Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A novel underwater light system, UZELA, enhances local zooplankton density and increases feeding rates of coral, making them stronger and more resilient against environmental threats. The device can be powered for half a year on a single battery and can optimize a coral's feeding time by operating for one hour after dusk.
Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.
New studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to cardiovascular disease and chronic health issues. Veterans with PTSD or sub-threshold conditions face significant psychological and physical health challenges, including heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A recent study suggests that prolonged exposure to low-dose traffic-derived PM2.5 particles can cause fatty liver disorder in mice. The study found changes in liver function, inflammation, and scar tissue formation, highlighting the potential health risks of air pollution on the liver.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that Swedish pharmacy personnel report a deteriorating patient safety climate. Pharmacists gave lower ratings for teamwork, job satisfaction, and management, with only 37% having a positive outlook on working conditions. The study suggests that changes in the work environment, including inc...
The study discovered new microbial species and never-before-reported metagenomes from African sites, shedding light on the importance of geography in shaping microbiome differences. The research highlights the need for site- and region-specific approaches to gut health interventions.
The Tule River Tribe is facing mounting environmental hazards such as wildfire, drought, and flooding. A new study sheds light on how a range of strategies can address these compounding hazards and achieve the community's goals to strengthen its physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental health.
A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers analyzed Brazil Nut tree samples to understand genetic diversity and population dynamics. The findings show a drastic decline in genetic diversity over the last 20,000 years, but areas with Indigenous management exhibit more complex genetic backgrounds.
The TARIPH Centre will conduct patient-centric translational research on respiratory health in collaboration with nine institutions, focusing on factors unique to Asia. The five-year programme aims to provide a clearer understanding of lung disease in Asians and develop effective national strategies for improvement.
A study found that nearly 75% of US counties experienced major power outages alongside severe weather events between 2018-2020. Severe precipitation and heat were most common triggers for outages, with regional patterns varying across the country.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.
A new project, GP4Streets, provides tailored 'greening prescriptions' for UK streets to adapt to local climate challenges. Communities will be equipped with monitoring tools and DIY greening kits to improve air quality, temperature, and biodiversity.
A study published in One Earth found that smaller fish species are more nutritious, lower in mercury, and less susceptible to overfishing. This discovery has implications for biodiversity conservation and public health worldwide.
A study by University of Oregon economists found that increased glyphosate use in genetically modified crop counties is associated with lower birthweights and early births. Glyphosate exposure was found to have a significant impact on infants expected to be at the lowest birthweight end of the scale.
China's particulate matter emissions have followed an environmental Kuznets curve, peaking in the mid-1990s. However, finer PM fractions and carbonaceous components have increased due to shifts in industrial energy usage and residential sector transitions. This poses new challenges for air quality policies.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
A cutting-edge molecular approach identifies three distinct clusters of children with metabolic complications, highlighting the importance of prenatal environment and exposure to industrial chemicals. The study provides a better understanding of biological pathways involved in metabolic health, beyond traditional clinical markers.
A randomized controlled study among NYC girls found that reading a book on puberty can lead to increased knowledge and positive attitudes towards physical activity during periods. The study, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that targeted puberty education can have significant impacts on young girls' health outcomes.
Tohono Oôdham Community College and the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health have partnered to provide a direct transfer pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. This partnership aims to empower Indigenous public health leaders and expand educational opportunities, particular...
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
A survey of residents affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire found that those living near burned structures experienced frequent headaches, sore throats, and coughs. Researchers found that visible ash in homes increased the likelihood of reporting these symptoms, which improved with cleaning and HVAC system changes.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Chornobyl City and NPP dogs to detect genetic mutations, finding none despite long-term exposure to radiation and other toxins. The study implies that low-level environmental contamination could explain genetic differences between the two dog populations.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found an association between levels of manmade “forever chemicals” in drinking water and certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers. The study estimated that PFAS contamination contributes to 6,864 cancer cases per year.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
The number of autistic individuals receiving federal housing support grew significantly between 2008 and 2016. Most lived in urban areas, with 65% residing in extremely low-income households.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that high job strain at the start of a nine-year study led to increased sleep disturbances among middle-aged workers. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 workers and discovered significant associations between higher job strain and poorer sleep quality.
A pioneering study at Guildford's Sandfield Primary School demonstrates the benefits of protective green infrastructure in reducing particle pollution levels and traffic-related noise. The 'living school gate' installation showed a nearly one-third reduction in air pollution, as well as a 5-decibel decrease in distracting traffic noise.
A longitudinal cohort study reveals that early-life infection burden may continue throughout childhood, increasing the risk of future infections and antibiotics use. The findings suggest that high infection burdens in early life are independently associated with later antibiotic treatments.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Researchers have identified 11 genes affected by PFAS exposure, which could serve as markers to detect neurotoxicity. The study found distinct molecular structures within each type of PFAS drive changes in gene expression, highlighting the need for individual investigation.
A new study found that plant leaves are coated with diverse RNA molecules that may play a role in shaping microbial communities. The RNA present on the leaf surface can regulate gene expression in microbes, potentially impacting plant health and environmental interactions.
Researchers found reed wetlands effective in degrading pollutants and stabilizing sludge volume through microbial diversity and natural processes. Optimal performance achieved at 100 kg/m^2/year, validating reed beds as sustainable solution for water pollution management.
Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Meaney discusses his pioneering work on the intricate relationship between genes and environment in shaping brain health, with implications for public health policy and early intervention programs.
A study by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications aims to create personalized nutrition plans based on an individual's unique gut microbiome. The researchers used Illinois Computes to analyze metabolomic data and develop a database of metabolites that can help diagnose diseases more efficiently.
Researchers analyzed global gross primary productivity trends over 1982-2016, finding a 68% decrease across 68% of the terrestrial surface. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which has negative effects on plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
A new CU Boulder study found that residents of surviving homes in the area reported physical symptoms, including headaches and sore throats, attributed to poor air quality six months after the Marshall Fire. The study also found that hazardous gases lingered for weeks inside smoke- and ash-damaged homes.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds minimal environmental pollution resulting from ancient copper production in King Solomon's Mines, with pollution levels confined to smelting furnaces. Researchers also contradict previous claims of widespread industrial pollution, citing low levels of lead and other metals in soil samples.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that older adults today experience higher levels of physical and mental functioning than previous generations. Improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation over the past century are likely key factors contributing to these changes.
A new study by researchers at Brown University found that greater race-day pollution is associated with slower average marathon finish times. Runners' efforts to optimize their performance should consider the effect of air pollution.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals a significant influence of home food environments on adolescent dietary patterns. Home food availability, particularly fruits and vegetables, promotes healthier eating habits, while neighborhood fast-food options negatively affect dietary quality.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
A new UCL Institute of Health Equity report emphasizes the crucial role of housing in determining long-term health and longevity. It proposes a new way forward for the property sector and national governments to focus on health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability in home building and maintenance.
Christopher Kassotis, a Wayne State University assistant professor of pharmacology, has been recognized for his outstanding work on endocrine disruption research. His research focuses on identifying and characterizing environmental chemicals that impact human and animal health.
A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.
A large US study found a strong association between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of blood clots in deep veins, also known as venous thromboembolism. Participants with higher exposure to particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and nitrogen dioxide had a significantly increased risk of developing these conditions.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
Researchers developed an optimized approach to pooled testing, reducing testing costs and time while maintaining accuracy. The study provides a new software package to aid health departments in implementing these protocols, enabling efficient detection and monitoring of infectious diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that long-term exposure to air pollution in India contributes to millions of deaths annually. The research highlights the need for stricter air quality regulations in the country.
A new study reveals woodburning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the region, accounting for 25% of total PM2.5 mass. The experts recommend targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with woodburning activities, including raising public awareness and promoting cleaner alternatives.
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
A groundbreaking study found a strong connection between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of depression. Sulfur dioxide was identified as the most significant contributor, with fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide also linked to depressive symptoms.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
Researchers found lower incidence rates of soft tissue sarcomas among young U.S. active-duty military servicemen compared to the general population, likely due to better health and early detection within the military health system. In contrast, middle-aged servicemen showed higher rates, possibly due to greater cumulative exposure to t...