Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
A new study by researchers at Brown University found that greater race-day pollution is associated with slower average marathon finish times. Runners' efforts to optimize their performance should consider the effect of air pollution.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals a significant influence of home food environments on adolescent dietary patterns. Home food availability, particularly fruits and vegetables, promotes healthier eating habits, while neighborhood fast-food options negatively affect dietary quality.
A new UCL Institute of Health Equity report emphasizes the crucial role of housing in determining long-term health and longevity. It proposes a new way forward for the property sector and national governments to focus on health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability in home building and maintenance.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
Christopher Kassotis, a Wayne State University assistant professor of pharmacology, has been recognized for his outstanding work on endocrine disruption research. His research focuses on identifying and characterizing environmental chemicals that impact human and animal health.
A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
A large US study found a strong association between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of blood clots in deep veins, also known as venous thromboembolism. Participants with higher exposure to particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and nitrogen dioxide had a significantly increased risk of developing these conditions.
Researchers developed an optimized approach to pooled testing, reducing testing costs and time while maintaining accuracy. The study provides a new software package to aid health departments in implementing these protocols, enabling efficient detection and monitoring of infectious diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that long-term exposure to air pollution in India contributes to millions of deaths annually. The research highlights the need for stricter air quality regulations in the country.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
A new study reveals woodburning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the region, accounting for 25% of total PM2.5 mass. The experts recommend targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with woodburning activities, including raising public awareness and promoting cleaner alternatives.
A groundbreaking study found a strong connection between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of depression. Sulfur dioxide was identified as the most significant contributor, with fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide also linked to depressive symptoms.
Researchers found lower incidence rates of soft tissue sarcomas among young U.S. active-duty military servicemen compared to the general population, likely due to better health and early detection within the military health system. In contrast, middle-aged servicemen showed higher rates, possibly due to greater cumulative exposure to t...
Researchers at MIT have developed a class of biodegradable materials that can replace plastic beads used in some health and beauty products. The particles are shown to be effective in encapsulating essential nutrients such as vitamin A, which could help alleviate nutrient deficiencies in populations worldwide.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
A global study found that deforestation reduces the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets in controlling malaria. Bed net use was associated with up to 32% lower malaria rates in children, but only in areas where forests remained over 50% intact.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
Researchers measured seat acceleration and jerk on bus routes across Sydney, finding vibrations can cause discomfort and long-term health issues. The study suggests potential enhancements like better suspension systems and driver monitoring to improve ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
Researchers analyzed 81 common household items for chemical makeup and exposure risks. The study used advanced chromatography and machine learning methods to identify chemicals that could pose negative health effects, such as synthetic antioxidant BKF, when exposure reached a certain threshold.
Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
The study estimated that the total cost of chikungunya infections between 2011-20 was approximately US$49.9 billion, with chronic disease making up most of this total. The infection had a devastating impact on individuals and communities, causing widespread disability and economic loss.
Researchers observed microfiber plastics tumbling, rolling, and getting stuck in soil particles, revealing slow movement and potential trapping. The study improves understanding of exposure risks and possible health impacts of widespread plastic pollutants.
A new study finds that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure is associated with altered immune responses and increased inflammation in pregnant women, leading to adverse birth outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.
A new study suggests that addressing plastic pollution could play a critical role in lowering breast cancer rates. Researchers identified nearly half of the chemicals linked to breast cancer risk as being used in plastics, including 175 potential carcinogens that should be prioritized for regulatory action.
A new study found that exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 increases the risk of persistent long-COVID symptoms, which can last for months or even years after a COVID-19 infection. Vaccination was shown to reduce this risk.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a new method called Sensor-seq to identify small molecules in samples quickly and inexpensively. This can help detect pollutants and environmental toxins, improve first-response and emergency medicine, and enable at-home health monitoring.
China's carbon mitigation strategies aim to reduce deaths and diseases related to air pollution, such as PM2.5 and ozone, and mitigate climate-related health impacts.
New measures of neighborhood socioeconomic factors provide critical tools for studying social determinants of health in spinal cord injury research. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how environment influences health and recovery after spinal cord injury.
A UC Riverside study found that probiotic supplementation can reduce the negative impacts of PBDEs on neurodevelopment, behavior, and metabolism in mouse offspring. The researchers discovered that LR treatment helped normalize body weight gain and tooth eruption timing, as well as improved glucose metabolism and insulin levels.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new method to break down PFAS, a group of human-made 'forever' chemicals. The system uses an LED light-based photocatalytic approach that can be used at room temperature, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution than traditional chemical manufacturing processes.
Researchers from Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche found that bisphenol analogs BPF and BPS, marketed as safer alternatives to BPA, accumulate in biological membranes and disrupt endocrine function. The study suggests these compounds pose health risks similar to those of BPA.
Researchers at Emory University are investigating how specific types of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing biological responses to air pollution, they aim to identify potential intervention and prevention strategies.
The Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) at USC aims to accelerate environmental health research and find practical solutions. CTER investigates how different exposures impact health across populations using population studies, lab experiments, and community engagement.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a significant association between climate change and ocular surface eye conditions, particularly when particulate matter from air pollution was prevalent. The researchers discovered that clinical visits for ocular surface irritation and conjunctivitis more than d...