Articles tagged with Public Health
The BA.2.86 Omicron strain was found to have emerged with a high number of genetic mutations in its spike protein, but failed to become a dominant strain. Its sporadic global detection has raised questions about the possibility of laboratory involvement in its emergence.
A recent study published by Fujita Health University found that poor oral health can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The researchers examined 118 individuals aged 50 or above and found significant links between oral function test results and blood test results.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health explores Somali women's perspectives on FGM/C and efforts to support its abandonment. The research found that many participants supported the abandonment of 'pharaonic' FGM/C due to its harms, but some continued to support 'gudniinka sunnah', citing cultural and religious reasons.
A recent analysis of 16 years of data on Japanese adults reveals a strong association between socioeconomic status and the incidence of five common cancers. Communities with low employment rates or low incomes show higher cancer rates compared to those with higher socioeconomic status.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
Compound heat-humidity extremes in eastern China are lasting longer than ever before, significantly increasing health risks for the elderly and young children. The study found that the active season has expanded, especially in South China, leading to a major public health crisis as China's population ages.
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has announced that NUTRITION 2026 will be held in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, DC. The meeting will showcase the latest developments in nutrition science and feature top experts in the field. Abstract submissions open this fall, and award nominations will also be accepted.
A new study found that 4 in 5 adults in the US report some level of loneliness, strongly correlated with poor mental health days and physical health days. Women and Black individuals experienced higher rates of depression and poor mental health days than men and White individuals, respectively.
Diphtheria is still being reported in Europe, with cases higher than before 2020, affecting vulnerable populations like homeless individuals, migrants, and those who use or inject drugs. ECDC recommends tailored public health response measures to protect these groups.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that US children's health is declining across multiple measurements. Chronic illnesses, physical and mental health conditions, and increased mortality rates were observed compared to other high-income nations.
A recent multinational study found that people diagnosed with dementia are living longer due to advancements in diagnosis and care. The study of over 1.2 million individuals across eight regions revealed a lower risk of death in five regions, primarily attributed to improved prevention and treatment methods.
A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group analyzed data from over 17,000 community water systems and found that treating multiple contaminants simultaneously can prevent tens of thousands of cancer cases. The study highlights the benefits of a multi-contaminant approach to drinking water treatment.
Over 17 years, US children's health has worsened significantly across various domains including mortality rates, prevalence of chronic conditions, and rising obesity levels. The study highlights the urgent need to address the underlying causes driving this decline in the nation's health.
A landmark survey of over 5,000 Californians reveals significant gaps in knowledge about cannabis use and its impacts. The study found that many users seek symptom relief, while few consult their doctors for advice on safe use practices.
Studies reveal that people in western and northeastern states, as well as Democrats, are more likely to use the 988 lifeline. Over 10% of calls came from veterans, highlighting a key demographic for targeted communication campaigns.
The study proposes a modified ResUNet approach for automated liver segmentation from CT images, achieving high precision and accuracy. The model outperforms traditional methods, demonstrating stable performance in cross-dataset tests.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
Researchers found that a combination of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, and olfactory) in virtual reality led to improved mood and feelings of connection with nature. The study suggests potential applications for clinics, waiting rooms, and urban spaces to support mental well-being.
Researchers analyzed viral loads during early infection to predict disease progression and developed a method to identify patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study suggests that patients with high viral loads are more likely to experience long-lasting skin lesions and severe symptoms.
Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in monitoring public health threats, advancing disease research, and providing support to families who have lost loved ones. They operate independently of law enforcement and courts, performing final diagnostic evaluations and providing objective facts for the justice system.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that prenatal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth in India. The researchers used geospatial models to highlight vulnerable areas, including the Northern districts where children are more susceptible to air pollution.
A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that nearly half of Americans believe women should begin regular mammograms at age 40, while younger women are less certain. Women aged 18-29 were most likely to choose an incorrect age, with 27% selecting 30 years old as the start age.
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
A growing crisis of communicable diseases is unfolding in North America, with Canada's health systems being hampered by US cuts to public health and research infrastructure. The spillover effect of these changes will likely affect Canada and other countries globally, compromising disease surveillance and public health preparedness.
A community-based pneumococcal vaccination support program in Sera Town, Japan, reduced pneumonia-related mortality by 25% among the elderly. The program reversed a previously increasing trend in pneumonia mortality rate in the community.
A recent study by Columbia University researchers found that early education has a significant impact on adult cognition, especially for individuals from low-income backgrounds. The study compared adult siblings in Indonesia and isolated education's effects on quantitative and abstract reasoning, separate from family background factors.
A comprehensive study protocol has been developed to investigate pregnancy-related stroke risk factors and long-term implications for mothers and their children. The nationwide multicenter study aims to identify key risk factors associated with ASPP and assess its impact on offspring.
A new study synthesized over 70 publications on the 2021 heat wave, attributing it to a rare high-pressure ridge and increasing temperatures. The researchers predict that such events will become more frequent as the climate warms.
A national study found children aged 2-4 years in the US are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and pesticides, which can interfere with hormone development and immune function. The research emphasizes the need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.
Residential segregation contributes to lung cancer development in African Americans, highlighting the need for policymakers to address disparities. Structural racism in neighborhoods affects health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of reducing racial gaps in healthcare.
A study found a significant increase in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids from 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of THC vaping peaked in 2022, while SCs continued to rise, with females having a higher rate of vaping these substances.
A new mobile app, EAS-ID, is being developed to support victims of interpersonal violence by accurately capturing and documenting bruises. The app, which has successfully completed Phase 1 development, uses AI to detect bruises and provide real-time guidance for clinicians and frontline professionals.
The study found a striking increase in obesity among US children and adolescents between 2011 and 2023, with the highest prevalence among Black youth. The overall prevalence of obesity increased from 20.3% to 22.0% during this period.
A landmark national study in China identifies the most effective treatment strategies for unruptured brain aneurysms, analyzing over 874,000 clinical entries and 42,000 radiological scans. The trial aims to guide patient-specific treatment strategies and inform healthcare planning in China's aging population.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
A new study shows that a simple blood test taken in the first trimester of pregnancy can accurately identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia five months before clinical diagnosis. The test uses cell-free RNA, or cfRNA, to capture subtle molecular signals from multiple maternal tissues.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the closures resulted in a 4% reduction in physicians per capita and declines in infant, non-infant, and total mortality rates. The Flexner Report era reforms led to significant changes in the US medical education landscape.
A new study found that extending Medicaid coverage for 12 months after birth improved access to medical and behavioral health services. This expansion may help mitigate adverse outcomes, including chronic condition management.
A new study found that almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.
A longitudinal study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased US adults' confidence in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while increasing trust in personal doctors and local health departments. Confidence in these institutions dropped by 26% between 2020 and 2024.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that consuming a cup and a half of leafy green vegetables daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. High intakes of Vitamin K1 were also associated with reduced subclinical atherosclerosis and improved musculoskeletal health.
A new study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that state bans on abortion led to significant increases in travel time, costs, and delays in receiving care. The study, which surveyed 855 people from states with abortion bans, revealed a 17% increase in second-trimester abortions and a 11.3-hour increase in travel time.
A multi-country study found that extreme droughts in Low Income Countries (LMICs) are associated with an increase in sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women. The study highlights the indirect impact of climate change on social vulnerabilities in these regions.
A new study reveals how specific underground conditions lead to toxic uranium levels in drinking water. The research could help local communities monitor and manage this health threat by identifying areas with high contamination risk.
A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine has found that body mass index (BMI) is not a reliable predictor of future health risks and heart disease mortality. In contrast, bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measures body fat directly, was shown to be significantly more accurate, with individuals having high body fat l...
Researchers found that disposable e-cigarettes release higher amounts of metals and metalloids than older refillable e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The study highlights the need for urgency in enforcement due to hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel, antimony, and other substances.
A study of Iowa's birth records and county-level nitrate measurements found a link between prenatal nitrate exposure and increased preterm birth and low birthweight babies. The study suggests that current regulatory standards may be insufficient to protect against the risks of nitrate exposure.
A large global study found that women who experience severe bleeding after childbirth face an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease, for up to 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 9.7 million women across Europe, North America, and Asia.
A new study found that new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a significant concern in roadway crashes in California. NPS, also known as ‘designer drugs’, were detected in the blood of 17 patients, with most frequent being designer benzodiazepines and fentanyl analogs.
A study found that a grandmaternal age difference of ≤-9 years significantly increases the risk of pregnancy cardiometabolic disorders. The researchers analyzed data from 2,235 grandmother-mother pairs and discovered a nonlinear association between age differences and CMDs.
A new poll reveals significant variation in older adults' preparations to age in place, with 46% having taken steps to make their home more age-friendly. However, differences persist based on health, disability, and home ownership status, highlighting opportunities for policymakers and families.
A UC Irvine study reveals that extreme heat weakens the gut microbiome and immune function in older individuals, making them more susceptible to deadly waterborne bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus. This research identifies a potential avenue for treatment: supporting gut health through beneficial probiotics.
A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.
A University of Minnesota research team has found that measuring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater continues to accurately predict subsequent COVID-19 case counts in a community. The study demonstrates the continued importance of wastewater surveillance for public health planning and informing real-time decision-making frameworks.
A study found that customized AI chatbots can generate health disinformation, including fake references and scientific jargon. Researchers evaluated five foundational large language models and discovered that four of them consistently provided incorrect responses to health queries.
A new study has found that a simple blood test can predict cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, identifying insulin resistance as a key risk factor. The research used the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index to analyze 315 non-diabetic patients with cognitive deficits, finding those with high TyG levels deteriorated rapidly.
A new study published in KeAi journal Global Transitions found that safe drinking water and sanitation are crucial in preventing cholera. Disparities in WASH access contribute to unequal cholera burden across geographic regions.