EHSRC News – Environmental Health Sciences Research Center

New fact sheet: Microplastics and Health

February 17, 2026 By Curnick, Jacqueline A

The Community Engagement Core has released a new fact sheet about health impacts of microplastics.

View the full packet and all of the individual fact sheets on the resources page.

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

February 6, 2026 By Phillips, Rose A

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.

Needs Assessment: Understanding environmental health issues to inform community engagement in the central Midwest

January 20, 2026 By Curnick, Jacqueline A

Jan. 2026- The Community Engagement Core has published a research paper in Discover Public Health.

View the paper here: Understanding environmental health issues to inform community engagement in the central Midwest (link to journal website).

PDF of article

Citation: McCabe, M.A., Curnick, J., Kuehn, T. et al. Understanding environmental health issues to inform community engagement in the central Midwest. Discov Public Health 23, 21 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-01323-w

Abstract

Context

This report shares the results of a novel environmental health needs assessment designed by the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center in collaboration with our community partners for the four-state region of Iowa (IA), Nebraska (NE), Missouri (MO), and Kansas (KS).

Objective

The goal of the needs assessment was to understand considerations about health and the environment among people living in the central Midwest states of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, including their concerns, what they see as solutions, and what and how populations are vulnerable. These findings will inform future community engagement by the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at the University of Iowa to improve environmental health.

Design

The assessment used a mixed-methods approach which included an online survey that collected quantitative and qualitative data and three focus groups with young adults, older rural adults, and immigrant and communities of color in eastern Iowa.

Setting

University of Iowa Environmental Health Sciences Research Center in collaboration with our community partners for the four-state region of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri and focus groups in eastern Iowa.

Participants

Over 400 participants from four states.

Main outcome measure(s)

Describing residents’ perceptions of the connections between environment and health in the 4-state area and identifying notable differences between rural, urban, and suburban populations.

Result

Top issues of concern were water quality, outdoor air quality, climate change, chemical contaminants, and natural disasters. Respondents identified better policies, access to medical services, and financial resources as key components of reducing personal risk to environmental health issues. The focus group sessions highlighted concerns about housing, social capital, and the need for trusted sources of information.

Conclusions

These data suggest a holistic approach to environmental health topics, interest in policy interventions in rural communities, and potential for engagement with clinicians.

Call for Science Cafe Speakers

January 13, 2026 By Curnick, Jacqueline A

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)