Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers found that combining ultraviolet light with chlorine significantly enhances toxin degradation in water without generating harmful byproducts. The study suggests using UV/chlorine as a final barrier against toxins from algal blooms, minimizing unintended toxic consequences.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have found that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter levels in free-range chickens. The study, published in Poultry Science, demonstrates an 80% reduction in campylobacter and suggests a potential tool for improving public health.
Researchers found that squat toilets release higher concentrations of bacteria than bidet toilets, but ventilation fans significantly lower these levels. Installing efficient exhaust fans can effectively reduce bioaerosol concentrations and exposure risks for the public.
Three University of Arizona Health Sciences faculty members have received career development awards to support their research. Erika Austhof will study the role of weather and ecological drivers in salmonella transmission, while Kristin Huntoon will investigate a drug for treating glioblastomas. Celina Valencia will examine the link be...
Citizen scientists can join world-renowned microplastic expert Professor Claire Gwinnett on an expedition to monitor microplastic pollution in basking shark feeding sites. The expeditions will use a new app with AI analysis to categorize plastic samples, providing valuable data on microplastic levels and health impacts on sharks.
A cross-sectional study found that perceived stress, inadequate social support, racial discrimination, and neighborhood deprivation negatively impacted systemic and tumor immunity in Black women. These findings may inform prevention and public health interventions for cancer health disparities.
A new study from the University at Buffalo measures neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and satellite-based air pollution data, finding that newborns exposed in the last month of pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 have a 30-35% higher risk of NICU admission and an 11-22% increased risk associated with PM2.5.
A new study reveals that people may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne pollutants inside their homes, even if the outdoor air quality is good. Researchers used low-cost sensors and innovative techniques to compare particulate matter in three homes, finding significant differences in PM levels.
Researchers found that long-term yogurt intake was associated with lower rates of proximal colon cancer positive for Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species found in yogurt. The study showed that higher yogurt consumption over time may protect against colorectal cancer through changes in the gut microbiome.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute reveals how California's Proposition 65 law has driven companies to reformulate products, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and promoting safer consumer goods. The research found that companies prioritize eliminating Prop 65 chemicals altogether to avoid warnings and litigation.
A new study reveals that postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke can alter the way genes are expressed, increasing the risk of diseases such as asthma and cancer. The study found 11 regions associated with second-hand smoke exposure, six of which are linked to smoking-related diseases.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
Researchers at University of California, Merced are using wastewater-based epidemiology to track nicotine use in San Joaquin Valley communities. The project aims to determine trends and levels of nicotine use through chemicals in wastewater, providing valuable insights for public health agencies and tobacco-control researchers.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...
Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.
A novel underwater light system, UZELA, enhances local zooplankton density and increases feeding rates of coral, making them stronger and more resilient against environmental threats. The device can be powered for half a year on a single battery and can optimize a coral's feeding time by operating for one hour after dusk.
New studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to cardiovascular disease and chronic health issues. Veterans with PTSD or sub-threshold conditions face significant psychological and physical health challenges, including heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that Swedish pharmacy personnel report a deteriorating patient safety climate. Pharmacists gave lower ratings for teamwork, job satisfaction, and management, with only 37% having a positive outlook on working conditions. The study suggests that changes in the work environment, including inc...
A recent study suggests that prolonged exposure to low-dose traffic-derived PM2.5 particles can cause fatty liver disorder in mice. The study found changes in liver function, inflammation, and scar tissue formation, highlighting the potential health risks of air pollution on the liver.
The study discovered new microbial species and never-before-reported metagenomes from African sites, shedding light on the importance of geography in shaping microbiome differences. The research highlights the need for site- and region-specific approaches to gut health interventions.
The Tule River Tribe is facing mounting environmental hazards such as wildfire, drought, and flooding. A new study sheds light on how a range of strategies can address these compounding hazards and achieve the community's goals to strengthen its physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental health.
A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers analyzed Brazil Nut tree samples to understand genetic diversity and population dynamics. The findings show a drastic decline in genetic diversity over the last 20,000 years, but areas with Indigenous management exhibit more complex genetic backgrounds.
The TARIPH Centre will conduct patient-centric translational research on respiratory health in collaboration with nine institutions, focusing on factors unique to Asia. The five-year programme aims to provide a clearer understanding of lung disease in Asians and develop effective national strategies for improvement.
A new project, GP4Streets, provides tailored 'greening prescriptions' for UK streets to adapt to local climate challenges. Communities will be equipped with monitoring tools and DIY greening kits to improve air quality, temperature, and biodiversity.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
A study found that nearly 75% of US counties experienced major power outages alongside severe weather events between 2018-2020. Severe precipitation and heat were most common triggers for outages, with regional patterns varying across the country.
A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.
A study by University of Oregon economists found that increased glyphosate use in genetically modified crop counties is associated with lower birthweights and early births. Glyphosate exposure was found to have a significant impact on infants expected to be at the lowest birthweight end of the scale.
A study published in One Earth found that smaller fish species are more nutritious, lower in mercury, and less susceptible to overfishing. This discovery has implications for biodiversity conservation and public health worldwide.
China's particulate matter emissions have followed an environmental Kuznets curve, peaking in the mid-1990s. However, finer PM fractions and carbonaceous components have increased due to shifts in industrial energy usage and residential sector transitions. This poses new challenges for air quality policies.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
A randomized controlled study among NYC girls found that reading a book on puberty can lead to increased knowledge and positive attitudes towards physical activity during periods. The study, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that targeted puberty education can have significant impacts on young girls' health outcomes.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
A cutting-edge molecular approach identifies three distinct clusters of children with metabolic complications, highlighting the importance of prenatal environment and exposure to industrial chemicals. The study provides a better understanding of biological pathways involved in metabolic health, beyond traditional clinical markers.
Tohono Oôdham Community College and the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health have partnered to provide a direct transfer pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. This partnership aims to empower Indigenous public health leaders and expand educational opportunities, particular...
A survey of residents affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire found that those living near burned structures experienced frequent headaches, sore throats, and coughs. Researchers found that visible ash in homes increased the likelihood of reporting these symptoms, which improved with cleaning and HVAC system changes.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found an association between levels of manmade “forever chemicals” in drinking water and certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers. The study estimated that PFAS contamination contributes to 6,864 cancer cases per year.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Chornobyl City and NPP dogs to detect genetic mutations, finding none despite long-term exposure to radiation and other toxins. The study implies that low-level environmental contamination could explain genetic differences between the two dog populations.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
The number of autistic individuals receiving federal housing support grew significantly between 2008 and 2016. Most lived in urban areas, with 65% residing in extremely low-income households.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that high job strain at the start of a nine-year study led to increased sleep disturbances among middle-aged workers. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 workers and discovered significant associations between higher job strain and poorer sleep quality.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
A pioneering study at Guildford's Sandfield Primary School demonstrates the benefits of protective green infrastructure in reducing particle pollution levels and traffic-related noise. The 'living school gate' installation showed a nearly one-third reduction in air pollution, as well as a 5-decibel decrease in distracting traffic noise.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.
A longitudinal cohort study reveals that early-life infection burden may continue throughout childhood, increasing the risk of future infections and antibiotics use. The findings suggest that high infection burdens in early life are independently associated with later antibiotic treatments.
Researchers have identified 11 genes affected by PFAS exposure, which could serve as markers to detect neurotoxicity. The study found distinct molecular structures within each type of PFAS drive changes in gene expression, highlighting the need for individual investigation.
A new study found that plant leaves are coated with diverse RNA molecules that may play a role in shaping microbial communities. The RNA present on the leaf surface can regulate gene expression in microbes, potentially impacting plant health and environmental interactions.
Researchers found reed wetlands effective in degrading pollutants and stabilizing sludge volume through microbial diversity and natural processes. Optimal performance achieved at 100 kg/m^2/year, validating reed beds as sustainable solution for water pollution management.
Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Meaney discusses his pioneering work on the intricate relationship between genes and environment in shaping brain health, with implications for public health policy and early intervention programs.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds minimal environmental pollution resulting from ancient copper production in King Solomon's Mines, with pollution levels confined to smelting furnaces. Researchers also contradict previous claims of widespread industrial pollution, citing low levels of lead and other metals in soil samples.
Researchers analyzed global gross primary productivity trends over 1982-2016, finding a 68% decrease across 68% of the terrestrial surface. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which has negative effects on plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
A study by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications aims to create personalized nutrition plans based on an individual's unique gut microbiome. The researchers used Illinois Computes to analyze metabolomic data and develop a database of metabolites that can help diagnose diseases more efficiently.
A new CU Boulder study found that residents of surviving homes in the area reported physical symptoms, including headaches and sore throats, attributed to poor air quality six months after the Marshall Fire. The study also found that hazardous gases lingered for weeks inside smoke- and ash-damaged homes.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that older adults today experience higher levels of physical and mental functioning than previous generations. Improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation over the past century are likely key factors contributing to these changes.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.