significant increase in emergency room visits for gastrointestinal illnesses, contaminating drinking water sources. The researchers analyzed data from three areas with combined sewer systems and found a 13% increase in ER visits after extreme precipitation events.
Researchers found a significant excess of obstetrics beds in NYC hospitals, resulting in wasted resources and estimated annual costs of $26.4 million. Reducing cesarean section rates by even a small percentage could lead to large savings and improved patient access to care.
Researchers uncover organic compounds in fracking fluid, including biocides and surfactants, which can contaminate groundwater. The study provides a basis for water testing and future regulation, addressing the public awareness of fracking's environmental impact.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pesticide exposure contributes to heightened cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation in premenopausal women. The research suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals like DDT can aggravate complications of obesity, including...
A recent study highlights the growing threat of environmental contaminants and plastic pollution to polar bear health, alongside climate change. The research, led by Norwegian scientists, found that exposure to these pollutants is affecting the endocrine system and reproductive system of polar bears.
Researchers call for police to use electronic tablets to gather bicycle-specific data, enabling safer environments and increased cycling. Automatic uploads of data could guide building of safer bike lanes.
Researchers found depressed levels of cytokines, including interleukin 1, in individuals with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls, while an inflammatory molecule called eotaxin was elevated in the group. These findings may contribute to symptoms such as brain fog and offer hope for objective diagnostic tests and therapies that correct ...
A case study of New York City's successful public health reforms, led by Mayor Bloomberg's 'top-down' approach and strategic organizational changes, suggests that similar initiatives may work elsewhere. However, a commentary questions the applicability of this approach to other cities.
The supplement explores innovative 'upstream' advances in social-ecological research to foster healthy communities, focusing on policy and environmental changes. Key findings include improved food environments and multi-level structural interventions that reduce health disparities.
Researchers will investigate biophysical factors, environmental exposures and allergens associated with asthma control in older adults. The five-year study aims to develop interventions to improve symptoms, reduce emergency room visits and enhance overall well-being for seniors with asthma.
Researchers discovered that famine exposure during the first pregnancy trimester is associated with increased mortality from non-cancer causes, challenging the fetal origins hypothesis. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, analyzed data from over 41,000 men born in the Netherlands during a period of famine and ...
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a computational model that simulates the mechanical behavior of biofilms, which can be used to study issues such as blood clotting and waste treatment systems. The new model allows for the simulation of complex behavior, including viscoelastic properties, and can be adapted to ...
A Saint Louis University research review article suggests people are hardwired to fall out of love and move onto new romantic relationships. Brain imaging studies show an increase in neuronal activity in pleasure areas that become active with cocaine use, implying a similar attachment process.
A study analyzing Oregon's Medicaid experiment reveals significant benefits in mental health, financial protection, and preventive screenings. The researchers estimate a $62,000 gain in quality-adjusted life years, making Medicaid a cost-effective investment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed over 81 published journal articles and found that raw milk is associated with nearly 100 times more risk of foodborne illness than pasteurized milk. The study strongly discourages the consumption of raw milk, especially among elderly, pregnant women, and children.
A recent study found that young adults raised in educated households have higher cognitive ability than those from less ideal environments. The study compared IQ scores of Swedish male siblings raised by biological or adoptive parents, with adopted males showing a significant 4.4-point advantage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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 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 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.