News by Subject Medicine & Health

Exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater promotes fat cell development, or adipogenesis, in laboratory cell models, a Duke-led study finds. Researchers observed increases in the size and number of fat cells after exposing the models to a mixture of 23 common fracking chemicals or to wastewater or surface-water samples containing them, even at diluted concentrations. Adipogenesis occurred through PPARy-dependent and independent mechanisms. More research is needed to assess potential health impacts outside the laboratory.

Trachomatous trichiasis, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. It is common in areas of the world that lack access to health care and clean water. A relatively simple surgery can spare the patient's vision, and although this surgery is usually performed free of charge in endemic regions, multiple studies indicate that surgical refusal is common.

A Forest Service study of nearly 50,000 children in New Zealand has found that those who live in greener neighborhoods are less likely to develop asthma. However, not all greenness is a good thing--children living in areas with nonnative plant species or low plant diversity were actually at a greater risk of developing the chronic lung disease.

Small molecule PM-43I prevented and reversed preexisting allergic airway disease in mice and cleared through the kidneys with no long-term toxicity.

An analysis of 10 consecutive days of federal food aid delivered during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria reveals that much of this food exceeded the dietary limits for sodium, added sugars and saturated fats outlined in federal dietary guidelines.