Articles tagged with Public Health
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federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula.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.
Recent research highlights the challenges of communication for autistic adults, including language and nonverbal barriers. Experts recommend a multifaceted approach to support autistic individuals, focusing on adaptations that accommodate their differences.
The H5N1 virus has defied control, spreading to other species and disrupting every stage of the dairy sector. A One Health approach is necessary to mitigate the outbreak, taking into account animal and human health with environmental factors.
Human oocytes mature without centrosomes, relying on microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) to assemble spindles. Researchers reveal key factors required for MTOCs maturation and its importance in oocyte development and fertility.
A recent study reveals woefully low awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and their association with cancer in the Midwestern and Southern US states. These states have seen a rise in HPV-associated cancers, making suboptimal HPV vaccination rates even more alarming.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
Women in counties with low cervical cancer screening rates experience nearly double the rate of cervical cancer diagnoses, particularly late-stage disease, and death. Timely screening can identify precancerous lesions for removal before they develop into cancer.
A new project at FAU aims to advance water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee by understanding how common contaminants break down after being released into freshwater environments. The team will deploy passive sampling devices and use cutting-edge chemical analysis to predict which contaminants are forming dangerous byproducts.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine used AI tools to investigate the connection between IPF and accelerated aging, identifying four key pathways central to both conditions. The study found that patients with severe infections had significantly higher predicted biological ages, suggesting a link between fibrosis and aging.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health has been awarded $1.8 million to strengthen the maternal and child health workforce. The Center of Excellence will tackle critical gaps in the workforce, increasing academic-practice partnerships and developing a comprehensive evaluation strategy.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A study by George Mason University's Ali Weinstein found that breast cancer survivors who experienced higher levels of fatigue showed increased inflammation, particularly in TGF-β and eotaxin levels. Most participants did not experience significant changes in inflammation or fatigue after mentally or physically fatiguing tasks, suggest...
A study by the University of Helsinki found that nearly 80% of Ukrainian refugees with war injuries carried multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, non-hospitalized refugees showed no significant increase in MDR bacteria carriage rates. The Finnish healthcare system is taking precautions to tackle this challenge.
A new study found substantial increases in the use of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices among children and adults with type 1 diabetes, resulting in improved blood-sugar control rates from 7% to 19% and 21% to 28%, respectively
Researchers have identified PFAS in reusable period products, including underwear and pads, which may leach into wastewater and be absorbed through skin contact. Most products lacked intentional PFAS, but the study suggests these chemicals are unnecessary components.
Researchers analyzed food purchases made by 180,000 nationally representative households in the US between 2008 and 2020. The study found that calories obtained from dollar store items have nearly doubled, but households are getting over 90% of their calories from other outlets.
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
A recent study analyzed hourly data from nearly 750 low-cost and regulatory air pollution sensors throughout LA to understand the impact of wildfires on air quality. The findings suggest that combining different data sources, including ground-based sensors and satellite data, can provide more accurate and comprehensive information.
The Lancet commission emphasizes the need for concrete goals to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma's growing disease burden. The authors propose a 2% annual reduction in age-standardized incidence rates and recommend evidence-based strategies to tackle viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, environmental risk factors, and disparities in he...
Researchers found that heavy use of copper antimicrobials can drive antibiotic resistance in bacteria, but switching to copper with other measures can help mitigate this effect. Copper-resistant bacteria also become resistant to antibiotics, suggesting a common evolutionary pathway.
A national study calls for increased vaccine screening in emergency departments to address health inequities. The study found that nearly a third of the US population lacks primary care access and rarely receives vaccination screenings.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
The European Union has launched a new toolkit to help eliminate viral hepatitis B and C in prisons across Europe. The toolkit provides practical tools and guidance for implementing interventions in prisons, with the goal of reducing transmission rates and promoting public health.
A team of researchers led by undergraduate physics majors at UMass Amherst modeled how aerosol plumes spread when people are waiting and walking in a line. They found that warm air rises, causing the plumes to sink, but temperatures can affect their height. The study sharpens our understanding of airborne-communicable diseases travel.
A Korean survey of over 50,000 middle and high school students found that adolescent girls with weight concerns are at higher risk for depression and suicidality. The study highlights the importance of addressing body image issues in young females to prevent mental health problems.
A recent survey by Emory University found that Americans across party lines do not support cutting child-focused programs, such as infant safety and monitoring programs. The survey also revealed decreased trust in vaccine policy among nearly half of respondents, with concerns about lead and heavy metal contamination being the second bi...
Researchers found that improving access to technology can significantly reduce healthcare disparities among African Americans. The study highlights the importance of addressing both socioeconomic disparities and technology access to achieve equity in healthcare.
A new study published in JAMA found that the August 2023 Maui wildfire led to a 46% increase in statewide suicide and overdose death rates, with a 97% increase in Maui alone. The researchers suggest direct exposure and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, contributed to the rise in deaths.
A new study from University of California San Diego found that frequent standing breaks can lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Women who increased daily sit-to-stand movements saw measurable improvements in blood pressure, with an average decrease of 2.24 mmHg within three months.
The editorial board endorses the shift from 'non-pharmaceutical interventions' to 'public health and social measures', emphasizing their scientific legitimacy and societal value. Effective responses require combinations of non-medical interventions, which language can obscure if not framed correctly.
New research shows a small reduction in quad bike deaths at work in Australia since the introduction of new safety standards, but public health experts emphasize the need for continued action to keep Australians safe.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics announces a new, independent monitoring system to track the impact of plastic pollution on human health. The report estimates 8 billion metric tons of plastic waste pollute the planet, harming health at every stage of the plastic life cycle.
A study by Texas A&M University found that cannabis use is more common among non-Hispanic Black men with chronic health issues, particularly those with pain, stress and depression. The research suggests a two-way relationship between cannabis use and worsening physical and mental health.
A US study found that young adults with hearing difficulties have lower educational attainment, are less likely to be employed, and earn less than their peers. The effects are particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic individuals. Hearing loss can limit job opportunities due to communication challenges.
The study found that the pandemic affected development, interactions, and connections among youth and parents, causing anxiety, grief, and strained relationships. However, it also led to increased spending time together, personal growth, and creative coping mechanisms.