Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers found a significant increase in male fetal losses following the 9/11 attacks, with fewer boys born in December 2001. The study suggests that psychological shock from the event may have threatened the lives of male fetuses across the US.
Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
Researchers found that WTC workers had decreased sensitivity to odors and irritants, with nearly 75% experiencing impaired ability to detect irritants. The study suggests regular evaluation of sensory function is crucial for WTC responders and workers with pollutant exposures.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...
Researchers observed 40 doctors over 210 hours in an emergency department, finding that interruptions led to shorter task completion times and a fifth of tasks were not resumed. Interruptions occurred most frequently during documentation and direct care.
A new antifouling substance, medetomidine, has been shown to cause paler fish by affecting their skin cells containing dark pigment. The research also found that the substance can impair a fish's ability to break down environmental toxins and affect its liver function.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that traumatic experiences alter genes involved in stress response and immune system, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified six to seven times more unmethylated genes in individuals with PTSD, most related to the immune system.
A recent survey of e-cigarette users found that the devices are helpful in quitting smoking for most people. However, respondents expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of regulation surrounding e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for further research on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.
A new center will use a community-based approach to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Latinos in East Los Angeles, where obesity-related chronic diseases are prevalent. The study will examine the role of acculturation and food environment on cardiovascular disease, with interventions targeting family and neighborhood environments.
The University of Iowa Superfund Research Program has received a five-year, $16 million grant to investigate the health impacts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, soil, and air. The program will also explore novel clean-up methods using plants.
A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.
A Columbia University study found prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can reduce children's reasoning ability and intelligence at age 5. PAHs are released from fossil fuels and other combustion sources, making air pollution a widespread concern.
A new study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery reveals that the relative importance of genetic factors in tinnitus is low. The research found that environmental factors account for 89% of tinnitus variance, with only 11% attributed to genetic effects.
A new study published in the journal Obesity found that medical and allied health professions need to present a balanced view of obesity causes and treatment when training young professionals. This approach resulted in significant reductions in obesity prejudice. The research suggests that health educators should deliver convincing, ba...
Researchers at Indiana University have found that the world's largest antimony mine has extremely high levels of antimony in its water, making it a significant source of environmental pollution. The study's lead author notes that antimony is an emergent contaminant and people have not paid enough attention to it.
A team of researchers identified a human enzyme, myeloperoxidase, that can break down carbon nanotubes, reducing their unhealthful effects. The study also found that neutrophils can be directed to attack specific nanotubes, opening the door to novel drug delivery and natural biodegradation.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phenols, phthalates, and phytoestrogens may disrupt the timing of pubertal development in girls. High exposure to certain chemicals was associated with early breast development, while others were linked to delayed puberty.
Researchers have discovered that traces of medicines can be found in fish swimming in treated wastewater. Elevated levels of the hormone levonorgestrel were found in fish blood, leading to infertility. The study highlights the impact of synthetic hormones on fish reproduction and calls for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Researchers found that environmental chemicals form a complex cocktail, leading to greater toxicity than individual chemicals. The EU recommends implementing guidelines for managing the chemical cocktail effect to assess risks to humans and the environment.
Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.
A University of Minnesota expert warns that the Earth's environment is approaching a critical threshold due to climate change, species loss, and nitrogen pollution. The expert calls for immediate action to transition to low-carbon energy sources and revolutionize agricultural practices.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to incorporate biological functionality into nanomaterials, enabling the creation of effective and affordable water purification devices. The technology has been shown to neutralize two common pathogens, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in membrane filters.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that patient referrals between hospitals influence the rates of hospital-acquired infections, with University Medical Centers showing higher rates. The authors suggest focusing interventions on central hospitals in the network of patient referrals.
Exposure to chlorpyrifos is associated with early childhood developmental delays, including mental and physical impairments. High levels of chlorpyrifos exposure were linked to decreased Psychomotor Development Index scores and Mental Development Index scores in 3-year-olds.
A study of over 305,000 people found that those who smoked for 40+ years were 46% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. However, the risk did not decrease with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in states with same-sex marriage bans experienced significant increases in mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder also increased among heterosexual respondents, ...
Researchers have found a new oncogenic signaling pathway by which arsenic may lead to adverse health effects, including bladder cancer. High levels of arsenic exposure are associated with high levels of Hedgehog activity, supporting the link between arsenic and increased cancer risk.
Researchers link daily activities to violent injury risk using portable mapping technology. The study aims to inform communities about place-based risk factors and identify opportunities to make them safer.
The University of Missouri is launching a health literacy study emphasis program offering the first US health literacy certificate, focusing on non-physician professionals. The program aims to address low health literacy's $106 billion annual cost by providing thorough training on issues like culture and health compliance.
The Cree people's centuries-old method of rotating hunting territories and killing only adult animals ensured stable moose populations. Modern authorities' reliance on aerial surveys and statistics led to a severe decline in Zone 17's population, but the traditional approach was initially disregarded.
Research on workers and residents exposed to World Trade Center dust and fumes found that 55% reported exposure and 43% experienced headaches in the four weeks prior to enrollment. Those with headaches were more likely to experience other physical symptoms, including wheezing and reflux disease.
A study published in the journal Thorax found that prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. The relationship was strongest in children with a variant of the glutathione S transferase gene involved in detoxification.
Researchers found an association between genes regulating maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm delivery. A cohort study identified nine SNPs in three genes associated with increased risk of preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that offspring of female mice exposed to BPA developed significant signs of asthma. The study suggests a link between maternal BPA exposure and childhood asthma, highlighting the need for further human epidemiological studies.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, H2 haplotype, protects individuals with a history of child sexual abuse from heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. In contrast, those with the alternate H1 haplotype had three times the risk of heavy drinking and problems. The study suggests a potential target for therapy development.
Research found that smokers' health is compromised by breathing environmental tobacco smoke, with second-hand smoke equivalent to an additional 2.6 cigarettes per day. This highlights the need for both active and passive smoking contributions to be considered when studying smoker health.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that women with higher blood levels of PBDEs took longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. The study linked each 10-fold increase in PBDE concentration to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant.
Researchers at UC San Diego are launching a project to improve communication and data-sharing among emergency officials during disasters. The new system aims to overcome obstacles such as unreliable wireless networks, staggering arrival times of responders, and rapidly changing infrastructure capabilities.
A dynamic mapping tool helps investigators uncover associations between diseases and environmental exposures, such as Salmonella infections and broiler chicken sales. The study reveals seasonal fluctuations and geographic clustering of the disease.
Children with higher PBDE levels scored lower on mental and physical development tests, particularly at four years old. Prenatal exposure to flame retardants may have important public health implications if replicated in other North American populations.
Recent US data suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase for obesity in recent decades, with prevalence stabilization among women and potential slowing for men. The study found that 68% of US adults are overweight or obese.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that each additional 1.1 pounds of birth weight decreases tuberculosis risk by 46% among identical twins. The association is stronger for males, with an 87% reduced risk, and sheds light on the developmental origins of health and disease.
A group of renowned environmental scientists is urging the US EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to suspend new mountaintop mining permits, citing extensive scientific evidence of permanent environmental harm and increased human health risks. The authors argue that mitigation practices are ineffective in reversing damage and recommend a 2...
A special issue on climate justice explores the global implications of climate change on human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The collection of articles examines the disproportionate effects of energy production, environmental consequences, and healthcare utilization in low-income populations.