Articles tagged with Public Health
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.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that low-to-medium-income countries can benefit from investing in renewable energy while reducing emissions and income inequality. The research team examined connections between climate impacts, mitigation strategies and social justice considerations.
Researchers developed a new method to determine optimal threshold time for restricted mean survival time analysis, improving statistical power in clinical and epidemiological studies. The method outperformed traditional statistical analysis methods in real-world scenarios, revealing clear differences between treatment groups.
Stephen S. Morse has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal, with a focus on building knowledge on preventive measures. Dr. Morse will oversee the journal's content, ensuring it translates science into practice and integrates medical and public health perspectives.
Experts argue that large health care platforms are exhibiting concerning traits similar to big tech, including monopoly power, reduced innovation, and increased costs. They recommend antitrust attention and action to prevent further consolidation and promote vigorous competition.
The percentage of publicly insured children receiving mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis increased significantly between 2010 and 2019. Most diagnostic categories showed increases, emphasizing the importance of accessing appropriate services in safety net systems.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has honored 21 leaders in the field of geriatrics, representing various medical disciplines. The award recipients have made significant contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults.
A modeling study predicts declining childhood vaccination rates will increase outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections, leading to their reemergence. Measles is likely to be the first disease to return to endemic levels, even under current vaccination levels.
Researchers at UMass Amherst's New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases have identified a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans. The discovery in Maine suggests rabbit ticks could be a zoonotic vector for serious infections, contradicting the usual dog tick vector.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Research reveals subpar healthcare services in Global South cities, with frequent medicine shortages and inadequate long-term condition management. Innovative policy approaches are needed to balance public service expansion and private subsidies to improve access and equity for marginalized populations.
The HKUMed AI model achieves over 90% accuracy in classifying both thyroid cancer stage and risk category. The model reduces pre-consultation preparation time for frontline clinicians by approximately 50%, making it a significant advancement in precision management of the disease.
A Duke-NUS study found that digital interventions can spur consumers to pick healthier options when implemented in online grocery stores. The study showed a significant improvement in nutritional quality and reduction in calories and nutrients purchased.
A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.
A new study found China's Urgently Needed Overseas Drug (UNOD) policy did not significantly reduce launch delays for new drugs compared to the US. The initiative aimed to narrow the gap in pharmaceutical accessibility but yielded minimal results, possibly due to overlap with existing policies.
A study published in Pharmacoeconomics and Policy found that ChatGPT generated a list of article titles with a high rate of fictitious or misattributed content, underscoring the limitations of current AI algorithms. Researchers emphasize the importance of critically assessing and validating information produced by AI tools.
China has established itself as a frontrunner in pharmaceutical economics, supported by over 1,000 specialists advancing medical technology evaluations and regulatory innovations. Value-driven pricing models have catalyzed transformative progress, optimizing medication pricing frameworks and insurance coverage discussions.
A study of 580 Palestinian adults found that individuals who experienced traumatic events were more likely to develop eating disorders. Sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, and education level also played a significant role in the development of eating disorders among Palestinians.
Researchers discovered that mothers who are anemic in early pregnancy have a 47% increased likelihood of giving birth to a child with congenital heart disease. This finding suggests that widespread iron supplementation could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it develops.