Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers discovered that basal cells initiate repair and serve as progenitor cells after chlorine gas exposure, helping restore new tissue in the airways. Understanding this process can aid in developing treatments to prevent scarring and asthma-like breathing problems.
Research finds that ozone pollution, even at low levels, significantly reduces agricultural worker productivity by 5.5%. The study's results challenge the common perception of environmental protection as a tax on producers.
Asthmatic children in NYC asthma hotspots experience more frequent exercise-induced wheeze and ER visits than those in lower-asthma areas. Parents and physicians should be aware of the need for medication, such as bronchodilator inhalers, before exercise.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust is providing a $6.2 million grant to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to establish an ABC Robotics Center, focusing on medical, service, industrial, and agricultural robotics. The center aims to develop fully autonomous robots with human-like cognitive capabilities.
A study by Sabrina McCormick found that citizen science can quickly identify hazards and provide specific local information, often missing from official reports. The Spill Map collected over 2,600 online reports and in-person interviews, capturing real-time data on oil spill impacts and health problems.
Deborah Young-Corbett's research highlights the importance of Prevention through Design in reducing health risks in construction. By designing tools, equipment, and facilities to eliminate occupational hazards, the industry can improve worker safety and reduce illnesses and fatalities.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered early predictors of metabolic syndrome in healthy children aged 7-9 years. The study found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation predicted insulin resistance and appear to be early markers for the metabolic syndrome via impaired lipid metabolism and fat oxidation.
A new paper by Stephen S. Morse and colleagues proposes a series of research and surveillance opportunities to bridge gaps in understanding zoonoses and improve pandemic prediction. The authors emphasize the need for a global early warning system to prevent emerging infections at their source.
Researchers at U-M found BPA in fetal liver tissue, with varying levels of exposure detected. The study suggests that fetuses may not be able to metabolize BPA as effectively as adults, highlighting the importance of understanding internal doses for health effects.
Four University of Cincinnati faculty members, including President Santa Ono and professors Bruce Ault, Prabir Bhattacharya, and Alvaro Puga, have been named AAAS Fellows for their contributions to science and research. The university now has 24 faculty members who are AAAS Fellows.
A study by Duke University found that more than half of all US couches tested contained potentially toxic or untested chemical flame retardants. Tris, a known carcinogen, was detected in 41% of the foam samples, while pentaBDE was banned in 172 countries and 12 US states but still found in some couches.
A NIH study found that changes in immune gene function may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Decreased DNA methylation led to increased IL17RC protein, promoting inflammation and immune cell recruitment that damages the retina.
A new system uses real-time data and techniques from weather forecasting to predict the timing and severity of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The forecast can inform decisions on vaccine stockpiling and school closures, ultimately improving public health preparedness.
The conference explores key themes including physical activity, machine learning, diet, and environmental concerns. Researchers will present on topics such as CCSVI, MS treatment, and the impact of online behavior on patient feedback.
A Canadian case-control study found that women in jobs with high exposures to carcinogens and endocrine disrupters had an elevated breast cancer risk. The study highlights the importance of occupational studies in identifying environmental risk factors.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that prenatal and childhood exposure to PBDEs is linked to poorer attention, fine motor coordination, and IQ in school-aged children. The study collected blood samples from 279 women during pregnancy or at delivery and from 272 children when they were 7 years old.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine are developing an educational program to educate residents, policy-makers, and scientists about the long-term social, economic, and health effects of hazardous industrial sites. The program aims to help communities like West and South Ambler recover from asbestos exposure.
Four finalists have been selected in the My Air, My Health Challenge to create wearable sensors that measure airborne pollutants and related physiological data. The challenge aims to spur development of personal devices gathering health and air quality data for long-term health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed miniaturized walking biological machines using hydrogel, heart cells, and 3D printing. The bio-bots demonstrate asymmetry-based locomotion and could be customized for specific applications, such as drug screening or chemical analysis.
A recent study published in the British medical journal 'Clinical & Experimental Allergy' found that children with skin manifestations have increased levels of eosinophil progenitors in their blood. Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke, was also linked to higher levels of allergy-relevant stem cells.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to provide four-year financial aid for at least 26 new and current students. The grant aims to increase access for underrepresented minorities, supporting diversity in dental education.
A new study found that diabetic patients have a higher risk of hearing impairment, which is independent of aging or environmental factors. The study's findings suggest that diabetic patients should be screened for hearing impairment at an earlier age to prevent related health problems.
The Journal of Public Health Management and Practice is now available on the iPad, providing convenient access to critical public health information. The journal's November/December special issue focuses on public health services and systems research, exploring its impact on organization, financing, and delivery of public health services.
A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found elevated levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in day care centers, exceeding state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present, with some at higher levels than in comparable studies on homes.
The Feinstein Institute will conduct a two-year study to evaluate the physical, mental, and socioeconomic impact of the 9/11 attacks on responders. The study aims to identify health issues among WTC responders and develop prevention strategies.
A new Harvard study found over half of people in northeastern Madagascar engage in geophagy, a widespread behavior previously thought to be non-existent. Researchers also discovered high rates of geophagy among men and young children, contradicting earlier studies that linked the practice mainly to pregnant women or adolescents.
Amanda Botticello received a $736,216 NIH grant to investigate the role of environmental factors in rehabilitation outcomes for spinal cord injury. The study aims to identify community-level factors that threaten physical, psychological, and social gains during rehabilitation.
A study found that a gene variant producing efficient arsenic metabolism is common among Atacameño Indian villagers in Argentina, reducing health risks associated with high levels of arsenic. The research suggests human evolutionary adaptation to environmental toxins may vary among populations.
A NIH study found a bacterial protein in common house dust may worsen allergic responses to indoor allergens, leading to asthma. Researchers discovered flagellin boosts allergic reactions in mice with asthma, suggesting cleaning could reduce symptoms by removing bacteria.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that white non-Hispanic construction workers in Illinois receive higher workers' compensation settlements compared to Hispanic or black workers with similar injuries and disabilities. The disparity amounted to approximately $6,000 more for white non-Hispanic claimants.
Researchers at University of Leeds found that hospital superbugs can spread far beyond patient beds through airborne dispersal, contaminating surfaces up to 3.5 meters away. This discovery highlights the need for improved ward layouts and ventilation systems to prevent microorganism deposition on accessible surfaces.
The HPV Chemicals Challenge Program initially had the potential to use 3.5 million animals but ultimately reduced the number to 127,000 through PETA's involvement and implementation of animal-saving measures. The program's data collection process was found to be lengthy, disorganized, and inefficient.
A WSU study found that dioxin exposure to pregnant rats resulted in reproductive problems and disease in subsequent generations, including prostate disease and ovarian disease. The effects can be passed down to great-grandchildren, highlighting the potential long-term impact of environmental toxins on health.
A new process called chemical lift-off lithography (CLL) enables precise patterning of biomolecules at the nanoscale, avoiding diffused patterns. The technique uses chemically treated stamps to remove molecules already in place on gold substrates.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers has found that DNA barcoding can accurately identify natural health products with up to 88% effectiveness. This technique uses short genetic sequences to compare specimens to reference databases, making it an efficient tool for authenticating products.
Daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces in isolation rooms significantly reduces pathogens on healthcare personnel's hands, finding a simple yet effective infection control strategy. The study highlights the importance of environmental cleaning in preventing transmission and patient exposure to harmful pathogens.
A systematic review of serious games for surgical training suggests that these tools can improve both technical and non-technical skills in surgeons. However, game-based learning's effectiveness is limited by a lack of scientific research, according to the authors.
Children exposed to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have a heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6. The study suggests that toxic exposures during pregnancy can damage the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like childhood cough.
Researchers at Kansas State University are working on developing a flexible but standardized and secure communication network for medical devices. The team aims to enable devices to monitor and reason about patient health, reducing security problems as devices become more complex.
A study found that plain cigarette packs reduce their appeal among young Brazilian women, while branded packs are considered more stylish and sophisticated. The research supports the recommendation for plain packaging to reduce smoking among youth and young adults.
A study of 1,216 individuals found a positive association between PFOA levels and the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral arterial disease. Higher PFOA levels were associated with an increased risk of CVD and PAD.
Scientists have found that using waste cooking oil as a starting material can produce high-quality bioplastics, including Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), three times more efficiently than glucose. This reduces production costs and enables the use of PHA in medical implants and drug delivery.
A study found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of common household chemicals PFCs had babies that were smaller at birth and heavier by 20 months, potentially leading to obesity later in life. The research suggests a link between prenatal exposure to PFCs and increased risk of weight gain in childhood.
Researchers developed an agent that blocks cardiolipin oxidation, preventing cell death and preserving function in rats with severe traumatic brain injury. The study suggests a targeted oxidation-blocker may also be beneficial in treating other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke.
A new study found that boys are more vulnerable to the negative effects of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common insecticide. The research, published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, also revealed that parental nurturing can improve working memory in both boys and girls.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that greening vacant lots reduces violent crime and makes residents feel safer. Residents living near greened vacant lots reported feeling significantly safer than those near non-greened sites.
Research found that fainting triggers were common among twin sets, with identical twins more likely to experience fainting associated with typical triggers. The study suggests multiple genes and environmental factors influence the phenomenon of fainting.
A recent study reveals a gap between Americans' opinions on obesity and the Institute of Medicine's report recommendations. While most believe personal decisions contribute to obesity, only 18% attribute environmental factors, highlighting the need for a research-driven communication strategy.
A new study finds that adhering to the current ozone standard of 75ppb would avoid 1,410-2,480 premature deaths. Lower standards could save even more lives and alleviate acute respiratory symptoms.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that certain jobs carried out by fathers may be linked to an increased risk of birth defects in their babies. Jobs such as mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists, as well as artists and photographers, were associated with a higher risk of birth defects.
A new study found that people living near the coast tend to have better health than those living inland. The analysis showed that the link between living near the coast and good health was strongest in economically deprived communities.
A study led by the Brigham and Woman's Hospital found an association between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of diabetes in American women. High levels of phthalates were linked to a higher likelihood of developing diabetes, with possible explanations including medical devices and medication used to treat diabetes.
A new semiautonomous safety system, developed by MIT engineers, uses onboard cameras and laser rangefinders to identify hazards and detect safe zones. The system allows drivers to control the vehicle while avoiding obstacles, with few collisions reported in over 1,200 trials.
Scientists develop SMARTS, a customizable platform for autonomously regulating chemical reactions and temperature, mimicking biological systems. The material's dynamic feedback loops enable it to sense and modulate desired stimuli without external power, paving the way for intelligent medical implants and efficient buildings.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that surgical residents trained in a simulated environment outperformed those with conventional training, scoring significantly higher on technical performance and multiple-choice tests. This innovative approach aims to reduce preventable medical errors and improve patient safety.
Researchers at the virtual Helmholtz Institute PolarTime are studying the inner clock of Antarctic krill to understand its impact on the marine ecosystem under climate change. They will investigate the principles and evolution of endogenous biological rhythms and clocks in pelagic organisms.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
A study by Columbia University found that prenatal exposure to butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) in nearly 100 percent of mothers studied increases the risk of childhood eczema. The condition is characterized by dry, itchy red skin and affects early childhood.
Research on nano-pesticides is crucial for understanding their fate and toxicity, as well as assessing potential benefits and drawbacks. The development of new pesticides products based on nanotechnology holds promise for reducing environmental contamination, but concerns about human health risks persist.
A major population study found that women who worked nights had a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who never worked nights. The study also suggested that women who worked at night prior to a first pregnancy may be more vulnerable to the increased risk.