A federal program that made the COVID-19 vaccines free has ended. Now, uninsured Americans could pay as much as $200 to get the shot. The Bridge Access Program covered the cost for Americans with insurance and those without. Health experts…
Tag: Public Health
Dangerous Airborne Fungus Boosted by California Droughts
Researchers from UC San Diego and UC Berkeley have identified the seasonal and climate-based cycles of Valley fever, an emerging but dangerous fungal disease spread through dust in the air.
UC Irvine study reveals health impacts of repeated wildfires and smoke exposure
Irvine, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 — University of California, Irvine public health researchers have published a study in the journal Environmental Research Health highlighting the compounded effects of frequent wildfires and smoke exposure on physical and mental health, local economies and community resilience in Southern California.
Duke Expert Welcomes Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parents and Stress
The Office of the Surgeon General issued an advisory Wednesday, calling attention to rising levels of parental stress as a matter of public health. Quotes: “This advisory is incredibly timely as children of all ages head back to school and…
Kids now see fewer TV ads for unhealthy food and drinks, but exposure remains high
University of Illinois Chicago study finds children are still exposed to over 1,000 ads a year for unhealthy foods
Americans face disparities in exposure to tobacco on streaming platforms
Tens of millions of Americans are being exposed to tobacco content on streaming services, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Breaking down the indestructible: new technologies target PFAS environmental menace
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are pervasive pollutants that pose severe risks to human health and the environment due to their extreme resistance to degradation. This study introduces four advanced technologies that offer promising solutions for PFAS remediation.
From embers to crisis: the expanding threat of wildfires under global warming
Wildfires are emerging as a critical global issue, intensified by climate change and increasingly threatening both the environment and public health. A recent study reveals that these fires are not only becoming more frequent but also more severe, particularly in high-latitude regions such as Asia and North America.
Sewage secrets: economic factors shaping our microbiome exposed
A global study has uncovered a strong link between the microbes found in sewage and a country’s economic conditions. By analyzing samples from 60 countries, researchers found that the diversity of human-related microbes varies widely, influenced by factors such as export levels and social security. This study demonstrates how sewage can be a valuable tool for monitoring public health and assessing the impact of economic conditions on microbial communities worldwide.
National Academy of Medicine Selects FAU for Substance Use, Opioid Crises Collaborative
FAU joins the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Combating Opioid Crises. This pilot project, involving more 80 organizations, aims to enhance coordination and address addiction challenges through collaboration among public, private and nonprofit sectors.
WHO Declares Monkeypox a Global Health Emergency
Monkeypox has been declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization. This comes after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread into Africa. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,…
World Mosquito Day + dengue, malaria: Johns Hopkins experts available
This week, ahead of World Mosquito Day on Tuesday, August 20, top experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are available for interviews to discuss the ongoing threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. The…
Swipe up! Health apps deliver real results en masse
They’re the dinky digital tools you can download in a few seconds, but despite their literal size, health and fitness apps pack a real punch when it comes to getting results, say researchers at the University of South Australia.
Link found between sociocultural institutions in ethnic enclaves and resident health
Irvine, Calif., Aug. 8, 2024 — The number of sociocultural institutions within ethnic enclaves may play a significant role in positively influencing the health of immigrant Asian American and Hispanic populations, according to recent research led by the University of California, Irvine. For the study, published online in the journal Social Science and Medicine, researchers created and validated two novel measures – Asian- and Hispanic-serving sociocultural institutions – to identify the different mechanisms that link majority minority neighborhoods to health outcomes.
AI-Enabled Ultrasound Revolutionizes Gestational Age Estimation in Low-Resource Settings
A study led by Jeffrey S. A. Stringer, MD, FACOG, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine, has shown that an AI-enabled, low-cost handheld ultrasound device can estimate gestational age as accurately as expert sonographers, potentially revolutionizing pregnancy care in low-resource settings where healthcare personnel have little ultrasound training.
Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall in Florida
Hurricane Debby has made landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida as a category one hurricane. So far, more than 300,000 people are without power and over 1,200 flights have been canceled. Forecasters are warning of a potentially deadly storm surge as hurricane…
UAlbany Study: Joint Effects of Thunderstorms and Power Outages Increase Respiratory-Related Emergency Department Visits
A new study led by UAlbany researchers is among the first to examine the joint effects of thunderstorms and power outages on respiratory-related emergency department visits in New York State.
Daily Use of E-Cigarettes Linked to Higher Cigarette Quit Rates, Roswell Park Research Shows
Adults who used e-cigarettes daily and also smoked combustible cigarettes were more likely to quit smoking than those who smoked but used e-cigarettes less frequently, new research from Roswell Park shows. The findings suggest that daily e-cigarette use may help some people to quit using combustible cigarettes.
Upstate medical student earns Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship to conduct research in Ghana
Upstate Medical University medical student Katie Farkouh has been awarded a Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship in Public Health for the 2024-2025 school year to conduct research in Ghana.
Education level, social media skills linked to cancer fatalism
More educated people who are skilled at finding reliable information through social media don’t always see cancer as fatal while those with less schooling and social media awareness hold more fatalistic beliefs about the disease, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found.
Roche showcases solutions for laboratories of the future at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine 2024 Clinical Lab Expo
● Roche will unveil the next generation of core lab and molecular systems, including a total solution for clinical mass spectrometry.
● Attendees can experience firsthand how fully integrated systems and data solutions can streamline lab operations, optimize resources and expedite care.
Study identifies 18 proteins linked to heart failure, frailty
An analysis of blood samples from thousands of study participants, led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, revealed 18 proteins associated with both heart failure and frailty, conditions that commonly develop in late life.
Memorial Hermann Invests in Ready, Set, Food as Part of Commitment to Prevent Food Allergies
Memorial Hermann Health System has made an investment in Ready, Set, Food that will further its commitment to educate and equip families with the tools necessary to give their babies the best chance at living a life free of food allergies.
Nipah Virus Outbreak in India: A deadly Pathogen
Recent reports of the Nipah virus in India have raised alarms as the country grapples with this deadly pathogen. The latest outbreak has resulted in the death of a teenager in Kerala, prompting heightened vigilance and public health responses.
Socioeconomic status affects survival of children with cancer
Socioeconomic factors can influence the diagnosis and treatment of children in Texas with malignant solid tumors, increasing the risk of the cancer’s spread and lowering the five-year survival rate, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The study, published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons, identifies vulnerable populations in an effort to improve outreach and distribution of resources for better health outcomes for pediatric patients.
Decoding Early Lyme Disease
A Rutgers Health physician-scientist publishes guidance for primary care doctors diagnosing and treating early Lyme disease, a bacterial infection
New Cedars-Sinai Study Investigates Shifting Trends in GLP-1RA Prescription
Investigators at Cedars-Sinai and other institutions conducted a nationwide, population-based study to identify trends in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)—prescription medications sold under popular drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy—in the United States.
For clinicians, diagnostic criteria for obesity remains elusive
Obesity now affects 2 in 5 U.S. adults, making it one of the most important public health problems facing society. However, finding an accurate way to identify obesity in individuals remains challenging given the very diverse U.S. patient population.
ACP Calls for Evidence-Based Public Health Approach to Cannabis Regulation
A public health approach is necessary to address the legal, medical, and social complexities of cannabis use, says the American College of Physicians (ACP) in a new policy paper, “Regulatory Framework for Cannabis: A Position Paper from the American College of Physicians.”
Expert Available: More Human Bird Flu Case Confirmed in US
Five dairy workers in Colorado have tested positive for the bird flu. According to the state department, all five workers are poultry workers at a farm in northeast, Colorado. …
Shape the Future of Global Health: Register Now for APRU’s 2024 Conference in Bangkok!
The School of Global Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), cordially invite all to the “17th APRU Global Health Conference 2024.” The event will take place from November 4-6, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Bhumisiri Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Most Salmonella illnesses from chicken caused by few products with high levels of virulent strains
Raw poultry is one of the main causes of Salmonella poisoning, which affects thousands of people in the U.S. every year. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that few products with high levels of very virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for most of the illnesses from raw chicken parts.
Human Plague Case Confirmed in Colorado
A human case of plague has been confirmed in a Colorado resident. The case was identified in Pueblo County. According to county public health officials, the resident was diagnosed following a four-day investigation based on preliminary test results. Right now,…
World Hepatitis Day: Promoting Awareness and Action
July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis and promoting measures to combat this serious public health issue.
The Detection of a Massive Harmful Algal Bloom in the Arctic Prompts Real-Time Advisories to Western Alaskan Communities
In summer of 2022, a research cruise detected a massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Bering Strait region of western Alaska. This expedition provided a dramatic example of science utilizing new technology to track a neurotoxic HAB, and effectively communicate information that protects remote coastal communities in real-time.
Digital Self-Harm Surges Among U.S. Teens from 2016 to 2021
Digital self-harm, where individuals anonymously post or share hurtful content about themselves online, has increased more than 88% since 2016. Between 2019 and 2021, about 9 to 12% of 13 to 17 year olds in the U.S. engaged in digital self-harm. The study also explored whether teens who experienced cyberbullying were more likely to engage in digital self-harm.
Take summer heat health risks seriously, UTSW experts caution
The scorching heat can be inescapable this time of year, and as temperatures hover around triple digits, experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center caution that uncomfortable weather can escalate to dangerous health conditions.
Herpes Infections Take Major Economic Toll Globally, New Research Shows
The first-ever global estimate of the economic costs of genital herpes infections shows billions of dollars of health care expenditures and productivity losses.
Want to Stay Mentally Sharp Longer? Eat a Healthy Diet Now
Eating a high-quality diet in youth and middle age could help keep your brain functioning well in your senior years, according to new preliminary findings from a study that used data collected from over 3,000 people followed for nearly seven decades.
Biting Threat: Dengue Fever on the Rise in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about the increased risk of dengue fever in the United States, marking a significant public health concern. The increased risk of dengue infections in the US is particularly concerning as it represents a shift in the geographical spread of this mosquito-borne disease.
Survey finds many have misconceptions about sexually transmitted infection risk
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in the U.S., including an 80% increase in syphilis over a five-year period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new national survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds many Americans have misconceptions on how STIs are spread and who should be treated.
Infectious Disease Doctor: Flying This Summer? Here’s What You Should Know Before Boarding.
The TSA just reported an all-time high for the number of airline travelers screened, and major U.S. airlines expect to transport 271 million passengers this summer, a 6.3 percent increase from last year. Now, board-certified infectious disease physician Carl Abraham, M.D., assistant…
USU’s National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health Selects University of Hawaii to Establish Independent Red Hill Exposure Registry
The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH), a component of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), has selected the University of Hawaii (UH) to create and operate an independent registry of individuals who were exposed to, or at risk of exposure to, the Red Hill fuel release in November 2021.
Can tweets be word of mouth that changes risky behaviors?
Abstract There have been few investigations of whether public health campaigns can stimulate online word of mouth to increase their effectiveness. We address this gap through an empirical investigation of whether advertising and social media posts by a public health…
FDA Warns of Contaminated Oysters and Clams
The Food and Drug Administration says shellfish from a number of states could be contaminated with toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with saxitoxin which causes gastrointestinal distress. According to the…
Camelid nanobodies: transforming food allergen analysis
Recent advancements show nanobodies from camelid antibodies excel in food allergen detection with superior stability, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. This innovative approach aims to improve accuracy and efficiency, crucial for preventing severe allergic reactions.
Chulalongkorn Unveils “Microalbuminuria Rapid Test”: Easy, Accurate, Ready for Commercial Use
Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, attended the launching of the innovative Microalbuminuria Rapid Test developed by a team of experts and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. The test, which is convenient and easy to use and offers high accuracy, allows users to self-screen for kidney damage, giving it commercial potential in order to enhance Thailand’s healthcare system. It is expected for distribution in mid-2024.
Study links chronic pain to quality of family relationships
Strong family relationships have long been associated with a better sense of well-being and connection. Now a team led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers has linked the quality of those relationships with how successfully people – particularly aging African Americans – manage pain.
Many Firearm Owners Can’t Recognize When a Cable Lock Is Properly Installed
Rutgers researchers find firearm owners have gaps in their knowledge about proper lock installation on firearms
U.S. Drug-related Infant Deaths More than Doubled from 2018 to 2022
Drug-involved infant deaths more than doubled (120% increase) from 2018 to 2022, with the greatest proportion of deaths in 2021 (25.8%). The most prevalent underlying causes of death included assault (homicide) by drugs, medicaments and biological substances (35.6%).