Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
A new study links climate change to higher concentrations of inorganic arsenic in paddy rice, potentially raising lifetime health risks for populations in Asia by 2050. The research suggests a higher incidence of lung, bladder, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that cells can hear and respond to sound waves, leading to potential applications in medicine and healthcare. The study used acoustic pressure to induce cellular responses, revealing the suppression of fat cell formation and activation of mechanosensitive genes.
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a method to perform prescribed burns with drastically reduced health implications by adjusting burn conditions. By tweaking moisture, heat, and oxygen levels, PAH emissions can be slashed by up to 77%, cutting cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.
Two studies found concerning levels of phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters in bedroom air around children's beds, linked to neurological and reproductive problems. The researchers call for stronger regulations on the use of these chemicals in children's mattresses and recommend parents take actions to reduce exposure.
Scientists at Stanford University suggest reducing health implications of prescribed burns by fine-tuning three conditions: moisture content, heat intensity, and oxygen levels. This can slash PAH emissions by up to 77% and cut cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.
The new centre will focus on air quality, extreme heat, and water supply issues, bringing together experts from across NTU and regional partners. It aims to develop evidence-based policies and real-world solutions to address the growing health threats posed by climate change in tropical regions.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
The deep sea accounts for 90% of ocean volume and hosts diverse ecosystems. However, human activities like mining and climate change threaten these areas. Scientists emphasize the need for major investment in deep-sea research to address knowledge gaps and inform sustainable management strategies.
A study of over 500 schools in Canada found that 98% exhibit risky driving behaviors, including double parking and not obeying traffic controls. The authors suggest improvements to the built environment and parental education to address this serious issue.
Risky driving by parents and motorists during school drop-offs is a widespread issue, with 98% of elementary schools witnessing unsafe behavior. Experts suggest improvements to the built environment around schools to address this serious concern.
A new study by UC Davis School of Medicine identifies four major areas of need among wildfire victims, including mental health support and health information. The research reveals that mental health needs are the most predominant health-related need at all time points.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind wearable device that tracks gas emissions from the skin to monitor health, detect wounds and infections, and track hydration levels. The device offers a new way to assess skin health without contacting delicate tissues.
A new NIH study found that children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods are more likely to experience repeated asthma flares requiring emergency care. Non-Hispanic Black children have the highest incidence rates of severe childhood asthma, also known as asthma with recurrent exacerbations (ARE).
A new study found that a 2018 US public housing smoking ban led to reduced hospitalizations for cardiovascular problems. The ban resulted in modest declines in heart attacks incidence rates and small differential declines in strokes among adults aged over 50.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
Researchers identified five consumer segments in Japan's CSA market, with 'Sustainable Food Seekers' showing the highest interest. The study highlights the importance of promoting CSA's educational, environmental, and social benefits over organic certifications. Japanese consumers prioritize food education, environmental issues, and so...
Researchers analyzed decades of findings to understand how physical work environments influence organizational processes and outcomes, including employee health and motivation, as well as a firm's resource position and reputation. Effective design can enhance task accomplishment and shape intangible assets.
Climate and health litigation is on the rise in Australia, driven by increasing exposure to heatwaves. The country has seen a 37% increase in excess heat factor over the past 20 years, with key deficiencies identified in response to climate and health threats.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.
A new study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions. The study suggests that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new materials for direct air capture, making it cheaper and more scalable. The study found that certain materials, such as aluminum oxide and activated carbon, can capture CO2 efficiently, paving the way for more accessible carbon capture technologies.
Researchers developed an ultra precise technique to count and analyze nanoplastics in water, soil, and plant tissues. The OM-SERS setup uses lasers, gold nanoparticles, and microfluidics to detect specific types of plastics and their concentrations.
A cross-sectional study reveals significant racial disparities in unintentional overdose mortality, with Black individuals facing an increased burden of mortality. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach targeting social, physical, economic, and policy risk environments.
The UK's first water monitoring center is launched to detect disease outbreaks and community health issues. Researchers will analyze wastewater samples from four urban areas, tracking chemicals and biological markers to identify early warning signs of infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.
A study by North Carolina State University detected high levels of PFAS, including GenX and other toxic compounds, in the dust of homes near a fluorochemical plant. The findings suggest that household dust can be an additional source of PFAS exposure, particularly for those living closer to the facility.
A study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University found that the opening of a multifunctional facility called ONIKURU significantly increased residents' daily walking time, especially among female young adults. The results suggest that such architecture-scale interventions can contribute to building health-promoting environments.
The Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard tool compares the environmental and human health impacts of foodware and packaging. It provides an aggregate score across six key metrics, including plastic pollution and climate impact.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
A new study finds a positive correlation between microplastic concentration and the prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, but not cancer. Higher microplastic pollution is associated with a higher risk of disease, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and chronic noncommunicable diseases.
A new USF study identifies several viruses associated with Karenia brevis, the single-celled organism causing red tide. The finding marks an initial step toward exploring viruses as biocontrol agents for red tide blooms.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that lifestyle changes after COVID-19 were associated with an increase in the prevalence and severity of child astigmatisms. The potential impact of higher degrees of astigmatism may warrant dedicated efforts to elucidate the relationship between environmental and/or lifestyle factors.
A $1.2M grant will fund a comprehensive study on the potential links between neighborhood environment and cancer risk. The research team, led by Dr. Chris Lim, will analyze data from two ongoing studies to identify factors contributing to increased obesity-related cancer risk in specific neighborhoods.
A new article from the NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute assesses the city's response to the pandemic, highlighting key findings on mutual aid networks and their role in emergency response. The study identifies strategies to strengthen emergency preparedness moving forward.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic mothers found that women with normal blood pressure levels during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension after giving birth. Tracking blood pressure patterns during pregnancy may help identify these women and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Adopting zero-emission vehicles in Illinois could significantly improve air quality, reducing nitrogen dioxide pollution by half. This would lead to a decrease in premature deaths and new cases of childhood asthma, with the greatest benefits seen in neighborhoods currently experiencing high levels of pollution.
Researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for six major pollutants across US Census groups, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the largest gaps. The study highlights the need to consider biases in datasets beyond algorithmic bias.
Researchers found that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) stored in body fat leads to disruptions in lipid metabolism and altered prostaglandin pathways, contributing to long-term higher blood pressure in adolescents. POPs diminish the beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on improved blood pressure.
A new study led by University College London researchers found that social disadvantages can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk. People with favourable socioeconomic conditions show fewer signs of biological ageing than peers of the same age.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
A USC study found proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. The research identified potential biomarkers that could serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life.
A Princeton study finds that transitioning to clean energy reduces emissions and improves air quality, leading to significant public health benefits. The study estimates that combining federal and subnational clean energy actions can reduce 6,600 premature deaths nationally in 2030.
A new study explores how wild animals can provide insights into novel biomedical breakthroughs. Researchers have discovered that deep-sea worms, hibernating bears, and king penguins possess unique traits that could lead to effective treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections and lifestyle diseases.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
The UTA-UT Austin team will use AI, quantum simulations, and experimental techniques to develop magnets that eliminate rare-earth elements. The researchers aim to enhance U.S. energy security and accelerate sustainable energy solutions with comparable magnetic properties.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has found a link between genetic mutations and toxin exposure in firefighters' brain tumors. The study identified a unique pattern of genetic mutations, known as a mutational signature, in many firefighter samples, especially those who had spent more years firefighting.
Elevated fluoride concentrations have been shown to impair cognitive abilities in children, particularly verbal reasoning skills and sensory processing. The study suggests that even low levels of exposure can have significant effects, highlighting the need for further research on fluoride health risks.
A study of over 2,200 children found that high ambient temperatures are associated with lower connectivity in key brain networks, potentially impacting processes such as attention and memory. The association was strongest on the day before a brain scan and decreased on subsequent days.
Research suggests that higher levels of essential minerals such as copper, manganese, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in middle age. The study analyzed data from over 500 women and found a significant association between these mineral levels and lower blood pressure risk.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
A study published in Aging (Aging-US) found associations between several environmental exposures and epigenetic aging in a large sample of US adults. Cadmium, lead, and cotinine were linked to faster biological aging, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A Rutgers University study found that people are exposed to over 100 chemicals through personal care products daily, with varying health concerns across product categories. Researchers recommend practical steps for consumers to reduce exposure, such as using fewer products and choosing safer alternatives.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.
A study from the University of Missouri found that rural first-time moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding due to a lack of practical knowledge, community support, and access to lactation consultants. The research aims to improve support and resources for new mothers in rural areas.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos. The study suggests that chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes triggered by tattoo ink may lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.
A new study found that health department workforce roles are comparatively underpaid and have lower job requirements compared to the private sector. The findings highlight recruitment and retention challenges for health departments, particularly for leadership and management positions.
Emissions from SUVs and light-duty trucks cause 90% of nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, with suburban driving linked to greatest health damages. The study's findings inform geographically targeted transportation policies and climate action plans for Boston and cities nationwide.
Researchers found that polymers used as flame retardants can break down into dozens of smaller molecules, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and developmental harm. The study also detected these pollutants in soil, air, and dust near electronic waste recycling facilities.
A recent study identified capacity gaps as a significant barrier to sustaining SNAP-Ed programs in schools. Designating school-community partnership coordinators and tailoring solutions to unique community needs can enhance program sustainability.
The Center for Achieving Resilience in Climate and Health (C-ARCH) will identify ways to build resilience, design evidence-based solutions, and train scientists to lead the response. C-ARCH aims to address the devastating health impacts of climate change worldwide.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind nanosensor capable of detecting Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with high spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation enables real-time non-destructive iron tracking, optimizing plant nutrient management and improving crop health.