Articles tagged with Public Health
A new overview of systematic reviews found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than other interventions. The review also identified gaps in current evidence, including the need for high-quality studies on cytisine and bupropion.
A new analysis of existing studies found that nicotine e-cigarettes consistently help adults quit smoking, with quit rates approximately 20-40% higher than traditional nicotine replacement therapies. However, the effectiveness of e-cigarettes may be linked to sensory cues beyond just nicotine delivery.
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but progress has slowed in recent years and remains uneven across countries. Improvements in access to quality care could substantially reduce mortality, particularly in high-burden regions.
A new study finds caregivers of Alzheimer's patients face significant unmet needs, including limited knowledge about the disease, high psychological stress, and lack of community support. Caregivers need practical skills training and mental health support to improve resilience.
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.
A new paper by the University of Sydney reveals that corporations manufacturing and marketing health-harming products are primary vectors of non-communicable disease. The authors propose solutions such as policy safeguards, stronger research focus, and prohibition on financial ties between industry and researchers.
Researchers found that people with early dementia with Lewy bodies walk more slowly and have a lower walking rhythm than those with early Parkinson's disease. This study highlights the promise of measuring movement in a more detailed manner to improve diagnosis accuracy.
A study found that high screen time and low physical activity are strongly linked with cardiovascular risk among young adults. Screen time was independently associated with markers of cardiovascular risk, even after accounting for differences in daily physical activity.
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
A study in Catalonia uses genomic sequencing to analyze TB bacterial strains, identifying the most frequent lineage and clusters of specific subtypes. The analysis provides insights into disease spread and may help identify outbreaks.
The 2026 Semmelweis–Richter Journalism Award invites journalists to submit work highlighting critical health issues, particularly cardiovascular therapies. The prize fund is €45,000, with winners announced in July 2026.
A landmark trial is underway to test new treatments that restore the body's natural warning signs for low blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. The CLEAR trial compares innovative treatments, including an artificial pancreas system and bespoke psychoeducational programs, to find the most effective way to prevent severe episodes.
A large-scale study of over 421,000 individuals found no link between psychosocial factors and cancer incidence. However, some psychosocial factors were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer, which decreased after adjusting for known risk factors.
Researchers tested shirts from four retailers and found all samples exceeded lead limits, posing a risk to young children. Lead exposure can cause behavioral problems, brain damage, and other health issues.
A systematic scoping review found that social media influencer promotion of prescription drugs carries risks of inaccurate or misleading advice. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and digital literacy initiatives to safeguard public health.
A study identified metabolic subgroups in diabetes-free Chinese adults to predict 3-year risk of developing diabetes and related complications. The low-risk subgroup had favorable metabolic profiles, while the high-risk subgroup showed poor glycemic control and increased risks of fatty liver disease and cardiovascular events.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that high meat consumption is associated with better cognitive trajectories and lower dementia risk among individuals with the APOE 34/44 genotype. The finding contradicts previous expectations, highlighting potential clinical and public health relevance for this population.
Public awareness of the link between drinking alcohol and elevated cancer risk has remained unchanged since February 2025, with over half of Americans acknowledging that regular consumption increases cancer risk. The new US dietary guidelines do not mention this link, sparking criticism from health experts.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
A new study has developed biologically plausible dose-response models to better protect pregnant people from Listeria, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. The models, built on data from guinea pigs and gerbils, found that fetal brain infection is a more precise indicator of stillbirth risk than direct stillbirth outcomes al...
Research reveals carbon monoxide poisoning from waterpipe smoking can occur after brief use, outdoor smoking, or secondhand exposure. The study identified 68 cases of acute CO poisoning, including 13 cases of polycythemia, a chronic condition caused by prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide.
The implementation of Japan's indoor smoke-free laws resulted in a modest increase in smoke-free establishments, with a 5.7% nationwide increase and 13.5% in areas with stricter ordinances. Despite this, a substantial number of establishments still permit indoor smoking due to exemptions under the current legislation.
Research from Stanford University reveals that warmer, wetter weather conditions linked to climate change are making disease epidemics more likely, with a study analyzing a 2023 cyclone and dengue fever outbreak in Peru estimating that 60% of cases were directly caused by extreme rainfall and warm temperatures. Targeted mosquito contro...
A new study by Columbia University researchers introduces four novel metrics to assess progress on gun violence prevention, highlighting the decline of shooting-free days in major US cities. The study suggests that these metrics can identify protective conditions and inform policy to sustain longer periods without firearm violence.
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.
The American College of Cardiology will host the New Orleans Health Fair on March 21, 2026, offering free screenings, health education, and early detection for cardiovascular diseases. The event aims to improve community heart health and provide equitable care.
A new study of 462 college students in the University of Hawai’i system found that half of Native Hawaiian students experience period poverty, with significant mental health and academic consequences. The findings also highlight unequal outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that fathers' health and well-being play a significant role in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of investing in the well-being of boys and young men to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for future generations.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
Experts will address critical issues in voluntary assisted dying and dementia, including community attitudes, Indigenous perspectives, and organ donation. The conference, open to the media and public, features over 130 presentations on VAD and its intersection with dementia.
The study highlights the importance of personalized features in healthcare apps to promote physical activity. Key findings include the need for educational components, timely feedback, and tailored exercise suggestions to support users' daily routines and work demands.
States with full abortion bans experienced a 1.6% increased birth rate in 2023, as well as a 4.3% increase in WIC participation among postpartum women and a 2.1% increase in formula-fed infants. This led to a $6.9 million increase in WIC food-assistance costs in 2023.
A study found North Korean defectors had higher risks of infection-related cancers but lower risks of breast, colon, and prostate cancers compared to South Korean residents. Over time, their cancer profile changed, suggesting adaptation to South Korean society.
A new study by the University of Bristol found that the UK's disposable vapes ban may lead to an increase in cigarette smoking among young adults. The research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, suggests that some individuals may turn to cigarettes as an alternative to disposable vapes.
The Alliance trial explores the combination of zanubrutinib and sonrotoclax for CLL treatment, aiming to send cancer into remission and allow patients to stop treatment earlier. The study has the potential to be life-changing for patients and their families, reducing the burden of ongoing therapy and improving quality of life.
A new study found that simple approaches to promoting physical activity, such as online or print-based advice, can increase activity by an average of one hour per week at a cost of less than one euro per participant. However, the study highlights a significant gap in measuring the costs and real-world impacts of such interventions.
A new study warns that reduced international funding for tuberculosis services could lead to significant economic hardship for 40 million households globally, with the poorest households bearing the greatest burden. The study estimates that complete elimination of external funding for TB could cost families up to $80 billion annually.
Research analyzes news articles on childlessness, identifying themes that perpetuate stigma and structural imbalances, highlighting the need for media literacy initiatives and equitable health communication
A recent study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a concerning trend of ticks carrying multiple pathogens in the US Northeast. More than 1 in 10 nymphal ticks tested positive for at least two disease-causing pathogens, with co-infection rates approaching 11% for Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increase in co-infection...
States adopting recreational cannabis laws in addition to medical cannabis laws experienced a 45% relative reduction in cannabis seizure counts. This decline suggests a reduction in illegal cannabis supply and changes in law enforcement priorities.
A new study discovered that a multifaceted infection prevention and control intervention successfully disrupted a large and long-running bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Zambian neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that low-cost measures, including IPC training, enhanced cleaning, and hand hygiene, reduced neon...
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a strong correlation between state tax revenue and public health policies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. States with higher sales tax revenue were associated with shorter stay-at-home orders, while those without sales tax had longer durations.
Researchers compared neurodevelopmental outcomes between firstborn and second-born children using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition. By 6 months, second-born infants scored lower than their firstborn siblings across all domains, with the greatest differences observed in communication and personal-social skills. These early...
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
A nationwide cohort study found a significantly elevated incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests on post-holiday weekdays, particularly among vulnerable populations after consecutive rest days. The study supports enhanced emergency preparedness and targeted public health messaging during holiday periods.
The book, 'Feminism and COVID-19: How Women Fare in the Face of a Global Crisis', examines the global and local impacts of the pandemic on women. Key findings include the disproportionate effects of lost income, unpaid care work, and violence on women.
A large representative study found that 3 in 10 Indigenous adults meet criteria for healthy functioning, highlighting the importance of addressing structural barriers and promoting culturally meaningful pathways to wellness. Financial security, physical activity, and reduced chronic illness were key predictors of healthy functioning.
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. received the 2026 Legacy Award for their vision and leadership in supporting brain health initiatives, particularly for U.S. military service members and veterans. The award honors their commitment to elevating human potential and cognitive resilience.
A study found a significant decrease in acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a surge in leucovorin prescriptions after the September 2025 White House briefing. Leucovorin prescriptions increased approximately 71% above expected levels, mainly for children with autism diagnoses.
A study at George Mason University found that nursing students in an AI-enhanced health informatics course showed statistically significant learning gains compared to traditional students. The course used AI-generated videos and clinically contextualized assignments to improve student engagement and outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increased anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and hyperactivity in preschoolers. Replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed options may support healthier development and lower behavioural difficulties.
A University of Victoria study found that implementing strong alcohol policies, including warning labels and minimum unit pricing, could prevent hundreds of cancer diagnoses and deaths in Canada. The combination of a $2.00 minimum price and a cancer warning label showed the strongest reduction in cancer cases and deaths.
Microbiologists Nicola Holden and Gil Domingue discuss the raw milk debate, highlighting the lack of meaningful differences between pasteurized and raw milk. They stress the need for improved consumer protection through clearer product labeling and regulation enforcement.
A comprehensive study of collagen supplements found benefits in skin elasticity, hydration, and osteoarthritis symptoms. However, there were no meaningful improvements in sports performance or muscle recovery, dispelling some myths surrounding its use.