Harvard School of Public Health Press ReleasesPress Releases
2006 Releases
Recurrence of a Flu Pandemic Similar to Infamous 1918 Flu Could Kill 62 Million
December 21, 2006
For immediate release: December 21, 2006
Boston, MA - In recent years, health professionals and the general public alike have been acutely aware of the potential ravages that could result from...Elkan Blout, former Harvard School of Public Health Academic Dean, National Medal of Science Winner, dies
December 20, 2006
For immediate release: December 20, 2006
Boston, MA -- Elkan R. Blout, a former dean for academic affairs at Harvard School of Public Health, National Medal of Science winner, and a leading co...Andrew Spielman, Professor of Tropical Public Health and International Mosquito Expert, Dies
December 20, 2006
For immediate release: December 20, 2006
Boston, MA -- Andrew Spielman, an expert in vector-borne diseases and professor of tropical health in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Disea...High Levels of Vitamin D In the Body May Decrease the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
December 19, 2006
For immediate release: December 19, 2006
Boston, MA – The possibility that vitamin D could help protect people from developing multiple sclerosis (MS) has been posited by researchers in ...Genetic Map Offers New Tool for Malaria Research
December 10, 2006
For immediate release: December 10, 2006
Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA,- An international research team announced today the completion of a genome-wide map that charts the genetic variability o...Harvard Study Finds Major Energy Gap Contributes to Obesity Among U.S. Teens
December 04, 2006
For immediate release: December 04, 2006
Boston, MA -- A new study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) shows that America’s overweight teens consumed an ave...USA Today/Kaiser/Harvard Survey Highlights Problems in the Health Care System Through the Experiences of People With Cancer
November 20, 2006
For immediate release: November 20, 2006
A major national survey of people affected by cancer provides an in-depth examination of how families cope with cancer and highlights problems of...Pioneer of Oral Rehydration Therapy Receives Prince Mahidol Award
November 13, 2006
For immediate release: November 13, 2006
Boston, MA -- Dr. Richard Cash, credited with saving millions of lives by promoting the use of oral rehydration therapy to treat cholera and oth...A 20-Year Study Finds No Association Between Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
November 08, 2006
For immediate release: November 08, 2006
Boston, MA – Advocates of low-carbohydrate diets, such as the popular Atkins diet, claim that those diets may help prevent obesity and coro...A Silent Pandemic: Industrial Chemicals Are Impairing the Brain Development of Children Worldwide
November 07, 2006
For immediate release: November 07, 2006
Boston, MA – Fetal and early childhood exposures to industrial chemicals in the environment can damage the developing brain and can lead to...Study Finds Pay-for-Performance Now Common Among U.S. HMO
November 01, 2006
For immediate release: November 01, 2006
Boston, MA – Pay-for-performance plans, which aim to improve the value of health care by paying providers based on quality and cost measure...Health Care is Not Playing a Major Role In 2006 Congressional Elections, But Could Be a Factor In Selected Close Races
November 01, 2006
For immediate release: November 01, 2006
Boston, MA -- A New England Journal of Medicine article published November 2, 2006 finds that health care is not likely to play a major role ...Infectious Disease Experts Anthony Fauci and William Foege Receive Richmond Awards for Their Lifelong Efforts at Protecting Health
October 27, 2006
For immediate release: October 27, 2006
Boston, MA- Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has awarded its highest honor, for the promotion of high public health standards amo...In the Case of an Outbreak of Pandemic Flu, Large Majority of Americans Willing to Make Major Changes in Their Lives
October 26, 2006
For immediate release: October 26, 2006
Boston, MA -- The latest national survey conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Project on the Public and Biological Security fin...New Study Shows the Benefits of Eating Fish Greatly Outweigh the Risks
October 17, 2006
For immediate release: October 17, 2006
Boston, MA – Many studies have shown the nutritional benefits of eating fish (finfish or shellfish). Fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty ...Statement on R.J. Reynold's Agreement to Stop the Sale of Candy-flavored Cigarettes
October 11, 2006
For immediate release: October 11, 2006
Boston, MA-- In a settlement with the Attorneys General of 38 states, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company today agreed to end the sale of candy, fruit ...Secondhand Smoke in Cars May Lead to Dangerous Levels of Contaminants For Children
October 05, 2006
For immediate release: October 05, 2006
Boston, MA – Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) can have harmful effects on children. Some of the adverse health outcomes include a greater lik...Gaining Weight Between Pregnancies Could Lead to Pregnancy Complications
September 29, 2006
For immediate release: September 29, 2006
Boston, MA – A number of studies over the years have found an association between obesity and pregnancy complications, including pre-ecla...Independent Evaluation finds GAVI Funding to Poor Countries can Boost Childhood Vaccine Coverage
September 17, 2006
For immediate release: September 17, 2006
Boston, MA -- The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) was created in 1999 with the goal of enabling even the poorest countries...Dramatic Increase in Life Expectancy Possible for HIV-Infected Patients in Poor Countries using Cost-Effective Antiretroviral Therapy
September 14, 2006
For immediate release: September 14, 2006
Boston, MA --The use of potent antiretroviral medications has transformed the AIDS epidemic where people have access to these drugs. Mark...New, Comprehensive Analysis Shows Rofecoxib (VIOXX), But Not Other COX-2 Inhibitor Drugs, Increases Risks of Adverse Kidney and Heart Rhythm Disorders
September 12, 2006
For immediate release: September 12, 2006
Boston, MA – Although COX-2 inhibitors were developed as a class of pain-relieving drugs without the adverse gastrointestinal effects of ...Harvard to Host International Conference on the Costs and Benefits of HIV/AIDS Interventions in Developing Countries
September 08, 2006
For immediate release: September 08, 2006
EVENT ADVISORY
WHAT: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF HIV/AIDS INTERVENTIONS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
WHEN: Wed.,...Chemical Compounds Restore Normal Glucose Levels and Insulin Action in Obese Mice
August 24, 2006
For immediate release: August 24, 2006
Boston, MA – Treatment of obese and diabetic mice with compounds that act as chemical chaperones called PBA and TUDCA restor...Exposure to PCBs May Reduce the Effectiveness of Vaccines in Children
August 22, 2006
For immediate release: August 22, 2006
Boston, MA -- New epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants may have an adverse impact on immune res...Jim Yong Kim, Former HIV Director at WHO, Named Head of FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard School of Public Health
August 10, 2006
For immediate release: August 10, 2006
Boston, MA-- Dr. Jim Yong Kim, a former director of WHO's HIV/AIDS unit, has been appointed Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center ...Study Finds Firearms Are Stored Less Safely in Homes With Older Children
August 07, 2006
For immediate release: August 07, 2006
Boston, MA – More than 1.6 million U.S. children live in homes with firearms that are stored loaded and unlocked. Because the guns used in y...Poor Countries With Least-Developed Health Systems Best Able to Make Rapid Use of Grants
August 03, 2006
For immediate release: August 03, 2006
Boston, MA-- The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria was launched in 2002 to attract and rapidly disburse money to combat these t...Extreme Heat: Who is Most Likely to Die
August 03, 2006
For immediate release: August 03, 2006
Boston, MA--Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have recently co-authored a study that aimed to identify if certain populati...Shortening the Duration of Tuberculosis Therapies Could Lead to Substantial Reductions In Cases and Deaths
July 31, 2006
For immediate release: July 31, 2006
Boston, MA—New, shorter therapies to treat tuberculosis (TB), which kills millions worldwide each year, may make TB control efforts substantia...Despite Last Year's Devastating Hurricane Season, One-Third In High-Risk Areas Say They May Ignore Evacuation Order
July 20, 2006
For immediate release: July 20, 2006
Boston, MA -- According to a new survey of high-risk hurricane areas in eight states--Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carol...Being Overweight As a Teen Associated With Premature Death in Adulthood
July 17, 2006
For immediate release: July 17, 2006
Boston, MA – Children and adolescents in the U.S. and around the world are becoming more overweight. A new study from the Harvard School of Pu...Adopting Multiple Healthy Habits May Significantly Lower Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Men
July 03, 2006
For immediate release: July 03, 2006
Boston, MA -- A prospective study of 42,847 middle-aged and older U.S. men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study has found that ...Violence From Male Partners Associated With Serious Health Threats to Pregnant Women and Newborns
June 28, 2006
For immediate release: June 28, 2006
Boston, MA -- In the first national study of the effects of intimate partner violence on the health of women during pregnancy and the health of newb...Smoking and Obesity May Increase the Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
June 27, 2006
For immediate release: June 27, 2006
Boston, MA -- A prospective study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that obesity and smoking are strongly ass...Pesticides Exposure Associated With Parkinson's Disease
June 26, 2006
For immediate release: June 26, 2006
Boston, MA -- In the first large-scale, prospective study to examine possible links between chronic, low-dose exposure to pesticides and Parkinson&r...Research Identifies Protein In Mice That Regulates Bone Formation
June 22, 2006
For immediate release: June 22, 2006
Boston, MA -- Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density and which makes people more susceptible to bone fractures...Children With Special Health Care Needs and Their Families Report Unmet Needs for Mental Health Care Services
June 22, 2006
For immediate release: June 22, 2006
Boston, MA -- Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and members of their families are at risk of not getting the mental health care servic...Three Human Gene Variants Appear to Influence TB Susceptibility
June 22, 2006
For immediate release: June 22, 2006
Boston, MA -- Three variations of a human gene appear to impact human tuberculosis susceptibility, providing insight into why some patients infected...Nieman Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health Announce 2006-2007 Fellowships in Global Health Reporting
June 01, 2006
For immediate release: June 01, 2006
Boston, MA -- Three journalists have been awarded Nieman Fellowships in Global Health Reporting for the 2006-2007 academic year. The fellowships, a ...Study Casts Doubt on Claims That the Medical Malpractice System Is Plagued By Frivolous Lawsuits
May 10, 2006
For immediate release: May 10, 2006
Boston, MA – The debate over medical malpractice litigation, which raged during the last presidential campaign, continues as a hot-button polit..."Virginity Pledges" by Adolescents May Bias Their Reports of Premarital Sex
May 02, 2006
For immediate release: May 02, 2006
Boston, MA -- Adolescents who sign a "virginity pledge" and then go on to have premarital sex are likely to disavow having signed such a pl...Obesity Levels in U.S. States Are Grossly Underestimated
May 01, 2006
For immediate release: May 01, 2006
Boston, MA – The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. states has been greatly underestimated. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (...Health Services Researcher and HSPH Professor Marie McCormick Receives Douglas K. Richardson Award
April 27, 2006
For immediate release: April 27, 2006
Boston, MA - Harvard School of Public Health Professor Marie McCormick, M.D., Sc.D., will receive the Douglas K. Richardson Award for Perinatal and...Autism Has High Costs to U.S. Society
April 25, 2006
For immediate release: April 25, 2006
Boston, MA – It can cost about $3.2 million to take care of an autistic person over his or her lifetime. Caring for all people with autism ov...Gene Variant Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Hypertriglyceridemia
April 24, 2006
For immediate release: April 24, 2006
Boston, MA -- A rare gene variant in humans helps to protect against two of the country's top killers -- type 2 diabetes and heart disease -- as we...Ads for Unhealthy Foods May Explain Link Between Television Viewing and Overweight in Children
April 20, 2006
For immediate release: April 20, 2006
Boston, MA -- Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Children's Hospital Boston found that kids who spend more time watchi...Treating Populations Infected with Both HIV and Latent TB Could Speed the Emergence of Drug-Resistant TB
April 17, 2006
For immediate release: April 17, 2006
Boston, MA -- In 2005, 46 regional Ministers of Health in Africa declared that a dramatic rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases was cause for emergency. ...Gene Variant Associated with Obesity Risk Found with New Statistical Technique
April 13, 2006
For immediate release: April 13, 2006
Boston, MA - A pioneering statistical technique developed at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has helped identify a common gene variation...Stronger Evidence Found Linking Epstein-Barr Virus and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
April 10, 2006
For immediate release: April 10, 2006
Boston, MA – Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente, and a team of collaborators have found further evidence...Study Finds M-Rated Video Games Contain Violence, Sexual Themes, Substances, and Profanity Not Labeled on Game Boxes
April 03, 2006
For immediate release: April 03, 2006
Boston, MA -- According to a study led by Associate Professor Kimberly Thompson of the Kids Risk Project at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH),...Irish Pubs Under Smoke-free Law in Ireland Show 91% Lower Indoor Air Pollution Than "Irish Pubs" in Cities Around the World
March 16, 2006
For immediate release: March 16, 2006
Boston, MA - A survey of air pollution levels in "Irish pubs" around the world has found that indoor air pollution in authentic Ir...Harvard Six Cities Study Follow Up: Reducing Soot Particles Is Associated with Longer Lives
March 15, 2006
For immediate release: March 15, 2006
Boston, MA - An eight-year follow up to the landmark Harvard Six Cities Study has found an association between people living longer and cities redu...Prenatal Pesticide Exposure May Lead to High Blood Pressure and a Decreased Neurological Ability to Copy Shapes In Childhood
March 06, 2006
For immediate release: March 06, 2006
Boston, MA - Children in Ecuador whose mothers were exposed to pesticides while pregnant had increased blood pressure and diminished ability to cop...Globalization: Children and Working Parents Pay Too High a Price
February 27, 2006
For immediate release: February 27, 2006
Montreal, Quebec -- What do a Baltimore nurse, a Honduran sweatshop worker, and a Vietnamese shoe factory laborer have in common? If they are pa...While Concerned, Most Americans Do Not Expect Widespread Human Cases of Avian Flu in U.S. in the Next Year
February 23, 2006
For immediate release: February 23, 2006
Boston, MA -- The latest national poll conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Project on the Public and Biological Security fin...Newly Identified Mechanism Helps Explain Why People of African Descent Are More Vulnerable to TB
February 23, 2006
For immediate release: February 23, 2006
Boston, MA -- A team of scientists has identified a cellular mechanism that may help explain the puzzle of why people of African descent are mor...Containment Buys Time but Unlikely to Prevent Flu Pandemic Due to Probable Multiple Introductions of Virus
February 20, 2006
For immediate release: February 20, 2006
Boston, MA -- Containing an emerging bird flu pandemic at its source will probably only delay--not stop--the illness' spread because...Roxbury Community Coalition and Harvard School of Public Health Receive Funding to Encourage Participation of Minority Groups in Cancer Clinical Trials
February 13, 2006
For immediate release: February 13, 2006
Boston, MA Cherishing Our Hearts and Souls (COHS), a Roxbury-based community-centered coalition affiliated with the Harvard School of Public Hea...Survey Finds Association Between Presence of Gun in Vehicle and Aggressive Driver Behavior
February 07, 2006
For immediate release: February 07, 2006
Boston, MA -- Riding in a vehicle with a firearm is one of a number of markers for aggressive and dangerous driver behavior, according to the re...$5 Million Pritzker Gift to Fund Potential Solutions For Childhood Obesity Including Testing of Exercise and Nutrition Programs at YMCAs Nationwide
February 02, 2006
For immediate release: February 02, 2006
Boston, MA -- To address the national and global epidemic of childhood obesity, Harvard College alumna Penny Pritzker '81 and her husband, Bryan...Monitoring System Needed to Prevent Safety Hazard of Problem Physicians
January 16, 2006
For immediate release: January 16, 2006
Boston, MA -- Asserting that "physician performance failures are not rare and pose substantial threats to patient welfare and safety," ...