Each issue of this newsletter typically focuses on important topics, such as health care disparities and inequities that have disadvantageous impacts on individual and community health status in the United States. Occasionally, however, efforts are made to apprise readers of other developments that are not necessarily viewed as pertaining directly to the health sphere, but still have considerable potential to influence health outcomes.
Although comparatively small in number compared to other members of the animal kingdom, such as insects, human beings have exerted gargantuan effects on the health of the planet earth and its various assortment of inhabitants of vertebrates and invertebrates. The current geological age is known as the Anthropocene, a period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment. Increasingly, data are being generated around the world indicating a decline in biomass involving insects as a result of factors, such as habitat loss occurring when humans move to previously uninhabited locales and chronic exposure to pesticides. Insects play a vital role in a terrestrial food web that affects many species of birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians and fish, while also performing essential functions involving pollination, pest control, and nutrient recycling. A danger is considered to exist in the possibility that terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse without adequate numbers of insects.
The widespread adoption of artificial lighting at night (ALAN) is considered a growing threat to biodiversity in general and to nocturnally active insects in particular. Recent advances in external lighting technology, especially the increasing adoption of broad spectrum ‘white’ LEDs, suggest that impacts of ALAN on natural systems are likely to increase. The entire March 2021 issue of the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity is devoted to some recent investigations addressing the effects of ALAN on insects and their conservation. Approximately one-fifth of earth's land surface experiences appreciable levels of ALAN to illuminate roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. Although ALAN has enabled humans to increase the duration and diversity of work and leisure activities that would otherwise be curtailed by night‐time darkness, it has radically altered the nocturnal environment for many species of animal and plant life by disrupting the natural daily and seasonal light cycles.
Also, an article published on January 26, 2021 in the journal Conservation and Science discusses how an ever‐growing industry with high densities of wind turbines may have long‐lasting effects on insects and associated trophic links if negative impacts on these creatures are not considered during the erection and operation of this machinery. After collision, most insects leave a layer of organic detritus on the leading edge of blades, thereby disrupting the laminar airflow, causing a significant drop in power production. An interesting aspect is that energy production from renewable sources is increasing worldwide in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions. Although labeled as environmentally friendly, wind renewable energy sources are in direct conflict with biodiversity goals regarding insect conservation.
More May 2021 TRENDS Articles
MINISCULE CREATURES OF HUGE IMPORTANCE
is a discussion on how declines in the population of insects on earth can have major negative impacts on the health status of humans. Read More
A MAJOR FOCUS ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING
describes early attempts to appropriate funds for the upcoming next fiscal year, the return of “earmarks,” and key hearings on Capitol Hill regarding COVID-19. Read More
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
refers to how overuse of tests and procedures in the Medicare program contributes to wasteful spending; Biden administration efforts to reverse policies of the previous administration; and expansion of some provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Read More
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
is about the financial impact of lockdowns on colleges and universities; the effect on students of remote instead of in-class learning; and proposed legislation on student loan tax elimination. Read More
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
Emergency Departments For Bicycle-Related TBIs: United States, 2009-2018
Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program Enrollment: 2020
Ventilating The Rectum To Support Respiration Opening A Window Into Alzheimer's Disease Read More
OBTAINABLE RESOURCES
Improving The Utility Of Evidence Synthesis In The Face Of Insufficient Evidence
Implementing High-Quality Primary Care
Primary Care In The COVID-19 Pandemic Read More
IMPACT OF MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND WIDOWHOOD ON HEALTH STATUS
indicates reasons why the so-called “golden years” associated with old age can be particularly disruptive in the lives of women in the U.S. Read More
COGNITIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY, INTELLIGENCE, HEALTH, AND DEATH
pertains to how an understanding of the association between intelligence and health/mortality has been refined with the advent of new, population-scale data and genetic tools. Read More Read More