Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers developed a kit for trainees to practice microvascular anastomosis, improving surgical skills and results. Extra training at home showed significant impact on performance, suggesting deliberate practice is key to becoming proficient in cardiac surgery.
The Federal Government has released a national strategy for environmental, health, and safety research needs in the field of nanotechnology. The strategy identifies six core categories of research to drive responsible development of nanotechnology, including human exposure assessment, human health, and environment.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that moving to lower-poverty neighborhoods decreases the risk of obesity and diabetes. The study collected data from 4,498 women and children who participated in a residential mobility program called Moving to Opportunity.
Researchers propose a novel mechanism for bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, involving voltage-gated proton channels and luciferase activation. This discovery enhances our understanding of these organisms, some of which produce toxins harmful to the environment.
Efficient stoves could save nearly 2 million lives each year by reducing respiratory disease and deforestation. Women and children are disproportionately affected by inefficient stoves due to their role in gathering fuel.
Researchers found that successful communication in virtual environments requires nonverbal feedback from listening partners, with dynamic avatars improving performance. The study's findings have implications for fields like medical training, urban planning, entertainment, and telecommunication.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found a clear connection between increasing levels of environmental toxicants and atherosclerosis. The findings also showed a link to fat accumulation in vessel walls, highlighting the potential role of these compounds in cardiovascular disease.
A meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies found that marijuana use by drivers significantly increases the risk of car accidents. Drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of use are more than twice as likely to be involved in crashes.
A new study reveals that UK healthcare programs can vary significantly depending on a person's postcode, with those in deprived areas receiving more funding. The 'Health Checks' program aims to reduce cardiovascular disease risk but faces challenges in implementation and evaluation.
Researchers found that people born after World War II are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcoholism. The study highlights the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for young women who face unique health risks due to their smaller body size.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with decreased mental and motor development in preschoolers, as well as increased behavioral problems. The researchers measured metabolites of four phthalates in maternal urine and evaluated associations between prenatal exposures and child development at age 3.
A new study investigates the paternal transmission of stress and its impact on children's mental health. Researchers found that male mice exposed to chronic stress passed those stress behaviors along to their offspring, increasing depression and anxiety-like behaviors in both males and females.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health found that exposure to flame retardants during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. The study, led by Kim Harley, found a significant correlation between PBDE levels in mothers' blood and baby weights, with a 115-gram decrease ...
A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.
A new study found that parents of nut-allergy sufferers often encounter hostility and scepticism from friends, family, and even restaurant staff, making it difficult to find safe environments for their children. The research highlights the need for better public education about the dangers of nut allergy.
A consumer psychologist suggests that people can eat healthier without conscious thought by modifying their surroundings. Simple strategies include eating off salad plates, keeping unhealthy foods out of sight, and eating in the kitchen or dining room, leading to weight loss success.
Researchers propose a new counseling model that views obesity as a result of neurobehavioral processes, rather than personal choice or willpower. The approach highlights three key factors: food reward, inhibitory control, and time discounting, and recommends strategies to help patients overcome these challenges.
Dr. Devra Lee Davis discusses health risks associated with cell phone use, including brain cancer and long-term implications for young people. She provides recommendations for safe use, such as maintaining distance from the brain and body.
A pilot project assesses the feasibility of virtual reality to treat alcohol abuse in veterans, targeting those with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The eight-week study uses augmented relapse prevention therapy sessions, where participants practice coping skills in simulated bar settings or home environments.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that blue collar workers are more likely to suffer from arthritis and reduce their quality of life due to health conditions. The research highlights the need for enhanced federal programs, including disability and health insurance, to support these workers.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) released four reports detailing information used to craft an updated EHS research strategy. The reports outline areas of focus, including human health, instrumentation, and risk management methods.
Despite genomics' promise in treating cancer and cardiovascular disease, personalized medicine's complexities limit tailored interventions. The authors advocate for a more holistic approach focusing on the person as a whole, rather than abstract scientific manipulations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft memory device that functions well in wet environments, similar to the human brain. The device has biocompatibility and holds promise for interfacing electronics with biological systems, such as cells or tissue.
A collection of articles in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine explores the health consequences of prolonged sitting time, independent of physical activity levels. Key findings suggest that sedentary behavior is a distinct health risk, with implications for workplace environments and children's health.
Researchers identified PXR as a key protein sensing xenogens, which enhances cancer characteristics in human cells. Activation of PXR leads to colon cancer growth through FGF19 induction, suggesting environmental factors may influence tumor recurrence.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
Companies that use pink ribbons and support breast cancer research but permit the use of carcinogenic chemicals are committing a form of social injustice, argue authors. The practice of pinkwashing increases profits while potentially contributing to higher cancer rates.
Researchers will examine the safety of Gulf seafood and the long-term health effects on those who consume it, working closely with community groups. The study aims to measure petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish and seafood.
Research suggests that mothers experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop wheezing before age 5. The study found a significant association between prenatal psychological stress and the risk of asthma in minority populations.
A type of Archaea, Methanosprillum hungatei, has been found to contain highly efficient energy-storage structures that can store 100-fold more energy than the entire cell. These granules could potentially be used as a chemical battery for engineered synthetic cells.
A VIP signaling pathway is key to normal brain development, and environmental factors can affect the final brain size. Researchers used a mouse model to study microcephaly, identifying a cellular and molecular mechanism that disrupts brain development.
A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.
The Girl's Puberty Book Project provides critical information about puberty and health to Tanzanian girls, addressing significant gaps in knowledge and promoting empowerment. The project has been integrated into government policy and distributed over 140,000 copies, aiming to improve population health.
A study of nine cities worldwide reveals that people are less likely to walk when temperatures drop below zero, during heavy rain or excessive snow. In contrast, warmer temperatures and sunshine increase pedestrian traffic.
Researchers have created a self-powered nano-device that can transmit data wirelessly over long distances using energy harvested from the environment. The device operates battery-free and has potential applications in medical sensors, surveillance cameras, wearable electronics and more.
The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite. The guidelines emphasize preventing frostbite through measures such as maintaining blood flow to extremities, exercising, and minimizing exposure and heat loss. Treatment options include field-thawing followed ...
The National Toxicology Program has added eight substances to the HHS Report on Carcinogens, identifying chemicals that may increase cancer risk. These include formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen linked to nasal and other cancers, and captafol, a fungicide with limited evidence of lung cancer.
An alarming new article in Respirology issues a serious warning of massive rises in deaths from asbestos-related lung diseases in Asia. The region accounts for 64% of global asbestos use, with Cyprus, Israel, and Japan having the highest age-adjusted mortality rates.
A University of Missouri study finds that BPA accumulates rapidly in the body when consumed daily, rather than through single exposure. Researchers compared steady dietary BPA exposure to traditional lab methods, revealing a greater increase in active BPA form in mice.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Women with Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease.
Participants lost similar weight and body fat, but the online group reported greater gains in behaviors promoting healthy lifestyles. They also showed increased confidence in physical activity, even in challenging situations.
Research published in the British Journal of Surgery found a significant association between surgical site infections and noise levels in operating theatres. The study found that patients who underwent surgery in noisy environments were more likely to develop SSIs.
Researchers at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that virtual environments can promote improved human health and wellbeing. The development of accurate simulations has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with infirmity or other limitations, but not a substitute for real-world nature interaction.
Researchers from NPL and Linköping University have developed a method to identify graphene thickness using EFM, allowing for precise device applications. This technique is suitable for industrial environments and can be used to distinguish between one- and two-layer graphene.
A recent analysis found that genetic predisposition was cited in 468 Canadian legal cases, particularly in workers' compensation cases, which may diminish the impact of other factors. This raises concerns about the interpretation of complex genetic information by non-experts.
A new virtual reality application delivers exposure therapy for PTSD by immersing soldiers in simulated trauma-relevant environments. The system has shown encouraging clinical results, with 80% of patients experiencing clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found that increased host antioxidant defense enzyme activity reduced asthma risk, while high levels of a specific enzyme decreased the risk. The study suggests regulating the body's antioxidant defense system may play an important role in preventing asthma.
Researchers have developed a method to deliver vitamins using corn starch, potentially creating stable vitamin-enriched ingredients. This technique could offer an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods of producing medications and food supplements.
A new case study found extremely high bisphenol A (BPA) levels in a pregnant woman and its potential link to her infant's neurobehavioral abnormalities. The study advises pregnant women to reduce their exposure to BPA by eating fresh fruit and vegetables, decreasing use of plastic food storage containers.
Brazil's unique national health service has improved health outcomes, but socioeconomic disparities and regional inequalities remain. The authors emphasize the need for coordinated action among government, private sector, academia, and civil society to address these challenges and secure universal access to healthcare.
A study of over 6.6 million California births from 1990 to 2002 found that children conceived in winter had a significantly greater risk of autism. The risk increased progressively throughout the fall and winter months, with the highest risk seen in March.
A Columbia University study found that business travelers have poorer health outcomes, including higher BMI and cholesterol levels, compared to those who travel less often. The study suggests that extensive travel is associated with negative health consequences, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found a link between prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure and decreased IQ and working memory in children at age 7. Higher exposure was associated with lower scores on cognitive tests, with no evidence of a safe threshold below which exposures are completely safe.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley found a significant association between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and lower intelligence scores in children. The study, which followed 329 children from birth to age 7, suggests that fetal brain development may be more critical than childhood exposure.
International migrant workers arriving in Canada generally arrive healthy but may face health issues and barriers to healthcare. Common health problems include musculoskeletal injuries, eye and skin problems, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
Scientists have created star-shaped, biodegradable polymers that can self-assemble into hollow nanofiber spheres. When injected with cells into wounds, these spheres biodegrade, but the cells thrive and form new tissue. The technique shows promise for repairing complex or oddly shaped tissue defects.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), is linked to attention problems and anxiety/depression in young children. The study monitored 215 children from birth and found that those with high levels of PAH exposure had more symptoms at ages 5 and 7.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the general public perceives nanoparticles as a relatively low risk, with 60% of respondents viewing them as posing only a slight health risk or none at all. The study compared public perceptions of nanoparticle risks to other environmental and health safety risks.
The study will investigate environmental and genetic factors affecting child health, development, and quality of life. Researchers aim to understand the impact of various factors on chronic illness in children.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to boost enzymatic activity by confining enzymes in carefully engineered nanoscale holes. The study found that embedded enzymes exhibited significant increases in activity and retained their 3-D structure.