Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Research at the University of Michigan found that lead exposure in mouse mothers is associated with increased weight and obesity in male offspring, as well as impaired insulin response. The study suggests that toxicant exposures during pregnancy can contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Valerie Hu, a GW University researcher, has received a $435K grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate how environmental factors affect the gene RORA in individuals with autism. Her research aims to understand how endocrine-disrupting compounds may contribute to increased risk for autism.
Scientists have discovered how combining metformin with SGLT2 inhibitors reinforces each other, reducing blood sugar levels effectively and prolongingly. This new approach has the potential to be an effective treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes with minimal side effects.
A study by Cornell researchers found that nurses exposed to natural light had lower blood pressure, communicated more with colleagues, laughed more, and served patients in better moods. Access to natural daylight and optimized electric lighting can support circadian rhythms and work performance.
Researchers found that short-term environmental enrichment exposure can induce proliferation, activation, and maturation of doublecortin-positive cells in the prefrontal cortex of adult guinea pigs. This process may be involved in learning and memory associated with the prefrontal cortex.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researcher Prof. Michael Friger found that mothers living near green spaces deliver babies with significantly higher birth weights and decreased risk for low birth weight. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 single live births and found a significant association between surrounding greenery and improved bi...
A USGS study reveals neonicotinoid insecticides are commonly found in streams throughout the Midwest, with clothianidin detected in 75% of sites. The chemicals persist in water and groundwater bodies, posing risks to aquatic organisms.
A three-year grant will measure indoor air quality in tents used by Native subsistence hunters in subarctic North America to determine possible health effects of wood smoke exposure. The study aims to provide information on emissions mitigation methods and improve understanding of multipollutant emissions.
A new study found that obese workers have significantly shorter endurance times when performing workplace tasks compared to their non-obese counterparts. The study also revealed greater declines in task performance among females with obesity, highlighting the need for longer rest breaks and ergonomic redesigns.
New research from the Monell Center reveals that believing an odor is harmful can lead to increased airway inflammation in asthmatics. Airway inflammation remained elevated 24 hours later, making asthmatics more sensitive to other triggers.
A recent report from the University of Plymouth reveals an increase in public complaints against doctors in the UK. Clinical care remains a leading cause, while doctor-patient communication has also seen a significant rise.
A study from UMass Medical School found that older adults have two times the risk of falling while walking out of necessity than walking for recreation. The study also revealed that falls on sidewalks and streets are more likely to result in an injury, even with less walking distance.
Researchers propose reusing bubble wrap as a sheet of small, test tube-like containers for storing biological samples or chemicals. This could provide numerous benefits in resource-limited regions due to its availability, flexibility, and ease of disposal.
Researchers found that adolescent males desire intimate and caring relationships, expressing vulnerability and dependence, and placing great importance on trust. The study provides a nuanced understanding of adolescent males' early relationships, which contrasts with traditional portrayals of younger male behavior.
Researchers propose 'One Health' model to guide sustainable growth of aquaculture industry, addressing animal health and environmental impacts. The model connects experts from various fields to develop sustainable operations ensuring adequate human nutrition and healthy environments.
Aquaculture contributes to reduced wild fish stocks, contamination with heavy metals, and antibiotic use. However, sustainable operations can provide jobs and nutritious seafood while conserving resources.
Researchers found that higher levels of C-reactive protein in maternal blood were significantly associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. The study suggests that pregnancy-related inflammation may play a role in the development of schizophrenia, providing new insights into its biological mechanisms.
Research found that low doses of arsenic, similar to those consumed by humans, cause lung cancer in male mice. Arsenic levels above 50 ppb led to significant increases in benign and malignant lung tumors.
A recent NIH-funded study found that children with two copies of a high-risk variant in specific genes have a 26% chance of developing early signs of celiac disease by age 5. The study also revealed higher rates of celiac disease in Sweden compared to the US and other European countries.
A study found that alcohol use disorders are associated with a lower work trajectory, with women's careers more likely to be disrupted. The association is stronger for women than men, suggesting that AUDs may have a greater impact on women's career paths.
A recent study found that even low levels of lead in children's blood are associated with increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems. As blood lead levels increase, so do the problems, highlighting the importance of reducing lead exposure in children.
A new literature review challenges decades-old risk assessment methods used for toxicologists, arguing that oral gavage does not accurately model human dietary exposures. The authors propose exploring alternatives to mimic human exposures when there are multiple routes of exposure and chronic exposure.
A UCSF-led study found that nearly 80% of obstetricians agree that physicians have a role in helping patients reduce exposures to environmental health hazards. However, only one in five physicians routinely ask about these exposures or receive training on toxic chemicals' effects.
The Institute of Medicine report reveals that millions of dollars spent on PTSD treatment effectiveness are unmeasured, with neither department having a coordinated system to track outcomes. Mental health is crucial for successful re-entry after military service, but treatments' efficacy remains unknown.
Researchers tested the effects of commercial drinks containing nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, finding that they can interfere with digestion and potentially lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. The study suggests that nanomaterials from these products may be making their way into surface water, where they could harm aquatic life.
Wayne State University has received a $2.4 million NIH grant to develop a cleaner, healthier environment in Detroit through its Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES) program. The program will explore the impact of environmental exposures on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children an...
The University of Kentucky's Superfund Research Center has received a significant grant to investigate the health impacts of toxic chemicals on humans and the environment. The research center aims to develop new methods for detecting hazardous chemicals and cleaning up contaminated sites.
A new three-year study led by environmental health scientist Richard Pilsner examines the possible influence of paternal phthalate exposure on sperm quality and embryo development. The research aims to determine if a father's environmental health contributes to reproductive success and how this is transmitted to offspring.
A new study led by the University of Exeter found that exposure to mobile phone radiation can negatively affect sperm quality, with a significant decrease in motility and viability. The researchers suggest that this could be particularly concerning for men already on the borderline of infertility.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that patients with alcohol in their blood had a reduced risk of developing cardiac and renal complications, resulting in lower mortality rates. The protective effect was observed even after the alcohol was metabolized.
African Americans have higher preterm delivery rates than non-Hispanic whites, partly due to disparities in residential environments. Researchers are investigating the links between subjective and objective measures of neighborhood exposures and preterm delivery among African American women.
A review of 19 studies found that small businesses are less likely to offer health promotion programs due to costs and lack of financial incentive. However, when implemented, these programs can lead to improvements in employee health outcomes, including diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that environmental influences, not gene mutations, contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in some cases. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that older mothers face a similar risk to older fathers and may be linked to epigenetic alterations in cheek cells.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the unexpected death of a loved one can trigger a range of psychiatric disorders in people with no history of mental illness. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 participants, showed that losing a loved one suddenly raised the risk of major depr...
Exposure to environmental toxins like benzene and stress may affect biological age, with cigarette smoke considered the most significant gerontogen. Researchers advocate for molecular tests to predict toxicity and accelerate aging research.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique using X-ray dark-field radiography to detect lung diseases at an earlier stage. This method provides detailed images of soft tissue, enabling the visualization of structural changes in lung tissue.
Researchers developed a sophisticated computer modelling simulation to explore how fruit fly cells respond to temperature changes during development. The model shows how cells communicate with each other, providing insights into cell signalling networks.
A study found that NYC's Safe Routes to School program reduced injuries and saved $230 million through safety interventions such as widening sidewalks and installing speed humps. The program, which cost $10 million, also gained 2055 quality-adjusted life years in NYC.
Cigarette butts are a significant source of pollution worldwide, containing toxins and carcinogens found in cigarettes. A proposed policy includes banning filtered cigarettes, implementing a deposit-return scheme for used butts, and holding manufacturers responsible for clean-ups.
Women who experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner were 58 percent more likely to be smokers. Research found a link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and smoking among women in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for tobacco prevention interventions.
Nikki Posnack's study will investigate BPA and DEHP's impact on the cardiovascular system, including their effect on internal stability and mechanical function. She aims to determine whether real concentrations of these chemicals can cause adverse cardiac effects.
A large family study found that genetic relatedness in families increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, while unique environmental factors also play a significant role. The study used a population-based sample of over two million Swedish children and revealed a strong link between genetic and environmental influences.
A large-scale study published in JAMA found that environmental factors contribute equally to the causes of autism as genetic factors, with individual risk increasing according to family ties. The study suggests that shared and unique environments play a significant role in autism development.
A Wayne State University team is investigating possible determinants of adult-onset diseases like diabetes and atherosclerotic heart disease. The study aims to understand how sulfotransferase enzymes might impact drug efficacy, environmental carcinogens and metabolic processes.
A new Center at Indiana University School of Medicine aims to equip the future health care workforce with tools of implementation science. This enables optimal care in a rapidly changing environment, focusing on patient-centered and cost-efficient care.
The atlas provides maps of 14 diseases and conditions, alongside environmental agents such as air pollution and pesticides. It highlights areas with consistent patterns of lower relative health risks, including central London and North Norfolk.
Research found prenatal smoking and genetic risk factors increase aggressive behavior in children, particularly females, and that environmental experiences encompass more than just parenting.
A new approach called DICE aims to reduce behavioral problems in dementia by empowering caregivers, patients, and health providers. The DICE method involves Describe, Investigate, Evaluate, and Create steps to change dementia patients' behavior through environmental modifications and other interventions.
Short-term environmental enrichment exposure induces proliferation, activation and maturation of doublecortin-positive cells in the prefrontal cortex of adult guinea pigs. These alterations may be involved in learning and memory associated with the prefrontal cortex.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that comparing hospitalization records with local health data provides a more accurate way to monitor disease outbreaks. The analysis revealed that some municipalities had significantly lower surveillance-to-hospitalization ratios, indicating potential underreporting of cases.
Research from Oregon State University shows that handling frozen fish is a major cause of injuries on commercial freezer-trawlers and longliners. The study identifies specific hazards and prevention strategies to reduce injuries and fatalities in the fishing industry.
A study of 40 black boys aged 9 found that those from disadvantaged environments had shorter telomeres, a biomarker for aging, than their advantaged peers. Boys with genetic sensitivities to stress also showed accelerated telomere shortening.
A study found that genes amplify stress from harsh environments for some children, while supportive environments help mitigate this effect. The research used telomere length as a biomarker of stress and showed that genetic pathways play a role in the stress response.
Researchers at Liverpool University are developing new sensors to detect and measure nuclear radiation in the environment, aiming to locate radioactive sources with greater accuracy and sensitivity. The goal is to monitor sites, prevent releases, and support safe nuclear facility operation, with a focus on improving monitoring and cont...
A study by Columbia University found that exposure to arsenic in drinking water is associated with decreased intelligence in children, with reduced Full Scale and Working Memory scores of 5-6 points
Decades of using antimicrobial household products have left consumers with no measurable benefits, but lax regulation has caused widespread contamination. The FDA is revisiting the safety of triclocarban and triclosan, which are linked to environmental and human health risks.
A University of Huddersfield report recommends telephonic support as a key component of the new Health and Work Service, aiming to reduce sickness absence. The service will provide specialist advice to people off work for over four weeks, using trained advisers to assess needs and allocate appropriate care.
Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have discovered a technique to accurately determine the amount of nanomaterials interacting with cells and tissues. The Volumetric Centrifugation Method (VCM) enables hazard rankings of engineered nanoparticles, enabling risk assessors to perform accurate assessments.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with two forms of rheumatoid arthritis, sero-positive and sero-negative. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients.
A study found that decreased exposure to air pollution after a coal power plant closed led to increased BDNF levels and improved developmental scores in children. Lower PAH-DNA adducts were detected in cord blood, indicating reduced exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.