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USC study shows persistent organic pollutants are associated with higher blood pressure in teenagers after weight loss surgery

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 17, 2025

USC study shows proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density over time

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 13, 2025

Princeton-led study highlights widespread health co-benefits from all-of-society clean energy actions in the US

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.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2025

Advancing biomedical breakthroughs: Science in One Health study draws insights from wild animals

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.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalScience in One Health·TypeNews article·DateMar 12, 2025

High temperatures could affect brain function in preadolescents

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.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

School of Public Health researchers receive National Academies grant to assess environmental conditions in two Houston neighborhoods

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.

Hidden in plain sight: the chemical burden of personal care products

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2025

Prenatal maternal stressors linked to higher blood pressure during first year after birth, study shows

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalHypertension·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

New research sheds light on breastfeeding barriers in rural communities

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Obstetric Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2025

Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

Health departments need to play catch-up to the private sector: workforce is underpaid and may be less prepared for crises

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMar 3, 2025

Vehicular emissions cause 342 premature deaths each year in greater Boston

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2025

Beyond the burn: Harvesting dead wood to reduce wildfires and store carbon

A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Study highlights successes of Virginia’s oyster restoration efforts

A study led by Alexandria Marquardt suggests that Virginia's oyster restoration practices are effective in increasing fishery sustainability and supporting local economies. The research shows that shell replenishment activities, combined with rotational harvests, result in improved reef structure and increased commercial harvests.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateFeb 21, 2025

Companies quietly switching out toxic product ingredients in response to California law

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.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Rice-BCM research enables detection of hazardous chemicals in human placenta with unprecedented speed and precision

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities

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...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2025

Air pollution clouds the mind and makes everyday tasks challenging

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

Groundbreaking studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to CVD and chronic health issues; psychosocial conditions more than 50 years later

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2025

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

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.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Severe weather and major power outages increasingly coincide across the US

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025