Researchers argue that reducing firearm portrayals in entertainment and challenging firearm-related beliefs can complement efforts to reduce firearm violence. A universal public health approach could challenge the perception of firearms as a safe means of self-protection.
Binghamton University researchers developed a sensor system called CoughNet, which detects coughs and identifies individuals. The system uses artificial intelligence and low-power technology, making it efficient and private, and can potentially analyze coughs for more context to detect specific diseases.
The CDC's John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program cultivates diverse future leaders in public health, addressing workforce shortages. The program has accepted over 2,000 students, with more than half enrolling in advanced degree programs and 45% working in public health roles.
A global survey of over 1,100 patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers found that 69% noticed a change in their health or someone they care for within a few months of plasma-derived medicine treatment, with 77% expressing gratitude to donors. The survey also revealed high confidence in plasma-derived medicines' safety and efficacy.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a new specialty code for Physician Nutrition Specialists, effective October 1, 2026. This code identifies physicians with advanced expertise in clinical nutrition and supports greater recognition of clinical nutrition as an area of specialized practice.
A new study finds that individuals with dementia who are overweight or obese tend to live longer than those in a normal weight range. The researchers suggest that nutrition may play a key role in the health and survival of people with dementia, pointing to potential benefits of excess weight in this context.
A new review outlines clinical, digital trial, and AI strategies to bring tai ji quan into routine fall-prevention care, reducing falls and improving mobility among older adults. The proposed three-pillar roadmap aims to close the evidence-to-practice gap, emphasizing human expertise and AI-enabled technologies.
Researchers at Semmelweis University found that childhood emotional and physical neglect are associated with repeated suicide attempts. Emotional neglect was the most common form of childhood trauma, and a higher degree of physical neglect was linked to a greater likelihood of repeated attempts.
A new study reveals that pharmacy closures are occurring disproportionately among communities with a majority of racial and ethnic minority residents. Predominantly White communities have more pharmacies per 10,000 people than neighborhoods with predominantly minority populations, leading to unequal access to healthcare services.
A study of over 5,500 adolescents found that those who took more daily steps had fewer mental health problems a year later. Higher step counts were associated with differences in brain areas linked to movement and mood, explaining the link between physical activity and mental health.
Exercise performed in hot environments improves aerobic performance, reduces resting and exercise core temperature, and increases sweat rate. Additionally, exercise-induced metabolic heat production promotes a degree of heat resilience even without environmental heat exposure.
A new study finds that high fasting glucose has surpassed tobacco use as the leading risk factor for pancreatic cancer in the US, while China faces a dual metabolic-tobacco burden. China recorded more absolute cases, but lower age-standardized rates, with a peak burden at ages 60-74.
A two-year field study found that soils amended with heat-treated poultry pellets and composted poultry litter supported longer survival of Escherichia coli compared to untreated soils. Weather conditions, such as humidity and wind speed, also played a significant role in bacterial survival.
Researchers found that lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and living environment contribute to faster biological ageing in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescent lifestyle and environmental exposures explained approximately 28% of the variation in biological age at the age of 22.
A study analyzing 2,928 Spanish-speaking participants found that machine-learning clocks based on speech can estimate chronological age and brain aging. The speech clock was associated with biological aging, cognitive health, cumulative burden, and dementia.
Researchers found that high-intensity walking programs led to greater improvements in frailty status compared to casual pace walking in older adults. The study, published in PLOS, suggests that high-intensity walking may be an effective way to reverse frailty in older adults.
A study by Javier I. Borráz-León and colleagues found that countries with more cats reported higher happiness, while those with higher Toxoplasma gondii prevalence reported lower happiness. The researchers suggest that economic factors, such as income and public health, may influence the relationship between cats and happiness.
A new study from IHME found that chewing tobacco use contributed to an estimated 251,000 deaths globally in 2023, with health loss concentrated in South Asia. Chewing tobacco use was more common among males than females, with significant variations by age and sex.
The Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center will continue to support research on air pollution, PFAS, and environmental health effects. The new grant will enable the center to expand its research programs and support junior investigators.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that children and teenagers with better cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of developing depression as adults. The research, which spanned over 30 years, examined the fitness of Australian children aged 7-15 and found that cardiorespiratory fitness was the strong...
A behavioral economics study of nearly 15,000 South Koreans over six years found that people are more likely to report suicidal ideation when their life is perceived to be getting worse relative to their recent past. The study's key findings suggest that loss aversion is a stronger predictor of suicide risk than life circumstances.
The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center, operating nurse-led clinics in West Palm Beach, has earned a federally funded FQHC designation, allowing it to strengthen services and reach more patients. The center provides care regardless of ability to pay and serves nearly 1 million people nationwide.
The first-ever EU Screening Week aims to detect risk factors earlier and prevent serious cardiometabolic diseases. Key health indicators like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol will be checked to take preventive action sooner.
A recent survey found that 31% of Americans believe RFK Jr. recommends measles vaccination for children, while 29% believe he does not. The public is evenly divided on the issue, with 40% unsure. The survey also found that most adults reject the link between vaccines and autism.
A survey of 561 NYC delivery workers found that over half were injured on the job, with 40% experiencing severe psychological distress. Workers reported long hours, bad weather, and violence, highlighting the need for improved labor protections and worker safety.
A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.
California's decision to add microplastics to its Candidate Chemicals List marks a significant step towards regulating plastic pollution. The move is part of the state's decade-long regulatory approach, which has also included banning plastic microbeads in cosmetics.
Researchers warn of the dangers of smart vaping devices that reward users with cryptocurrency, increasing addiction risk and undermining smoking cessation efforts. These devices, such as Puffpaw and Gudtrip, use gamification, artificial intelligence, and financial rewards to encourage continued use, making it harder for users to quit.
A new study evaluated the ethical properties of large language models (LLMs) in generating advice for urban design and health, finding that they avoid harm but lack consistency on community participation and human oversight. The study suggests that LLMs could serve as an initial input for urban designers, but should not replace profess...
Patients undergoing major surgery are at a higher risk of suboptimal recovery in urban heat islands, with Black patients and those in socially vulnerable communities hit hardest. Researchers recommend incorporating questions about home cooling and hydration into discharge planning to mitigate this risk.
A new study by Ateneo researchers explores the cost-effectiveness of AI-assisted chest radiograph interpretation in isolated and disadvantaged Filipino communities. The study finds that AI-assisted interpretation is estimated to be more cost-effective than manual interpretation, with a potential annual cost savings of Php 877,330. The ...
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that a small mismatch in kidney salt processing timing can cause blood pressure to remain elevated overnight. This effect is strongest in individuals with high salt intake and those who are sensitive to salt.
Participants with mild disabilities experienced a $1,177 annual reduction in care costs, compared to non-participants. Community gathering places promote social participation, exercise, and mutual support, contributing to healthy aging and mitigating long-term care costs.
State policies aimed at reducing discrimination and increasing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals are more effective among white adults in using HIV prevention measures, but their impact is weaker among Black and Latino populations. Practical steps to expand resources and community-based prevention services may be necessary to add...
Researchers tested DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes in university classes, showing a 61% reduction in particulate matter and minimal fan noise disruption. The low-cost, affordable alternative to commercial portable air purifiers can improve indoor air quality without disrupting the learning environment.
The IVM-KIDS project aims to address the evidence gap for ivermectin use in children under 15 kg, a population excluded from parasite control programs due to lack of safety evidence. The four-year initiative will conduct clinical research to determine the safety and efficacy of ivermectin in this age group.
Virtual reality may help patients with cancer experience less pain and anxiety in the short term, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The research found that VR was associated with reduced pain and anxiety in patients, with effects being more consistent among pediatric patients.
A new study found that exercise can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain across various conditions, with shorter-duration programs delivering greater pain reductions. Exercise was associated with substantial reductions in pain, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration of exercise.
A University of Arizona study found that one in three residents who drank contaminated water still report symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The researchers surveyed 363 people and found that 34% reported symptoms, including worry about contamination and sleeping badly.
Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that mothers with poor sleep quality in late pregnancy had babies with lower weight in the first 6 months of life, but higher weight after age 1-2 years. This effect was strongest in male infants and in babies born at term.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026
Researchers found strong initial protection from TB preventive treatment (TPT) in 24 countries, but long-term protection varied depending on TB disease burden. In high-burden settings, protection waned after just one year, while in low- and medium-burden settings, it lasted at least 8 and 13 years, respectively.
The guideline provides new research-based tools and practical strategies to help health system leaders, healthcare providers, and individuals reduce vaccination distress. It emphasizes choosing coping strategies before and/or during vaccination, framed around the CARD system, an evidence-based tool developed by several authors.
A physician-turned-patient, Dr. Wendy Harpham, shares her expertise on how clinicians' words can impact patient feelings and behavior. She advises doctors to be specific and compassionate, while patients should project confidence without being too honest, to maintain hope and appear competent.
A vaccine that could lower the risk of dementia by half for those at high risk has sparked interest among older adults, with nearly 3 in 4 expressing interest in receiving such a vaccine. The survey results highlight a growing interest in vaccines that may prevent or delay dementia, a major concern for aging populations.
The Semmelweis–Richter Journalism Award honored journalists for their work on abortion, climate change, and pharmaceutical innovation. Exporting Abortion, an international investigative journalism project, won first place in the
A new study reveals that public health officials are facing intense backlash, with 76% experiencing threats or harassment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers identified successful strategies, such as promoting civil discourse and building relationships with local businesses, that may reduce backlash.
The Lancet series brings arts and cultural engagement into mainstream global health, synthesizing evidence on the benefits of music, dance, and other cultural activities for mental and physical health. The series calls for equitable access to arts engagement, its inclusion in population-level prevention, and stronger community pathways.
The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior announces the 2026 Best Article, Best Research Brief, and GEM awards to recognize outstanding nutrition research and education. This year's award winners have made significant contributions to the field, including studies on nutrition security, school meal programs, and diabetes self-mana...
A Rutgers-led study of over 414,000 births in New Jersey found a substantially higher risk of infant mortality among infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms. Infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms had nearly three times the risk of death before the age of 1 compared to their counterparts.
The summit explores the intersection of AI, eye care, and public health, with a focus on artificial intelligence, oculomics, population health, and myopia management. The event brings together leaders from healthcare, technology, and optometry to discuss innovative approaches to improve eye health and expand access to care.
A survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that climate change is increasingly affecting Americans' daily lives, from electricity bills to outdoor activities and sleep. The survey also reveals that 76% of respondents report that extreme outdoor heat affected their daily activities at least sometimes in the past year.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 17, 2026
A national study finds that over half of US adults have experienced physical violence and nearly half have experienced sexual violence, with stark disparities in who experiences violence and its link to economic hardship, mental health, and substance use. The study highlights the need for a broader strategy to prevent violence, address...
A study by the University of California, Davis, estimates that each ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2025 costs $41 in lost productivity, with heat stress affecting workers in highly populated areas. The study lends strong support for a social cost of carbon value of $200, highlighting the need for climate policy analysis.
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 10 million adults in the US and 2 billion people worldwide, with up to 70% of cases missed among high-risk populations. ASH's new guidelines provide higher ferritin thresholds to help clinicians identify iron deficiency earlier and more accurately.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed a diagnostic platform that can identify the precise species of bacteria causing NTM lung disease infections within four hours. The platform, called CANDI, uses mucus from the lungs and other respiratory fluids to test for up to 15 clinically relevant species and subspecies of NTM bacteria.
Researchers are evaluating the health and economic consequences of subpar buprenorphine dosing among Medicaid-covered pregnant women to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Data suggest that up to 90% of pregnant women require higher doses of buprenorphine.
Researchers call for health-literate AI to design and govern AI-mediated health communication, ensuring people can understand what matters, make informed decisions, and know what to do next. The framework proposes four principles: comprehension, agency, accountability, and proportionality.
College students who engage with sports content online are no more likely to participate in real-world physical activity, according to a SeoulTech study. The research suggests that YouTube sports content could be improved to encourage viewers to engage in sustained physical activity with practical features.
Researchers found a strong link between daytime air pollution and nighttime coughing levels, even when pollution levels were below the WHO's recommended daily exposure limit. The dataset, which analyzed cough sounds from 32 cities in 12 countries, suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor to respiratory issues.