Articles tagged with Public Health
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.
A new international collaboration by the University of Exeter found that people living in greenest neighbourhoods are 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink daily. Intentional visits to nature also have benefits, reducing smoking rates.
A new paper calls for a redefinition of the public health workforce, recognizing professionals outside government agencies who contribute to public health. An intersectional framework proposes two tiers: Essential Public Health Services and Foundational Public Health Services.
A breakthrough all-oral treatment for a rare but deadly strain of sleeping sickness is now available, revolutionizing care for patients in endemic countries. Fexinidazole Winthrop has been approved for use in several African countries and is being distributed by WHO, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
A new national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, identifies parents' greatest fears for their children around screen time. Parents' top fears include privacy and safety concerns, exposure to misinformation, and not socializing in person.
A study led by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher Amanda Palmer found that young males, especially those who have used cigarettes or e-cigarettes before, are more likely to use oral nicotine pouches. Although usage is relatively low, the trend suggests a potential beneficial alternative to combustible cigarettes.
After SNAP emergency allotment termination, participants experienced significant increases in food insecurity and reported more days of poor physical health. Mental health status remained unchanged.
Viruses that infect and kill toxic algal blooms can cause the release of high levels of toxin microcystin-LR into water, posing a significant risk to human health and ecosystems. The finding highlights the need for better understanding of these interactions to inform forecasting and mitigation strategies for harmful algal blooms.
Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...
A new study assesses the tradeoffs between clean air and clean water, finding that boiling contaminated water generally outweighs health risks from air pollution. The research supports prioritizing household access to clean water, especially for young children.
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.