Articles tagged with Public Health
A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.
Pregnancy-related deaths in the US rose during 2018-2022, with significant disparities by state and ethnicity, underscoring the need for urgent public health action.
A national survey reveals significantly higher rates of five mental health conditions in incarcerated individuals and those with recent criminal-legal involvement compared to community members. The study emphasizes the critical need for informed care and treatment to address the high rates of incarceration and improve community support.
The WNFC's player ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, social media content, and local community education events to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and CPR education in women. The league has also implemented a requirement for all coaches to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid.
A study published in ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that starch-based microplastics can cause liver damage, gut microbiome imbalances, and circadian rhythm disruptions in mice. Researchers suggest further research is needed to understand the effects of these biodegradable particles.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that heavy drinkers have an increased risk of brain lesions and signs of brain injury, including hyaline arteriolosclerosis and tau tangles. Heavy drinking was also associated with lower brain mass ratio and worse cognitive abilities.
Researchers monitored daily wastewater concentrations of multiple viruses at five sites in the UK, revealing links with site-specific reported events. The findings suggest that near-source wastewater monitoring could benefit local communities and provide earlier warnings of wider trends.
Researchers have mapped hundreds of thousands of neurons in the mouse brain, revealing complex connections between cells and their firing patterns. This breakthrough could help understand how our brains process visual information and potentially guide treatments for brain disorders.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new international prize is launching to reward researchers bridging neuroscience and psychiatry, aiming to improve mental health diagnosis and treatment. The Synapsy Center at Université de Genève is offering a 50,000 CHF award for mid- to advanced-career contributions at the intersection of neuroscience and psychiatry.
A new study found that genetic predisposition to sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of developing the most common cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with the highest genetic predisposition accumulated more daily sedentary time and had a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Community Review Board voted unanimously to reject the merger, citing OHSU's history of federal Animal Welfare Act violations and unnecessary experiments on monkeys. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has been calling for the closure of OHSU's primate research facility, which houses over 5,000 monkeys.
A new study analyzed health data of over 100,000 adults and found that two food additive mixtures were associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. The mixtures contained emulsifiers, sweeteners, and colourings commonly found in ultra-processed foods.
A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.
Researchers found that full-genome differences between rotavirus strains influence vaccine effectiveness, highlighting the need for a broader approach to vaccine design. The study's results suggest that vaccines should be designed based on the whole genome of circulating strains, rather than just two surface proteins.
A University of Liverpool study shows that a novel tech-assisted intervention combining peer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy with a digital app is as effective as standard therapy in treating perinatal depression. The programme, led by Professor Atif Rahman, reduces depressive symptoms significantly and offers a scalable soluti...
The American Heart Association and NFL announced three winning schools that received $1,000 grants to boost student fitness. The schools will upgrade their physical activity equipment with cardio and strength exercises ideal for whole body health.
A massive analysis of over 300 million hospitalizations records in eight countries found that flooding increases the risk of serious diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for better preparedness and response to mitigate health impacts of floods.
Researchers found that sleep duration returns to baseline within two days, but changes in sleep timing and structure can take more than a week, with eastward travel causing the most disruption. The study analyzed 1.5 million nights of data from wearables like Oura Ring.
A new scientific statement highlights the potential of technology-based health solutions to promote heart-healthy behaviors and increase equitable access to resources. The statement emphasizes the need to address barriers faced by populations most impacted by adverse social drivers of health, particularly those with lower socioeconomic...
The Journal of Health Communication has published its first special issue, featuring nine peer-reviewed research papers on successful and unsuccessful health communication campaigns. The issue aims to increase access to critical health communication research, science, and practice, offering insights into the consequences of campaigns a...
The Howard University football team participated in an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training session. Learning this lifesaving skill puts the athletes and coaches one step closer to making a difference in someone's life when it matters most.
A recent study reveals critical vulnerabilities in global testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with socioeconomic disparities playing a significant role. The findings underscore the need for increased diagnostic capacity, equitable access to healthcare, and sustained international cooperation.
Rutgers Health researchers found that two-thirds of adolescent girls aged 13-17 live in states with abortion bans, restrictive gestational limits, or parental involvement requirements. This leaves them disproportionately impacted without access to abortion care.
A field experiment in Chinese cities shows that increased transparency leads to a 37% reduction in high-polluting company violations and a 90% increase in regulatory inspections. Air pollution drops by 8-10%, with no evidence of direct public pressure as a factor.
Neuro-immunologist Stephen Hauser has won the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his role in identifying the immune system's primary driver of damage to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis. His B-cell theory has led to the development of therapies that have transformed treatment, reducing relapses and improving prognosis.
A recent study published in Nature reveals a causal connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. The analysis of data from a regression discontinuity design found a 20% reduction in dementia diagnosis risk among vaccinated individuals born on or after September 2, 1933.
A simulation model predicts that medically tailored meals designed for patients with diet-sensitive conditions can improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs nationwide. The program is estimated to avert over 3.5 million hospitalizations annually and could transform care for vulnerable patients across the US.
A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.
A new study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with lower scores in key cognitive abilities, especially language skills. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter was linked to poorer language performance.
A new molecular stool test has shown promise in detecting tuberculosis in adults living with HIV, particularly those with advanced AIDS. The test, known as Xpert MTB/Ultra, had a sensitivity of 23.7% and specificity of 94.0%, outperforming standard tests in some cases.
The new Singapore Standard (SS) 705 provides a comprehensive assessment framework for surface disinfectants and coatings, covering microbe selection, culture preparation, test methods, and result analysis. This standard equips manufacturers with credibility for their claims, offers regulators consistency in monitoring product quality, ...
A three-year study found that independent outdoor time and multisport activities significantly support the development of motor competence in children. Girls showed better motor skills than boys, who were more active but didn't display a correlation with outdoor time.
A study found that 76% of people aged 50+ have patient portal accounts, with 65% sending at least one message in the past year. However, 13% report paying co-pays or charges for these interactions, especially those with Medicaid or low incomes.
A cross-sectional study found wildfire smoke exposure associated with increased odds of mental health-related emergency department visits. The study suggests a possible increase in demand for mental health services during wildfire events.
A study found that AI recommendations were rated as superior to physicians' decisions in real-life clinical settings, with lower risk for potential harm. The AI system uses modeling to calculate probabilities and derives treatment plans based on medical guidelines, complementing human physician discernment.
A new study found that changes in frailty following chemotherapy are associated with worse five-year survival rates in older women with breast cancer. Tracking frailty trajectories can help identify patients at increased risk, allowing for timely interventions to improve survival outcomes.
The American College of Physicians has awarded $260,000 in grants to support regional programs addressing equity challenges in obesity care. Thirteen grantees will implement collaborative outreach projects to train medical professionals and their patients to combat misinformation and improve clinical capacity for obesity care.
A study analyzing over 3 million bacterial samples found that antibiotic resistance initially rises but stabilizes over time, reaching an equilibrium in most species. The study suggests that continued increase in antibiotic resistance is not inevitable and provides new insights to monitor drug resistance.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
A national survey of 8,009 adults found that frequent exposure to gun violence is associated with increased depression, suicidal ideation, and need for mental health support. The study also highlights the importance of addressing interpersonal violence in suicide prevention efforts.
A study found that pedometers capture a remarkable 88% of the health information provided by more advanced accelerometer measurements. Walking at a brisk pace is essential for cardiovascular health optimization, with a minimum cadence of 80 steps per minute strongly associated with good aerobic fitness.
Dr. Leanne Redman, a leading authority on body weight regulation, has received the prestigious E.V. McCollum Award for her translational research on maternal nutrition and energy regulation, with significant impact on public health. The award recognizes her dedication to advancing research that improves women's and families' health.
Recreational football training is an effective way to improve musculoskeletal fitness, metabolic fitness, and cardiovascular fitness. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce hospital admissions in patients with prostate cancer.
A new study developed an AI model that can predict whether bacteria will become antibiotic-resistant by analyzing their genetic data. The model shows that antibiotic resistance is more easily transmitted between genetically similar bacteria and mainly occurs in wastewater treatment plants and inside the human body.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
Researchers warn of a growing crisis due to widespread availability and enticing marketing of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. The number of hospitalizations and deaths attributed to its misuse have increased exponentially, posing significant public health concerns.
A recent study published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that older adults exhibit similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise. Muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared to younger individuals.
A cohort study found early-life ozone exposure was associated with increased asthma and wheeze outcomes at ages 4-6, but not at age 8-9. Regulating ozone exposure may help mitigate the significant public health burden of asthma among US children.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
Researchers developed an AI system, Plant Doctor, to monitor urban plant health at the individual leaf level using machine vision techniques. The system can automatically diagnose diseased areas on leaves and provide accurate diagnoses across various urban flora.
A new study finds that increased screen time in teen girls leads to deteriorated sleep quality, with poor sleep mediating the association between screen time and depressive symptoms. Screen time also disrupts multiple aspects of the human sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University challenge the current aspirin guidelines based on a flawed trial, advocating for healthcare providers to make individual clinical judgments about prescribing aspirin. They stress that patients should consult their primary care provider to balance the benefits of clot prevention against bleed...
Research by Carolyn Drews-Botsch finds that patching after age 4 does not significantly impact vision, but less-aggressive protocols may be suitable for families with distress. Optotype acuity assessments in 4-year-olds can predict visual acuity at age 10.
A new review of studies on percentage weight-based targets in obesity interventions found that these targets often result in a 'success or failure' outcome, leaving little room for improvement in obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning. The study recommends shifting focus towards more...
Researchers calculated two indicators from body composition data to examine the relationship between muscle quality and long-term care need. People with low phase angles and extracellular to intracellular water resistance ratios were found to be at high risk of becoming dependent, especially when values fell below median thresholds.
A recent US study found that nearly one in five adults have used multiple drugs in the past year, revealing new patterns in substance use. The study identified four distinct patterns of drug use among prescription, recreational, and illegal users, highlighting the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis often result in irreparable damage to joints. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve physical function and quality of life for patients with PsA.