Articles tagged with Public Health
The increasing use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms poses a pressing need for public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy, highlighting the need for real-world research on psilocybin use.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells shed their glycocalyx layer to move into tissues, changing the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. This finding may lead to new approaches in developing drugs targeting immune cell movement and treating infections and inflammatory diseases.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine has identified that the sequence of previous diseases may help predict the risk of long COVID. The research analyzed health trajectories over time and found that taking into account the interaction of diseases can improve prediction accuracy.
Researchers found RSV to be of comparable severity to influenza and COVID-19, with higher death rates and intensive care admissions. Long-term cardiovascular and neurological complications were also observed up to 300 days post-hospitalisation.
A US study found that nicotine vaping nearly doubled among adolescents who vaped between 2020 and 2024, with a significant increase in daily users struggling to quit. The researchers aimed to understand the 'hardening' of youth vapers, describing a worsening addiction pattern.
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched the nation’s first endowed professorship in Sexual & Reproductive Justice, honoring activist Byllye Avery. The professorship will build upon her model of scholar activism and advance teaching, research, and public engagement in SRJ.
The DEFEND study aims to assess whether virtual exercise sessions can be successfully delivered to patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Researchers will evaluate the impact on physical function, fatigue, and disability.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that remote physiologic monitoring increases primary care revenue by 20%, while also improving patient outcomes for those with higher disease burdens.
The JAMA Summit Report outlines policies and interventions proven to reduce firearm violence, including community-based initiatives, technologies, and collaborative policing. Experts recommend five essential actions to drive progress in the coming years.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
Research links low body weight in young Japanese women to reduced gut microbial diversity, with an increased presence of inflammatory species. The study suggests that improving eating habits could lead to improvements in gut microbiota and body weight.
A new study reveals that laws restricting pain clinics, or 'pill mills,' where opioids were often prescribed, reduced risky opioid use by 5 percent. Enacting such laws near the onset of the crisis in the 1990s could have reduced risky use by 30 percent over time.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey finds that most American adults are unclear about the dangers of measles and the value of vaccination. The survey also shows a decline in support for MMR vaccination among parents, from 90% in November 2024 to 82% in August 2025.
A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that consuming flavanols can preserve blood vessel function in young healthy men during periods of uninterrupted sitting. The researchers tested whether high-flavanol cocoa could prevent FMD declines, and found significant protection against vascular dysfunction.
AI algorithms can empower workers when used as tools for collaboration, rather than control. When managers use algorithms to explain system logic and give staff power to question decisions, employee dignity is protected.
Researchers discovered that cardiac fibroblasts use a signaling pathway to promote harmful changes in the heart, weakening its ability to pump blood efficiently. Blocking this pathway in mice models improved heart function, suggesting that fibroblasts could be a potential target for new therapeutic strategies.
A cross-sectional study in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Parisian suburb area found that 1 in 3 university students reported being unable to access desired food. This food insecurity was significantly associated with academic dropout, highlighting the need for targeted support.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that the world is facing unprecedented levels of health threats due to climate change, with millions of lives lost unnecessarily. The report calls for urgent action to limit future harm by prioritizing human health in policy decisions.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have used artificial intelligence and citizen science to identify what may be the first specimen of Anopheles stephensi — an invasive and deadly malaria-carrying mosquito — ever detected in Madagascar. The study demonstrates how AI-powered image recognition and public participation can t...
A new study found that opt-out organ donation policies reduce living donors by 29% but don't increase the total supply of organs. The transition to an opt-out system alters people's perception of organ availability, leading them to believe it solves the shortage, resulting in fewer altruistic donations.
A new study reveals Low-Cost Source Apportionment (LoCoSA) is being used to great effect across the Global South, offering a powerful tool for improving public health and environmental policy. Researchers are now putting their findings into practice in Uganda, identifying and understanding dominant sources of Kampala's air pollution.
Researchers outline 22 opportunities and strategies to help communities better prepare for and mitigate the effects of next pandemic; focusing on adaptable urban planning and smart technologies to ensure equitable and effective pandemic preparedness.
The updated guidance offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to prevent and control infections in nursing homes, supporting both short-stay and long-stay residents' safety. Developed by experts in geriatrics, infectious diseases, infection prevention, and epidemiology, the document has been reviewed and endorsed by leading profe...
A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.
A systematic review by ECU and US universities reveals cognitive-based interventions as the most effective in managing perinatal anxiety, depression, and stress, while counselling-based interventions show moderate impact on anxiety and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help women transition to new roles, providing strategies fo...
A new study published by Yonsei University reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to workplace accidents, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities by 2.6 times when PM2.5 concentrations double. The study estimates economic losses of up to $10 billion annually.
A meta-analysis of 129 studies found that self-affirmation exercises have positive effects on people's general well-being, social well-being, and self-perception. The benefits are both immediate and long-lasting, persisting over time without dissipating immediately.
The study analyzed linked health data for over 57 million people in England, finding drops in cardiovascular disease incidence during the pandemic. However, diagnoses rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with increased cases of heart failure and inflammation of heart tissue observed after the pandemic.
A new report maps Singapore's programs supporting children's mental health, revealing a strong foundation but also areas for improvement. The study identifies key recommendations to enhance coordination, funding, and child-centered practice, aiming to create a seamless support pathway for every child.
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
A food tax shift could reduce premature deaths and disease by 700 annually and 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden. The study shows that selective taxes on unhealthy foods can lead to healthier diets without increasing the average price of groceries.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
A new approach, epimodulation, has been developed to improve epidemiological forecasting models by incorporating critical pieces of understanding into the models. This approach increased model accuracy by up to 55% during epidemic peaks for hospital admission forecasts without reducing accuracy at non-peak times.
The Framingham offspring study found that approximately 10% of participants experienced significant hearing loss over a 25-year period, with the prevalence increasing with age. The study suggests that early detection and intervention may help prevent or slow the progression of hearing loss.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective than social strategies in reducing loneliness. The study analyzed over 280 studies and found that digital-only programs tend to be less effective compared to in-person approaches.
A new study links exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and found in consumer products, to an increased risk of significant liver fibrosis. The study found that people exposed to PCE were three times more likely to develop the condition, regardless of other health factors.
A new study by Beni-Suef University in Egypt reveals that nearly half of undergraduate students use non-prescription weight loss supplements without prior medical consultation. The researchers found that many users were aware of potential health risks but continued taking the supplements due to social media and family influence.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that countries with higher human development indices and lower gender inequality have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness among young adults. Women's VO2peak was significantly higher in countries with high gender equality compared to those with low gender equality.
A new study led by Silent Spring Institute examines how job-related chemical exposures contribute to breast cancer risk among foreign-born workers. Immigrant women are overrepresented in high-risk jobs with fewer health and safety protections, facing unique barriers to avoiding toxic exposures at work.
A new study found that fitness and calorie counting apps can lead to negative emotions such as shame, disappointment, and demotivation among users. The researchers called for a more holistic approach focusing on wellbeing rather than rigid calorie counting and exercise quantification.
A large-scale cohort study found that stopping drinking even at low levels can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 359,000 adults and discovered that quantity of alcohol intake is the primary driver of blood pressure changes.
The termination of thousands of federal grants has raised ethical concerns about clinical trial closures, particularly among children and adolescents. Researchers argue that sudden stops can break trust and harm participants, violating long-standing principles.
A new study published in PLOS One found that nearly one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes in India achieved remission through a comprehensive mobile-based program combining diet, exercise, stress management, and medical support. The program showed significant improvements in weight, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels, fasti...
A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...
A new study found that a minimum happiness threshold of 2.7 is necessary for increased happiness to translate into measurable health benefits and lower non-communicable disease mortality rates, suggesting happiness as a public health resource.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze brain connectivity, environmental factors, and behavioral data from 295 older adults with cardiovascular diagnoses. The study identified key predictors of increased physical activity, including access to green spaces, social support, and executive function abilities.
A study found that vitamin D levels fell significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among older women and urban populations. The researchers analyzed data from over 292,000 patients and discovered a 26% decrease in mean serum vitamin D levels, accompanied by a 35.2% increase in deficiency rates.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
Scientists worldwide are calling for accelerated development and standardization of energy metabolism measurement technologies to address global challenges. The conference highlighted the importance of understanding how organisms utilize energy, crucial for tackling climate change and public health crises.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that daily step counts of 4,000 or more are associated with a 26% lower mortality risk and 27% lower cardiovascular disease risk in older women. The study suggests that even sporadic high-intensity exercise can have significant health benefits.
A study examined factors supporting or hindering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing primary healthcare services. Young participants preferred to use Aboriginal providers where they could be themselves, valuing a cultural connection and feeling safer and welcomed.
The US needs a new strategy for insurance coverage and access to cell and gene therapies due to high up-front costs. In contrast, Europe has approved 19 CGTs with most being reimbursed within two years of approval based on demonstrated added therapeutic value.
A study measuring the impact of a data-driven health strengthening project in Madagascar demonstrates success with a 30% reduction in child deaths. The project provides universal access to basic healthcare, improving outcomes despite challenging conditions.
This review of research on music- and nature-based strategies for mental health and wellbeing found that these interventions can offer adaptable low-cost, multi-sensory approaches for people of all ages. Studies showed that combined therapeutic use of music and nature facilitates self-expression, improving mood and emotional well-being.
A new study projects that US funding cuts will result in a catastrophic effect on pediatric TB, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia experiencing a significant spike in preventable cases and deaths over the next decade. The loss of US bilateral health aid is projected to result in an additional 2.5 million pediatric T...
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A periodized exercise program can improve physical function, reduce treatment-related fatigue, and enhance overall quality of life for cancer patients. Research shows that tailored exercise plans can also positively influence systemic inflammation, metabolism, and immune function, which could impact cancer progression and recurrence.