The method developed by Assistant Professor Silvia Balbo may help researchers uncover the genetic chemistry leading to cancer development, which has broad applications ranging from understanding how toxins are affecting DNA in the body to developing tools to improve outcomes of chemotherapy.
Environment/Exposures
Independent Research Needed to Understand Risks of IQOS Tobacco Heating Device
A commentary by Associate Professor Irina Stepanov underscored how toxicity and other IQOS health data are mostly available through studies conducted by the manufacturer, and that independent, academic research into the product is needed to accurately inform and protect the public.
Mesothelioma in Taconite Workers Most Likely Due to Asbestos
New analysis by Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Mandel suggests that mesothelioma cancers in Minnesota’s taconite workers were likely caused by breathing in fibers from asbestos products used in the early days of mining operations.
Staying Resilient in Farm Country
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) at the School of Public Health works with numerous partners to address stress in farmers, farm workers, and their families.
Common Household Chemical Linked to Heart Disease and Cancer
Research by PhD student Mary Rooney links serious health risks to dichlorophenols, a chemical commonly found in a variety of products including chlorinated drinking water.
Exposure to Chemical in Many Plastics Linked to Language Delay in Toddlers
Research from Associate Professor Ruby Nguyen shows that exposing babies to two particular phthalates during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of language delay of 20-40 percent.
Letter Grade Program Linked to Declines in Salmonella Infections in New York City
A study by PhD student Melanie Firestone suggests that public disclosure of restaurant inspection results at the point of service can drive a reduction in the burden of foodborne illness.
New Method to Estimate Impact of FDA Tobacco Regulations
Faculty Joe Koopmeiners and David Vock will apply their methodology to data from 12 randomized trials of reduced-nicotine cigarettes to evaluate the impact of nicotine reduction as a regulatory policy.
Cancer-causing Chemical Formed in E-cigarette Users
Researcher and Associate Professor Irina Stepanov found that while e-cigarettes contain virtually no N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) — a chemical that can cause oral cavity and esophageal cancer — the chemical can form in an e-cigarette user’s body when they take in nicotine through e-cigarettes.
9/11 Responders at Higher Risk for Asthma Compared to General Population
A new study from Assistant Professor Hyun Kim compared the health of 9/11 emergency responders to a national survey of people and found that they are at dramatically higher risk for developing asthma.
Nguyen Appointed to State Environmental Health Tracking Panel
Associate Professor Ruby Nguyen is serving as the University’s scientist representative on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Environmental Health Tracking and Biomonitoring Advisory Panel.
Weather Alerts Should Warn People with Specific Health Conditions
Research from PhD student Yang Liu recommends that temperature advisories include information about the potential harm to people with cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases.
