Latest news with #SchoolofHealthSciences
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Study calls for more research into effects of opioids during pregnancy
Based on the results of her and her team's most recent study, she said there is an 'urgent need for greater knowledge of how exposure to substances such as fentanyl, heroin, and a multitude of prescription painkillers in the womb impacts the health and development of children.' Dr Marryat said studies suggest roughly 1 in 100 children in Scotland are affected by opioid use in pregnancy. That is approximately the same rate as the Scottish children who have autism, according to NHS data. Crucially, however, there is a lack of scientific research into children who were exposed to opioids in the womb. As a result, little is known about the direct links between specific cognitive and physical symptoms in early childhood and exposure. Dr Marryat has said that better studies of children's environments and development can provide clearer answers, helping to make medicine more efficient and supporting children during their development. However, she said more information is needed to do that, and this means better access to and understanding of vulnerable children and families. 'We need to provide healthcare providers, government, and parents with the information that is needed to ensure that countless numbers of children receive the information and support they deserve.' Dy Marryat and the Dundee team's study analysed 478 papers dealing with exposure to opioids in the womb and resulting childhood impacts. As an umbrella study, the goal was to combine existing data to identify potential links between opioid use during pregnancy and developmental difficulties in children. Dr Louise Marryat, an expert in infant health at the University's School of Health Sciences has suggested that battling the stigma around opioid use could lead to better medical care for affected children. (Image: Creative Services EJA) The team found potential links to specific physical impairments in visual development and motor skills, and also that children exposed to opioids in the womb were at increased risk of behavioural problems and language difficulties. But Dr Marryat said the fundamental importance of her team's findings may be in the gaps they uncovered. The umbrella study focused on children from birth until preschool age. In the report's findings, the team argued that longer-term studies of affected children are the only reliable evidence for informing medical practice and government policy. Read more Without larger sample sizes and access to children as they continue to develop later in their lives, she said, it can be impossible to know for sure whether the linked difficulties are a direct result of opioid exposure or a combination of other complex environmental factors. "If you're having behavioural difficulties with children, we do not know if that's because they have been exposed to opioids in pregnancy which has made changes in the way their brain has developed, or whether it is because of the environment that they are living in and what has happened to them since birth. 'It might be in part that it's just a bit too early to measure some of these signs.' Closing these gaps can mean better protection for pregnant mothers and their children and better interventions for exposed children later in life. One reason more research on the effects of opioids during pregnancy can prove beneficial is that a majority of mothers who use these substances while pregnant are using prescription drugs, such as methadone. She said a better understanding of the long-term impacts can allow healthcare providers to make better-informed decisions about how to support pregnant mothers. 'Women who use opioids in pregnancy overwhelmingly want the best for their child. During pregnancy, the focus for mothers is very much on having a healthy baby. These are fundamental and understandable concerns but focus less on the long-term outcomes of the child, even when exposed to opioids.' However, Dr Maryatt said that researchers and healthcare providers need families to feel comfortable coming forward and engaging with the system in order to close these gaps. However, she said this brings its own challenges. "I think we have really good universal services. We have a really strong tradition of health visiting, but I think it's really under-resourced. 'For these families impacted by opioid use, it can be particularly tricky to engage in services. First, because they are often stigmatised by the services that are meant to help them, and the parents who have used drugs have experienced lots of stigma. 'Many fear that their children may be removed from their care. There needs to be appropriate pathways providing services that work alongside parents to fully support children and families in challenges they might face, but that is not easy when many services are already stretched. 'We need to be in a position to give people the information that they need to make decisions for themselves, to make informed decisions, but also to make sure that we do not increase the stigma as well around substance use.'
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists issue critical warning after linking common appliance to major health risk: 'The problem is far worse than we thought'
For the first time, researchers are now able to link premature deaths to gas stove pollution. While previous studies have identified the dangers of gas stoves, this groundbreaking review has tied thousands of early deaths to the popular stoves. A new study estimates that 40,000 deaths in Europe are a result of gas stove pollution, according to Euronews. Researchers at the University of Jaume I's School of Health Sciences in Spain analyzed dozens of health studies examining how nitrogen dioxide causes asthma and premature deaths. They then scaled up nitrogen dioxide measurements in and outside homes across multiple European countries to establish a clear image of the pollution from gas cookers. While research from the past 50 years has identified the health risks of nitrogen dioxide pollution, the new findings paint a much darker reality than expected. "The extent of the problem is far worse than we thought, with our modeling suggesting that the average home across half of Europe breaks WHO limits," lead author of the new study, Dr. Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit, told Euronews. "Outdoor air pollution lays the foundation for those breaches, but it is gas cookers that push homes into the danger zone." This is the first scientific review to have the data necessary to pinpoint premature deaths due to gas stove pollution. Although the study's findings tie 40,000 premature deaths to nitrogen dioxide exposure, it's important to note that the researchers believe this number to be much higher. Gas stoves release harmful pollutants that can cause severe health risks as well as environmental damage. On top of exacerbating asthma, the pollutants from gas stoves also exacerbate rising global temperatures. To avoid indoor pollution from gas cookers, homeowners across the globe are switching to induction stovetops. Unlike gas stoves, induction stoves release no harmful pollutants into the air, keeping you and your family safe. Induction stoves are also more efficient, saving you energy and money down the line. For homeowners looking to make the switch, induction stoves from brands like Copper offer an easy and affordable solution for avoiding the dangers of gas stoves. What's more, under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can receive up to 30% off the cost of an induction range. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. After switching to an induction stove, you'll notice that you won't spend as much time cooking and cleaning your kitchen since induction stoves cook faster and are easier to maintain than gas stoves. Moving forward, it's best to act sooner rather than later when it comes to making eco-friendly upgrades to your home. President Donald Trump has stated he intends to remove these subsidies, though this would ultimately require an act of Congress. As a result, upgrading now could be the difference between saving thousands of dollars down the line. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists issue critical warning after linking common appliance to major health risk: 'The problem is far worse than we thought'
For the first time, researchers are now able to link premature deaths to gas stove pollution. While previous studies have identified the dangers of gas stoves, this groundbreaking review has tied thousands of early deaths to the popular stoves. A new study estimates that 40,000 deaths in Europe are a result of gas stove pollution, according to Euronews. Researchers at the University of Jaume I's School of Health Sciences in Spain analyzed dozens of health studies examining how nitrogen dioxide causes asthma and premature deaths. They then scaled up nitrogen dioxide measurements in and outside homes across multiple European countries to establish a clear image of the pollution from gas cookers. While research from the past 50 years has identified the health risks of nitrogen dioxide pollution, the new findings paint a much darker reality than expected. "The extent of the problem is far worse than we thought, with our modeling suggesting that the average home across half of Europe breaks WHO limits," lead author of the new study, Dr. Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit, told Euronews. "Outdoor air pollution lays the foundation for those breaches, but it is gas cookers that push homes into the danger zone." This is the first scientific review to have the data necessary to pinpoint premature deaths due to gas stove pollution. Although the study's findings tie 40,000 premature deaths to nitrogen dioxide exposure, it's important to note that the researchers believe this number to be much higher. Gas stoves release harmful pollutants that can cause severe health risks as well as environmental damage. On top of exacerbating asthma, the pollutants from gas stoves also exacerbate rising global temperatures. To avoid indoor pollution from gas cookers, homeowners across the globe are switching to induction stovetops. Unlike gas stoves, induction stoves release no harmful pollutants into the air, keeping you and your family safe. Induction stoves are also more efficient, saving you energy and money down the line. For homeowners looking to make the switch, induction stoves from brands like Copper offer an easy and affordable solution for avoiding the dangers of gas stoves. What's more, under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can receive up to 30% off the cost of an induction range. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. After switching to an induction stove, you'll notice that you won't spend as much time cooking and cleaning your kitchen since induction stoves cook faster and are easier to maintain than gas stoves. Moving forward, it's best to act sooner rather than later when it comes to making eco-friendly upgrades to your home. President Donald Trump has stated he intends to remove these subsidies, though this would ultimately require an act of Congress. As a result, upgrading now could be the difference between saving thousands of dollars down the line. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Edward's University says over $10M from donors going to School of Health Sciences
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Donors gave more than $10.3 million in one year to St. Edward's University in Austin, and the institution said most of that money will support the School of Health Sciences and enhance undergraduate scholarships and scientific research programs. St. Edward's nursing program aims to help with healthcare worker shortage The university said in a press release that the monetary support reflects 'increasing momentum to realize the goals of the St. Edward's University Strategic Plan 2027' and 'strengthens our commitment to the success of our students and to creating a more just world.' St. Edward's shared details about some of the donations and what the money will go toward. According to the release, more than $2 million was from longtime donor and former university trustee Patricia 'Pat' Munday. Of that, $1.5 million will support the Bill and Patricia Munday Endowed Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance for up to 140 students each year, per the release. Part of the total donation will also go toward the Bill Munday Outstanding Business Student Endowed Scholarship. St. Ed's said Munday and her late husband, Bill, are the most generous individual donors to St. Edward's, giving more than $50 million in total gifts. The Ladies of Charity of Austin awarded the university $1 million in the fall of 2024 to support the renovation of the new School of Health Sciences and its state-of-the-art instructional labs. The university said that investment will 'help St. Edward's address a critical industry need while equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills, expertise and ethical foundation necessary to shape the future of healthcare.' The university named The Ladies of Charity of Austin Women, Children and Family Suite in the charity's honor. Kathleen Wilburn, who the university referred to as an esteemed faculty member and continuing benefactor, pledged $1 million to support scholarships, five mission and student-focused initiatives, and an endowed professorship within The Bill Munday School of Business. YMCA and St. Edward's University apply for $20 million climate resilience grant The Welch Foundation, based in Houston, gave the university a $135,000 grant to fund faculty chemical research initiatives and provide hands-on laboratory experiences for students pursuing careers in chemistry. The university added that the Welch Foundation has given over $1.3 million to St. Edward's University since 1990. A gift of more than $112,000 from Roger Thornton, who the university called a friend of the Wild Basin Creative Research Center at St. Edward's, will enhance staffing and environmental educational programs for young learners at Wild Basin, according to the release. 'We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and their extraordinary investments in our students and faculty. This funding plays a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to academic excellence and research innovation while further strengthening our university's role as a collaborative partner in the Austin community. With these transformative contributions, we are able to enhance our academic programs, further our commitment to sustainability and enrich the lives of our students.' St. Edward's University President Montserrat Fuentes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
