Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers aim to determine ideal flight times and altitudes to minimize health complications for wounded soldiers. The study will investigate the link between inflammatory changes, injury type, and flight timing.
The US EPA awarded $38 million to two new research centers to investigate the potential risks of nanomaterials on the environment and human health. The centers, led by UCLA and Duke University, will use innovative approaches to develop predictive models and conduct experiments in outdoor laboratories.
Dr. Jeanne Stellman urges government policy change to control carcinogenic chemicals in the workplace, citing years of wasted time examining the problem while few have championed efforts to regulate PCBs. Many hazardous chemicals remain unmonitored and unregulated, posing a significant threat to public health.
Research from the University of Missouri has shown a significant relationship between BPA exposure and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver enzyme abnormalities. The FDA is urged to take action to reduce human and environmental exposures to BPA due to its adverse health effects.
A study at the University of Michigan found that high-dose calcium supplements can significantly lower lead levels in pregnant women. The researchers analyzed data from 557 women and discovered that those taking calcium supplements had an average reduction of 11% in blood lead levels, with some groups experiencing even greater reductions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute discover that eosinophils exert a strong immune response against the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata. The innate immune system of humans is capable of killing the fungus, which is linked to airway inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis, and bronchial asthma.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have successfully manipulated flavor enzymes in plants, opening up possibilities for fine-tuning fruit flavors. The breakthrough could also lead to novel pest control methods using green leaf volatiles and jasmonates.
A study of 788 US adults found that those with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their urine compared to those without diabetes. Inorganic arsenic from contaminated drinking water may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Indonesia has experienced the most human cases of bird flu and one of the highest mortality rates due to the disease. Development of better diagnostic methods and improved case management could lead to faster treatment with antiviral drugs, decreasing mortality.
Researchers found that parents who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have children who also consume these foods. A five-year study showed that the High 5 for Kids program increased fruit and vegetable intake in preschoolers of normal weight, but not in overweight children.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with low mixed-land use and high fast-food density were more likely to have overweight residents. In contrast, areas with high street connectivity, public transportation, and green spaces promoted neighborhood walking and physical activity.
A study published in the Journal of Computational Neuroscience found that brain cells processing visual information adjust their filtering properties to make sense of incoming data. The researchers discovered that odd-symmetric components induce systematic changes across the population of neurons in the V1 area of the visual cortex.
A study found that no-nose bicycle saddles reduce saddle contact pressure, improve penile tactile sensation, and enhance erectile function in bicycling police officers. The use of no-nose saddles also led to a significant decrease in genital numbness while cycling.
A new study found that pregnant women who binge drink early in pregnancy are more likely to have infants born with oral clefts. The researchers also found that the frequency and total amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy matters most, not just the frequency or duration of drinking.
Researchers found that physical surroundings where alcohol cues are experienced can greatly influence the ability of those cues to trigger relapse. The study suggests that presenting cues repeatedly in multiple distinct contexts without alcohol can diminish their triggering effect.
A study by Duke University researchers found a possible geographical pattern for ALS cases among 1991 Gulf War veterans, with some areas of service showing an elevated risk. The research uses GIS analysis to identify potential environmental exposures that may be associated with the disease.
Women exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to give birth to female children. A study found that for every one microgram of PCBs per liter of serum, the chance of having a male child fell by 7%. The researchers suggest that high maternal PCB concentrations may favor fertilization by female sperm or ...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that closing a coal-fired power plant in China significantly improved cognitive development and motor skills in exposed children. The research tracked two groups of children born before and after the plant's closure, revealing a direct positive impact on early child...