Articles tagged with Public Health
A new film series, 'The Deadly Five,' is launched to raise awareness of five critical animal infectious diseases affecting animal and public health. The series explores disease surveillance, prevention, and control through scientific insights and global collaborations.
Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Researchers warn of a growing public health issue in Brazil as scorpion stings become increasingly common due to urbanization and climate change. Experts emphasize the need for education, improved waste management, and strengthened public health systems to mitigate the problem.
A systematic review found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that limiting intake of such foods may offer measurable health benefits.
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
A new paper proposes targeting domestic vape distributors with state and local lawsuits to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. The strategy could result in stiff financial penalties for lawbreakers, forcing them to stock only FDA-cleared vapes. If successful, this approach may align what's on the shelves with what's legal.
The FAU CARD water safety manual provides crucial guidance on preventing wandering, identifying potential drowning risks, and implementing prevention strategies. The manual aims to reduce the risk of drowning among children with autism by empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and tools.
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in humans via wildlife trade, not a lab leak. The viruses most closely related to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 were found in palm civets and raccoon dogs in southern China.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America strongly urges CDC to reinstate HICPAC due to its critical role in providing evidence-based guidance on infection control practices. Disbanding the committee jeopardizes decades of progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections, putting patients at risk and creating uncertaint...
A new study suggests that urban agriculture alone can only feed about one fifth of a city's population, but combining it with near-urban farming can ensure food security for the entire city. Peas are found to be the best crop for maximizing protein and calories while minimizing land requirements in normal climate scenarios.
A University of California, Riverside-led research team adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of involving non-maternal caregivers in the adaptation process.
A randomized clinical trial with 30 female participants found that neither hot nor cold water immersion improved muscle recovery from exercise-induced damage. Despite physiological differences between groups, none showed significant improvements in muscle soreness or swelling.
A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.
According to a study published in The Lancet, nearly one out of five women and one out of seven men aged 20 and older faced sexual violence as a child. The global SVAC prevalence remained high at about 19% for women and almost 15% for men.
A cohort study found that exposure to conversion therapy increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, inflammation, and high blood pressure in SGM individuals. The findings highlight the need for stronger public health interventions to ban conversion therapy practices.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The research also suggests a potential link between cannabis use during pregnancy and smaller-than-average newborns.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that patients with low household income were more likely to be diagnosed late and receive less effective treatment for liver cancer. This highlights the need for targeted screening in deprived areas to improve early diagnosis and survival rates.
Researchers found that even small doses of high-intensity exercise can reduce the risk of dementia and promote healthy brain aging. The study suggests exercising regularly is crucial for preserving brain health, making it a key prevention measure against cognitive decline.
A new study suggests that European member states must work together and provide better incentives to develop new medicines. The research highlights the need for faster approval times and stronger support for innovative drugs to attract leading pharmaceutical companies.
A study finds that climate change is responsible for 15,000 wildfire particulate matter deaths in the continental US from 2006 to 2020. The economic burden associated with these deaths was $160 billion, mainly affecting western states like California and Oregon.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans over 50 believe Medicare will cover their nursing home costs, despite it not currently paying for this type. Only half have taken key actions to prepare for long-term care needs. The poll also shows that 70% of people who survive to age 65 will need long-term c...
A cohort study of 1,787 adults found significant differences in hearing loss prevalence among white male individuals (highest) and Black female individuals (lowest). The study highlights the importance of tailored interventions to reduce hearing loss risk across populations.
A 19-year study finds that 20,000 people died from heatstroke and 15,000 from cold exposure in India between 2001 and 2019. The study identifies working-age men as most vulnerable to heat-related deaths, highlighting the need for measures such as shaded parking areas and relief provisions.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found an increase in use of only psychotherapy, from 11.5% to 15.4%, and a decline in patients taking medication only, from 68% to 62%. The shift may be attributed to various factors beyond the COVID pandemic.
A global analysis reveals significant differences in disease rates, diagnosis, treatment, and death between males and females for three common conditions. Males are more likely to get sick and die from hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, while also being less likely to seek medical care.
A new analysis predicts that reducing Medicaid access could lead to thousands of additional deaths among working-age Americans and disastrous financial burdens. The study found that eliminating the ACA provision expanding Medicaid access could drive millions to delay needed care.
Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution increases hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in older adults. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
The Global Virus Network warns of systemic inadequacies in pandemic preparedness, highlighting the need for $31.1 billion in annual funding to establish a comprehensive Pandemic Preparedness and Response system. The GVN advocates for strengthened systems to protect humanity from future pandemic threats.
A recent study has found that increasing physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 can help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by ISGlobal, suggests that even minimal amounts of exercise have health benefits for brain health.
A new study found that many home washing machines are insufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines or using on-site industrial machines to improve patient safety.
A new study found that about 5.4% of teens used nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3.0% in 2023, and dual use with e-cigarettes increased. Researchers warn of potential health risks and call for tailored prevention strategies.
A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.
A new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds that many Americans anticipate losing trust in public health recommendations with changes in health agency leadership. Despite stark divisions, there is bipartisan support for several key health priorities.
A study found that genetic predisposition to higher muscle strength is associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in aging men. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle factors such as smoking and body mass index.
A new report from Flinders University reveals that Australia is facing a silent public health crisis due to poor sleep habits. The report outlines four priority actions to address the issue and calls for urgent action from policymakers to bring sleep to the forefront of the country's health agenda.
A new study emphasizes the importance of early education on bladder health and urinary tract problems during menopause, particularly for women using hormones. The study found that premenopausal women reported using hormones more often than perimenopausal or postmenopausal women, who experienced worse bladder health and function.
A new study suggests habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups per day is associated with reduced risk of frailty. The research highlights the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life.
A new study reveals emerging cases of babesiosis in the Mid-Atlantic region, documenting human cases and detecting Babesia microti in local tick populations. The research highlights the growing public health threat posed by this tick-borne disease, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance, public awareness, and preventive measures.
A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.
A new study suggests that higher cigarette taxes can significantly improve childhood survival rates, particularly among the poorest children. The research found that increasing tax on cigarettes could narrow the socioeconomic gap in child mortality rates and save over 280,000 lives annually.
A global study analyzing data from eight countries found a significant link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and preventable premature deaths. The study estimates that up to 14% of all-cause premature deaths are attributable to UPF consumption, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries.
A hospital-based outbreak detection system has been shown to prevent infections, save lives and cut costs. The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients, identifying near-identical strains that flag potential outbreaks.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes the need for high immunization coverage to protect European populations from diseases like measles and polio. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in public health, with recent data showing a tenfold surge in reported measles cases in the EU/EEA.
The study reveals wide disparities in mortality across US states, with some experiencing no improvements in life expectancy from 1900 to 2000 birth cohorts. This disparity can inform decision-making around resource allocation and public health interventions.
A new study analyzing data from 2000 to 2023 found that the introduction of a 'pregnancy checkbox' on death certificates contributed significantly to rising maternal deaths between 2000-2019, accounting for two-thirds of the increase. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp spike in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Native Amer...
The RFS Awards in Science 2024 recognize outstanding peer-reviewed research by women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. The awards honor the best papers written in 2024, with winners receiving a $1,000 cash prize and free access to their publications for 90 days.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new comprehensive guidance to prevent the transmission of infections through improved practices in sterilization and high-level disinfection. The guidelines provide evidence-based, practical recommendations that reflect current science and expert consensus.
Researchers found that pooling data across studies can accurately identify dose-response relationships, particularly for chemicals with low-dose effects. The study suggests that combining individual study data can strengthen conclusions in environmental health research.
Research reveals inequalities in MMR vaccination that may contribute to measles outbreaks and epidemics. In France, vaccines were dispensed later for children from low-income families, while a UK investigation found that deprived communities and some ethnic groups were more affected by the outbreak and less likely to be vaccinated.
The study tracks maternal, fetal, and infant mortality trends in the US from 2000 to 2023. Despite improvements in some years, overall rates of maternal and infant mortality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study from Weill Cornell Medicine found that healthcare providers working together in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) saved Medicare between $4.1 billion and $8.1 billion from 2012 to 2019. The program incentivized clinicians and organizations to improve patient care, resulting in lower medical spending per patient over time.
A new report examines the long-term impact of coal industry loss on UK communities, finding entrenched inequalities and poverty. Researchers call for a 'just transition' with investment in public services, securing employment rights, and quality jobs to address social inclusion.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new machine learning algorithm that excels in interpreting light signatures of molecules, materials and disease biomarkers. The tool can detect subtle signals in optical spectroscopy, enabling faster medical diagnoses and sample analysis.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to detect nitazenes – highly potent synthetic opioids – and xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use, in Australian wastewater. The method achieved up to 1000-fold enrichment and detected trace levels of these substances, posing significant risks of overdose.
A recent study found that children with chronic conditions are hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at twice the rate as healthy children. Researchers recommend that these children receive immunization against RSV in their first season to increase protection, regardless of maternal vaccination status.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking continues to decline across the US, mainly driven by young adults. The states with historically high smoking rates have seen the most significant declines in smoking prevalence.
The CoVaRR-Net network successfully bridged critical research and public health gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches like wastewater surveillance. Its achievements include 139 peer-reviewed publications, evidence-based public health decisions, and a global leader in ear...
Cigarette smoking prevalence is expected to decrease in the US by 2035, primarily among young adults in historically high-prevalence states. This trend is likely to slow health consequences, particularly for older adults.
Three UTA faculty members, Kyrah Brown, Ben Jones, and J. Ping Liu, received top honors for their groundbreaking research contributions. Brown's interdisciplinary work focuses on reproductive and cardiac health among women, while Jones' research explores neutrinos to understand the universe's mysteries.