Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers found two common SNPs associated with poorer lung function in children, which may alter SOD3 expression levels. This study identifies a genetic target for healthy lung development during childhood, potentially leading to the development of medication to foster optimal lung growth.
Research suggests that global warming will worsen health problems like heat-related mortality and diarrheal diseases due to climate change. The US needs an estimated $200 million in annual funding to study these impacts and develop protective measures.
A pilot study found potentially hazardous chemicals in hospital cleaning products, including quaternary ammonium chlorides and glycol ethers. The study highlights the importance of protecting workers and others from exposure to cleaning hazards, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
UIC researchers are conducting a study to determine the health effects associated with recreational activities on Chicago's waterways. The CHEERS study will establish water quality standards for people who enjoy activities on the waterway and measure actual pathogens in the water that cause disease.
A new study found that a rigorous environmental cleaning intervention can reduce the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) in hospital intensive care units (ICUs). The multi-modal cleaning protocol reduced MRSA acquisition by 61%, while VRE acquisition decreased by...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that a higher density of 'healthy' food outlets is associated with lower BMI and obesity rates in New York City. The study surveyed over 13,000 adults and found that unhealthy food stores were not significantly linked to higher BMI or obesity.
Global fisheries are in crisis due to overfishing, threatening food security in poorer countries and coastal communities. The recommendation to increase fish consumption for health benefits is not environmentally sustainable.
Researchers found that children at high risk of obesity who live near parks are more likely to participate in walking activities. Parks within a half mile of their home showed the strongest association with girls walking to school and boys engaging in leisure walking, increasing by 60% for each additional park. The study suggests that ...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that work stress among urban police officers is significantly associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and intimate partner abuse. The study identified five major categories of stressors, including exposure to criti...
A University of Montreal study reveals that over 60% of Quebec's manufacturing sector workers are exposed to noise levels exceeding the norm, increasing work-related accidents and road collisions. Workers with hearing losses face a 7% greater risk of injury.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified common hazardous conditions in home healthcare settings, including environmental and physical hazards. The research highlights the need for simple interventions to mitigate these risks and promote patient safety.
A high-density of fast food outlets was associated with a 3-pound weight increase and 0.8-inch waist circumference rise among frequent eaters. In contrast, high-walkability neighborhoods were linked to a 2.7-pound weight loss and 0.6-inch waist size decrease.
The 2006 California heat wave had a significant impact on morbidity, with dramatic increases in emergency department visits and hospitalizations reported. The study found that older residents and children were particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, highlighting the need for targeted public education and preparedness efforts.
A study by American Academy of Neurology reveals that young smokers are 2.7 times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than non-smokers. Early smoking is identified as a key environmental factor that can be avoided to reduce the risk of the disease.
A new study found that a specially designed sensory environment can reduce anxiety levels in children during dental visits, even for those with developmental disabilities. The adapted setting reduced anxious behavior by an average of 55% compared to traditional dental offices.
A systematic review of high-quality trials found exercise to be significantly effective in preventing new episodes of low-back problems. Meanwhile, popular prevention methods such as reduced lifting programs and ergonomic interventions were ineffective.
A new letter in JAMA contests an earlier study's associations between bisphenol A and various health issues, citing statistical limitations. The authors conclude that the findings could be due to chance rather than real health concerns.
A Northwestern Memorial study found that integrated team training and pre-operative discussions significantly improved staff communication and teamwork, reducing operating room errors. The study revealed a direct correlation between enhanced teamwork and a safer, more efficient operating environment.
Thomas Robertson is researching the consequences of American rural development in Nepal, while Seth Tuler focuses on improving environmental health communications in Thailand. Their work aims to better understand the impacts of science and technology on humanity.
Research found that bar workers' symptoms improved after a smoking ban in Scotland, with significant reductions in respiratory and sensory symptoms. The study also showed benefits for smokers themselves, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home.
Researchers found a direct link between vitamin D and a genetic variant associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of offspring developing MS later in life.
Researchers discovered a new cause of airway irritation and wheezing after exposure to ozone, a common urban air pollutant. They found that high amounts of hyaluronan, a sugar molecule, are responsible for narrowing the airways.
A qualitative study in five US medical schools revealed serious problems with relational culture affecting medical faculty vitality, professionalism, and general productivity linked to retention. The study emphasizes the need for greater support and trust in medical academia.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified key risk factors that delayed or prolonged the evacuation from the World Trade Center Towers on September 11. The researchers found that lack of awareness and experience, as well as personal concerns and poor footwear, contributed to time delays.
Biomedical engineers at UT Health Science Center are developing a 'fracture putty' that could regenerate bones and reduce the need for amputations. The putty, made from nanoporous silicon, aims to mimic bone structure and function, allowing patients to regain full use of their limbs in a shorter period.
The new bill (H.R. 554) aims to improve federal risk research and oversight of engineered nanomaterials to protect the public and encourage safe commercial development. A National Research Council report highlighted serious shortfalls in the Bush administration's strategy, prompting Congress to take action.
A study of 139 African-American women in Central Harlem found a significant link between exposure to alcohol advertisements and problem drinking behavior. The researchers also discovered that family history of alcoholism played a role in problem drinking, with advertising continuing to have an impact even after controlling for this fac...
A study by UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researchers found that California's seven-fold increase in autism cases since 1990 cannot be explained by changes in diagnosis or counting. Environmental culprits such as chemicals and infectious microbes are likely responsible for the trend.
A new study examines the aftereffects of a chlorine gas disaster in South Carolina, providing insight into how to prepare emergency response systems for accidental or terrorist releases. The study found that many hospitalized patients showed evidence of severe lung damage, but most recovered quickly and were discharged within a week.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teen sexual risk behaviors are similar among youth with few and those with many non-sexual health risks. Despite differences in overall health risk levels, trends in sexual behavior were remarkably consistent across both groups.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a natural, nontoxic method for biodegrading carbon nanotubes using the horseradish enzyme peroxidase. This finding could help address environmental and health concerns associated with the use of carbon nanotubes in various products.
A study found that implementing evidence-based guidelines for nutritional support in ICUs led to better feeding practices, including earlier initiation of enteral nutrition, but did not reduce hospital mortality or length of stay. The change also resulted in lower incidence of clinically significant kidney dysfunction.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that subway-related fatalities are largely unintentional, with 47.2% due to accidents, and often linked to alcohol intoxication. Structural improvements and public safety messages can reduce the risk of such fatalities.
Airline pilots with long-term flying experience may be exposed to cumulative DNA damage from cosmic ionising radiation. Chromosome translocation frequency was higher among pilots than faculty staff, especially those who had flown the most.
The Global Situational Awareness Tool (GSAT) assesses environmental and health concerns for deployed US forces in Afghanistan and other areas. The system combines malaria prevalence predictions with meteorological and environmental factors to inform decision-making.
Researchers discovered over 200 serum proteins in umbilical cord blood, revealing changes in protein levels that indicate cigarette smoke exposure. The study identified biomarkers linked to key metabolic pathways, providing insights into the molecular effects of fetal exposure to toxic chemicals.
Scientists investigate Tamiflu's environmental fate and its impact on the development of resistant influenza viruses in Japan, a major consumer of the drug. The research aims to understand potential threats to global defenses against future pandemics.
A study found that many US women are unaware of the significant source of daily personal chemical exposure from their homes. Researchers discovered that people who learned about chemicals in their homes and bodies were not alarmed, but eager for more information about typical household products.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine special issue on climate change highlights the impact on human health, with experts emphasizing a need to communicate accurate information and take action. The papers examine various aspects of climate change, including heat waves, vectorborne diseases, waterborne diseases, and air quality.
A UK study reveals that most children are meeting physical activity guidelines, but failing to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day. The study found that socioeconomic background plays a significant role in dietary habits, with children from lower-income backgrounds more likely to consume healthy foods.
Developing antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins increases the risk of wheeze, hay fever, and eczema in young children. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to these allergens at a very early age for susceptible children.
A nationwide study on the interactions of genes, environment and lifestyle has received widespread public support, with 84% of respondents in favor and 60% willing to participate. The study's findings suggest that factors such as individual research results and compensation play a significant role in increasing willingness to participate.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that plants can take up nanoparticles and accumulate them in their tissues. The study provides a new experimental approach for studying nanoparticles and their potential impacts on the environment and human health.
A study found that children living in counties with higher annual precipitation had a higher risk of developing autism. The association suggests an environmental trigger for the condition, potentially related to increased indoor activities and decreased exposure to sunshine.
A study found that prenatal exposure to famine can cause epigenetic changes in humans that persist throughout life, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Children conceived during the Dutch Hunger Winter had less DNA methylation of the IGF2 gene than their unexposed siblings.
A workplace obesity program implemented at 12 Dow Chemical Company sites showed modest improvements in health risks, including weight management and decreased blood pressure, after one year. The study, led by Emory University public health researcher Ron Goetzel, examined the effects of environmental interventions on employee health.
Researchers found that a healing process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) actually worsens symptoms. In healthy individuals, the body forms new blood vessels to promote wound healing, but in IPF patients, this process backfires, causing more shortness of breath.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati identified a second, potentially more significant source of radon exposure at a former Ohio uranium-processing plant. Six silos filled with uranium ore in the production area resulted in relatively high levels of radon exposure to 12% of workers, while over half were exposed to low levels.
Women who are overweight and obese often struggle to access healthcare due to stigma and inadequate facilities. They report feeling uncomfortable, dismissed, and stigmatized by healthcare staff, which can lead to delayed or avoided care.
The World Health Organization and Boston University team highlights the urgent need to assess environmental burdens on children's health. Childhood exposure to pollution, toxins, and poor sanitation leads to diseases like diarrheal illnesses, lower respiratory infections, and malaria.
Researchers found that methylmercury harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal's immune system, and similar results were also observed in human lymphocytes. The study suggests that mercury pollution may have already taken a toll on harbor seals' ability to fight infections.
The report aims to initiate collaboration between The Lancet, China Medical Board, and WHO to strengthen China's health system. Key findings include improved translational research capacity and increased international collaboration.
Researchers will examine organisational systems of 40 companies to understand how culture, leadership, policies, and change affect employee health and productivity. The study aims to improve theory and practice in managing work-related health, with potential implications for policy and national guidance in Europe.
The National Children's Study will investigate factors influencing autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, birth defects, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will recruit participants from two study sites in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.
The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children across the US to identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to health disorders. The UT Health Science Center at Houston will participate in the study, assessing women and children in Harris County.
The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21, examining the effects of environmental and genetic factors on asthma, birth defects, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The study, authorized by Congress in 2000, is being conducted by a consortium of federal agencies, including NIH institutes and the CDC.
A pilot study found that occupational therapy training, combined with regular exercise, increased physical activity levels in patients with osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this approach could be an effective way to promote wellness among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
A University of Missouri research team led by Kattesh Katti developed a method to create gold nanoparticles without producing synthetic chemicals, resulting in a 100-percent green process. The new procedure uses gold salts submerged in water with soybeans to generate uniform-sized nanoparticles that are stable and free from toxic waste.
The NIH's Genes, Environment and Health Initiative has awarded grants to six studies aiming to identify genetic factors associated with stroke, glaucoma, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and other conditions. Genome-wide association studies will be conducted to rapidly scan DNA markers across large groups of people.
A newly discovered developmental brain disorder has been identified, affecting a patient's ability to orient within environments. Researchers suspect that many others may be affected, leading to social isolation and reliance on others for directions. The study aims to better understand the disorder and develop rehabilitation treatments.