How can urban planning decisions impact health? A new tool evaluates factors like green spaces and air pollution to assess potential health effects.

Waste management is an essential aspect of public health, and it has a long and fascinating history. From ancient Roman public latrines to modern wastewater treatment plants, the evolution of toilets and sewage systems has been pivotal in preventing the spread of dangerous microorganisms that cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Learning about the history of waste management is not only intellectually stimulating but also practically important for understanding the importance of proper sanitation. While modern toilets have a wide range of features, billions of people around the world still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of disease. By studying the history of waste management and developing new sanitation technologies, we can address the behavioral, financial, and political issues that produce inequity throughout the sanitation pipeline and improve public health for all.

Did you know that even electric vehicles produce harmful pollution from tyre wear? According to a new briefing paper by Imperial College London’s Transition to Zero Pollution initiative, six million tonnes of tyre wear particles are released globally each year, with potentially negative effects on biodiversity and human health. While research and innovations dedicated to tackling fuel emissions have been increasing, the environmental and health impacts of tyre wear have been neglected. The researchers call for more investment in tyre wear research to fully understand and reduce their impacts, including particle capture technologies, new advanced materials, and efforts to reduce vehicle weight.

Think cold weather is only dangerous in extreme conditions? Think again. Research from the University of South Wales shows that even mild temperatures like 10°C can have a profound impact on the heart, lungs, and brain. Explore the science behind cold environments and their effects on the body in this eye-opening experiment.

Decades after nuclear testing, downwinders are still experiencing the devastating effects of radioactive fallout. As the possibility of a return to testing looms, National Geographic explores the impact of the U.S.'s atomic age and the risks of a new nuclear arms race.

Scotland has become the first country to ban desflurane, an anaesthetic gas with a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide, from its hospitals due to its environmental threat. The move would cut emissions equivalent to powering 1,700 homes a year. UK hospitals have already cut down, with over 40 hospital trusts in England and some in Wales having stopped using it. NHS England will introduce a similar ban from 2024. Anaesthetists have switched to safer alternatives, but more needs to be done to reduce the NHS's carbon footprint.

From toxic leaks to microplastic pollution, scientists are exploring how pollutants affect human health. Exposomics is a new field that aims to understand our exposure to chemicals and their impact. Carmen Marsit, a molecular epidemiologist, is leading the charge to measure our exposure to chemicals and their breakdown products in blood. Learn how scientists are using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry to identify the chemicals we are exposed to and the potential health risks associated with chronic exposure.

Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the human body and want to play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating illnesses? Look no further than the field of radiography! Radiography is the study of medical imaging, using X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other techniques to create images of the body's internal structures. It's a vital field that helps doctors detect and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, from broken bones to cancer. In recent years, radiography has seen some exciting innovations and breakthroughs. For example, researchers are exploring the use of AI and machine learning to improve the accuracy and speed of medical imaging. And new techniques like 3D printing are allowing doctors to create custom implants and prosthetics for their patients. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and of course, radiographic imaging techniques. Many programs also offer clinical rotations, giving students hands-on experience working with patients and medical professionals. After graduation, there are a wide range of career paths available to radiography majors. Some graduates go on to become radiologic technologists, performing diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays and CT scans. Others become radiation therapists, using radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. And still others go on to become medical physicists, working to develop and improve medical imaging technology. There are many potential employers for radiography graduates, including hospitals, clinics, and private imaging centers. Some notable examples include the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To succeed in radiography, students should have a strong background in science and math, as well as excellent communication skills and attention to detail. If you're passionate about healthcare and interested in a challenging and rewarding career, radiography may be the perfect field for you.

Stanford researchers have developed a smart bandage that painlessly falls away from the skin and tracks signs of recovery and infection. It even responds with electrical stimulation to hasten healing. The bandage resulted in 25% faster healing, greater blood flow to injured tissue, and less scarring in animal studies. The bandage is just one example of how Stanford researchers combine organic chemistry and novel materials to reimagine medical devices in more powerful, personal, and unobtrusive ways.

Sugar is a staple in the modern diet, but it can also be a health hazard when consumed in excess. As a result, sugar substitutes have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this write-up, we will explore the science and effectiveness of sugar substitutes, including the various types of sugar substitutes and their effects on the human body. One of the most widely used sugar substitutes is aspartame, which is commonly found in diet soda and other low-calorie products. While aspartame has been the subject of much debate, studies have shown that it is safe for human consumption in moderate amounts. Another popular sugar substitute is stevia, which is derived from a plant and has no calories. Stevia has been shown to be an effective sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as it does not raise blood sugar levels. But not all sugar substitutes are created equal. For example, sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol can cause digestive issues when consumed in large quantities. And some artificial sweeteners like saccharin have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Leading academics in the field of sugar substitutes include Dr. Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, and Dr. Richard Mattes, a professor of nutrition science at Purdue University. These experts have conducted extensive research on the effects of sugar substitutes on the human body and can provide valuable insights into the topic. The science and effectiveness of sugar substitutes are fascinating topics that can inspire students to explore the world of nutrition and health. By encouraging independent exploration and self-directed projects, we can empower high school students to take ownership of their learning and develop a lifelong love of academic inquiry.

Uncover the Divine Power of Artificial Intelligence: Meet Sybil, the new AI tool for predicting lung cancer risk developed by researchers at MIT, Mass General Cancer Center and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Electronic waste is not just trash, it's a treasure trove of precious metals like gold! Researchers at the University of Cagliari and Imperial College London have found a way to extract gold from electronic waste and use it as a catalyst in making medicines. This not only prevents gold from being lost in landfills but also reduces our dependence on environmentally harmful mining practices.

Inhaler delivery systems have revolutionized the treatment of respiratory illnesses, making it easier for patients to receive the medicine they need to manage their symptoms. But how do these devices work, and what scientific principles underlie their design? At the heart of an inhaler is the aerosol, a fine mist of medication that is delivered directly to the lungs. To create this mist, inhalers use a propellant, which expands rapidly upon release, creating a burst of pressure that forces the medication out of the device and into the airways. One key challenge in designing inhalers is ensuring that the aerosol particles are small enough to be easily inhaled, yet large enough to deposit effectively in the lungs. This is where the science of aerodynamics comes into play, as researchers work to optimize the shape and size of the particles to achieve the ideal balance of delivery efficiency and patient comfort. Recent advancements in inhaler technology have led to the development of smart inhalers, which use sensors and digital connectivity to monitor patient use and provide personalized feedback and reminders. This innovation has the potential to improve patient adherence and outcomes, and is just one example of how inhaler delivery systems continue to evolve and improve. Leading academics in the field include Dr. Richard Costello, a respiratory physician and clinical scientist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Dr. Omar Usmani, a consultant physician in respiratory medicine at the Royal Brompton Hospital and professor of respiratory medicine at Imperial College London. These experts have contributed to important research on inhaler technology and the treatment of respiratory diseases, and continue to drive innovation in the field. Inhaler delivery systems have revolutionized the treatment of respiratory illnesses, allowing patients to manage their symptoms with greater ease and precision. By understanding the science behind aerosol medicine and the principles that underlie inhaler design, we can appreciate the incredible innovation that has made this possible.

New research has identified gold-based compounds that could treat multidrug-resistant "superbugs", with some effectiveness against several bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat, and the development of new antibiotics has stalled. Gold metalloantibiotics, compounds with a gold ion at their core, could be a promising new approach. Dr. Sara M. Soto Gonzalez and colleagues studied the activity of 19 gold complexes against a range of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from patients. The gold compounds were effective against at least one bacterial species studied, with some displaying potent activity against several multidrug-resistant bacteria.

From "swill milk" to pasteurization, milk has been a source of controversy throughout history, leading to dramatic public health crises and intense debates over nutrition, safety, and taste. Author Mark Kurlansky explores the many cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped our relationship with milk, and the ongoing challenges facing the dairy industry today.

Asia faces lethal heat waves, extreme precipitation, droughts, and rising sea levels, making it more exposed to physical climate risk than other parts of the world. By 2050, up to one billion people in Asia will face lethal heat waves, and $2.8-$4.7 trillion of GDP will be at risk annually due to increased heat and humidity. This report examines physical climate risk in Asia, quantifying risk within and across different countries, and highlights the path forward through adaptation and mitigation strategies for policy makers and business leaders in the region to consider.

Want to know the secret to successful and sustainable weight loss? According to a recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers, it's all about the bacteria in your gut and the biomarkers in your body! The study found that certain gut microbiome ecologies and amounts of proteins can predict whether you will be successful at losing weight and keeping it off. So, are you ready to unlock the power of your gut and biomarkers for weight loss success?

Standing is a unique ability that only humans have, and it's a major achievement that has shaped human evolution. Standing upright has given us immense control and power, as it freed our hands to become versatile tools and increased our brain capacity. However, standing also comes with exposure and vulnerability, and it can lead to chronic strain on our backs and knees. Despite this, how we stand can reveal a lot about how we're feeling, and changing our stance can actually change the way we feel and how others perceive us. Learning about the benefits and drawbacks of standing can help us understand ourselves better and improve our physical and mental well-being.

Researchers have identified lipid differences in patients with alcohol-related liver disease that could lead to earlier detection and new treatments. Sphingomyelins were found to be significantly reduced in scarred liver tissue, potentially serving as a biomarker for ALD. Learn more about this breakthrough research and its implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ALD.

Weight loss surgery decreases bile acids linked to higher appetite, but lifestyle changes could mimic the effect. Researchers from King's, the University of Nottingham, and Amsterdam University Medical Centre found that gut microbes play a key role in regulating bile acids and metabolism. The study's results have important implications for targeted interventions for metabolic disorders focused on the gut microbiome. Co-author Professor Tim Spector, the co-founder of personalised nutrition company ZOE, highlights the promise of gut microbiome testing in supporting metabolic health.