Articles tagged with Public Health
A new study links even moderate drinking to elevated risks of chronic diseases and premature death. The research provides a much-needed benchmark with findings that one drink per day above the daily limit increases the risk of death, disability, and chronic diseases.
A study of 4,967 community-dwelling adults aged 60+ found that being female, polypharmacy, and unintentional weight loss are associated with fragility fractures. Physical activity was not significantly linked to either fractures or falls, contradicting previous debate.
A new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies has been shown to be safe and induce immune responses against both viruses. The vaccine could potentially streamline delivery in settings where access is limited, reducing the need for separate vaccination efforts.
Researchers developed a mathematical formula to estimate microplastic mass and size concentrations from limited data, enabling more efficient surveys. The new approach allows for the estimation of small microplastics often overlooked in field surveys, which can help track pollution sources and trends.
A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.
A new study found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against HPV, but no more than standard written public health materials. Additionally, the effects of the chatbots did not last longer than those of government health materials.
A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.
A new study found that rural patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to be referred for evaluation than urban patients, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Rural patients had a 25% lower odds of receiving a referral compared to urban patients.
A study analyzing French and Swedish national health databases reveals a rise in Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases' prevalence worldwide. Improved life expectancy and therapies contribute to the increase in multiple sclerosis cases, while population aging is the primary driver of ALS rising incidence.
A study analyzing nearly 2,000 human infections with Shiga-producing E. coli found increasing resistance to antibiotics, particularly for tetracycline and sulfisoxazole. The researchers propose a 'One Health' approach to address the issue, focusing on antibiotic stewardship in agriculture, food safety, and environmental controls.
A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
A large Japanese study found that maintaining a healthier profile with lower lifestyle and health risks can significantly lower dementia risk in people with one or no APOE ε4 alleles. However, individuals carrying two APOE ε4 alleles may require different preventive or therapeutic approaches.
The DIVINE cohort database contains clinical information from 5,813 COVID-19 patients, including characteristics, risk factors, treatments, and outcomes. The data can be used to study disease progression, identify associated factors, and validate predictive models.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal RSV vaccination reduces hospitalization risk in young infants by nearly 70%. The vaccine also showed effectiveness against severe lung infections caused by the virus.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that eight different skills in football are unrelated and require separate practice. The research involved 23 semi-professional players who underwent technical exercises to measure their skills in areas such as dribbling, passing, and shooting.
A study by researchers at Science Tokyo found that non-structural disaster measures in Macau significantly improved coastal resilience and reduced storm-surge impacts. The city's emphasis on evacuation guidance, communication, monitoring systems, and public awareness helped build trust and reduce disaster impacts.
A new study found that safe firearm storage can minimize children's exposure to lead, an environmental toxin. In homes where firearms are not stored or locked, dust lead levels are higher and blood lead levels in children increase by up to 20%.
The Phase III FIND-CKD trial found that finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline and reduced the risk of cardiovascular-kidney outcomes in adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Finerenone also demonstrated a consistent effect across prespecified subgroups, supporting its broad applicability in these patients.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that major health events increase the risk of housing instability and homelessness among Medicaid enrollees, with 21-35% rise in residential moves and 6-10% increase in homelessness risk. The study suggests that improving healthcare access and quality can also s...
The study found that participants in the 'Healthy Living' online program experienced moderate improvements in their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). The program was designed to support self-management of type 2 diabetes and showed promising results in England.
Tobacco companies applied business strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods worldwide. The research found that these companies expanded rapidly into international markets, holding leading market shares in multiple regions.
A new study found that demand for abortion and miscarriage hotlines increased by double digits before the Dobbs decision, with states later enacting abortion bans seeing a significant surge. The hotline saw a 210% spike in use from June 2022 to June 2023.
A University of Mississippi-led study reveals counties in the US Deep South with high HIV rates and limited access to prevention tools. Public health leaders can use a prevention gap index to identify areas for targeted intervention and allocate resources effectively.
The latest publication from Wroclaw Medical University reveals that gastrointestinal health is influenced by culture, social relationships, economic status, and individual functioning within society. Chronic stress disrupts communication between the brain and gut, leading to increased symptom severity and reduced quality of life.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.
Journalists from eligible European countries can submit entries in two categories: Women’s Health and Pharmaceutical Strategies. The total prize fund is €45,000, with €10,000 awarded to the first prize winner.
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Researchers found that 66.6% of gene expression changes are linked to e-cigarette flavor and device type, while only 28.8% relate to vaping frequency or amount. The study suggests that each flavor has unique biological effects.
The journal is seeking articles that explore the transformative power of digital tools to improve safety and health outcomes in occupational settings. Submissions focus on applying mHealth, wearable sensors, and real-time analytics to monitor physical hazards and reduce ergonomic strain.
The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers analyzed tumor samples from over a thousand patients and found that TP53 gene mutations can worsen prognosis and reduce effectiveness of targeted therapies. The study suggests incorporating genetic testing into public health services to guide personalized treatment choices.
The Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) aims to address gaps in infection prevention expertise and support evidence-based practices. HIPAG will provide national expertise on antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious disease threats, and frontline healthcare operations.
A new study finds herbal cigarettes can be as damaging as tobacco cigarettes, emitting comparable or even more harmful emissions. Fine particles and oxidative potential were measured, revealing a significant risk to cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Overusing adult skincare products during adolescence can lead to dry skin, irritation, and painful allergic reactions. Young skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to active ingredients than adult skin, making it essential to use gentle, moderate care with reliable preparations.
A study published in Nutrients found associations between high homocysteine levels and fatigue-related outcomes, including physical fatigue in men and decreased motivation in women. Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 and folate is essential to prevent homocysteine level increases.
A recent study from UT San Antonio reveals that low-cost on-the-job training for frontline health workers can significantly reduce medical supply shortages, resulting in a 30% reduction in stock-outs. This training has the potential to save thousands of lives globally by preventing unintended pregnancies and maternal and newborn deaths.
In a cross-sectional study of ambulatory visits, digital after visit summary engagement was found to increase but remained low, especially among unmarried males, non-English-speaking populations, and publicly insured populations. This inefficiency highlights the need to reevaluate postvisit communication in these groups.
Researchers analyzed data from the HEALing Communities Study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing opioid overdose and non-overdose deaths. They found that a combined strategy of improving treatment initiation, retention, and naloxone distribution could reduce opioid overdose deaths by 15-40% ...
Researchers found that repeated vaping can create harmful byproducts in high-puff electronic cigarettes, including methylglyoxal and glyoxal, which are associated with significant cell damage. The study suggests that users of heavily used devices may inhale higher levels of these compounds than those using fresh devices.
GLP-1 RAs improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, enhance autophagy, and attenuate inflammaging. They affect all 12 hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, insulin resistance, and dysbiosis.
The American Cancer Society has endorsed two new types of stool tests and recommends limiting the use of blood tests for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines aim to encourage people to get screened while improving detection rates.
Research using EEG reveals that caffeine can reduce slow-wave activity and shift brain patterns towards wakefulness, even if sleep duration appears normal. This can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue and poorer sleep quality, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to caffeine consumption.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that approximately 16% of patients with COVID-19 developed long COVID, translating to over 18 million Americans. The study used a novel AI algorithm to identify cases undetected by existing diagnostic systems.
Researchers propose a new conceptual framework called Health Elements, which integrates technological factors alongside traditional domains as core drivers of health. The framework highlights the increasingly important role of digital infrastructures in shaping health behaviors and outcomes.
A new study reveals that most American adults view hazing as harmful, but those who tolerate it also tend to minimize sexual violence. Researchers found that tolerance for hazing varies across groups, including those who have experienced hazing and parental status.
Research suggests that early nutrition, education, and physical activity interventions during pregnancy can lead to optimal gestational weight gain. Women who received multiple micronutrient supplements were more likely to achieve healthy weight gain, while education and culturally tailored counseling also played a crucial role.
A proposed 'polluter pays' tobacco levy scheme could raise billions in tax revenue and prevent thousands of hospital admissions. The UK could generate £1-£4.9 billion over five years, depending on the level of price cap and implementation speed.
The Lancet Commission, led by Professor Paul Franks, aims to design health systems that work for everyone, not just the average model. The commission will explore how stratified approaches can improve cost-effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries.
A Boston University researcher found that most hikers and trail runners are not carrying the necessary emergency gear, despite being in remote areas. The study suggests targeted educational outreach can help alleviate this problem and recommends more awareness about preparedness.
A study using real-time data from the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake response found that unclear tasks, command structures, and lack of meal and rest breaks significantly contributed to self-reported fatigue among disaster responders. Fatigue can compromise decision-making, lead to poor care outcomes, and affect public safety.
Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.
A new Ohio State University study aims to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk among young women. The study uses targeted messages to educate participants about the risks and encourage reduced drinking habits.
Researchers found that treating woodland trails with woodchips and insecticide significantly reduced the density of blacklegged ticks, a primary vector of Lyme disease. The study demonstrated that both deltamethrin-treated and untreated woodchip interventions can effectively reduce tick populations in recreational contexts.
The University of Texas System has invested over $470 million in capital projects supporting UT San Antonio's growth as a top public research university. These investments span research, innovation, infrastructure, technology, and patient care, with a focus on expanding the university's research capabilities and technology infrastructure.
Decades of research on UK birth cohorts suggest a 'generational health drift' where more recent generations experience poor health earlier in life, particularly obesity and mental ill health. This trend is driven by worsening social and environmental exposures rather than improvements in healthcare.
A study found that universal free school meals can decrease out-of-school suspensions by 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools. This impact was more pronounced in schools with fewer eligible students before implementing the policies.
The editorial highlights the growing importance of public health interventions to extend healthspan alongside lifespan. Key findings include the need for integrated strategies addressing environmental, metabolic, social, and behavioral exposures that accelerate biological aging and increase vulnerability to chronic disease. The authors...
A new study found that nearly 8 in 10 college students with psychosis needed mental health support, but only 4 in 10 received the recommended combination of therapy and antipsychotic medication. This indicates potential barriers to accessing care, including stigma.