Articles tagged with Public Health
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.
Researchers mapped TB cases in Africa using a Bayesian geospatial analysis, revealing dramatic differences in disease burden between local regions. The study's findings highlight the importance of targeted health resources and could help reduce tuberculosis deaths by 95% by 2035.
The ISSCR has assembled an international consortium to support the adoption of human stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development. This initiative aims to reduce R&D costs and accelerate therapy development, aligning with efforts by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, NIH, and European Commission.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes nearly doubled over two decades, with about two-thirds of participants with diabetes also having hypertension. This combination is linked to substantially higher mortality risk compared to having neither condition.
A new study found that middle-to-older aged adults who took longer naps, have irregular daytime sleep patterns, or slept more around midday and early afternoon were at a higher risk of mortality. The study monitored over 86,000 participants for seven days using actigraphy.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the US between 2016 and 2023. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped sharply from 38% to 26%, while those rating their mental health as fair or poor increased by 63.6%.
Research by sociologist Sara Wiertsema found that young adults tend to exercise less after starting their first job. However, an activating social and work environment can help them maintain physical activity levels. Young people are more likely to continue exercising if they receive social support from colleagues or friends.
The European Vaccines Hub for Pandemic Readiness (EVH) is a pan-European center that integrates excellence in vaccine research, human monoclonal antibody development, clinical trials, and scalable manufacturing. EVH aims to drive innovation and ensure strategic autonomy in vaccine R&D and manufacturing.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that global refractive correction rates are at 65.8%, six percentage points lower than in 2010, and urge urgent action to meet the WHO's target of a 40% increase by 2030.
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the third most common stroke type, accounting for 5-10% of all strokes. Despite declining age-standardized burden rates, SAH remains a major public health concern globally.
A recent study found that Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect pathogens in 86% of cases, outperforming conventional microbiological tests which identified pathogens in only 67% of cases. mNGS guides treatment decisions and improves patient outcomes by detecting rare/atypical pathogens.
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.
A new study found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods can cause menopause to start earlier, leading to a higher risk of long-term health issues. The research followed nearly 700 women and found those in highly vulnerable areas experienced menopause approximately two years earlier.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze cerebrospinal fluid samples from tuberculous meningitis patients and found that certain metabolic pathways may contribute to poor outcomes. Three hydroxylated fatty acids with a maximum carbon length of eight were strongly associated with mortality, regardless of HIV status or disease severity.
A recent Ateneo de Manila University study highlights major hurdles to implementing Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines due to inadequate education and poor compensation for healthcare workers. The country faces a shortage of at least 127,000 nurses, with many graduates lacking training in public health and community-based care.
A new MIT study reveals that climate change will make it harder to reduce ground-level ozone in certain regions, including eastern North America and Western Europe. In contrast, northeast Asia may see improvements in air quality with decreased nitrogen oxide emissions.
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy Foundation hosted its first-ever Public Health Futures Gala, raising over $650,000 to support students and innovative programs. The event honored Dr. Kyu Rhee with the Chairman's Award for Excellence in Public Health Philanthropy.
New research reveals that recreational cannabis legalization leads to significant reductions in prescription drug claims per enrollee, with annual savings of $34-$42 in small group insurance markets. However, the study found no similar effect in large group insurance markets.
Researchers have created a versatile set of gene delivery systems that can reach different neural cell types in the human brain and spinal cord with exceptional accuracy. The new platform has the potential to transform how scientists study neural circuits, providing access to specific cells and communication pathways known to be affect...
Researchers found PFAS in 95% of tested beers, with highest levels and most diverse mix near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina. The study highlights the need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities as regulations on PFAS exposure change.
Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia) during migraines. By disrupting the normal balance of nerve signaling and pain regulation, NEAT1 makes nerves more sensitive to light.
A systematic review of studies found that policies improving paid parental leave, employment access, housing stability, and income support are associated with lower rates of depression. Conversely, cuts to social welfare and financial insecurity increase depression risk, particularly among single parents and low-income households.
Researchers used machine learning to classify older adults in Japan by physical and cognitive functions. Five functional subtypes were identified, including severe multicomponent and moderate physical types, which showed higher risks of death and hospitalization respectively.
The application of AI in public health informatics offers potential to revolutionize data collection, disease surveillance, decision-making, and interventions. However, its implementation faces technical, ethical, and operational challenges related to health equity, privacy, security, and bias.
A new computational model shows that structural inequalities, including wealth inequality and social segregation, accelerate the spread of infectious diseases through society. In a hypothetical 'ideal' scenario without segregation, infection rates were lower in most metropolitan areas.
Researchers identified metabolite patterns in blood and urine related to ultra-processed food intake. A poly-metabolite score was developed, showing potential to objectively measure diet and reduce reliance on self-reported data.
Researchers analyzed over 1,000 stool samples to develop a new diagnostic method for intestinal diseases. The study successfully identified hidden infections, including elusive parasites and RNA viruses, providing valuable insights into the infection process.
A NTU Singapore study found that robust air pollution control measures can prevent 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths annually in Southeast Asia by 2050. Implementing stringent emission reduction measures could drop annual deaths by 22,000 under a business-as-usual scenario.
A new study from Oxford University finds that people in poverty are more likely to feel lonely than those with higher incomes, despite similar socialization patterns. Strong social connections were shown to have the greatest symptom-reducing effects for those living in poverty.
A new study highlights the presence of synthetic chemicals in food packaging and processing, increasing health risks from ultra-processed foods. The research emphasizes the need for safer food systems, better testing methods, and policy reforms to address this growing public health issue.
A recent survey found that over 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine for children outweigh the risks, despite a current measles outbreak. The survey also showed that vaccination rates are dropping and many people lack knowledge about measles symptoms and prevention.
A novel study analyzing the cost-effectiveness of different Down syndrome screening strategies confirms that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) significantly outperforms second-trimester serum screening (STSS). NIPT identifies twice as many DS cases as STSS, offering a more reliable option with lower incremental costs.
The new ShARP Center will investigate how PFAS affect liver health, and develop methods to detect and remove them from public water sources. Researchers will also study the link between PFAS exposure and rare cancers.
Researchers found that snus cessation led to a clinically significant rise in blood pressure, averaging 3.7 mm Hg, and weight gain of 1.8 kilos in a group of 33 participants. The study suggests that healthcare professionals should monitor blood pressure after snus cessation, especially for individuals with cardiovascular problems.
A new method using artificial intelligence and DNA decoding can predict how well disease-causing bacteria like Listeria tolerate disinfectants. The research may lead to smarter hygiene strategies and faster responses when pathogenic bacteria are present in food production.
The Global Fund's replenishment cycle is underway with a target of $18 billion, but funding cuts pose a significant threat to global responses to HIV, TB, and malaria. The authors call for enhanced coordination and re-prioritization of efforts in low- and middle-income countries.
A national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.
Researchers identified changes in stromal tissue associated with increased aggressive breast cancer risk and poorer survival rates among women with benign breast disease. The study used machine learning to detect subtle changes in breast tissue samples from over 9,000 women.
A new study found that PFAS exposure remains a concern for California adults, with drinking water, seafood, eggs, and brown rice identified as contributors. While dietary associations are lower than previous studies, the findings highlight the need to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
A large-scale UK biobank study found that loneliness increases the risk of hearing loss, with a 24% higher risk for lonely individuals compared to non-lonely counterparts. The study also identified distinct pathways through which loneliness contributes to hearing loss, including inflammation and chronic diseases.
A long-term Northwestern Medicine study found that participating in SNAP significantly mitigates the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular health disparities in children. The study tracked over 1,000 children born between 1998 and 2000 and found that food insecurity at ages 3-5 was linked to worse heart health at age 22.