Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study by Michigan State University found that media coverage of breast cancer prioritizes treatments over prevention. The research highlights the importance of promoting cancer-prevention techniques through media awareness, as it can have a significant impact on women's perceptions and behaviors.
A new study published in PLoS Biology shows that gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in determining thousands of traits in yeast, with the environment having a bigger effect on regulated genes than direct mechanisms. The research reveals intriguing interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers warn of unforeseen environmental and health consequences of nanosilver in consumer products, as simple experiments show nanoparticle silver can leach into waterways. Improved product labeling is proposed to increase public awareness.
A recent study using twins found that genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of alcohol dependence, with heritable influences tracing back to a common factor. Environmental influences, on the other hand, are more prominent in earlier stages of drinking behaviors, such as initiation and first problem onset.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...
Jim Hutchison, a chemist and materials scientist at UO, emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary teams to address nanomaterial safety concerns. He advocates for green chemistry approaches to reduce byproducts and simplify purification, accelerating data collection on material hazards.
A pilot study tracked the movement of 14- to 16-year-old girls using GPS-enabled cell phones, revealing they spend more time away from home and school than anticipated. The study aims to learn about the characteristics of environments that influence health behaviors.
A study of workers exposed to Libby vermiculite found high prevalence of scarring and thickening of the chest wall membrane 25 years after exposure. Even low levels of exposure were associated with significant health risks.
Workers exposed to low levels of an asbestos-like mineral from Montana vermiculite are at increased risk for lung disease today. A 25-year follow-up study found that even low cumulative exposure can cause changes in the lining around the lungs.
A new rodent study finds exposure to diacetyl, a chemical in artificial butter flavoring, can cause respiratory issues in mice. The research suggests workplace exposure to diacetyl may contribute to the development of obstructive bronchiolitis (OB) in humans.
A new national survey found that elevated indoor allergen levels are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals, particularly those with allergies. Regular household cleaning and reducing exposure to pets and pests can help alleviate symptoms.
The 2008 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is useful for countries without their own monitoring systems, but its global ranking lacks legitimacy and precision within the European Union. The EPI's standardized framework cannot account for regional environmental problems and varying policy contexts.
A new primer on human taste perception and biology has been published, providing a clear overview of recent advances in understanding this primal sense. The study reveals the importance of taste in both positive experiences, such as enjoying food, and critical life-dependent responses, like spitting out toxic substances.
A five-year grant aims to uncover the genetic mechanism behind increased sensitivity to estrogen due to low-dose BPA exposure, which may predispose men to prostate cancer later in life. The study will use human prostate-like structures and animal models to characterize dose-response and gene modifications.
Research on loggerhead turtles reveals significant levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) causing liver damage and immune system suppression. Exposure to PFCs may pose a similar risk to humans, with potential for immunocompromise.
After Italy's comprehensive smoking ban in 2005, acute coronary events among adults decreased significantly, particularly in younger age groups, with a 11.2% reduction for those aged 35-64 and a 7.9% decrease for those aged 65-74.
A Michigan State University physician reports the first nationally documented death from acute asthma caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a bar employee. The case highlights the need for legal protections against ETS in workplaces, particularly for vulnerable employees with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
The new plan aims to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research and regulatory testing through partnerships with industry and stakeholders. It emphasizes the development of predictive systems using new technologies to minimize animal use.
Middle-aged women in Finland took almost 50% more short-term sick leave than their male counterparts, with physical health problems and work fatigue being key contributors. The researchers suggest that women may be better at recognizing problems and seeking medical treatment.
Researchers found that boiling water increases BPA release from polycarbonate bottles, with rates increasing 15-55 times faster than at lower temperatures. The study's findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may harm human health.
Global positioning systems technology can be used to study how children develop spatial awareness and orient themselves in the real world. The study found that children aged three years old could use environmental landmarks to guide their search, improving performance with larger test areas and different colored buckets.
The US EPA has launched a voluntary program to collect safety data on engineered nanoscale materials, but experts argue that more action is needed to ensure public and market confidence in their safety. The program provides an opportunity for industry, NGOs, and other groups to voluntarily submit safety data.
Workers with extended work schedules face higher risks of losing their jobs after injury, according to Ohio State University research. Injured employees in nonstandard schedules are more likely to be fired or quit, emphasizing the importance of tailoring return-to-work plans to individual employees' schedules.
Researchers found that old wood floor finishes in some homes can lead to significant PCB exposure, even exceeding levels found in the general population. The study suggests that these finishes, particularly those containing the chemical Fabulon, may harbor high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that eating out can have both positive and negative impacts on obesity. Higher total restaurant density is significantly associated with lower weight status, while a higher fast-food density is associated with higher weight status.
The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health has received a DISCOVER grant to conduct four related studies on the effects of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants on lung development and immune system function. The research aims to better prevent childhood asthma and improve clinical treatment.
Researchers investigated college parties, observing environments, behaviors, and blood-alcohol concentrations to identify key predictors of excessive drinking. Young women drank more heavily at themed events with sexualized themes and costumes, while students who socialized without drinking games had lower levels of consumption.
The NIEHS is awarding a total of $6.8 million to three new research centers called DISCOVER, which will bridge the gap between basic research and clinical treatment of diseases caused by environmental factors.
A study found that nearly one out of 10 registered nurses reported at least one needlestick injury in the previous year, with many cases going unreported. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted risk reduction strategies tailored to non-hospital settings.
A study conducted by University College London found that unsupervised children engage in more physical activity, such as walking and playing, due to the ability to explore their local environment. This leads to improved social skills and overall well-being.
A $1.5 million grant renewal will support the first-of-its-kind study examining driving abilities in cognitively impaired elders. The study aims to understand the validity of road tests and develop computerized measures as a screening tool.
A UNC study found that childcare centers with portable play equipment and active play opportunities increase children's moderate to vigorous physical activity levels. Centers with more computer and TV equipment also scored better on activity levels, suggesting a positive correlation between media resources and physical activity.
A study by Joseph G. Grzywacz found that employees who perceive flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles and are more likely to start positive behaviors. The study analyzed data from a large multinational pharmaceutical company, which recognized its commitment to flexibility as a family-friendly employer.
A recent study found that only 14% of arm pain is likely to be caused or aggravated by arm straining activities, contradicting previous data from Labour Force Surveys. The survey results indicated that nearly half of respondents experienced arm pain in the past year, with many attributing it to their job.
A team of Dartmouth Medical School researchers found that low doses of arsenic disrupt the activity of hormone receptors critical in development, highlighting the potential harm of arsenic at levels found in U.S. drinking water. The study's findings provide evidence for mitigating arsenic's impact on human health.
A study of over 3,200 northern Manhattan adolescents found that Hispanic youths had better dental health habits than their black peers. The study also revealed higher rates of cavities and moderate-to-abundant plaque among black youth.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that D-cycloserine reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in mice previously trained to expect cocaine. The antibiotic-like drug showed promise in extinguishing cravings and reducing relapse risk.
Researchers have identified a unique pattern of gene expression in the blood that can indicate toxic levels of acetaminophen. This finding could lead to the development of a simple procedure for clinicians to estimate liver damage and prevent or treat resulting liver damage.
A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science found that visual field loss is the primary component increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Mobility training may help reduce this risk by improving postural stability and mobility.
The NIEHS has awarded grants totaling $3.5 million to seven outstanding young environmental scientists. These researchers will investigate the mechanisms of environmental exposures and human biology, human pathophysiology, and human disease.
Interventions prioritizing nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and household fuels can reduce child mortality by 14-31% in Latin America, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Implementing these interventions primarily for the poor would have larger benefits, closing up to 48% of regional gaps towards the MDG target.
Research suggests that perceived safety is a significant barrier to physical activity among low-income individuals. Women who feel unsafe at night take significantly fewer steps, compromising their health. The findings underscore the importance of addressing safety concerns to encourage exercise and improve overall well-being in disadv...
A University of Alberta study found that farm children are less likely to develop asthma compared to those living in non-farm rural or urban environments. The two-year cumulative incidence of asthma was 2.3% among farm kids, significantly lower than other groups.
The University of Delaware has been selected as a regional research site for the National Children's Study, which will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21. Researchers will monitor child health and gather data on environmental factors to prevent and treat diseases such as autism and obesity.
Engineered nanomaterials can still penetrate deep inside the body, posing a risk to human health. The science suggests that exposures will occur, and understanding toxicity is crucial for resolving concerns about potential harm.
The National Academies of Sciences report introduces new tools to assess health risks from chemicals, enabling better predictive toxicology and risk assessment. These technologies provide critical information on environmental agent interactions with human genes, helping identify individuals at higher disease risk.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. The study, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, showed a 14% reduction in total blood arsenic levels in Bangladesh.
A study found a significant increase in low birth weights among NYC babies born after the Sept. 11 disaster, suggesting stress may have contributed. The researchers discovered another peak in low birth weights around Christmas/New Year and April/May, indicating possible long-term effects of stress on fetal health.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.
The study will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21, collecting data on biological and environmental samples to identify solutions to pressing health issues such as autism, diabetes, and obesity. The research aims to provide valuable insights for developing preventive strategies and guidelines to promote healthy development.
The UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities is leading a nationwide project to assess the effects of environmental and genetic factors on children's health. The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21 to prevent and treat pressing health problems like autism, diabetes, and obesity.
Scientists will create biomarkers for environmental risk factors in human disease, including cigarette smoke and obesity. The research aims to understand the interaction between genes and environment, using wearable sensors and advanced technologies.
The study found that over 50% of asthma cases are linked to allergies, with cat allergy being the leading cause. Atopy, a condition resulting from gene-environment interactions, is measured by skin tests and was associated with nearly 57% of asthma cases.
Researchers found that 96% of Nigerian consumer paints contained higher than recommended lead levels, with bright-colored paints posing the greatest risk. The study highlights the need for international regulations to supplement local efforts and eliminate lead from paint globally.
Researchers estimate a significant increase in summer heat-related deaths in New York City due to climate change, with a 47-95% rise projected by the 2050s. The urban heat island effect and population vulnerability will exacerbate this risk.
Researchers are analyzing the likely effects of climate change on the state's health over the next century. They will recommend strategies to mitigate and prevent anticipated public health problems, including heat-related illnesses, air and water quality issues, and disease migration.
Dr. Hung Ton-That has been recognized for his research excellence in microbiology and infectious disease, with a focus on cell wall sorting structure and gram-positive bacteria surface structures. He is being honored for his contributions to the study of bacterial pathogenesis.
The federal government's new report on prioritizing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research needs for engineered nanoscale materials lacks important details like budget allocations and implementation timelines. The lack of a coordinated risk research strategy threatens the safe development and use of nanotechnology products.
Research finds that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can contaminate hospital surfaces and patient hands through stool samples, increasing the risk of infections. The study also reveals a significant link between intestinal colonization and S. aureus skin presence in hospitalized patients.
A Purdue University team aims to improve dietary tracking using cell phone cameras, expanding on existing techniques to evaluate portion sizes and nutritional content. The project, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, may help Americans make informed food choices and reduce health risks.