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Tag: Risk

  • Small Adjustment in Airflow Lowers Indoor Infection Risk by Up to 90%

    Small Adjustment in Airflow Lowers Indoor Infection Risk by Up to 90%

    A newly designed airflow system could significantly limit the indoor transmission of airborne diseases.
    UBC Okanagan researchers are exploring a new way to create personalized ventilation systems that would remove airborne pathogens to help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases in enclosed spaces. Image Credits: UBCO

    A newly designed airflow system could significantly limit the indoor transmission of airborne diseases.

    During the winter months, as people spend more time indoors, the quality of indoor air becomes increasingly important. This concern is heightened during cold and flu season, when respiratory infections are more likely to spread in confined spaces.

    At the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, researchers are investigating a new air-purification device aimed at eliminating airborne pathogens. This technology may provide an effective solution for reducing the transmission of respiratory illnesses indoors.

    Shortcomings of Conventional Ventilation Systems

    Study co-author Dr. Sunny Li, a professor in the School of Engineering, explains that the most common approach to limiting the spread of illness indoors is to enhance building ventilation systems to better manage airflow across large areas.

    Some systems aim to increase protection by delivering clean air directly to an individual from a fixed source, similar to the overhead vents on airplanes. However, Dr. Li points out several limitations to this method. People often have to stay in one place, or multiple users have to rely on the system at the same time.Constant airflow can also lead to discomfort, such as dry skin and irritated eyes.

    “Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for reducing the spread of airborne diseases, especially in shared spaces,” says Dr. Li. “Canadians spend close to 90 percent of their time indoors, which makes indoor air quality a key consideration for overall health and well-being.”

    UBCO researchers Drs. Sunny Li, Mojtaba Zabihi and Joshua Brinkerhoff are working on an indoor ventilation system to make the shared space cleaner and prevent the spread of pathogens. Image Credits: UBCO

    The Importance of Personalized Indoor Air Quality Solutions

    Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mojtaba Zabihi, the study’s lead author, explains that indoor environments vary greatly in their layouts and ventilation systems. These differences make it challenging to retrofit existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure, highlighting the need for personalized air-delivery solutions.

    “Our goal was to create a novel system that protects occupants from breathing in contaminated air while remaining comfortable to use over long periods,” he says.

    In collaboration with UBC’s Airborne Disease Transmission Research Cluster, the mechanical engineering team developed an induction-removal, or jet-sink, airflow method. This approach is designed to capture exhaled aerosols before they can disperse throughout an indoor space.

    How the Jet Sink Airflow System Operates

    Traditional personalized ventilation systems typically use high-speed air jets, which can be uncomfortable and often become less effective when users change position. The new design takes an alternative approach, directing airflow gently around the person while continuously drawing contaminated particles into a small, localized cleaning zone.

    “Our system is designed to balance comfort and precision,” says Dr. Zabihi. “It produces a focused airflow that captures and removes exhaled aerosols almost instantly, before they can spread.”

    To test the system, the research team conducted computer simulations that modeled breathing patterns, body heat, and airflow during a 30-minute consultation. The results were then compared with those of conventional personal ventilation systems.

    Significant Decreases in Infection Risk

    The findings, recently published in Building and Environment, revealed a substantial improvement. The new device lowered the infection risk to just 9.5 percent. By comparison, the risk was 47.6 percent with a conventional personal setup, 38 percent with an exhaust-based personal ventilation system, and as high as 91 percent with standard room ventilation.

    When placed correctly, the device prevented pathogen inhalation during the initial 15 minutes of exposure, with just 10 out of 540,000 particles reaching another person. Simulations also indicated that the system could eliminate up to 94 percent of airborne pathogens.

    “Conventional personalized ventilation systems struggle to adjust when people move or interact,” says study co-author Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff. “This is an intelligent, adaptable solution for environments like clinics, classrooms, or offices where close contact is unavoidable.”

    Redefining the Future of Indoor Air Protection

    Dr. Brinkerhoff emphasizes that the study demonstrates how airflow engineering, in addition to filtration, can significantly enhance indoor air quality and safeguard occupants. The research team aims to adapt the design for larger spaces and conduct real-world testing of physical prototypes in clinical and public environments.

    As a member of Canada’s National Model Codes Committee on Indoor Environment, Dr. Zabihi hopes their work will influence future ventilation standards, making indoor spaces safer and healthier for all.

    Read the original article on: SciTechDaily

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  • Hair Dye may Raise Breast Cancer Risk by 60%

    Hair Dye may Raise Breast Cancer Risk by 60%

    Concerns about a link between permanent hair dyes and breast cancer have grown following a large-scale study tracking thousands of women over several years. Researchers aimed to determine whether the chemicals in these products could affect breast cancer risk. By monitoring women of various ages, backgrounds, and hair product usage habits, the study uncovered patterns that had previously gone unnoticed.
    Image Credits:regisandrade

    Concerns about a link between permanent hair dyes and breast cancer have grown following a large-scale study tracking thousands of women over several years. Researchers aimed to determine whether the chemicals in these products could affect breast cancer risk. By monitoring women of various ages, backgrounds, and hair product usage habits, the study uncovered patterns that had previously gone unnoticed.

    The study tracked over 40,000 women with a sister diagnosed with breast cancer, analyzing their hair product use and following them for several years.

    The study’s findings revealed notable patterns across different groups, with permanent hair dye emerging as the main concern. Women who had used permanent dyes in the year before the study began faced a higher risk of developing breast cancer during the follow-up period. While the overall increase in risk was moderate in the general population, certain groups showed significantly higher numbers, drawing strong interest from researchers.

    Black Women at Higher Risk from Hair Dye

    Black women were the most affected. Those who used permanent dyes regularly—every few weeks—experienced an approximate 60% higher risk. Scientists point to product formulas, stronger chemicals, cultural practices, and biology, but call for more research.

    Among white women, the risk was smaller but noticeable, with frequent hair straightener use also raising concerns.

    Experts stressed that the study does not prove causation—permanent hair dye cannot be definitively said to cause breast cancer. The research identifies statistical associations that highlight areas for further investigation. Nonetheless, the results are considered robust enough to prompt discussions about regulation, ingredients, and usage habits.

    Semi-permanent dyes pose little risk; certain chemicals in permanent dyes may affect hormones, though conclusions are not definite.

    Study Limitations Highlight Need for Caution

    The study also acknowledged several important limitations. The participants had a significant family history of breast cancer, which itself raises risk. Much of the data relied on participants’ memory, including how often they used products or which brands they chose. Lifestyle, environmental exposures, and dietary differences may also have influenced the results. Despite these factors, the consistency of the findings suggests the issue warrants attention.

    Experts recommend caution, particularly for frequent users of permanent hair dyes. Reducing the number of applications, choosing gentler products, or opting for semi-permanent alternatives can help limit exposure to stronger chemicals. Regular medical checkups and discussions about individual risk factors are also advised.

    The study opens the door for further research to pinpoint which chemicals may drive the observed association. Future investigations should examine the composition of permanent dyes in detail, compare brands, colors, and concentrations, and explore genetic or metabolic factors that could amplify effects. The ultimate goal is to clarify which products pose real risks and which are safe for use.

    These findings have reignited discussions about cosmetic safety and the need for stricter regulations. With millions using permanent hair products daily, there is growing interest in gentler formulations and research that better explains how these chemicals interact with the body over time.

    Read the original article on: Regisandrade

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  • Hidden Eye Feature May Reveal ADHD Risk

    Hidden Eye Feature May Reveal ADHD Risk

    Accurately diagnosing ADHD is essential for providing clarity and appropriate support to those affected, yet current methods are often lengthy and unreliable. A recent study indicates that AI might offer a solution.
    Credit: Pixabay

    In South Korea, researchers developed machine learning models to link features in fundus images—photos of the back of the eye—to clinical ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) diagnoses.

    Top Model Hits 96.9% Accuracy in ADHD Detection

    Among the four models tested, the most effective one reached an accuracy rate of 96.9% in identifying ADHD using image analysis alone.

    Key indicators of the condition included increased blood vessel density, variations in vessel shape and width, and specific changes in the optic disc of the eye.

    For years, scientists have suspected that the eye might reflect brain connectivity changes linked to ADHD. Identifying specific visual indicators could lead to a quicker and more dependable way to detect the disorder.

    “Our analysis of retinal fundus photographs demonstrated potential as a noninvasive biomarker for ADHD screening and executive function deficit stratification in the visual attention domain,” the research team, led by Yonsei University College of Medicine, noted in their published study.

    “Researchers tested the method on 323 children and teens diagnosed with ADHD and a control group of 323 age- and sex-matched individuals without the condition.”

    The AI model showed strong performance across various evaluation metrics for predicting ADHD, and it was also effective at identifying traits associated with the disorder, such as difficulties with visual selective attention.

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    “Researchers have recently investigated various machine learning approaches for ADHD screening, including methods that use different types of eye scans and behavioral assessments.” While this new method may not be the top performer in raw accuracy, it’s nearly as effective—and stands out for being fast, easy to evaluate, and highly scalable.

    Reliance on Diverse Variables in Early High-Accuracy Models

    “As the researchers note, earlier high-accuracy models usually depended on a broad range of variables, each offering a small but important role in distinguishing individuals.”

    “Our method streamlines the analysis by using only retinal images, making our models more straightforward and effective,” the researchers explain.

    They now plan to test the approach on larger and more diverse populations, especially since the current study focused on children with an average age of 9.5—while ADHD can appear quite differently in adults.

    There’s also potential to broaden the system’s capabilities. For instance, individuals with autism spectrum disorder were not included in the main analysis, and additional testing revealed the AI struggled to distinguish between autism and ADHD.

    With around 1 in 20 people affected by ADHD—characterized by difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—a faster and more precise diagnostic tool could have a significant impact.

    “Early detection and timely treatment can enhance social, family, and academic outcomes for those with ADHD,” the researchers note.

    Read the original article on: Sciencealert

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  • Rainforest’s Next Tree Generation at Risk 30 Years Post-Logging

    Rainforest’s Next Tree Generation at Risk 30 Years Post-Logging

    Recent research indicates that seedlings in natural rainforests have higher survival rates compared to areas previously subjected to logging, despite efforts of tree restoration projects. This study is featured in Global Change Biology.
    An unlogged tropical forest in Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo. Credit: Pixaobay

    Recent research indicates that seedlings in natural rainforests have higher survival rates compared to areas previously subjected to logging, despite efforts of tree restoration projects. This study is featured in Global Change Biology.

    Researchers monitored over 5,000 seedlings for eighteen months in North Borneo. They explored a landscape that included natural forests and areas logged three decades ago, with some undergoing natural recovery while others underwent restoration through methods such as tree planting. A drought induced “mast fruiting” across the region, leading to simultaneous fruit shedding by trees and emergence of new seedlings.

    Transient Benefits and Lingering Challenges

    Initially, both natural and restored forests showed similar high seedling numbers compared to naturally recovering areas, indicating that restoration efforts enhanced fruit production. However, this advantage proved short-lived: poor seedling survival in restored forests led to equally low seedling numbers in both restored and naturally recovering areas by the study’s end. Seedling populations remained higher in natural forests.

    These findings highlight challenges to regeneration influenced by restoration methods—seed availability in naturally recovering sites and seedling survival in areas with mature planted trees. Such variations could have long-term implications for forests’ ability to provide essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration.

    In this study, over 5,000 seedlings were individually tagged and monitored for 1.5 years. Credit: David Bartholomew

    Dr. Robin Hayward, who conducted this research as part of their doctoral studies at the University of Stirling, expressed surprise at the lower seedling survival observed in restoration sites. Reflecting on the aftermath of a fruitful event in the restored forest, Dr. Hayward noted the disappointment in the limited survival of seedlings and raised concerns about the implications for the long-term recovery of various tree species.

    Restoration efforts have shown benefits in biomass accumulation in these forests, but achieving full establishment of the next generation of seedlings remains challenging.

    Challenges in Forest Regeneration

    Dr. David Bartholomew, formerly of the University of Exeter and now with Botanic Gardens Conservation International, highlighted that seedlings in logged forests are stressed due to changes in canopy structure, microclimate, and soil. Current restoration methods seem inadequate in mitigating this stress, especially for specialized species, leading to reduced species diversity compared to intact forests.

    Daisy Dent, affiliated with ETH Zürich, Switzerland, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, emphasized the complexity of rainforest ecosystems. She noted that factors like seed predation by animals such as bearded pigs may affect seedling survival differently in restored and natural forests.

    Selective logging is widespread in tropical regions, highlighting the importance of long-term recovery for preserving carbon stocks and biodiversity. The low survival rates of seedlings three decades after logging raise concerns about future tree regeneration.

    Insights into Plant Community Recovery and Future Research Directions

    Dr. Lindsay F. Banin from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology explained that the study reveals potential hindrances in the recovery of certain plant community elements. Further research will investigate regeneration process stages to better comprehend observed patterns and promote forest regeneration.

    The study underscores the significance of meticulously designing, monitoring, and adjusting restoration projects to revive biodiversity and biomass carbon in the long run, aligning with global objectives outlined in the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

    Logged forests have reduced seedling density, reducing the probability for the next generation to emerge. Credit: David Bartholomew

    Variations in local environmental conditions between restored and degraded areas may result from greater biomass and canopy cover in the former. Understanding the low survival rates of seedlings may hinge on analyzing plant traits, indicating the resources plants struggle to access.

    Implications for Biodiversity and Ecological Functioning in Disturbed Areas

    The study observed disparities in plant traits between logged areas and intact forests, suggesting that some species may struggle to flourish in disturbed areas, while others may adapt their growth patterns. These differences could affect long-term biodiversity and ecological functioning.

    While this study examines data 18 months after a single fruiting event, further research is needed to fully grasp the effects of historical disturbance and strategies to enhance seedling survival.

    Conducted in the Danum Valley Conservation Area and surrounding Ulu Segama landscape of North Borneo, the study focuses on intact forests dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae tree family. These forests experience large inter-annual fruiting episodes known as masting events, significantly impacting food availability for animal species.

    Read the original article on: Phys org

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