Articles tagged with Public Health
Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched a new master of public health concentration in sexual and reproductive justice and health. The program prepares students to address social, political, and economic forces shaping sexual and reproductive health outcomes through research, policy, law, leadership, an...
Researchers found that improving diet quality reduced chronic musculoskeletal pain from 50% to 24%, while also decreasing pain-related quality of life. The study suggests that adopting a healthier diet may lead to meaningful reductions in pain and improve overall wellbeing.
Integrating automated smoking cessation interventions into pediatric primary care significantly increased treatment received and reduced cigarettes smoked among parents. The study found that the interventions led to a greater reduction in cigarette use, improved quit rates, and increased health navigator support.
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
A new study found that the end of COVID-era federal funding led to a significant increase in uninsured children visiting emergency departments in Texas, with 45.2% more visits than before. The share of commercially insured patients also rose 12.5%, while Medicaid-insured visits declined by 11.7%.
New research from Edith Cowan University found that increased muscle temperature enhances the speed and power of muscles, especially in explosive movements. The study showed a 3.5% improvement in performance for every 1°C increase in muscle temperature.
A new study published in PLOS One identifies unexpected 'danger zones' when the risk of going hungry is highest among Utah refugees, highlighting the need for timely interventions and improved information to reduce food insecurity. Researchers propose increasing access to gardens and empowering refugees with resources to thrive.
A major study found that people who walk a lot have less back pain than those who don't, with the volume of walking being more important than intensity. Walking over 100 minutes daily reduces chronic low back pain risk by 23%.
A study by São Paulo State University found a direct association between adults' levels of physical activity and their children's sedentary behavior. Children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary, but when mothers and fathers maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit.
A comprehensive review of new pollutants in China highlights knowledge gaps and strategic recommendations for pollution control. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts to address complex environmental challenges.
Researchers from academia and industry join forces to improve outbreak modelling readiness and inform policy decisions during disease outbreaks. The initiative provides datasets simulating real-time outbreak scenarios, enhancing global preparedness against HPAI's significant threat to animal and human health.
A study found that loneliness incurs an extra £850 in annual healthcare costs to the NHS, as well as experiencing worse mental and physical health. Loneliness affects health more significantly in younger adulthood and later life.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
A new study published in PLOS One found that using a smartphone while on the toilet is associated with a higher risk of hemorrhoids. Smartphone users spent more time on the toilet and had a 46% increased chance of developing hemorrhoids.
A large-scale UK study supports contextual models of mental health emphasizing values-guided behavior and psychosocial resources for older adults. The study suggests that well-being is not solely the absence of ill-being, but rather a complex interplay between meaning-oriented behavior, psychological flexibility, and stress regulation.
A survey of Australian women with hyperemesis gravidarum found half considering termination and 9 in 10 having fewer children. Only half rated popular treatments as effective.
Researchers have developed a novel Food Cue Reactivity image bank that measures the brain's reaction to food images, correcting limitations in existing tools. The new image bank accounts for visual characteristics and appeal ratings, producing more scientifically accurate results.
Semaglutide significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by 26%, with a 62% drop in seeking after abstinence. This finding suggests semaglutide's potential as a treatment for human cocaine dependency, currently lacking effective pharmacological options.
Only 4 in 10 US retail pharmacies carry buprenorphine, a highly effective opioid addiction treatment, with disparities persisting in minority neighborhoods. Tight pharmacy regulations discourage pharmacies from carrying the treatment, limiting access to vulnerable communities.
A landmark study in China has established a new diagnosis framework for rare diseases, improving the diagnostic rate from 29.58% to 39%. The study analyzed genetic data from 42,703 families and identified regional differences and genetic hotspots.
A new evidence review reveals significant gaps in knowledge and support for Autistic people experiencing menopause symptoms, with many using non-medical coping strategies. The review identifies a need for targeted resources and interventions to address the unique challenges faced by Autistic individuals during this life stage.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 56 ME/CFS patients and 52 healthy controls, revealing disruptions in metabolic processes and immune dysregulation. The study suggests specific intracellular pathways correlate with symptoms, leading to potential biomarkers for targeted interventions.
Researchers are collecting faeces from exotic animals at Dudley Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park to search for phages that can fight bacterial infections. The goal is to create a bio-bank of these phages to develop alternative treatments for life-threatening infections.
A new study from La Trobe University found that knee crepitus, a common symptom of grinding or clicking sounds in the knee joint, does not predict joint damage over time. In fact, those with knee crepitus showed more severe symptoms early on but did not experience worsening pain and function in the long term.
Biocontaminant explores biological contaminants in diverse ecosystems, including air, water, and soil. The journal publishes innovative control and remediation strategies to mitigate health and ecological impacts.
A study by Rutgers University found that only 16.6% of discarded cigarette packs in NYC bore the proper tax stamp, down from previous years, suggesting widespread evasion of the city's steep tobacco taxes.
SHEA expresses disappointment over the sudden departure of the CDC Director, emphasizing the agency's need for stability and authority to protect public health. Qualified, steady leadership is essential to guide the CDC through urgent challenges and prepare for future pandemics.
A new study of young adults found that better sleep quality is strongly linked to improved mental wellbeing, with fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity also showing benefits. The study suggests that boosting fruit and vegetable intake may help mitigate the effects of poor sleep on wellbeing.
Public health nurses (PHNs) are a well-defined and highly specialized profession that plays a unique and essential role in addressing critical public health issues. Despite their vital contributions, PHNs currently lack formal recognition as a distinct occupation, which limits their visibility and value.
Simpler, physics-based models can generate more accurate predictions than state-of-the-art deep-learning models for certain climate scenarios. However, simple models are more accurate when estimating regional surface temperatures, while deep-learning approaches excel at local rainfall estimation.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the US have at least one modifiable risk factor for birth defects. The analysis highlights the need for improved preconception health and identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors before pregnancy.
A global study using disability data identified vulnerable populations at risk for long COVID, particularly in areas with underreported post-COVID conditions. The researchers call for urgent expansion of long COVID care and integration of disability data into early warning systems to address global health inequalities.
A recent review of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care emphasizes the need for expert bodies to produce evidence-based guidance. Dr. Vivek Goel calls for a modernized task force with adequate funding and support, incorporating updated methodologies and protection from political interference.
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
Among youth aged 15-24, polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths rose steadily with age, driven by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. By age 21, polysubstance involvement surpassed opioid-only fatalities, primarily due to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
A new study found that firearm suicides are rising sharply among older women, with nearly 40% of suicides involving firearms in 2014-2023. The trend outpaces older men, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to mitigate firearm suicides among all older adults.
Researchers discovered that smoking produces metabolites that encourage mouth bacteria to grow in the large intestines, triggering an immune response. These bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mitis, help reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis by triggering a specific immune response.
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A new study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology researchers finds that Americans with less education are aging faster, with the gap growing over 30 years. The study measured biological aging, which looks at how well organs and systems work, and found that people with more education have slower biological aging.
A study by University of New Hampshire researchers found that communities with higher walkability scores experienced a 4% reduction in average pandemic-related mental health deterioration. The study analyzed national census and survey data to measure the impact of walking on mental health during the pandemic.
A study by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that hospital stays among migrants in Austria are significantly lower than those of native Austrians. However, readmission rates among migrants were higher, indicating potential access barriers or delayed healthcare utilization. The study's findings suggest that the 'Healthy Mi...
The American Heart Association has named 15 students as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. These student ambassadors will promote healthy habits, raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention, and advocate for CPR education in schools.
A new study found a 40% drop in daily reading for pleasure among Americans over the last 20 years. The decline was more pronounced among certain groups, including Black Americans and those with lower incomes or educational attainment.
A new Zika virus vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers has been shown to be safe and effective in tests with mice, inducing an immune response and protecting against brain and testicular damage. The vaccine uses a technology known as 'virus-like particles' (VLPs) without genetic material from the pathogen.
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that punitive laws are largely ineffective and may actually harm those they aim to protect. Prosocial laws, on the other hand, prioritize access to care and harm reduction, recognizing the complex nature of substance use.
The Fresh Bucks program helps Seattle residents access healthy food by providing financial support for buying fruits and vegetables. Households participating in the program experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume more fruits and vegetables than those on a waitlist.
A new study found Australians prefer medicinal cannabis as a complementary option rather than last resort, with strong support for prescribing at any treatment stage. Preferred oral formulations and lower THC levels were favored, while cost was a critical issue, with many advocating for government subsidies.
Aging cells disrupt bone renewal and repair processes, leading to weak bones and joint degeneration. Cellular senescence and inflammation are major drivers of skeletal decline, while senolytics and emerging therapies offer promising new paths for treatment.
A review of systematic reviews finds a consistent association between youth vaping and subsequent smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use. Vaping is also linked to various respiratory and mental health issues, including asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and suicidal outcomes.
Girls who go through puberty before age 11 have double the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obesity, while women who give birth before 21 have quadruple the risk. Later puberty and childbirth are associated with longer lifespan, lower frailty, and reduced disease risk.
A new study finds structural abnormalities in the brain and poorer motor function among NYC children exposed prenatally to chlorpyrifos. The findings are associated with progressively greater alterations in brain structure, function, and metabolism.
A study analyzing Global Burden of Diseases data from 204 countries and territories found a rising global incidence of urolithiasis over the past three decades, with notable sex disparities. The disease burden is highest in males, particularly in Southeast Asia, whereas females show a higher vulnerability to the increase in risk factors.
A new study finds reported conflicts of interest on CDC vaccine panels had been at historic lows for years before Kennedy's dismissal. The type of conflict typically considered most concerning, income from vaccine makers, was virtually eliminated among panel members.
A systematic review assessed 133 studies on 20 vaccines, finding that many are cost-effective and should be expanded in the National Immunization Program. High-quality vaccines like hepatitis B and domestic HPV-2 have low incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, making them suitable for prioritization.
A new study published in Pharmacoeconomics and Policy finds that households facing catastrophic health expenditure have lower HRQoL scores, but family doctor services mitigate this negative effect. Effective factors include stable employment and higher education, while older age and multiple chronic conditions worsen HRQoL.
George Mason University researchers demonstrate how positive stimuli called recovery cues can lower relapse risk by regulating emotional and physical reactions to triggers. Participants who used personalized VR scenarios showed improved decision-making and reduced cravings for substance use.
University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
The University of Oklahoma's smoking cessation app Smart-T has shown significant promise in a clinical trial, with users nearly twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those using the QuitGuide app. Participants who used Smart-T also reported higher satisfaction and more frequent use of nicotine therapy.