Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study by North Carolina State University found that inhaling carbon nanotubes affects the outer lining of the lungs, causing a unique health response. The effects were short-lived, with the immune response and fibrosis disappearing within three months.
The CWRU Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods aims to foster partnerships within urban neighborhoods to develop effective strategies in preventing chronic disease. The center will collaborate with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community organizations to address environmental and lifestyle issues that contribute t...
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
A national study found that retirees who continue to work in a bridge job experience fewer major diseases and functional limitations than those who fully retire. People whose post-retirement jobs are related to their previous careers report better mental health.
Kaiser Permanente and UCSF to conduct genome-wide analysis of DNA from 100,000 Kaiser members, linking genetic info to decades of health data. The resource will facilitate studies on gene-environment interaction and aging.
A UK study of 15-16 year olds found that cheap alcohol is strongly linked to harmful underage drinking, including violence, regretted sex, and public intoxication. Researchers recommend restricting consumption to lower frequencies and increasing the price of cheap alcohol products to reduce harm.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that home healthcare nurses are at risk of needlestick-type injuries, with nearly 10,000 reported annually. The study also revealed a correlation between stressful household conditions and increased risk of needlesticks.
A Swedish thesis reveals that intensive care units are often ill-equipped to provide good end-of-life care, with patients dying in public areas or without relatives present. Despite this, most relatives report a positive experience, highlighting the need for improved environment and support.
Injuries are the leading cause of death in children over 1 year old, with traffic accidents being a major contributor. By modifying built environments, such as playgrounds and homes, to prioritize safety, injuries can be reduced by up to 75%.
IRRI must produce an additional 8ñ6 million tons of rice over the next twenty years to meet demand and keep prices affordable. The organization supports sustainable land acquisition practices, prioritizing benefits for poor rice farmers and consumers.
A recent commentary suggests that the US should spend more on researching the impact of climate change on public health due to current underfunding. The analysis highlights the need for increased funding to address heat-related deaths, diarrheal diseases, and other health issues exacerbated by global warming.
Research published in Environmental Health found an increased risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects among children born to mothers exposed to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) during pregnancy. The study, conducted in Cape Cod towns between 1969-1983, suggests a link between PCE exposure and birth defects.
A recent study found that African Americans and whites with similar incomes and living environments have similar diabetes rates, contradicting national trends. Environmental factors are thought to contribute to racial disparities in diabetes prevalence.
A new study found that people who start drinking at an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of AD symptoms, particularly in those who begin drinking before age 15.
Researchers studied 6,257 adult twins and found that those who started drinking early had a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. The younger an individual was at first drink, the more prominent the role played by genetic factors in developing severe problems.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program awards $62 million to study the epigenome in various diseases and conditions. These studies aim to understand how diet, environmental exposures, and stress affect human health and disease.
The article examines asthma risk factors across different age groups, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Genetic, environmental, and host characteristics are identified as significant contributors to the development of persistent asthma.
A new optoelectronic nose can detect and identify 19 toxic industrial chemicals, including ammonia and sulfur dioxide, in a matter of seconds. The wearable sensor uses a disposable array with 36 dyes that change colors when exposed to different chemicals.
A new sensor array can detect multiple airborne toxins in a matter of seconds, providing essential monitoring for workers handling chemicals. The technology uses colorimetric sensors that are not affected by humidity, making it more reliable than previous electronic-nose technologies.
A study of nearly 70,000 motor carrier drivers and over 83,000 non-motor-carrier drivers found that mandatory alcohol testing programs reduced alcohol involvement in fatal crashes by 23%. The study's findings suggest that implementation of such programs can improve safety records in the US and other countries.
Research suggests that living close to noisy roads increases the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The study found modest exposure effects at lower noise levels, but more marked effects among younger and middle-aged populations.
A study of 4254 Canadian schoolchildren found a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape, with girls happier when thin and boys unhappy when too skinny or fat. Poor body satisfaction was more common among rural girls from low-income families.
A new USC study reveals that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with detectable changes in DNA methylation patterns, which may impact childhood asthma and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that children exposed to maternal smoke had lower global methylation levels and higher methylation in certain genes.
A study found that persistently present levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the population indicate that mandatory fortification may result in an excessive effect. Most Irish people already get enough folic acid from voluntarily fortified foods, suggesting mandatory policies may be unnecessary.
A study in Korea found that individuals with low income, education level, and unhealthy behaviors tend to not use gastric cancer screening services. Targeted interventions and public campaigns can help improve screening participation for these vulnerable populations.
A study found that women's stress levels increased when they believed in mammography's efficacy, while those coming in for diagnostic tests felt less stress as their belief grew. Healthcare providers should consider patient stage and tailor services to reduce stress.
Researchers found that adult fruit flies died after being exposed to carbon nanoparticles, while larvae showed no effects. The particles seemed to cause physical harm, such as clogging breathing holes and coating compound eyes.
Research finds that debt can increase the risk of being medically obese, as it limits leisure time activities and affects food choices. The study of over 9000 people shows a significant association between debt and obesity, independent of income, education, and occupation.
A new study found that 73% of consumer paint brands from 12 countries exceeded the US standard of 600 ppm for lead in paint, while 69% had levels over 10,000 ppm. The researchers call for a global ban on lead-based paint to protect over three billion people worldwide.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that frailty in older adults is associated with a critical mass of abnormal physiological systems. The research suggests that prevention and treatment may be more effective if multiple systems are improved rather than just one, and highlights the importance of cons...
A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can lower children's full-scale and verbal IQ scores. The study suggests that reducing air pollution exposure, particularly in urban areas, could have a positive impact on educationally meaningful IQ decreases.
A new study found that genetic predispositions can be expressed earlier in life through behavioral problems, while environmental influences can modify gene expression. Females may be more susceptible to certain environmental factors, which can encourage or inhibit the expression of genetic traits.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich used new bioimaging techniques to show that hematopoietic progenitor cells are instructed by cytokines, steering their lineage choice. This discovery confirms the influence of environmental factors on cell differentiation and has important implications for optimizing therapeutic stem cell applications.
A new review article highlights the potential of nanomaterials for environmental remediation, with 45 sites globally identified for use in soil and groundwater cleanup. However, more research is needed to fully understand the technology's benefits and potential risks, particularly on a full-scale ecosystem-wide impact.
A new study found that women who deliver prematurely have higher levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those who carry to term. The researchers analyzed data from Mexican women and discovered a significant association between phthalate exposure and premature birth.
A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.
A recent study finds that nicotine dependence has remained steady among adults in the US, while the proportion of addicted smokers has increased across generations. Younger women living in poverty are disproportionately affected, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.
Researchers found Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) subways had the highest average noise levels in New York City, with levels high enough to increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The study highlights the need for increased transit infrastructure maintenance and personal protection measures to reduce noise exposure.
A recent study found that teen contraceptive use declined between 2003 and 2007, despite no change in teen sexual activity. The authors suggest faltering HIV prevention efforts or inadequate sex education as contributing factors.
A small study found that people believe bottled water has health benefits, but are unsure of the extent. Convenience and taste were more influential factors for participants when choosing bottled water.
Exposure to low doses of BPA during development can affect female reproductive health in rats, with early onset of puberty and ovarian malformations observed. The study suggests a link between low-dose BPA exposure and fertility issues in females.
Researchers at UIC are conducting a study to assess the effectiveness of collaborative virtual environments in improving public health preparedness and response planning. The study, funded by a $1.6 million grant from the CDC, uses Second Life to train public health workers in emergency preparedness.
A recent review of contaminated waters found high concentrations of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in natural and drinking waters. The study warns that increased farm usage of anti-infectives may augment levels in future agricultural wastewater, posing a risk to aquatic biota and human health.
The Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) study will follow a cohort of up to 1,200 pregnant women who already have a child with autism to investigate early risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Researchers will collect data on possible environmental risk factors and their interplay with genetic susceptibility duri...
A new study from UC Davis found that retirement-aged Americans in lower-status occupations tend to have higher rates of hypertension. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 Americans and found a strong correlation between occupation and hypertension, suggesting that job history may be an important factor in understanding the de...
The Northeast Biodefense Center, a regional collaboration of major centers, will conduct interdisciplinary research on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to address emerging infectious diseases. The center has made significant contributions to global health, including the development of diagnostics for SARS and pandemic influenza.
Rates of diabetes among Ontario children rose by 3% per year from 1994 to 2004, according to an ICES study. The highest incidence rate was found in 10- to 14-year-olds, with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors like obesity contributing to the trend.
Scientists have identified a new arenavirus, Lujo virus, linked to a fatal hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Zambia and South Africa. Genetic analysis confirms the utility of high-throughput sequencing for pathogen discovery, enabling rapid detection and response to emerging viral diseases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual private well testing for nitrate and microorganisms, particularly for infants under three months. Children are vulnerable to waterborne illnesses that can come from contaminated wells, and proper care is essential to prevent contamination.
A new Harvard study found that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increased urinary BPA levels by 69%, suggesting that these containers release the chemical into liquid consumed in sufficient amounts. The study suggests that heating liquids in polycarbonate bottles may further increase BPA leaching.
Researchers found that giving rats living in isolation the opportunity to build nests led to faster and more complete healing of burn injuries than isolation-reared rats without nest-building materials. This effect was associated with altered gene expression in stress-associated brain structures.
Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.
A new study has found a positive association between obesity and allergies in children and adolescents, with obese kids being 26% more likely to have allergies. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that IgE levels were higher among obese children.
Countries including US, Canada, Japan, and European Union agree on globally coordinated scientific recommendations for alternative toxicity testing methods. This will reduce the number of animals needed for product safety testing, improving animal welfare.
A new study found that a novel compound decreases rats' preference for cocaine-associated environments during subsequent tests. This process is called extinction learning, where the brain creates new associations instead of retrieving old ones.
UC Davis researchers found that low levels of PCBs alter brain cell development and excitability, explaining the association between PCB exposure and behavioral deficits in children. The studies show how PCBs affect dendritic plasticity, a key characteristic of neuronal development.
Substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages can eliminate an average of 235 excess calories per day among children and adolescents, potentially preventing childhood obesity. The study suggests that this simple replacement has no detrimental effects on nutrition.
A study of 533 American women found that those with blood lead concentrations above 8μg/dL were three times more likely to die of coronary heart disease. The research adds to the existing evidence on the adverse effects of lead on health, particularly among older cohorts exposed to higher levels of environmental lead.
Astrocytes, supportive brain cells, produce inflammatory mediators in response to viral infection. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of inflammation and has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment of brain infections.