Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
Researchers found that distracting older adults during memory tests increased their performance to match that of younger adults. The study's findings have significant implications for designing learning strategies and equipping senior-housing with visual distraction cues to aid memory recall.
Researchers developed a method to identify the cause of infectious disease outbreaks based on online reports and data from ProMED-mail. The findings showed that three-quarters of disease outbreaks formed distinct clusters, and previously unknown outbreaks could be correctly identified 88% of the time.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are working to improve construction safety in the US by studying Australian practices. They've found that eliminating hazards at the design stage and promoting communication between constructors and designers can significantly reduce injury rates.
A large population-based study of men found that those taking vitamin C supplements are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as non-supplement users. The risk increased with the frequency of supplement use. Conversely, multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.
Researchers used dispensary records to measure the effect of forest fires on people with chronic lung diseases. The study found that even small increases in smoke were associated with higher salbutamol dispensations, highlighting the impact of pollution on public health.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to BPA through their mother's diet had increased activity and leaner body mass than those not exposed. The study contradicts previous findings on BPA's role in obesity, highlighting the importance of exposure timing and duration.
A new study from Imperial College London found that cleaning jobs are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Researchers tracked over 9,000 people born in Britain and found that nine percent developed asthma by age 42, with workplace risks responsible for one in six cases.
A new study by the USDA Forest Service found an association between tree loss and increased human mortality from cardiovascular and lower respiratory disease. The study analyzed data from 1,296 counties in 15 states and found that Americans living in areas infested with the emerald ash borer suffered from more deaths from these diseases.
A new study found that the Safe Routes to School program significantly reduced pedestrian injury rates among school-age children in New York City. The program's interventions, including improved traffic signals and crosswalks, led to a 44% drop in injuries during peak walking times.
Researchers at MIT have created a new material that can generate electricity by drawing on water vapor, which could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices. The material changes shape after absorbing evaporated water, allowing it to repeatedly curl up and down.
Exposure to environmental toxins can cause chronic health problems like respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Unique risk factors include their small size, developmental stage, and habit of putting things in their mouths.
A large study of 263,925 adults found that drinking more than four cans of soda per day increased the risk of depression by 30%, compared to those who drank no soda. Conversely, drinking four cups of coffee per day was associated with a 10% lower risk of depression.
A new study estimates that up to 1.5 million EU children are born each year with mercury exposures above the safe limit, resulting in a potential lifetime earning loss of €8-9 million per person. Exposure reduction could equate to €10 billion per year in benefits.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that bisexual men who live predominantly heterosexual lives and do not disclose their same-sex behavior are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Greater concealment of homosexual behavior was associated with lower positive emotions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.