Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rhomboid proteases, involved in Parkinson's disease and parasite infections, are extremely slow and show no attraction to proteins, making it difficult to design drugs. These enzymes 'stop and frisk' all unstable proteins indiscriminately, allowing stable proteins to escape without injury.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have updated a toxicology database to track therapeutic drugs and their unintentional toxic effects. The database, which contains over 250,000 statements, helps investigators develop and test hypotheses about how drugs cause adverse events.
Researchers found compelling evidence that gout clusters in families, with a significant increase in risk for those with first and second-degree relatives affected. The study also highlights the role of shared environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, in predisposing individuals to gout.
A new study published in the Journal of School Violence reveals that nearly 10% of US high school students have been physically hurt by their romantic partners in the past year. The prevalence rate has remained stable over the past 12 years, with black and multiracial youth being disproportionately affected.
A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that competitive gymnasts have a higher exposure to potentially harmful flame-retardants than the general population. The average concentration of PentaBDE in gymnasts' blood sera was 4-6.5 times higher than in general U.S. population groups.
Research found that adolescents with poor parental supervision were more likely to be problem gamblers between ages 16-22. Parental monitoring is a known effective intervention throughout early adolescence and can help prevent future problems with gambling.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that high concentrations of tungsten are strongly linked with an increased occurrence of stroke. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter, analyzed data from a large US health survey and found that tungsten could be a significant risk factor for stroke, even in people under 50.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that electrical stimulation with a reversed polarity can effectively modulate injury potentials and promote the spontaneous repair of cell membranes in rats with spinal cord injuries. This study proposes a method to define stimulation intensity based on injury potential values.
Researchers found that hospital patients were exposed to low levels of light, leading to poor sleep and increased fatigue. The study suggests that altering lighting patterns to mimic natural daylight could improve patient outcomes.
The review team found that long-term exposure to environmental noise affects the cardiovascular system, with connections to hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, and stroke. Noise also impacts sleep disturbance, children's cognition, and hospital settings.
WSU researchers found that gestating rats exposed to DDT experienced increased obesity in third-generation offspring, suggesting transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This effect is believed to be related to how genes are turned on and off in the exposed animals.
The Consumer's Guide to Minerals explores minerals' diverse uses in scientific research, manufacturing, medicine, and commercial applications. The digital publication provides a comprehensive reference for professionals and students in the fields of applied science, geology, and economics.
A study led by NIH scientists found that a variant form of the p53 gene increases the risk of testicular cancer up to threefold in white men. The research suggests that this variant helps protect light-skinned individuals from UV skin damage, but allows testicular stem cells to grow in the presence of DNA damage.
Research found analgesic overdose deaths concentrated in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with high divorce rates and single-parent homes. However, these deaths occurred less often in higher-income neighborhoods than heroin overdose deaths.
Research suggests that NICU environments may affect premature infants' developmental outcomes. Private rooms showed lower language scores and motor skills in some children at 2 years old. Further research is needed to determine the optimal environment for premature infants in the NICU.
A novel surgical intervention involves placing an intestinal barrier sleeve in the small intestine to correct obesity and improve glucose metabolism. The method is less invasive and can be removed at any time.
Researchers investigated how drug treatment affects signal carriers in diabetic retinas, finding half of proteins normalized by metformin treatment. However, other essential proteins remained unchanged despite improved blood glucose levels, suggesting a need for further combination therapies to effectively treat diabetic retinopathy.
A virtual simulation program is being developed to train home health workers in recognizing and responding to risks. The program will use realistic scenarios and interactive elements to equip workers with the skills to evaluate home environments and adapt their tasks to protect themselves.
People with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk of experiencing hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration when traveling to high altitudes. Insulin needs may also increase or decrease due to environmental extremes, exercise, and dietary changes.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which damaged mitochondria signal their own destruction, allowing cells to thrive. The 'eat me' signal involves cardiolipins and a protein called LC3, opening doors to potential research into cures for Parkinson's disease.
New research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol suggests that fish accounts for only seven per cent of mercury levels in the human body. This finding has significant implications for official advice warning against eating too much fish during pregnancy, which may need to be reviewed.
Research from Aarhus University shows that exposure to a farming environment can prevent or dampen hypersensitivities and allergies, even in adults. The study found that working in farming environments stimulates the immune system, dampening its response to environmental irritants, which may trigger hypersensitivity.
A study published by UC San Francisco researchers found that levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women's blood have declined by two-thirds since the chemicals were banned in California. This decline suggests that regulations can impact people's everyday lives.
A new study found that between 11% and 22% of French horn players showed some form of hearing loss typical of NIHL. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among professional orchestral musicians.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1800 participants and found that specific DNA segments were associated with altered metabolic processes. The study provides new insights into how lifestyle factors impact metabolism via epigenetic changes.
Scientists have developed a new method to non-invasively assess the health of painting canvases, similar to blood sugar testing without needles. This allows conservators to evaluate the brittleness of canvases and identify potential issues before they occur, improving the standard of management and care in galleries and museums.
Researchers found that DNA methylation changes occurring early in life may have lasting impacts on a child's health. The study also showed that maternal factors like BMI prior to pregnancy can lead to molecular changes on an epigenetic level, persisting into childhood.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health call for President Obama to create a National Commission on the Health of Americans to address the country's declining health status. The US ranks last among peer nations in health, with high rates of adverse birth outcomes, heart disease, and infant mortality.
International experts propose alternative testing strategies to replace animal-based tests for nanomaterials. Rapid cellular screening and computer modeling can gather certain information about the health and environmental effects of engineered nanomaterials.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize how brominated flame retardants bind to proteins like estrogens, potentially disrupting the body's natural hormones. The study sheds light on the effects of flame retardants on human health and provides insights for developing safer alternatives.
A set of proteins involved in the body's natural defenses produces a large number of mutations in human DNA, according to a study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. In some cancers, these naturally produced mutations can outnumber all other mutations and account for over two-thirds of tumors.
According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.
Denormalizing smoking is fostering lower smoking rates by banning cigarettes in public settings, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The paper analyzed the evidence for bans and found that government acting in the name of public health can restrict smoking to protect smokers themselves.
A study found that chemical dispersants used to treat oil spills can reduce the ability of European sea bass to cope with subsequent environmental challenges. The dispersant alone had no effect on fish performance.
Two Wayne State research grants totaling $1.8 million focus on addressing obesity-related diseases and developing environmental health leadership, aiming to improve community health and economic vitality in Detroit.