Research on how the environment affects human health. Covers pollutant exposure, toxic metals, waterborne illness, heat, and wastewater surveillance.
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...
A new study by Silent Spring Institute has identified multiple chemical exposures in firefighters that increase their risk of developing breast cancer. The research found 12 hazardous substances, including benzene and flame retardants, that put female firefighters at increased risk for the disease.
Researchers found that a chlorine-cocoa butter mixture can effectively treat diseased corals, reducing tissue loss and environmental harm. The alternative approach offers a cheaper, biodegradable solution to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that air pollution exposure may be associated with an increased risk of eczema. Data from hundreds of thousands of U.S. adults found that every 10-µm/m3 increase in PM2.5 levels doubles the eczema rate among residents.
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
A new study by Brown University researchers found that using personal care products during pregnancy is associated with higher concentrations of PFAS in blood plasma and breast milk. The study suggests that people concerned about their exposure may benefit from cutting back on these products.
The new CAMP 2.0 tool provides personalized medicine for managing allergic contact dermatitis by generating safe lists based on individual patch testing results. It offers thousands of product options and interactive tools to help patients find safe products, track their quality of life, and understand their allergens.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports correlates higher levels of pollutant particulate matter with increased occurrences of head and neck aerodigestive cancer. The research found a significant association between exposure to PM2.5 and the incidence of head and neck cancer, shedding light on the environmental factor contributi...
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that community health workers can effectively coordinate asthma care between homes, schools, and primary care providers. This approach showed a statistically significant benefit in improving asthma control for children.
A new study found that artificial light significantly disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees, leading to impaired behaviors and reduced sleep periods. This poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators, supporting ecosystem stability and global food security.
Researchers found that exposure to temperatures of 100°F (38°C) or higher may triple atrial fibrillation episodes in people with implanted defibrillators. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing heat-induced stress and taking precautions to stay cool and hydrated, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers at WVU are developing a hybrid of silver and carbon nanotubes to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections in open bone fractures. The study aims to create a safe and effective antimicrobial material that can be used on various medical products.
A preliminary study found that neighborhoods previously subjected to redlining had higher rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors due to reduced access to healthy foods. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 U.S. Census tracts across 38 states, controlling for population size.
A new study found that obesity-related heart disease deaths increased by 180% in the US over two decades, with significant disparities among middle-aged men, Black adults, and residents of Midwestern states. The analysis also revealed unexpected patterns, such as Vermont having the highest death rate for obesity-related CVD deaths.
The University of Washington School of Medicine has released a flagship AI-ready dataset for a type 2 diabetes study, featuring a diverse range of participants and novel measures. The dataset includes environmental sensor data, survey responses, eye-imaging scans, and traditional biologic variables.
Researchers at University of Leicester developed a comprehensive fungal spore calendar to help patients manage symptoms through seasonal awareness. The study found two main peaks in spore concentrations: one in the summer and smaller peak in autumn, influenced by temperature and rainfall.
A new study suggests that quieter zoo experiences can enhance visitors' understanding of animals and their habitats. By promoting silence, zoos can offer a more enriching experience for humans and non-human residents alike, while also restoring their original purpose as quiet spaces for contemplation.
A study by Texas A&M University has revealed high levels of lead, barium, and chromium in soil samples from the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The findings highlight the need for environmental protection programs to address health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
The University of Birmingham and DEFRA's Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee have published new recommendations for improving chemical testing. The report suggests that the UK can adopt a risk-based approach to regulation, using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), to reduce animal testing and improve safety assessments.
A nationwide coyote survey reveals that human hunting practices may increase, rather than reduce, local coyote numbers. Coyotes are found to be most abundant in grasslands and agricultural landscapes.
Research from an interdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech has shown that sewage surveillance is more efficient and comprehensive than testing individuals in detecting antimicrobial resistance. The study revealed significant correlations between antibiotic resistance genes and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need to address thes...
Research found that iron oxide nanoparticles reduce the lifespan, longevity, and reproductive ability of Enchytraeus crypticus in a 202-day study. Population density may influence nanoparticle toxicity, with lower-density groups experiencing greater harm.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Researchers call for a phase-out of lead by 2035 due to its health and economic costs, with a focus on reducing exposure in marginalized communities. Alternative technologies like lithium-ion batteries hold promise for replacing lead-acid batteries, but accessibility remains a challenge.
A new study published in Science Advances found that the Arctic Ocean has seen a sharp rise in legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decades after global regulations were put in place. POPs, which are toxic and bioaccumulative, pose potential dangers to animals and people in the fragile ecosystem's food web.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
Upgrading home insulation can lower medical bills and extend healthy lives by reducing blood pressure and CVD risk. Simulations showed that upgrading or retrofitting insulation is cost-effective for many homeowners, with significant health benefits justifying the costs.
A USC study found that children living closest to the Salton Sea experience more respiratory issues due to airborne dust, triggering asthma, coughing, and disrupted sleep. The study also suggests that dust events have a greater impact on wheezing and sleep disturbances among children in these areas.
A new study from Virginia Tech shows large language models can assess human-made environments using street-view images, similar to traditional methods. LLM-based performance offers a more accessible tool for users in small to medium-sized cities, making it easier to manage smart urban infrastructure.
David Abraham, Rice University lecturer and research scientist, was honored for his work in fostering sustainable urban development and climate resilience. He launched Houston's first community resilience portal and directed a flood resilience plan after Hurricane Harvey, showcasing his commitment to building resilient communities.
A study led by WVU epidemiologist Bethany Barone Gibbs found that alternating sitting and standing at work reduces sedentary behavior but has no effect on lowering blood pressure. Prolonged static standing may even have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to a physiological mechanism called the muscle pump.
Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2019 and found that Mondays and New Year's Day were universally correlated with elevated suicide risk. In contrast, weekends and other public holidays varied by region, highlighting the importance of recognizing temporal fluctuations in risk for preventive actions.
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
A UTEP student has developed an innovative method to desalinate water, which converts over 90% of salt water to fresh water. The new technique, called salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salt from water.
A new open-access database, LitChemPlast, has compiled over 3,500 substances measured in plastic products across 47,000 samples. The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps, including contamination of recycled plastics with hazardous substances and limited regional coverage in low- and middle-income countries.
A new £5.5 million research unit will strengthen existing UK systems to measure environmental exposures and understand how they affect the body. The Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Threats and Hazards aims to develop new technologies to detect chemicals in emergency situations.
A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
A groundbreaking study introduces a novel mass spectrometry imaging approach to detect and quantify microplastics in biological samples, offering critical insights into their distribution and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. The technique provides high-resolution spatial analysis of microplastic chemical compositions w...
A new commentary found that power plants' use of air pollution control devices (APCDs) saved up to 9,100 lives and up to $100 billion in health costs in 2023. The researchers estimated that APCD use could plummet and severely jeopardize the health of the public if Project 2025 or the America First Agenda is enacted.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using a wearable device called LittleBeats to collect data on infant behavior in real-world settings. The first grant focuses on infant-parent interactions and emotional regulation, while the second grant explores infant sleep/wake patterns and health outcomes.
A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A new study found that exposure to higher levels of air pollution as a baby is associated with increased odds of developing a peanut allergy and having it persist throughout childhood. Policies aimed at tackling poor air quality could potentially reduce the development and persistence of peanut allergies, according to researchers.
A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that nearly half of African pupils with asthma symptoms have undiagnosed cases, highlighting the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment. The research found that only a small percentage of diagnosed pupils were using medication effectively.
Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.
A UFZ study found that individual chemicals can have additive effects on human health when combined with other chemicals, leading to increased neurotoxicity. The research analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found that even low concentrations of chemicals could cause adverse effects on nerve-like cells.
Older adults exposed to extreme indoor heat showed small reductions in end-exposure core temperature and heart rate when using electric fans. However, these changes were of questionable clinical importance and did not exceed previous suggestions for significance.
A new study discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in tap and bottled water from around the world, with 99% of samples containing PFOA and PFOS. Treatment methods such as boiling and activated carbon filtration can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations, with removal rates ranging from 50-90%.
A new work plan will facilitate joint funding of research projects in areas like Cultures, Agri-food, Technology, and Health. The first joint call for proposals is scheduled for April 2025.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds significant improvement in air quality in NYC from 1998-2021 due to enacted policies. The research also highlights a cumulative beneficial effect on residents disproportionately affected by air pollution.