human health – envirobites

When most of us think about gaining or losing weight, we see it as a straightforward equation of calories in vs. calories burned. If it’s really that simple, though, why do so many struggle with weight-loss even while following targeted diet and exercise plans? Recently, scientists have begun to identify “obesogens” – chemicals that boost obesity risk – in our environment. Understanding the role of these chemicals in obesity (in addition to diet, activity, genetics, and other known risk factors) may help us understand why some people have an especially difficult time losing weight.

Case Studies Environmental Science Human Exposure and Public Health

Chagas Disease Eradication in Guatemala: An Example of Successful Cooperative Vector Control

January 30, 2019 Munim Deen 0 Comments Chagas Disease, human health, infectious diseases, public health, vectors

Large-scale cooperation from anyone for anything often seems out of reach. Large-scale cooperation from multiple government entities to control a disease vector and actually bring about a decline in the disease in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere is a truly difficult goal. That is what’s happening in Guatemala in an attempt to control Chagas disease. Has any real progress been made?

Climate Environmental Science Human Exposure and Public Health Toxicology

How climate change can alter the toxicity of chemicals

January 7, 2019January 27, 2019 Niranjana Krishnan 0 Comments Chemicals, Climate Change, human health, toxicity, wildlife health

Climate change can alter harmful chemicals, which may impact humans and wildlife in several different ways. Read on to learn more!

Cities Environmental Science Human Exposure and Public Health Toxicology

Air Pollution Can Affect Your Mind and How You Think

November 12, 2018November 13, 2018 Munim Deen 0 Comments aging, air quality, cognition, human health, Pollution

Pollution has long been known to negatively affect humans physically. Recent research has shown that exposure to pollution can also lower the brain’s thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Human Exposure and Public Health Toxicology

The environmental impact of the world’s most famous weed killer

January 19, 2018 Niranjana Krishnan 0 Comments ecological assessment, Environmental Protection Agency, Glyphosate, herbicides, human health, pesticides, risk assessment, RoundUp

Glyphosate is the world’s most heavily used pesticide and arguably one of the most controversial. Questions have been raised on how safe the pesticide is to non-target organisms, like fish, birds, insects and animals, including humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released draft reports that address these issues. This post summarizes their findings.