Environmental medicine

Harmful substances in the soil, water and air also endanger people's health. In recent years, environmental medicine has been increasingly concerned with the consequences of climate change – in particular, rising temperatures and water shortage are causing many new medical problems.

News • Environmental disease driver

Study links air pollution to increased risk of ALS

The causes for motor neuron diseases like ALS are largely unknown, but environmental factors have long been suspected of playing a part. A new study shows that air pollution can be one such factor.

News • Global rise in infectious diseases

'Creeping catastrophe': New study warns of health impact of climate change

Climate change, poverty, and drug resistance are combining to create an escalating health crisis that could become a ‘creeping catastrophe’ if left unaddressed, a new international study finds.

News • Dissemination of antimicrobial resistance

Microplastics serve as hideout for AMR bacteria, study finds

Microplastics pose a human health risk in more ways than one, a new study reveals: not only do the particles harbor pathogenic bacteria, they may also help the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

News • Health effects of global warming reach new heights

Climate change: The million-life, trillion-dollar health crisis

Climate change is claiming millions of lives every year, a new global report finds. The rate of heat-related casualties alone has climbed to 546,000 per year – more than one death every minute.

News • Health consequences of climate change

Heatwaves raise sleep apnoea risk in Europe

A major European study shows heatwaves increase the risk for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This finding has serious implications as climate change intensifies, the researchers say.

Sophie Nicklaus

Driving sustainable, health-promoting food systems

Sophie Nicklaus has been officially appointed Scientific Director of Food & Health for a four‑year term, by Philippe Mauguin Chair and CEO of INRAE, following consultation with its Board of…

News • Research into myocardial fibrosis

How air pollution may damage the heart

Using cardiac MRI, researchers have found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, according to a new study.

News • Predictive models for fungal pathogens

Study: Climate change enhances threat of infection-causing fungi to Europe

The rise of pathogenic fungi is a real concern and is being driven by climate change. A new study predicts significant spread of certain fungal pathogens in Europe fuelled by rising temperatures.

News • Potential to enter human circulation through infusion

Researchers discover microplastics in IV bags

A new analysis of commercial IV fluid bags reveals that they often contain microplastics that, upon infusion, would enter the recipient’s bloodstream and potentially cause negative health effects.

Article • Research presented at Spanish cardiology congress

New data on heart attack puts pressure on governments to promote social justice

Environmental factors such as low temperatures and carbon monoxide levels in the air have long been underestimated as risk factors for triggering a heart attack, new research suggests.

News • Environmental health

Long Covid: researchers explore impact of air pollution

Exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10) is associated with an increased risk of persistent long-Covid symptoms, partly due to its impact on the severity of the acute infection, a new study shows.

News • Drug adsorption

Nanoplastics can impair the effect of antibiotics, study finds

Nanoplastics are not only bad for the environment: A new study has shown that minuscule particles of plastic which enter the body also can impair the effect of antibiotic treatment.

News • Hidden habitat for Listeria, E. coli and more

Microplastics help pathogens survive wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment fails to kill several human pathogens, such as Listeria or E. coli, when they hide out on microplastics in the water, according to a new study.

News • Impact on cardiovascular disease

How pollution of soil and water threatens heart health

“Evidence is mounting that pollutants in soil as well as in water may damage cardiovascular health,” find the authors of a new publication, which advocates the need for more sustainability.

News • Public health research

Climate change brings new diseases to Europe – using AI to prepare

Due to climate change, diseases such as West Nile fever reach European countries. With the help of AI and math, institutions can prepare for new infections in the changing climate, new research shows.

News • Study analyses admissions in Spain

Summer heat sends more people into hospital, study finds

Metabolic disorders, renal failure, UTIs, sepsis, poisoning: The higher temperatures climb in summer, the more people are hospitalized, a study shows - with some groups being more at risk than others.

News • Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation

Do long calls on mobile phones increase brain cancer risk? Study says no

Holding a mobile phone close to the head for an extended amount of time has long been connected to brain cancer. Now, a new study found no hints for an increased risk.

News • Research project 'ADAPT-HEAT'

Climate medicine: How does extreme heat affect medication?

Heat waves are becoming more common due to climate change. Researchers in Cologne explore what this might mean for the effectiveness of medication.

News • Study shows significant adverse effects

Global warming: The health cost of urban heat

Heat islands found in many European cities have a clear impact on human mortality risk, comparable to air pollution. A new study has produced the first cost estimate of this impact.

News • Environmental and human health research

PHIC: A French-Japanese cooperation for planetary health

A remarkable collaboration for planetary health: The Institut Pasteur and the University of Tokyo want to establish a joint institution dedicated to addressing human and environmental health research.

News • Environmental impact

Loss of biodiversity could benefit viral pathogens

Environmental changes may reduce the diversity of mosquitos, but bring about a greater abundance of viruses, scientists from Charité in Berlin in cooperation with Leibniz-IZW find.

News • Extra risk for asthma, COPD patients

Climate change: an even greater hazard for people with lung conditions

Heatwaves, wildfires, flooding: effects of climate change will further exacerbate breathing difficulties for millions of people living with lung conditions, new research finds.

News • PFAS as risk factor

Researchers explore link between ‘forever chemicals’ and breast cancer

Can per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increase the risk of breast cancer? A new study by US researchers examines the effects of the so-called “forever chemicals”.

News • Planetary health

Global analysis links antibiotic resistance increase to rising air pollution

Curbing levels of harmful air pollution could help reduce antibiotic resistance, according to the first in-depth global analysis of possible links between the two.

News • Adverse outdoor conditions

Heat waves and PM2.5 air pollution double risk of fatal heart attack

Heat waves, cold snaps and high levels of fine particulate pollution could raise heart attack risk, according to a new study, which highlights one especially dangerous combination.

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