Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Exposure to chemical & biological contaminants can cause respiratory & neurologic symptoms, allergies, asthma, and lung cancer. Secondhand smoke & radon are major causes of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
A recent study suggests that excessive weight-bearing activities in children can affect the mechanical properties of developing bones, leading to a higher risk of degenerative skeletal disorders later in life. Researchers found that young boys who participated in regular farming activities had significantly lower bone-damping ability c...
Researchers discovered a three percent higher incidence of visits for asthma attacks on days following thunderstorms in the metro Atlanta area. The study, published in Thorax, could lead to improved intervention strategies and emergency services planning.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health has received a $3.4 million grant to develop the Carolina Center for Computational Toxicology, which aims to advance computational toxicology by developing new methods and tools.
A gene mutation and exposure to cats at birth may increase a child's risk of developing eczema during their first year. Children with filaggrin gene mutations were twice as likely to develop eczema, while cat ownership further increased the risk for those with the mutation.
Researchers found that environmental enrichment reduced coordination and movement problems in Rett syndrome mice. The study also showed that BDNF levels were similar in enriched and normal mice, suggesting a gene-environment interaction.
Researchers have developed a method to classify liver toxins using gene-expression profiling of blood samples, improving the precision of compound classification. The study highlights the importance of 'phenotypic anchoring' in linking gene expression data analysis to traditional measures of toxicology.
A $2.5 million NIH grant will fund a study of four communities, including Boston's Chinatown and Somerville, to examine the health effects of pollution exposure in neighborhoods adjacent to major highways. The study aims to better define the most serious impacts of highway pollution on local residents.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that schools with positive social environments and high-quality teacher relationships can significantly reduce student smoking. The study of over 5,000 Scottish students revealed that pupils from these schools were less likely to smoke.
The Woods Institute has awarded grants to 17 Stanford faculty members to develop a campus-wide research agenda on the sustainable built environment. The research will focus on enhancing sustainability in buildings, infrastructure, and cities.
A study of over 7,600 Swedish twins found that genetic factors and the individual's unique environment play a significant role in determining their choice of sexual partner. The results suggest that familial and public attitudes have a minimal impact on this decision.
A study by the University of Chicago found that restricting bedtime led to increased energy from snacks, including more carbohydrates. This behavior may be driven by changes in reward-seeking and motivation. Getting adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
The Safety Professionals Handbook is a comprehensive two-volume book featuring real-life examples and applied nature from experienced safety and health professionals. The publication covers 12 topic areas, including workers' compensation, fire prevention, and industrial hygiene.
Researchers found that licensed pesticide applicators who used chlorinated pesticides for over 100 days were at greater risk of developing diabetes. The study associated specific pesticides with a 20-200% increase in risk, with trichlorfon showing the strongest relationship.
Researchers found that simple membranes composed of fatty acids can allow small molecules to pass through, supporting a theory about the first cells' interactions with their environment. The study also confirms the ability of nucleotide molecules to form DNA within vesicles, suggesting a possible way for early cells to replicate.
A study published in Environmental Health found that drinking tap water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products was associated with a significant increased risk of ventricular septal defects, cleft palate, and anencephalus.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that sugar-sweetened beverages are an increasingly large part of children and teens' diets, with teens consuming an average of 356 calories per day. Reducing empty caloric intake by limiting these drinks may be a key strategy for promoting healthy eating and preventing excess weight gain.
A study published in Occupational Environmental Medicine found that men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers have poor semen quality. The researchers discovered that these workers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having a low motile sperm count compared to those with low exposure.
A three-year study will investigate how low levels of environmental chemicals affect sheep foetuses and potentially human health. The researchers aim to understand the long-term reproductive effects of exposure to hormone-like chemicals, which could have greater consequences for females than males.
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that early life exposure to cats may reduce the risk of developing asthma symptoms. Children with cat ownership were more likely to make allergy-related antibodies and less likely to have wheeze at age five.
The premier issue of Environmental Justice explores adverse environmental burdens on marginalized populations, legal challenges, and activism. The journal aims to provide a balanced assessment of environmental inequalities locally, nationally, and globally.
Research highlights diacetyl's acute toxicity and respiratory harm when inhaled by humans. Studies have found that diacetyl can injure lungs, particularly among workers making microwave popcorn and flavoring chemicals.
Researchers at MUHC identified 163 genes correlated with patient outcome, including a panel of 26 specific genes that can accurately predict clinical outcome. The study provides a promising diagnostic tool for breast cancer patients.
A study of 3,546 female twins found that genetics influence the rate of progression to problem drinking and alcohol dependence. Environmental factors played a significant role in the initiation of alcohol use, while genetic factors accounted for up to 47% of the influence on women's alcohol-related problems.
Medical schools from across the US attend Indiana University's Immersion III, a conference focused on enhancing professional culture and promoting compassionate education. The event provides a 'living laboratory' for participating institutions to explore approaches to changing their own cultures.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found that introducing a relationship-centered learning environment improved student satisfaction with their medical education, with increased rates of out-of-state applications. The study also showed enhanced responsiveness to student problems and a more favorable impact on organiza...
A new study finds that air pollution from sulfur dioxide, fine particles, and nitrogen dioxide can cause decreased lung function and increase asthma symptoms in inner-city children. The study suggests that current air quality standards may not be sufficient to protect these vulnerable populations.