Hamad Ali is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Combined impact of heat and dust on diabetes hospitalization in Kuwait

29 Aug 2024  |  BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care  |  English  |  Climate Change

In Kuwait, the interplay of extreme heat and dust storms significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for diabetes patients. The study highlights the vulnerability of diabetics to environmental factors, with heat impairing temperature regulation and dust exacerbating vascular complications. Data from 2017 to 2019 shows a linear increase in hospitalization risk with rising dust levels and a non-linear increase with temperature. The compounded effect of hot and dusty conditions further elevates this risk, underscoring the need for targeted public health strategies. Limitations include potential exposure misclassification and the study's geographic specificity.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Ministry of Health Kuwait Diabetes Epidemiology Program

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I’m Joseph Allen, a video strategist and videographer working with clients across various industries in France and internationally. With a background in sports journalism at Agence France Presse, Eurosport, and Euronews, I bring storytelling expertise to my video work, helping businesses and ...

Biden administration (finally) elevates healthy buildings as part of national Covid strategy

18 Mar 2022  |  www.statnews.com  |  English  |  Building Safety

The White House has elevated 'clean air in buildings' as a key pillar in the national Covid-19 response, marking a significant shift in strategy. The administration's Clean Air in Buildings Challenge emphasizes the importance of ventilation and filtration in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The initiative includes guiding principles and best practices for improving air quality in buildings, and plans to recognize and reward buildings that meet specified targets. The effort also aims to enhance the Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Environments Division. The author, Joseph G. Allen, highlights the broader benefits of healthy buildings, including improved student performance and reduced worker absenteeism.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health White House Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Protection Agency The Lancet COVID-19 Commission

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Debra Atlas is a journalist based in Redding, United States of America.

Reducing Food Waste: Compost Production Recovers Nutrients for Soil Benefits

01 Oct 2018  |  www.ecofarmingdaily.com  |  English  |  Soil Health

The article discusses the critical issue of food waste and its impact on soil health and food production. It highlights the benefits of composting as a solution to reduce food waste and improve soil quality, which is essential for sustainable agriculture. Various cities and companies in the U.S. have implemented composting programs, and the federal government has launched initiatives to address food waste. The article emphasizes the importance of education and innovation in promoting composting and reducing food waste, with examples of successful practices and partnerships.

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Harvard School of Public Health ReFED National Aquarium USDA EPA Agricultural Research Service

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Syriacus Buguzi is a Science journalist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He holds a Masters in ScienceCommunication from the University of Sheffield(UK). He is a medical doctor(MD) with passion for writing about medical science.

Lower Dose, Same Results: Calcium Breakthrough In India-Tanzania Study

19 Jan 2024  |  medicopress.media  |  English  |  Maternal Health

A study conducted in India and Tanzania, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with local collaborators, has found that a single 500mg calcium pill daily is as effective as the standard three-pill regimen in preventing preeclampsia and preterm birth among pregnant women. The World Health Organization currently recommends 1500 to 2000 milligrams daily in three doses. The study's findings, which could simplify and reduce the cost of supplementation, were presented at the 5th ARISE Network Annual Scientific Symposium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Further research is needed to confirm these results in different populations and assess long-term effects.

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Africa Academy for Public Health Ifakara Health Institute Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health World Health Organization St. Johns Institute United States Embassy in Tanzania CDC Tanzania

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Gabrielle Canon is a journalist based in Oakland, CA who provides content in many formats, including print, video, broadcast, and photography. She is also available for on-air interviews and can speak on a variety of topics including prison reform, criminal justice, policies to combat homelessness, ...

Has this food actually expired? Why label dates don’t mean what you think

10 Oct 2023  |  ca.sports.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Legislation

Food date labels in the US are not federally regulated and are intended to indicate quality rather than safety, leading to consumer confusion and significant food waste. Experts argue for a standardized labeling system to reduce waste and improve understanding. Recent legislative efforts, including the reintroduction of the Food Date Labeling Act, aim to create a national standard. Advocacy groups and experts emphasize the need for clear communication to consumers about the meaning of these labels.

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Harvard Law School Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health ReFed Food Law and Policy Clinic

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Nicole Chang is a journalist based in Paris, France. She has more than 5 years’ worth of professional journalism experience, and has lived in Singapore, London and Shanghai. She is a native English speaker, and also knows Mandarin and French.

Your blood type may affect your risk of having a stroke before age 60, study finds

10 Sept 2022  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Genetics

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that people with type A blood have a higher risk of early-onset stroke, while those with type O blood have a lower risk. The study analyzed data from 48 genetic studies involving around 17,000 stroke patients and 600,000 healthy controls. Although the increased risk for type A blood is modest, the findings highlight the genetic component of stroke risk. Experts emphasize focusing on modifiable risk factors like hypertension and smoking. The research is seen as a step towards better monitoring and prevention of stroke in younger adults.

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Harvard School of Public Health University of Maryland School of Medicine Stroke Association

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I am a photographer and multi-platform visual journalist primarily covering South and Southeast Asia.
At the moment, I'm based In Ireland.
My work has been published in :
Aljazeera English, CNN.com, The Bangkok Post, Dumbo Feather, ESPN the Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The Independent (UK), ...

Is the COVID-19 pandemic really ‘over’?

21 Sept 2022  |  Egypt Independent  |  English  |  Global Health Policy

US President Joe Biden stated he believes the COVID-19 pandemic is 'over,' despite the US still experiencing significant daily deaths. The White House clarified that this does not change the current Public Health Emergency status. The CDC has relaxed guidelines, but vulnerable groups remain at risk. Biden's comments have political implications, especially with the upcoming midterm elections and Republican resistance to additional pandemic funding. Globally, the WHO's director-general expressed optimism about ending the pandemic. However, experts like Caroline Buckee highlight the challenge in formally declaring a pandemic's end. China's strict zero-Covid policy faced criticism after a fatal bus crash involving quarantine facility transport. The Lancet Covid-19 Commission criticized the global response to the pandemic, citing a lack of preparation and collaboration, and the impact of disinformation.

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Harvard School of Public Health World Health Organization (WHO) White House US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lancet Covid-19 Commission

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Misha Gajewski is a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada. She has worked in both the UK and Canada specializing in health and science reporting. Her work has featured on BBC News, CTV News, ITV News and Vice among others. She is also a producer for The Story Collider podcast.

College Campuses Are Covid-19 Superspreaders, Study Says

13 Jan 2021  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Public Health

College campuses are at significant risk of becoming Covid-19 superspreaders, with a study showing that many institutions experienced spikes of over 1,000 cases per 100,000 people per week. The study highlights that these outbreaks often led to increased infection rates in surrounding communities. Despite the high transmission rates, the death rate on campuses remained low. Effective outbreak management strategies, such as test-trace-isolate and flexible online instruction, were found to mitigate the spread. The study emphasizes the importance of adherence to health guidelines to ensure safe campus operations.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health University of Notre Dame Stanford University

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Isabelle Gerretsen is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom, who writes about climate, the environment and sustainability. She writes for the BBC, CNN, Climate Home News and The Independent.

How air pollution exacerbates Covid-19

26 Apr 2020  |  www.bbc.com  |  English  |  Lockdown Measures

The article discusses the link between air pollution and the severity of Covid-19 outcomes. Researchers, particularly from the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, have found that air pollution significantly worsens the impact of Covid-19 and increases death rates. The article cites studies showing that long-term exposure to polluted air leads to higher mortality rates from the virus and suggests that air pollution particles may facilitate viral transmission. The findings have implications for easing lockdowns and improving air quality as part of pandemic recovery strategies. The article also touches on the racial and socioeconomic disparities in pollution exposure and Covid-19 severity. It concludes with examples of cities like Milan planning to maintain lower pollution levels post-lockdown by promoting sustainable transport options.

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World Health Organization European Public Health Alliance Center for Climate, Health, and Global Environment at Harvard University Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health Natural Resources Defence Council

Joyce Huang is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She currently works as a free-lancer, covering news about Taiwan and China. Throughout her journalistic career in the past two decades, she has had experience working for or contributing to both Taiwanese and foreign news outlets. Those include ...

Older Chinese Protest Health Care Reform That Reduces Benefits

16 Feb 2023  |  www.globalsecurity.org  |  English  |  Public Policy

Chinese retirees protested against health care reforms that significantly reduced their monthly medical allowances, with demonstrations in Wuhan and Dalian. The reforms, which aim to address the financial strain on China's public health care system exacerbated by the pandemic, involve cutting individual account funding in favor of a centrally allocated fund. The changes have sparked discontent among the elderly, who have seen substantial reductions in their medical subsidies and funeral benefits. Experts and former lawyers have weighed in on the necessity of reform and the issues of transparency and communication from the government. Some retirees are considering legal action, despite low expectations of success.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Wuhan Municipal Medical Security Bureau Council on Foreign Relations

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Rita Jlogbe is a highly skilled and dedicated Liberian Journalist with a profound passion for investigative journalism, health, elections, domestic violence, and human interest reporting. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth, Rita consistently delivers thought-...

Pregnant Women in Margibi, Rural Montserrado Avoid Health Facilities Amid COVID-19 Fears

20 Dec 2023  |  bushchicken.com  |  English  |  Public Health

The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal care in Margibi and rural Montserrado, Liberia. Pregnant women are avoiding health facilities due to fears of contracting the virus, particularly from health workers, some of whom have tested positive for COVID-19. The article cites a significant drop in the number of deliveries at health facilities and an increase in home births. It also mentions that some pregnant women are now seeking antenatal care from pharmacies or private clinics instead of government facilities, due to mistrust and fear of being falsely diagnosed with COVID-19. The health minister has urged health facilities to continue providing basic services, and the article references the Ebola epidemic as a precedent for how major health crises can disrupt access to healthcare. It also notes that there is no evidence that COVID-19 affects pregnant women more severely than others in their age group.

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Harvard Medical School U.S. National Institutes of Health National Public Health Institute of Liberia World Health Organization Confidence Medical and Laboratory Clinic SLEMP Medical Clinic

Krista Mahr is a journalist reporting on Africa, based in Johannesburg. She is an active contributor to several news organizations including the Washington Post, the Financial Times, Newsweek, Bloomberg Businessweek, Associated Press and others. 

Mahr was previously based in New Delhi, where she ...

CDC head resigns, blindsiding many health officials

05 May 2023  |  www.politico.com  |  English  |  Resignation

Rochelle Walensky, the CDC Director, announced her resignation effective June 30, citing mixed emotions and no specific reason. Her tenure saw efforts to modernize the CDC, improve its Covid-19 response, and address public health issues like racism and mpox. Despite some successes, Walensky faced criticism for confusing public health messaging and a decline in public trust. Her departure surprised many health officials, and her resignation raises questions about the CDC's future direction and public confidence. The Biden administration will appoint a new CDC leader without Senate confirmation before the 2024 election.

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Harvard Medical School Association of State and Territorial Health Officials American Public Health Association CDC White House Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Massachusetts General Hospital Trump Administration Biden Administration

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Ann Mikia is a trained radio journalist. She has a wealth of experience in health reporting but has lately trained in solutions journalism applied to all reporting fields. Ann now works as a media trainer imparting her skills to budding journalists and sharing with experienced journalists how ...

Creepy crawly cuisine: More than 2 111 species of insects are already eaten around the world.

17 Mar 2024  |  The Mail & Guardian  |  English  |  Sustainable Agriculture

The article discusses the potential of insects as a sustainable and nutritious food source in Kenya, where food insecurity is a serious issue. It highlights a study by GREEiNSECT and scientist Carolyne Kipkoech on the impact of cricket consumption on children's health at Cheptigit Primary School. The article also covers the broader context of food insecurity in Kenya, the nutritional benefits of insects, and the environmental advantages of insect farming. It mentions James Muriithi, a cricket farmer, and his efforts to promote cricket consumption. The article addresses the challenges of convincing people to eat insects, the need for sustainable farming practices, and the ethical considerations of insect consumption. It suggests that despite the 'yuck factor,' insects could be a viable solution to food shortages and a part of the future of food.

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Journal of Insects as Food and Feed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Harvard University's school of public health Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Wageningen University & Research Animal PLoS Biology Agronomy for Sustainable Development Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism

Albert Oppong-Ansah is a journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He specialises in environment, science, energy and development reporting. At the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he heads the Science, Technology and Innovation Desk. Occasionally, he writes stories for SciDev.Net, D+C, the Inter Press Service (...

Air pollution in slums sickening children; harming brain development - experts

25 Apr 2024  |  Ghana News Agency  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

Air pollution in Ghana's slums, particularly Agbogbloshie, is severely affecting children's health and brain development. The toxic air, resulting from poor waste management and open burning of solid waste, has led to high rates of respiratory illnesses and elevated blood lead levels among children. Despite some government and local efforts to address the issue, the problem persists, with experts urging immediate action to protect vulnerable populations. The article highlights the dire conditions faced by children like Hawa and Nicholas, the challenges their parents face, and the need for stronger regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Ministry of Health World Health Organisation Ministry of Sanitation Breath Accra Children’s Hospital UNICEF Environmental Protection Agency Cities4Children

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Expert reporter and writer. Big picture thinker. Detailed storyteller. Dawn Reiss is a Chicago-based reporter who has written for The New York Times, TIME, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, AFAR, Trave + Leisure, Plate magazine, Civil Eats, Fortune.com, Crain's Chicago Business, ...

New York prohibits diet pills, weight loss supplements sold to minors

04 Oct 2023  |  www.newhope.com  |  English  |  Dietary Supplements

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to minors, making it the first such law in the U.S. The law, effective in six months, aims to protect minors from potentially harmful products. The legislation has received support from public health advocates but faced criticism from industry groups who argue it limits consumer choice and scientific accuracy. The bill excludes protein powders and drinks unless they contain additional ingredients that qualify as supplements for weight loss or muscle building. Violations could result in civil penalties. Similar legislative efforts have been seen in other states, but none have been enacted until now.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health New York State Government Boston Children’s Hospital Council for Responsible Nutrition Natural Products Association Food and Drug Administration

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a freelance journalist and researcher based in Paris. covers the Middle East region and Jihadist movements, hold a master degree in the political history of Syria with knowledge about the day to day situation in Syria and the region. 
started working in Damascus, Syria in the early 2000's with ...

U.N. Agency Hires Wife of Top Figure in Syrian War to Assist the Displaced

25 Feb 2016  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

The World Health Organization hired Shukria Mekdad, wife of Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, to assess the mental health of Syrians displaced by the war, raising concerns about the agency's impartiality. Critics, including Harvard professor Jennifer Leaning, questioned the optics of the appointment given her husband's role in the government's war effort. W.H.O.'s Damascus chief Elizabeth Hoff defended the decision, stating her team includes diverse political affiliations. The U.N. has faced accusations of government obstructionism in Syria, with U.N. convoys reaching less than a quarter of the intended recipients. The Syrian government has also been criticized for not allowing aid into rebel-held areas and for attacks on hospitals. The W.H.O. has been urged to do more to help and to stop hospital bombings. The U.N. insists on its neutral and impartial aid delivery, despite the challenges and criticisms.

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Union of Syrian Medical Organizations Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health World Health Organization United Nations Syrian Government Security Council Physicians for Human Rights

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Andrea Small Carmona is a bilingual freelance journalist based in Knoxville, TN, United States.
She is specialized in science, medicine and education. Among her current clients are Scientific American, Audubon and SciDev.Net, for which she produces stories in both English and Spanish. She has a ...

The Fascinating Origin and Nutritional Benefits of the Peanut

05 Apr 2023  |  Scientific American  |  English  |  Nutrition

The article discusses the origin of the modern peanut, Arachis hypogaea, which has been traced back to South America, specifically Bolivia. Researchers from The University of Georgia and the International Peanut Genome Initiative discovered that the modern peanut is a hybrid of two ancient Andean species, Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis. The latter was thought to be extinct but was found in the Bolivian Andes. The study, led by David Bertioli and published in Nature Genetics, used molecular clock techniques to determine the hybridization event occurred around 10,000 years ago. The research also highlights the potential for using the peanut genome to develop more disease-resistant and nutritious peanut varieties, which could be particularly beneficial for regions suffering from malnutrition. The article also touches on the nutritional benefits of peanuts, comparing them to other nuts and noting their cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by Meir Stampfer's study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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Harvard University’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health The University of Georgia International Peanut Genome Initiative Center for Applied Genetic Technologies Springer Nature

Candice Tang is a multi-media journalist based in Hong Kong.

Researchers Call For ‘Radical Innovation’ in Cancer Drug Development and Review

04 Feb 2020  |  Xtalks  |  English  |  Clinical Trials

The article discusses a study by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, which analyzed cancer drug approvals by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from 2000 to 2016. The study found that despite an increase in the number of cancer drugs on the market, there is a delay in making them available to patients, particularly for hard-to-treat and pediatric cancers. The study suggests that the EU Clinical Trials Directive may be contributing to this delay. It also highlights that certain cancer types, such as brain and esophageal, have seen no new drug authorizations, and only a small percentage of drugs are approved for pediatric use. The article mentions a need for more incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for children and suggests that the EMA consider novel clinical endpoints. The overarching message is the importance of prioritizing drugs with new mechanisms of action to improve patient outcomes in the face of cancer evolution and drug resistance.

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Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health BMJ

Claire Turrell is a journalist based in Singapore, Singapore. 
Bylines | BBC, Insider, Nat Geo, The Guardian, The Smithsonian.
Specialises in travel, business, environment.

Fixer for film crews.

Forget Cows and Almonds—Lab-Grown Dairy Is the Future of Milk

05 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Food Technology

TurtleTree, a Californian-based startup, is pioneering lab-grown dairy as a sustainable alternative to traditional milk production. By using mammary cells in bioreactors, the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource usage. Other companies like Opalia and Perfect Day are also making strides in the cell-based milk industry, with significant investments and support from various organizations. While there are concerns about the artificiality and scalability of lab-grown milk, proponents believe it will become mainstream in the future.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health University of Michigan Institute For Agriculture and Trade Policy Smithsonian Zoo Temasek Foundation Central Bottling Company Coca-Cola Israel Calidad Pascual

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