Environmental Health Sciences Research Center

University of Iowa College of Public Health

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Archives for 2026

EHSRC Associate Member Snehajyoti Chatterjee leads a PCB study published in Molecular Psychiatry (Nature Publishing Group)

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Dr. Snehajyoti Chatterjee
Dr. Snehajyoti Chatterjee

EHSRC Associate Member Snehajyoti Chatterjee, an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, led a study using spatial transcriptomic profiling to uncover the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gene expression related to spatial memory, a relevant factor in cognitive decline. The study, recently published in Molecular Psychiatry, a journal published by the Nature Publishing Group, found that mice exposed to PCBs exhibited deficits in long-term spatial memory.

To examine the molecular effects of PCB on the brain, the team used a spatial transcriptomics technique to analyze gene expression changes in five brain regions: the hippocampus, neocortex, thalamus, caudal putamen, and fiber tracts. Their analysis of spatial gene expression revealed the molecular signatures influenced by PCB in these susceptible brain regions of mice. Network analysis suggested that these changes are associated with higher chlorinated PCBs present in the brain. Additionally, the team showed that PCB exposure disrupts the expression of tight junction proteins, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thus, the study results offer mechanistic insights into how PCB exposure affects brain function and cognition.

 

Long-term spatial memory assessment of wild-type mice exposed to the HR-PCB mixture.
Long-term spatial memory assessment of wild-type mice exposed to the HR-PCB mixture.

Call for Science Cafe Speakers

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Due February 6th 2026 – The Science Cafe is a program that connects UI researchers and experts with Iowa community members. These one-hour events take place at a local coffee shop in Mt. Vernon, IA (about 30 mins from Iowa City) are structured around a presentation and group discussion about various environmental, health, and scientific topics.  

 https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bq1LoK0QzwWYV4W (Fill out this form by Feb 6th) Eligibility: Faculty, staff, and graduate students at the University of Iowa 

The Science Cafes are usually on a weekday from 5-6 pm.  The structure of the event is 30 min talk by presenter (no slides are used but there is a paper hand out), 25 min discussion/Q+A, Dr. Brandi Janssen facilitates the events.    

Questions? Email Jackie Curnick jcurnick@uiowa.edu  

Visit the science café webpage https://ehsrc.public-health.uiowa.edu/communityengagement/science-cafe/ 

Topics that have been directly requested by the Science Café participants on evaluations: (though you can propose any topic) 

  • Medical talks / Surgery 
  • Climate Change 
  • Research projects: study design and results  
  • Options for farmers to improve water quality 
  • Barriers to changing agricultural practices 
  • “Pure Science”  
  • Reasons Iowa is losing healthcare workers  
  • Neonics and the home gardener  
  • Food safety 
  • Herbalism 
  • Marine Biology 
  • Geology or Archeology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Human composting 
  • Stem cells and plasma joint injections to delay joint replacement 
  • Nutrition 
  • Dentistry 
  • How does data science help with precision in medicine