Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
A national study on nanomaterial toxicity has provided comparable health risk data, enabling regulators to develop policies to protect workers and consumers. The researchers found that carbon nanotubes caused inflammation in the lower regions of the lung, but made them less hazardous by modifying their structure.
Researchers detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and five other metals in commonly used lip products, with some exceeding safe daily intake limits. The study highlights the need for greater oversight by health regulators to ensure cosmetic products meet safety standards.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that fracking is associated with stress and various health concerns in Pennsylvania residents. The survey of 33 participants revealed that stress was the most commonly cited concern, with many reporting feelings of being taken advantage of or misled by the gas drilling industry.
A small pilot study found that 22% of participants in a hydrofracking-heavy area in Bradford County, PA, believe that natural gas operations may be causing their health problems. The most common symptoms reported were sinus problems, sleeping difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues.
New research from the University of Southampton has found that ultrafine dust particles in underground railway environments are rich in metals, posing a potential health risk. The tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter underlying tissue and the circulation.
Research by NC State University scientists found pesticide exposure causes more male offspring and reproductive problems in female Daphnia, a keystone species impacting population dynamics. Exposure levels as low as 71 nanograms per liter had significant impacts on reproductive health.
Researchers found that 2 days of staging at a moderate altitude is as effective as 4 days in preventing acute mountain sickness, allowing soldiers to ascend safer and quicker. The study used male soldiers ascending Pike's Peak in Colorado, with 73% showing symptoms of AMS on direct ascent versus 30-40% on staged ascents.
A nationwide program by the Society of Neurological Surgeons has been shown to retain knowledge and skills acquired by PGY1 residents through hands-on learning. The program, which includes patient care and surgical simulations, has demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving residency experiences and patient outcomes.
Women with sufficient vitamin D levels had a 32% lower risk of developing fibroids, according to the NIH study. The research also found that spending more time outdoors was associated with a decreased risk of fibroids.
Researchers found that E. coli flagella can act as biological grappling hooks, reaching deep into nanoscale crevices and latching the bacteria in place. This ability to stick to any surface at all allows bacteria to survive on medical implants.
Eight new grants bring health considerations into education policy, with a focus on school integration and cross-race understanding. An HIA in Kentucky will examine the potential health benefits and risks of coal plant retirement, while a project in Puerto Rico will assess the impact of sanitation infrastructure improvements.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers found that combining low doses of multiple xenoestrogens can have a dramatically greater effect on hormone signaling than any one compound alone. The combination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and nonylphenol was found to gang up on estradiol and thwart its response.
Researchers have developed a virtual gaming environment to assist blind individuals in improving navigation skills and developing cognitive spatial maps of unfamiliar buildings. The technology uses audio cues and computer-generated layouts to mimic real-world navigation tasks, allowing users to generate accurate mental layouts.
Pit latrines pose a risk to global health due to potential contamination of groundwater, particularly in areas with high population densities. A new study emphasizes the need for improved designs and technologies to mitigate this risk, ensuring safer drinking water for millions worldwide.
Researchers found differences in core proteins from a microorganism that lives in a salty lake in Antarctica, enabling it to tolerate high salinity and desiccation. The study reveals potential adaptations for life on Mars, with scientists exploring the use of these protein modifications to engineer novel enzymes and catalysts.
A recent study published in the American Sociological Review found that winning in competitions such as Emmys or Baseball Hall of Fame induction has no consistent impact on longevity. Instead, researchers suggest that access to resources and opportunities is more crucial for overall health.
Researchers discovered that plant epigenomes are as varied as the environments in which they grow, enabling rapid adaptation. This knowledge may aid in crop production and the study of human diseases.
Researchers found an association between early childhood BPA exposure and elevated risk for asthma in young children. Post-natal exposure was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma, while BPA exposure during pregnancy had an inverse association with risk of wheeze at age 5.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher indoor humidity levels can significantly reduce the infectivity of influenza virus particles. Indoor humidity above 40% is essential to inactivate flu virus particles, with most inactivation occurring within the first 15 minutes, reducing viral particle infectivity by up to 86%.
A study found that even organic foods not stored, prepared, or cooked in plastic containers can contain phthalates and bisphenol A. High levels of these chemicals were detected in dairy products, spices, and children's bodies.
Researchers found that BPA suppresses a vital nerve cell function gene and raises concerns about the chemical's impact on central nervous system development. The study suggests that BPA could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome, which is characterized by mutations in the MECP2 gene.
In a study published in Science, fruit flies were found to lay their eggs in an alcohol-soaked environment when sensing parasitic wasps, forcing larvae to consume booze to combat infection. The discovery suggests that using toxins in the environment to medicate offspring may be common across the animal kingdom.