Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity highlights the critical role of parenting style and home environment in shaping children's physical activity levels and dietary habits. The researchers found that a healthy home environment and parental role modeling are essential for promoting healthy behaviors in kids, ...
The University of Cincinnati's Center for Environmental Genetics will continue to conduct innovative research on how environmental agents interact with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence disease risk and outcome. The center supports state-of-the-art core facilities and technologies, including bioinformatics, integrative techno...
A new study examines the influence of genetics versus environment on alcohol-related problems in European-American (EA) and African-American (AA) women. Environmental factors play a larger role in EA, particularly parenting and school influences.
Research reveals African-Americans have a greater decline in their sense of smell as they age, which can lead to impaired nutrition and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that racial disparities in olfactory function cannot be explained by social, environmental or medical factors.
The Massachusetts public health experience provides valuable insights into the role of public health in healthcare reform. Public health officials learned to fight for a decision-making role, analyze data, and defend traditional services while contributing to cost reduction and quality improvement efforts.
A Penn Study found that sperm of stressed male mice had an impact on their offspring's brain development and stress response. Male and female offspring showed a reduced stress reaction, which can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
A Johns Hopkins study of 50 pregnant women found associations between higher exposure to DDT and other contaminants and increased fetal motor activity, as well as reduced fetal heart rate accelerations. The findings suggest the developing fetus is susceptible to environmental exposures, highlighting the need for prenatal protection.
A protein complex called Mediator, specifically enzyme CDK8, plays a crucial role in tumor cell survival under hypoxic conditions. Inhibiting CDK8 could provide a potential target for cancer-fighting drugs, particularly those targeting HIF1A transcription factor.
A five-year longitudinal study found that living in neighborhoods with healthier food environments significantly reduces the risk of obesity. The study, conducted across six US cities, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults and found that healthy food options and walkability are key predictors of lower obesity rates.
A new study highlights the need for more evidence on the health effects of household air pollution, with researchers identifying gaps in research priorities. The authors call for collaboration between researchers and policymakers to evaluate the impacts of improved stove and fuel programs.
Conscious Clothing's wearable breathing analysis tool calculates inhaled particulate matter and transmits data to Bluetooth-capable devices. Researchers can now monitor relationships between air pollutants and individual health responses in real-time.
Researchers found participants in Florida's Family Transition Program had a 16% higher mortality rate compared to traditional welfare recipients, losing 9 months of life expectancy. The study highlights the nonmedical determinants of health affecting welfare time limits.
A 'hybrid' surveillance strategy, combining public health and clinical efforts, helped Virginia respond effectively to the contaminated steroid crisis. The approach involved close coordination between public health officials and healthcare providers, allowing for efficient tracking of nearly 700 exposed residents.
The USGS has taken operational control of Landsat 8, the latest in a series of remote-sensing satellites that have been monitoring Earth's landscape since 1972. With this shift, at least 400 scenes will be collected daily to be processed and archived, supporting scientific research and decision-making on environmental issues.
Researchers found that consuming beneficial bacteria probiotics through yogurt altered brain function in healthy women, both at rest and in response to emotional tasks. The discovery highlights the gut-brain connection and potential benefits of dietary changes for brain function.
The HERCULES Center at Emory University will investigate the impact of environmental exposures on human health. The center, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, aims to promote a holistic understanding of the human exposome and its effects on complex disorders such as autism, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a correlation between dietary exposure to DEHP phthalate and elevated systolic blood pressure in children. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood hypertension, alongside obesity.
Washington University in St. Louis researcher Tae Seok Moon has been awarded a Gates Fellowship to develop probiotic bacteria that target and kill parasite eggs in the human body. The goal is to create a long-term strategy to prevent disease transmission, addressing a major global health challenge.
Research found a significant association between early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased hyperactivity scores in children at age 7. The study suggests that traffic pollution may have long-lasting effects on the developing brain.
Research published in Diabetologia found that women who smoked during pregnancy had a higher risk of their daughters developing gestational diabetes (62% increased risk) and obesity (36-58% increased risk). Alterations in appetite regulation and epigenetic changes may be underlying mechanisms.
Researchers found that the size limit for entry into hollow cilia is much greater than previously thought, allowing most of a cell's proteins to enter. The specific collection of proteins in each cilium is customized based on its needs, determined by whether and how proteins are kept inside once they enter.
A new study found that high levels of OR noise can have a disruptive effect on a surgeon's auditory processing abilities and cause a decrease in speech comprehension. The researchers tested 15 surgeons with varying years of experience under different listening conditions, including quiet, filtered noise, background noise, and music.
A consortium of scientists found that breathing ultrafine particles from engineered nanomaterials can cause lung inflammation and damage. The study examined the health effects of two types of nanomaterials and showed similar findings across different labs.