Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
A recent study found that sugary drinks significantly contribute to obesity among teenagers in British Columbia schools. Students consuming these drinks regularly were more likely to be obese, highlighting the importance of school food environments promoting healthy eating habits.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that men seeking non-gay-identified (NGI) partners on Craigslist tend to prioritize anonymity and masculinity, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission. Only a small percentage of NGI-seeking ads mentioned safe sex or condom use.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new mechanism that governs how body clocks react to changes in the environment. The enzyme casein kinase 1epsilon (CK1epsilon) controls how easily the body's clock can be adjusted or reset by environmental cues such as light and temperature.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method to link genetic markers with facial features, allowing for the extraction of individual gene effects on facial shape. This breakthrough could lead to improved forensic analysis and better understanding of human genetics.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genital malformations in newborn males and increased rates of autism and intellectual disability. County-level analysis revealed that every one percent increase in malformations was associated with a 283% increase in autism rates.
Researchers found that opioid prescriptions stabilized after tripling between 1999 and 2008, but the impact of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) varies significantly by state. Nine states showed significant decreases, while eight experienced increases in MMEs dispensed per capita.
Researchers used digital checkout data from Montreal neighborhoods to monitor food choices and socioeconomic factors. The study found that lower-income neighborhoods consume more soft drinks, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to encourage healthier diets.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are investigating epigenetics as a tool for understanding oral health. They aim to develop personalized treatments by analyzing an individual's epigenetic profile and environment.
Scientists developed a wearable wristband that can detect and quantify a wide range of toxic substances, including pesticides and industrial chemicals. The silicone-based band can absorb over 1,000 chemicals, providing a valuable tool for determining individual exposure and risk.
A virtual computer-based world was created to facilitate international healthcare education, engaging participants in a three-dimensional environment. The study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this new pedagogy, offering healthcare professionals limited access to traditional education resources.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African-American youth who gambled before age 18 were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, leading to unintended consequences. The research suggests a potential link between gambling and sex behaviors in this demographic.
A new software architecture developed by Fraunhofer IOSB enables the visualization of complex relationships between environmental factors and health data on risk maps, leading to a better understanding of cholera epidemic processes. This allows for faster and more effective response measures.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in communities with high levels of anti-gay prejudice have a shorter life expectancy of 12 years on average. The researchers discovered that these individuals are also at higher risk for suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular diseases.
Research finds that indigenous cultures' medicinal plant use is linked to their environment, making them vulnerable to climate change and globalization. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge to mitigate the impact of environmental changes on these communities.
Paul B. Tchounwou, associate dean of graduate studies at Jackson State University, received the 2013 AAAS Mentor Award for his significant contributions to mentoring African American students in environmental sciences. He has mentored over 75 students and has played a key role in increasing research productivity at the university.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that mice exposed to BPA via their mothers developed liver tumors and precancerous lesions. The study suggests a significant association between BPA and cancer development, with findings that may have implications for human health.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University neuroscientists found that autistic children's brains produce more information when not actively engaging with the world. This excess information generation may explain their characteristic withdrawal into self, or introspection.
Researchers found that skin cells from people with type 1 diabetes display elevated calcium levels when exposed to cytokines or fat, suggesting a link between environmental stimuli and genetic predisposition. This discovery may help identify susceptible individuals before disease onset.
A Rutgers University study links pesticide exposure to increased Alzheimer's disease risk, particularly in those over 60. Higher levels of the DDT compound were found in late-onset Alzheimer's patients' blood compared to controls.
Developing heart valves in zebrafish embryos may be vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors, which can mimic estrogen and lead to abnormalities. The study uses genetically modified zebrafish to detect and identify the mechanisms of action of these chemicals.
New guidance from SHEA recommends practices to prevent transmission of pathogens, including adopting a 'bare below the elbows' approach and laundering apparel after daily use. The guidance aims to close knowledge gaps in infection prevention related to HCP attire.
A Dartmouth-led team has received an $8 million grant to study the effects of arsenic exposure on children's health, including allergies, infections, growth, and neurobehavioral development. The research aims to deepen understanding of environmental contaminants' impact on early life exposure and their long-term health consequences.
Exposures to some phthalates have decreased since the 2008 federal ban, while others are rising due to industry replacement. The study found significant decreases in exposure to banned phthalates like BBzP and DEHP, but increases in alternative chemicals like DiNP.
A new peptide treatment has been shown to restore leptin responsiveness, improve body weight and glucose metabolism in obese mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The treatment overcomes leptin resistance, a major obstacle in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sending text messages to low-income obstetric patients resulted in a significant increase in influenza vaccination rates. Women who received the messages were 30% more likely to be vaccinated, with a subgroup showing a 61.9% vaccination rate.
A recent study found that older firefighters who are chronically exposed to heat stress on the job may be able to tolerate more challenging work environments before feeling affected by the heat. This increased heat resilience could enable them to perform tasks without stopping due to thermal strain, thereby reducing the risk of injurie...
The study found that DNA barcoding increases the accuracy of monitoring marine mammal biodiversity, allowing for earlier detection of impacts from climate change and human activities. By using DNA barcoding in conjunction with a stranding network, researchers can better track species distribution and abundance.
The Bloomberg Administration's public health policies were developed using a data-driven approach, which included rigorous appraisal of published studies and collection of local health survey data. The resulting policies have improved the health and life expectancy of New Yorkers, providing a blueprint for other cities to follow.
A Rutgers-Camden nursing scholar warns that academic bullying is becoming increasingly common in academia, impacting the ability to recruit and retain quality educators. The study highlights instances of slander, isolation, physical threats, and unrealistic workloads as prevalent forms of bullying in academic workplaces.
Researchers found that environmental change activates the heat shock protein HSP90, silencing genetic variation and allowing for rapid adaptation in cavefish. This discovery validates the role of HSP90 in driving evolutionary change in vertebrates, enabling the emergence of novel traits.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals a strong association between high levels of perfluorinated compounds and the development of diabetes. High levels of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were found to be linked to increased diabetes risk in elderly men and women.
A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.
Researchers found that early humans focused on sites with abundant nutritious foods, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. These nutrient-rich locations allowed hominins to colonize the Atlantic fringe of north west Europe during warm periods.
A new study finds that states with stronger alcohol policies have significantly lower binge drinking rates. The study analyzed 29 alcohol policies and found that stronger policy environments can reduce binge drinking rates by one-fourth, even after accounting for demographic factors.
A new technique developed by Otger Campas and Donald Ingber enables the measurement of mechanical forces cells generate while building tissues and organs. This breakthrough provides insights into the role of mechanics in morphogenesis and may lead to discoveries about birth defects, tumor growth, and tissue abnormalities.
The study reveals how lymphotoxins control the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the gut, maintaining immunological balance. Lacking lymphotoxins can lead to reduced or halted IgA production and changes in intestinal flora.