In The News: School of Public Health
Even when ants aren’t dangerous, they’re a problem when it comes to hygiene and quality of life.

Fast food chains are seemingly racing to reach a growing demand of customers using GLP-1s, or weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Dr. Manoj Sharma, professor at the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said food chains are expanding their menus to include items packed with protein and low in portion size.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or variation of mood with change in season, especially during months with reduced daylight, is a well-recognized condition that adversely affects the mental health and well-being of many people. It was first described in 1984 and is now classified as a distinct disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), and related to major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

More than 2,400 Americans have contracted measles since January of last year — a 25-year record, according to Johns Hopkins University. That means the country is poised to lose its measles "elimination status," which it's held since 2000. So, going into 2026, can Nevada continue to avoid the large outbreaks hitting neighboring states?

Through numerous outreach initiatives across Southern Nevada, UNLV’s deep commitment to the community, the university has demonstrated dedication to meaningful civic engagement. That commitment has earned recognition at the highest level: UNLV today received its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, maintaining its place among the nation’s most community-focused higher education institutions.

Through numerous outreach initiatives across Southern Nevada, UNLV’s deep commitment to the community, the university has demonstrated dedication to meaningful civic engagement. That commitment has earned recognition at the highest level: UNLV today received its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, maintaining its place among the nation’s most community-focused higher education institutions.
The line of sparkling glassware sitting on top of your hotel fridge looks clean. The glasses even have a paper cap to signal you've received a fresh set ready for your use. But there are good reasons you shouldn't fill them at the bathroom sink, no matter how thirsty you are.
Artificial sweeteners, also called nonnutritive sweeteners or non-sugar sweeteners, are created from chemicals in the lab. The first such chemical, saccharin, was accidentally invented by a Russian postdoctoral researcher, Constantin Fahlberg, working with his Professor, Ira Remsen, in 1879, when he noticed a sweet taste on his hand while refining coal tar derivatives. It was later commercialized by him as a sugar substitute. Today, besides saccharin, other approved artificial sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose, neotame, acesulfame-K, and advantame.
Distracted driving is doing another activity while driving, such as texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, thinking about something, and other disruptive activities. Since many people are on the road during the Holiday Season, this behavior becomes even more important from a public health perspective.
The causation and risk factors of gambling disorder are complex, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role.

If it seems like more people around you are sneezing and sniffling, it’s not your imagination. This is one of the most common times of year for the common cold. Signs of the common cold include sneezing, a runny nose, headache, a sore throat, coughing and nasal congestion. Ever try to sleep with a runny nose? Not fun. Typically, these symptoms last about a week, which is a long time to be feeling crummy.
'Tis the season of relentless dishwashing and lethargy. After ingesting half a turkey and a gallon of eggnog, it is tempting to look at the piles of dirty plates, shrug, and think, meh, they could use a long soak in the sink anyway. But here’s the dirty truth: sinks are among the most germ-ridden spots in your house, and not the kind of place you want your dinnerware to hang out.