public health

A study highlights the potential of 670 nm red light to stimulate mitochondrial energy production and reduce blood glucose levels, offering a promising non-invasive technique for diabetes management. It also points to the health risks of prolonged blue light exposure from LEDs, emphasizing the need for a balance between red and blue light to preserve health.Shining a specific frequency of red light on a person’s back for 15 minutes can reduce blood sugar levels, according to a new study from City, University of London and…

Consuming up to three servings of kimchi daily may reduce the risk of obesity in men and decrease abdominal obesity in both men and women, according to a new study. The research, based on the Korean HEXA study, suggests that the benefits of kimchi, a low-calorie, nutrient-rich fermented food, may be due to its content of beneficial bacteria and dietary fiber. However, due to its high sodium content, moderate consumption is advised.Radish kimchi is associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal fat in both men and…

A study from the University of Oxford reveals that a significant number of COVID-19 infections persist for over a month, potentially contributing to the emergence of new variants and Long COVID symptoms. Analysis of over 90,000 participants found that up to 0.5% of infections could last 60 days or more, with some infections showing high mutation rates.Recent research conducted by the University of Oxford has found that a high proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the general population lead to persistent infections…

A recent study explores the dynamics of nonpharmaceutical interventions in pandemic management, revealing how minor changes can significantly affect the optimal strategy.New research highlights the fine balance between health and economic strategies in pandemic response, introducing an innovative approach that adapts to changing virus dynamics.The COVID-19 pandemic raised questions about when and to what extent costly nonpharmaceutical interventions (e.g., lockdowns) should be used to slow the contagious spread of the…

Recent research indicates that pesticides and herbicides used in farming could be contributing to higher rates of Parkinson’s disease in certain U.S. regions, emphasizing the need for more in-depth studies and potential reduction in pesticide usage to mitigate disease risk.A preliminary study recently presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting has linked pesticides and herbicides used in farming to Parkinson’s disease in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region of the country“We used geographic…

A Rutgers Health study analyzing Medicare records revealed nine end-of-life care trajectories for older Americans, categorized into home, skilled home care, and institutional care clusters. This research aims to tailor end-of-life care interventions to individual preferences, improving care quality and reducing costs by understanding the factors influencing these care patterns. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA Rutgers Health analysis of millions of Medicare records has laid the groundwork for improving end-of-life care by…

A 2021 study found that if farmers didn’t use pesticides, they would lose 78% of fruit production, 54% of vegetable production, and 32% of cereal production. At the same time, the way pesticides are delivered is not ideal: The only way to guarantee enough pesticide distribution is to spray too much. That isn’t great for farmers’ wallets or the environment. Along comes AgZen, a company born out of over a decade of MIT engineering research, with a new solution that uses AI to ensure that the…

A study has linked phthalates, chemicals in plastics and cosmetics, to nearly 56,600 preterm births in the U.S. in 2018, with costs up to $8.1 billion. It underscores the health risks of phthalates, such as hormone disruption and lower newborn weights, advocating for stricter regulation to mitigate the impacts on public health and the economy.A recent study suggests that regular contact with chemicals found in plastic food packaging and numerous cosmetic products could be linked to approximately 56,600 premature births in…

Following the COVID-19 pandemic’s start, there was a marked increase in antidepressant dispensing among adolescents and young adults, especially females, highlighting an accelerated trend and suggesting a deepened mental health crisis. The study points to the need for further investigation into interventions that can effectively address the mental health challenges faced by young people.After March 2020, the dispensing of antidepressants to young people increased at a faster pace, particularly among females.A new study…

Research reveals that public support for nudges in promoting healthier and sustainable choices increases with efforts to reduce opt-out difficulty and enhance transparency. Maintaining free choice perception and nudges’ effectiveness are critical for public approval.It might come as a surprise, but the concept of “nudge” has been employed by companies, policy-makers, and governments for quite some time as a strategy to gently influence public decisions. Subtle alterations in our surroundings can steer us towards certain…