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.

Environmental Health Needs Assessment

January 20, 2026 By Curnick, Jacqueline A

The Community Engagement Core conducted an Environmental Health Needs Assessment to drive our programming to meet the questions and concerns of our community members. The results are posted below:

Slides from IPHC Conference IPHC 2025

Summary of Disaster Preparedness Qualitative Questions

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)