Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A new cell-based assay system, EASY-HIT, has been developed to identify HIV inhibitors and measure their potency. The technology, led by Professor Ruth Brack-Werner, can also detect anti-HIV activities in raw plant extracts and has already discovered novel sources of antiviral activities.
A Yale University study found that the risk of dying from a heat wave is highest when they occur early in the summer and are hotter and longer than usual. The average daily risk of non-accidental death increased by an average of 3.74 percent during heat waves.
A University of Michigan School of Public Health study found that people exposed to higher levels of triclosan were more likely to report allergies and hay fever. Additionally, BPA exposure was associated with impaired immune function in adults, but only for those over 18 years old.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology and Nature Reviews Microbiology reveals that E.coli O157:H7 can thrive in cow intestines due to its ability to scavenge ethanolamine, a nutrient not found by other bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to non-medical methods to eradicate the bug, reducing food contamination and hu...
A study found that allotment gardeners, especially those over 60, exhibit increased levels of physical activity and better overall health compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research also suggests that having an allotment can promote healthy aging and lifestyle habits.
A team of researchers argues that FDA's current review process for transgenic salmon fails to consider the full impact on human health and environment. Experts call for a broader assessment of safety, including market impacts and environmental effects.
UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.
Researchers at UC Berkeley will study the impact of pesticides, flame retardants, and DDT on children's health. The grants aim to address environmental health risks in vulnerable populations and inform new policies and practices.
A pioneering lighting system has been developed to combat hospital infections by decontaminating air and surfaces with a narrow spectrum of visible-light wavelengths. Clinical trials show significantly greater reductions in bacterial pathogens compared to cleaning and disinfection alone.
A report by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies assesses the applicability of voluntary approaches to nanotechnology oversight. The study suggests that both non-regulatory and voluntary initiatives can play a constructive role in managing nanotechnology's possible environmental and health effects.
A new report highlights the potential benefits of nanomaterials in construction, including improved strength, durability, and energy efficiency. However, concerns about adverse health and environmental effects also exist, emphasizing the need for guidelines to regulate their use.
Researchers discovered that microglia cells are constantly active and create and eliminate synapses, contributing to learning and memory. Microglia appear to be involved in creating or changing the extracellular space around synapses, affecting brain signaling.
A new study from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University suggests that a specific variant of the DRD4 gene may contribute to liberal political views. Researchers found that individuals with this genetic variant were more likely to be liberal if they had an active social life in adolescence.
Researchers found that heat acclimation provided significant benefits for athletes competing in cool weather, including improved aerobic performance. The study's findings suggest that heat acclimation could be a practical and effective approach to improve athletic performance in cooler conditions.
A new study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that succimer does not effectively remove mercury from the body. Despite lower blood concentrations after one week, continued therapy over five months showed only a slight slowing of mercury accumulation.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the US life expectancy has fallen behind other countries despite high health spending. The researchers attribute this failure to flaws in the overall healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $2.27 million to study the environmental effects on gene copy number, which can influence disease susceptibility. The project aims to understand how genetic differences between individuals are affected by environmental factors.
A recent study found that less than half of essential workers are willing and able to report to work during a serious pandemic. Motivation to work is tied to workplace safety measures, trust in employers, and past experience. Employers can increase worker willingness by providing resources and support for personal obligations.
The Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) supports the administration of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis by trained non-medical professionals in emergency situations. This practice is recommended for organizations with staff who provide first aid, particularly those working with students at risk for anaphylaxis.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $36 million in grants to support worker safety training programs. These programs aim to reduce exposure to hazards during disaster response, cleanup, and chemical emergency responses.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly all NYC public school students have access to convenient, energy-dense foods within a short walk. Small grocery stores and bodegas are common sources of unhealthy food, with higher concentrations near schools attended by low-income and minority students.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives ties rodent data to predictions of human health effects from BPA, suggesting human exposure is much higher than estimated and likely from unknown sources. The study's findings renew the call for governmental agencies to identify all products containing BPA.
The University of Illinois Center for One Health Illinois is tackling the gap in surveillance by recruiting experts to build a system for sharing environmental and health data. The center has funded several small-scale research projects and is seeking to fund new studies that integrate human, animal, agricultural, and ecosystem health.
Researchers identified areas for improvement in healthcare facilities' navigation systems, including signage, facility maps, and oral communication. The study's findings emphasize the importance of health literacy and suggest steps for healthcare providers to take to increase patient understanding.
A U-M study reveals that 53.3% of medical students with high depressive symptoms worry revealing their illness will be risky, while 62% believe seeking help means inadequate coping skills. The results highlight a concerning level of intolerance towards depression among medical peers.
A study published in NeuroImage found that tranquil scenes with natural features stimulate brain activity, whereas man-made environments disrupt connections. The research aimed to understand the brain's response to tranquility and may inform the design of more calming public spaces.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and TU Muenchen used NMR spectroscopy to determine the spatial structure of Sam68's Qua1 region, essential for dimerization and biological function. The study sheds light on Sam68's role in cell cycle regulation and cancer pathogenesis.
Researchers have found that traumatic stress can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health.
The National Institutes of Health will launch a multi-year study to investigate the potential health effects of the oil spill in the Gulf region. The study, led by NIEHS, aims to evaluate exposure to oil and dispersant products and their impact on respiratory, neurobehavioral, carcinogenic, and immunological conditions.
A new study found that children treated with protease inhibitors and then switched to Nevirapine were more likely to maintain low virus levels. The switch regime is easier for parents to adhere to, saving money, but requires adequate monitoring of virus levels.
Researchers have discovered unique metabolic properties of bone-marrow stem cells that allow them to survive and replicate in low-oxygen environments. This finding may lead to new strategies for enriching stem cells by selecting those with specific metabolic characteristics.
A new study reveals that post-Katrina mold in New Orleans has made hundreds of children with asthma sick. The Merck Childhood Asthma Network's HEAL program found that nearly 80% of children were sensitive to mold, a figure nearly 30% higher than for children in other US cities.
Researchers measured tobacco smoke metabolites in meconium samples from 337 babies and found a strong correlation with reported smoke exposure. The study suggests that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is linked to adverse infant health outcomes, highlighting the importance of tracking environmental exposures during pregnancy.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to low doses of atrazine causes prostate inflammation and delays puberty in male rats. The incidence of prostate inflammation increased significantly with the strength of the doses, while puberty was also delayed in animals exposed to atrazine.
Research suggests that early life influences can lead to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Maternal stress and exposure to famine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of these conditions in offspring.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg identified a gene responsible for barnacles reacting to medetomidine, a substance that prevents fouling on ship hulls. This finding enables the development of an environmentally friendly and effective antifouling paint that acts as a deterrent.
A study at University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that 98% of medical students are interested in using technology, including video games and virtual reality, to enhance their education. The survey also showed a significant gender disparity, with male students more likely to play video games.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a high prevalence of PTSD nearly two decades after the Liberian civil war, with certain villages experiencing a higher burden of trauma. The study suggests that populations exposed to severe conflict are likely to bear a long-lasting psychological toll.
Researchers found that epigenetic profiles of tumors had a direct association with diet, alcohol, and tumor size, providing new biomarkers for disease subtype and severity. The study's data show promise for tumor epigenetic signatures to provide more detailed tumor staging and prediction of prognosis.
Researchers analyzed over 140 studies on nanomaterials in construction and found benefits including increased strength and durability, as well as improved energy efficiency. However, concerns about potential health and environmental effects exist, highlighting the need for guidelines to regulate their use.
A five-year study found significantly lower death rates from all causes and cancer in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers compared to the US population. However, death from lymphatic and bone marrow cancers was slightly above national rates. Security workers had higher overall death rates than other employees.
Researchers have identified a gene that regulates the disassembly of primary cilia in living organisms, leading to defects in left-right asymmetry and organ function. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of ciliary diseases, which affect multiple organ systems and can lead to severe clinical symptoms.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a link between polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found increased odds of ADHD in children with higher serum PFC levels.
A small study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that regular mobile phone use for at least four years may double the risk of developing chronic tinnitus. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus is increasing, with around 10-15% of people in developed countries affected.
A team of Duke University researchers and African colleagues will be studying strategies to curb the spread of malaria while protecting human and environmental health. The work aims to refine a model called the Malaria Decision Analysis Support Tool (MDAST) to improve malaria control effectiveness worldwide.
Researchers have developed a new radiation mechanism that can detect explosive powders and potentially destroy environmental pollutants. The technology operates in the Terahertz gap and may help doctors target cancer treatments more directly.
A new virus has been identified as a potential cause of Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon, threatening both farmed and wild populations. The study found the virus, related to reoviruses, in 24.2% of wild salmon samples and 96.5% of infected farmed fish.
A new virus related to hepatitis C has been discovered in Asian bats, which may provide insights into the origins of the virus and its transmission to humans. The virus, identified as GBV-D, is found in the saliva of infected bats, suggesting a potential mechanism for transmission to other hosts.
A Palestinian perspective on aid critiques the politics behind aid provided to the occupied territory, highlighting how it maintains an unacceptable situation. The authors argue that generous aid subsidizes Israel's expansion and perpetuates donor dependency, with 42% of health expenditure financed by donors.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides two-year funding to Innovotech to expand the applications of its Agress seed treatment and plant spray, aiming to increase crop yields and improve quality while minimizing environmental impact. The funding will also support regulatory approval submissions for Agress.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who used light rail transit (LRT) for commuting experienced increased physical activity and subsequent weight loss. LRT users were also 81% less likely to become obese over time.
A five-year pan-European research project is investigating whether working conditions in hospitals contribute to doctor 'burnout' and affect patient care. The study aims to identify issues within the workplace that lead to burnout and develop strategies to improve organisational culture, reduce stress, and enhance patient safety.
A new study published in The Lancet found that exposure to arsenic in drinking water is linked to increased mortality rates, particularly among those with heart disease and other chronic conditions. Researchers tracked 12,000 people in Bangladesh over a decade to gather data on the health effects of arsenic exposure.
The Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University has awarded four new Environmental Venture Projects (EVP) grants worth $787,013 over two years. The projects focus on addressing environmental challenges in East Africa and India, including the impact of wildlife loss and climate change on human health and agriculture.
A new study found that pregnant women with higher blood levels of a common flame retardant had altered thyroid hormone levels, which could impact fetal growth and brain development. The study linked exposure to these chemicals to decreased TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism.
A new study reveals that lead exposure damages brain function by disrupting the normal formation of synapses and altering the levels of key proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The research provides a comprehensive mechanism for how lead ions impair brain development and function throughout life.
Navrotsky's research reveals that particle size significantly affects the energy needed for oxidized reactions, with implications for applications such as hydrogen production and battery efficiency. The study sheds light on how nanoparticles react under different temperatures and conditions.
NIST researchers use a chemical trick to change the acidity of a solution instantly, allowing them to study how nanoparticles behave when exposed to sudden changes in pH. This technique has implications for designing nanoparticles for medical applications, where pH can vary significantly within cells.
A Kaiser Permanente study associates increasing BPA levels in urine with decreased sexual desire, difficulty having an erection, and lower overall satisfaction with sex life. The five-year study of 427 Chinese factory workers found a dose-response association between higher BPA exposure and male sexual dysfunction.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine highlight the carcinogenic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can cause harm during organ formation. EDCs, such as bisphenol A, have been linked to increased cancer rates, obesity and infertility.