Articles tagged with Environmental Health
New research suggests that measures of school effectiveness are partly influenced by genetic factors in students. The study found that changes in student performance over time must be explained not only by the quality of the school environment but also by genetic factors that children bring to the classroom.
A 28-year study found that poor work ability in midlife predicted decline in health and functioning, with similar risks among blue- and white-collar employees. The risk of death was higher among blue-collar workers.
Researchers analyzed 40 years of safety training studies to find that highly interactive training is most effective for improving safe work behavior in hazardous jobs. Less engaging training can also be effective when the risk of death or injury is low, according to the American Psychological Association.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that wounded veterans are more likely to die from coronary heart disease due to war-time stress. The research, conducted by Dr. Seppo Nikkari and his team, surveyed 55-year-old Finnish WW2 veterans and found a significant correlation between physical trauma and an increased risk of CHD.
Researchers found that nearly 95.6% of 3,271 civilian WTC survivors reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and 15% screened positive for PTSD two years after the disaster. The study identified five predictors of PTSD: late evacuation initiation, high floor exposure, dust cloud exposure, personal horror, and employer fatalities.
Healthy cats display stress-related sickness behaviors such as vomiting and refusing food in response to changes in their environment. Researchers found that even healthy cats exhibited similar levels of sickness behaviors as chronically ill cats when their routines were disrupted.
The Lancet's Editorial in 1911 highlighted issues such as tuberculosis, occupational health, and homoeopathy, which remain relevant today. The journal has made significant advances in medicine since then, including modernizing medical education.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that paternal diet can reprogram lipid metabolizing genes in offspring, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests that epigenetic inheritance plays a significant role in complex diseases.
A mathematical model predicts a decline in workplace accidents in Spain from 2011 to 2012, with significant reductions in commute-related accidents. The model forecasts a decrease in fatal and serious accidents, while slight accidents also show a small decline.
A survey of Johns Hopkins faculty found strong support for working with the local community to make research more relevant and improve its quality. Faculty who conducted community-based research were more likely to hire and collaborate with local residents, and involve them in study design and dissemination.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that increased BPA exposure in women can lead to a 50% decline in fertilized eggs during IVF treatment. The researchers recommend reducing BPA levels through lifestyle and dietary modifications to minimize reproductive health risks.
Scientists have discovered that many people with asthma actually had the mould growing in their own lungs. A study by University of Leicester researchers found that 6 out of 10 people with asthma who were allergic to a common mould grew the mould from their sputum, leading to fixed narrowing of the airways.
The new Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Center at Dartmouth will advance understanding of arsenic exposure's effects on maternal and child health. The center aims to gain insights into the consequences of low-level arsenic exposure, particularly on fetal growth and development.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine reveals that genes alone do not predict disease risk, as environment interacts with DNA in complex ways. The research found that genetic variants have different effects in different environments, making it challenging to make accurate predictions.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people with alcohol disorders are 60% less likely to seek treatment if they perceive negative stigma. Younger individuals, men, and those with lower income reported higher levels of stigma, leading to reduced treatment utilization.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that perinatal bisphenol-A exposure may decrease fertility and fecundity in female mice. The researchers compared the effects of BPA to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and concluded that they were comparable, with low doses causing reproductive problems only when evaluated over mult...
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.