Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute create computer models of proteins to integrate them into dry substances like plastic. This development could lead to new applications in the security and medical industries, such as ultra-hygienic surfaces and chemical sensors.
A family history of asthma is a consistent risk factor for childhood asthma, but only partially identifies children at increased risk. Despite this, knowledge of the risk can motivate parents and healthcare providers to take proactive steps in prevention.
Researchers analyzed debris from the collapsed towers and found no high levels of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls or other persistent organic pollutants. The study estimated that 100-1000 tons of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were present in lower Manhattan dust, but these particles were too large to be inhaled deeply.
The Global Health Research Initiative Program for New Foreign Investigators (GRIP) provides support to young researchers from developing countries. The program aims to enhance scientific research capacity and address critical global health issues, including AIDS, cancer, and neurological disorders.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that environmental enrichment can reverse cognitive deficits caused by lead poisoning in rats. The researchers observed significant improvements in learning ability and a recovery in brain receptor function among lead-exposed rats raised in enriched environments.
The Center will develop the environmental public health tracking network with the CDC, linking environmental protection efforts to public health surveillance. The initiative aims to track exposures to environmental hazards and develop sound policies to prevent disease.
Researchers found that depression is influenced by additive genetic effects on temperament dimensions, which interact with individual environmental experiences. People predisposed to harm avoidance or high reward dependence are more likely to develop depression.
The HEED program aims to bridge disciplinary interests in global health, economics, and environment. It will support research on the complex linkages between these factors and inform healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
A study found that White Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption rose by 11 percent when a supermarket was nearby, whereas black Americans showed a smaller increase. The research highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits.
A $3.3 million NIH-funded grant will test whether changing the afternoon environment can increase physical activity, improve diets, and reduce body fat in third-graders.
A University of Pittsburgh study found no overall increase in cancer deaths among TMI residents between 1979 and 1998. However, a slight increase in lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers was observed in women, related to everyday background radiation exposure.
Researchers have developed computer models to predict the effects of atomic disorder on piezoelectric properties, leading to improved performance. The work paves the way for designing lead-free piezoelectric materials with enhanced properties.
Researchers from the Pittsburgh Development Center are conducting clinical and pre-clinical studies to investigate genetic components of recurrent miscarriage, normal and abnormal pregnancy, and tobacco smoke exposure's impact on fetal growth. The team aims to track development at the cellular level using non-invasive imaging scans.
Research reveals that people near freeways are exposed to 30 times more ultrafine particles, linked to neurological changes and cardiovascular problems. The study measured particle concentrations near two major freeways in Los Angeles, finding a significant decrease in particle concentration with distance from the freeway.
Unemployment can start a vicious cycle of depression, loss of personal control, decreased emotional functioning, and poorer physical health. After re-employment, 71% of job seekers still reported negative effects, highlighting the need for mental health support to improve re-employment chances.
Researchers have developed several low-cost environmental interventions to reduce noise in nursing homes, resulting in a 16-fold reduction in noise levels. These interventions include sound-absorbing panels, reducing TV noise by moving speakers to bed headboards, and experimenting with tiny speakers embedded in bed pillows.
A recent study has identified a rare gene variant, ADH2*2, as a protective factor against alcohol dependence in Jewish individuals. Those with the variant gene tend to drink less frequently and experience more unpleasant reactions to alcohol.
Emory University will lead a new center studying the relationship between environmental agents and Parkinson's disease, with research focusing on pesticides, organochlorine insecticides, and genetic causes of PD. The center aims to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
Cleanup workers at Ground Zero reported widespread respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, after working on the site. Lung function results showed no extensive impairment among workers, but long-term health risks remain unknown due to potential exposure to other airborne contaminants.
The report highlights deficiencies in protecting rescue and other workers, resulting in unnecessary injuries, particularly to eyes and lungs. Improvements recommended include providing emergency response personnel with appropriate protective gear and developing safety regulations tailored to large terrorist events.
The new Center for Dietary Supplement Research at the University of Iowa will investigate the health benefits and safety of Echinacea and St. John's wort. This research aims to advance knowledge on botanicals, including their effectiveness, safety, and biological action.
A study of over 1,000 passengers flying between San Francisco and Denver found that recirculated cabin air did not cause more colds than fresh air. The researchers suggest that being on a plane packed with people may be the primary factor in transmission of colds.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with older homes in urban areas have sidewalks, denser street networks, and mix of business and residential uses, which encourages walking. Men and non-Hispanic whites were more likely than women and other racial groups to walk at least a mile 20 times a month.
A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that a worksite program combining smoking cessation with occupational health and safety initiatives significantly increased quit rates among blue-collar workers. The program's success suggests that similar approaches could be effective in other industries.
A study found that sisters of centenarians have about half the risk of dying at any given age compared to the national average. Brothers of centenarians also exhibit low mortality rates, especially during young adulthood, increasing their chances of becoming centenarians.
The IU Pediatrics Training Program, funded by a $2.5 million Anne E. Dyson Foundation grant, focuses on patient advocacy and community-based care. Pediatric residents will work with families served by organizations such as the Hispanic Education Center and Julian Center to improve their health outcomes.
Researchers found that cocaine elevates body temperature by impairing the body's ability to increase skin-blood flow, sweat, and perceive excessive heat stress. Cocaine abuse in hot temperatures increases the risk of serious heat-related injuries, including heat stroke and death.
Researchers discovered the brain region responsible for pattern perception, which helps humans recognize danger but also leads to superstitions. The prefrontal cortex processes information about the environment, preparing the organism to change behavior in response to patterns.
A study found that elderly patients' sense of caring, technical proficiency, and office environment are key factors in meeting their medical care expectations. Physicians who connect personally with patients, spend time with them, and demonstrate competence can earn high marks for caring.
Researchers argue that policies improving education and equalizing resources can have significant health benefits and cost savings. Experts also suggest a broader approach to addressing socioeconomic disparities in health by considering multiple determinants and promoting cross-cutting policy initiatives.
A study analyzing satellite images of the 1999 hurricane flood area found that over 200 NC livestock operations were flooded, contaminating wells and posing a risk to local residents. The research highlights the need for improved monitoring and regulation of industrial animal farms in flood-prone areas.
A comprehensive study found that both prenatal and postnatal lead exposure were associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. The researchers followed inner-city adolescents for over two decades, tracking blood lead levels and documenting delinquent behavior.
Research suggests that chronic alcohol consumption leads to long-lasting brain changes that promote relapse. Stressful cues and environmental triggers also contribute to relapse drinking. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective treatments, such as medications and behavioral therapies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that men with higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were more likely to father boys. Researchers analyzed data from 208 children born to 101 families, where PCB levels were detectable in both fathers and mothers.
Research found that regular alcohol intake higher than 70 grams per week is associated with increased total serum IgE levels. Moderate drinking may also lead to abnormal immune responses, affecting the control of the immune system's response to allergens.
Case studies illustrate how special-interest groups influence policies on needle exchange programs, ergonomics, and mammograms. The authors suggest that institutions must address vested interests to ensure the appropriate use of scientific evidence.
The new guidelines aim to support Starbucks' commitment to environmentally and socially responsible coffee production. The program rewards suppliers who meet key standards in four categories: quality, social conditions, environmental concerns, and economic issues.
A study of 27,541 full-time staff in Finland found that workers do not typically extend the weekend by taking sick leave on Mondays and Fridays. Despite the widespread assumption that these days are common absences due to illness, the research reveals that Monday and Friday absences were actually lower than other days of the week.
Researchers developed a simple risk index using age, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure to predict mortality risk in STEMI patients. The index revealed a strong and independent predictor of mortality risk, with a 20-fold gradient of increasing mortality.
A study of 60 older women found that those who were physically active reported higher quality of life and better physical health. The research revealed that even those living in assisted care facilities benefited from increased activity levels.
Researchers aim to identify genetic differences that make people more susceptible to environmental hazards, with a focus on cancer development and birth defects. The consortium will use genomic approaches to monitor gene expression and predict individual risk based on genetic profile and environmental exposures.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that iron-deficient children have significantly higher blood lead levels than those with normal iron levels. The researchers, led by Asa Bradman, tested blood samples from 319 Sacramento-area children and found an average blood lead level of 5.6 micrograms per deciliter in ir...
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $4 million to develop a statewide public health system capable of responding to bioterrorism threats. The project aims to create a surveillance system that can detect and track both naturally occurring infectious diseases and potential bioterrorist attacks.
A recent study has found that shift workers are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, with the risk increasing with the number of night shifts worked. The study measured changes in premature ventricular complexes and heart rate variability among employees working day and night shifts.
A study of over 1200 Canadian manual workers found that moderate occupational solvent exposure was associated with a significant increase in low sperm counts. Painters, decorators, and builders were at the highest risk, while glycol ethers are suspected to be hazardous to male fertility
A study of over 300 employees found that workplace passive smoking significantly adversely affected lung function, with a 5-10% reduction in lung function at the highest levels of exposure. Non-smokers exposed to passive smoke at home or in public places showed no similar decline.
Researchers found that encasing pillows and mattresses with allergen-proof covers, washing bedding weekly, and vacuuming carpets reduced dust mite allergen concentrations. Dry steam cleaning also lowered allergen levels in upholstered furniture.
A study of 44 North Carolina farmworkers found that 65 occurrences of green tobacco sickness, including nausea and dizziness, were reported over a 10-week period. The researchers believe the actual prevalence may be higher due to non-participating workers.
A new study reveals that exposure to pesticides and solvents in men is associated with lower sperm threshold values and changes in hormone concentrations, particularly affecting primary infertility. The research highlights the potential impact of environmental factors on male reproductive health.
A study reformulates a common anti-depressive medication of the nineteenth century, revealing that it would have delivered a daily dose of mercury exceeding current safety standards. Mercury poisoning may have explained Lincoln's neurological symptoms, including insomnia and rage attacks, but also contributed to his famous composure.
New research reveals that introverted firefighters are more likely to experience higher injury rates due to reluctance to call for assistance. The study also found that ignoring safety rules can lead to severe injuries and delayed recovery from work-related injuries, especially for married female firefighters. Additionally, chronic noi...
A recent study published in The Lancet found a link between DDT use in the US and an increase in premature births in the 1960s. Researchers analyzed stored blood serum from thousands of mothers, revealing elevated levels of DDT's breakdown product, DDE, in mothers of pre-term infants.
A study of over 44,000 children found a significant link between DDT exposure and preterm birth. Higher maternal DDE concentrations were associated with an increased risk of preterm births and babies born small for gestational age.
A new syndrome, Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS), is being linked to declining male fertility rates, testicular cancer, and reproductive issues in men. TDS may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, resulting in maldeveloped testes and a range of symptoms including undescended testicles, hypospadias, and poor semen quality.
A study of 84 Australian children with asthma found that family environment plays a significant role in their experience. Children from stable families with defined roles, rules, and emotional support were less distressed by symptoms.
A large cohort study found that pregnancy complications such as low birthweight, preterm delivery, and pre-eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of maternal ischaemic heart disease. Women who experienced these complications were more likely to be hospitalized or die from IHD.
Researchers found a significant association between chronic respiratory disease and periodontal disease in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Poor oral health worsens respiratory function and may increase risk of serious lower-respiratory-tract infections.
Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are at increased risk for asthma and wheezing, with effects strongest among youngest children. Exposure also associated with school absences and low lung function in older kids, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking exposure through home and public restrictions.
The NIH and NIOSH are collaborating on a $33 million, five-year study to investigate how social and physical environmental factors impact the health of racial and ethnic minorities. The research aims to understand the underlying causes of disparities in health outcomes.
A study confirms that preventive occupational therapy can aid older persons in staying healthier and more independent. The research found that participants who received individualized treatment by an occupational therapist sustained 90% of therapeutic improvements after six months of non-intervention.