Articles tagged with Public Health
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.
A Waseda University research team developed a method to measure thermal insulation of bedding systems, considering individual body parts. The study found that relying solely on whole-body insulation is not enough and revealed the importance of optimizing sleep environments for better quality.
A diabetes medication that lowers brain fluid pressure has been shown to reduce monthly migraine days by an average of 11. Disability scores also improved significantly, indicating a clinically meaningful improvement in work and social functioning. The study suggests that pressure modulation may drive the benefit, rather than weight loss.
Cassie, a digital-human assistant developed by Texas A&M University, is transforming the way patients interact with healthcare providers. With facial recognition and emotional intelligence, Cassie offers a two-way interaction that feels like a conversation.
Researchers found that co-exposure to bisphenol A and retinoic acid disrupts neurodevelopmental gene signaling, leading to brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential link between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Deepshika Ramanan, a Salk Assistant Professor, has been recognized as a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar for her innovative research on maternal immunity and lactation. She will receive annual grants of up to $110,000 to conduct groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and pain.
The project aims to improve capacity for local health departments and increase knowledge of law among public health graduates. Three institutions will receive $10,000 each to develop and teach a first-time course in Public Health Law.
A new study reveals that Rapamycin has a comparable life-extending effect to dietary restriction in eight species of vertebrates. The compound, originally developed as an immunosuppressant, offers similar benefits without the need for caloric restriction.
A recent survey by Ateneo de Manila University researchers highlights the challenges faced by young Filipino nursing and medicine graduates in finding stable employment and meaningful roles. Many new graduates feel lost and unsupported, with restricted hiring rules and budget ceilings forcing them to take on multiple roles without addi...
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a virtual reality training tool to teach clinicians core concepts in infection control, including cleaning and disinfecting portable medical equipment. The pilot study found that 88.6% of participants reported an overall positive experience with the VR module.
This cross-sectional study reveals a substantial rise in alcohol-associated liver disease mortality, particularly among women and younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health initiatives to address this growing health concern.
A survey of 261 new fathers found that 64% took less than two weeks of leave, while 36% took more than two weeks. The main barrier was fear of losing their job. Paid leave would reduce barriers and increase take-up. Involving dads in childcare from the start is crucial for healthy outcomes.
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America expresses confidence in the integrity of ACIP's conflict of interest policies. The ACIP has a long history of serving as a trusted body guiding national immunization policy, with recommendations rooted in rigorous evidence-based deliberations.
A week-long web-based wellbeing intervention boosted participants' happiness through daily micro-acts, including sharing inspiring moments and performing kind acts. The Big Joy Project tested the effectiveness of a simple yet impactful approach to improving well-being.
Through the Archer Fellowship Program, UTA students spend time in Washington, D.C., completing internships and taking courses taught by UT System faculty and policy experts. The program offers unique opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn from peers, and gain insight into federal policy-making.
A new study found that reduced outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher stress and depressive symptoms. However, more frequent outdoor activities predicted better well-being. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing access to outdoor spaces, especially for marginalized communities.
High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, according to the CDC. Few U.S. adults can correctly identify what blood pressure reading is considered high (130/80 mmHg). Despite prevalence, many people mistakenly believe high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms or can be identified by feeling calm and relaxed.
A new study from UCLA Health finds that middle-class families with children benefited from the 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit by reducing energy insecurity. However, the poorest households saw no measurable benefit and even experienced increased energy insecurity after the credit expired.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that teenagers in affluent counties like Surrey struggle with access to healthy food and exercise due to systemic issues. The research highlights the need for structural changes to support young people's health and wellbeing.
Researchers developed a novel liquid metal electronic ink that allows for micro-scale circuit printing at room temperature, with reversible stiffness switching depending on temperature. This advancement marks a significant leap toward next-generation wearable, implantable, and robotic devices with tunable mechanical properties.
A new study finds pregnant women in abortion-ban states have worse access to routine medical care and pregnancy coverage due to skimpy Medicaid programs. The researchers identified three Medicaid policies driving this disparity, highlighting the need for Congress to expand coverage and ensure all women can get needed care.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that evidence supporting state policies regulating teen social media use is limited. The authors analyzed 69 state social media legislative initiatives and concluded that while there is some association between social media use and adverse adolescent outcomes, the causal effects of harm ...
Dr. Ghosh's expertise combines clinical, social science, and policy research to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. His initiatives focus on developing interventions against heatwaves, hurricanes, and flooding.
A study found that between 11.6% and 20.2% of women with a history of pregnancy or testing for pregnancy visited crisis pregnancy centers across four US states, including Arizona and New Jersey. The attendance rates were not correlated with age, race, or socioeconomic status.
A new study suggests that certain microbiome compositions in babies born vaginally, specifically with a higher amount of pioneer bacteria B. longum, are less likely to be hospitalised for viral lower respiratory tract infections (vLRTI) in the first two years of life.
A major international study found that deceased-donor kidney transplantation offers a consistent survival advantage with standard-criteria kidneys, but the benefit plateaus in older and high-risk recipients. The study used a robust target trial emulation framework to compare long-term survival between transplant patients and those on d...
A new study found that parents are delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods like eggs and nuts into their children's diets. This delay increases the risk of allergies, particularly in children with a family history of allergy.
Long-term data from the Phase 1/2 study of zigakibart demonstrate sustained proteinuria remission, stable kidney function, and a reassuring safety profile in patients with IgA nephropathy. The treatment also led to reductions in serum immunoglobulins, consistent with APRIL pathway inhibition.
A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
A body-mapping study of nail technicians' occupational health and lived experiences highlights the complexities of their work, revealing emotional, social, and creative aspects beyond occupational hazards.
The African Swine Fever virus has been in Europe since 2007, not recently introduced. Travel patterns within Europe are largely responsible for its current spread. The study found that the virus shares a common ancestor with those in Africa, but with no evidence of recent exchange.
Researchers found that e-cigarette warnings are effective in discouraging vaping, with health harm warnings being more effective than addiction warnings. The analysis included 22,549 participants and showed no negative unintended consequences, such as encouraging people to smoke cigarettes instead of vaping.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant correlation between socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and increased cannabis retailer presence. Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of low-income Black residents had 2.53 times more cannabis retailers than high-income predominantly Wh...
A new study from the University of Georgia found that socioeconomic factors like poverty, international travel, and poor access to healthcare contribute to animal-borne disease outbreaks. Environmental factors such as climate change and close contact with livestock also play a role in spreading diseases.
A new animal study suggests that microscopic plastic particles found in food and beverages may affect glucose metabolism and harm organs such as the liver. Researchers observed dose-correlated changes in mice consuming polystyrene nanoparticles, including systemic glucose intolerance and elevated alanine aminotransferase.
A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.
A new study found that routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants can identify key infections earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing onward transmission. The Leicester screening programme, which tested 4004 migrant patients, revealed new diagnoses of TB, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
A new GCAT study corrects selection biases in population-based cohorts, improving data reliability for public health research and precision medicine. The approach achieves a substantial reduction in bias, up to 70% in demographic variables and 26% in disease prevalence estimates.
A new study reveals that Heat-Health Action Plans globally fail to propose concrete interventions to protect vulnerable populations from heat-induced mental health crises. Most (75.9%) acknowledge mental health risks, but only a few specify unique impacts and outline concrete interventions.
A new handheld device called E-Tongue can analyze water samples and detect lead contamination, providing users with a color-coded reading and concentration value. The researchers tested the device through a citizen science project across four Massachusetts towns, finding it effective in detecting lead in drinking water.
A study suggests that decolonizing global health requires Northern institutions to accept losing resources, shifting funding directly to Global South. Faculty members expressed anxiety about impact on livelihoods due to changes in financial structures.
A new study of college undergraduates in Japan found that self-perception of athletic ability is linked to personality traits, family characteristics, and prior sports experience. Students who perceived themselves as more athletic tended to be younger siblings, have a growth mindset, and come from households with higher incomes.
A new study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that ultrasonic cigarettes may pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful metals in their liquids and aerosols. The study found elevated levels of metals like arsenic and selenium in u-cigarette products, which can lead to lung diseases, organ damage, and cancer.
Refugees in Sweden who lived in institutional housing during the asylum process were prescribed more anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication and visited hospital more often. This association persisted for years, highlighting potential long-term effects of institutional care on mental health.
Leading Indian and Pakistani pediatricians warn of the dangers of prolonged conflict and its consequences on public health. They urge both countries to take constructive engagement and initiate a path of peace using health diplomacy.