Professor Michael Osterholm is leading research to improve the healthcare system’s ability to maintain a steady and adequate amount of critical medicines and supplies worldwide.
Epidemiology and Community Health
Underage Marijuana Use and Impaired Driving Common in Colorado and Washington
A pilot study by Associate Professor Darin Erickson shows that all local agencies reported underage use was somewhat or very common and most reported marijuana-impaired driving was somewhat or very common in their jurisdictions.
Few Parents Aware Meningitis B Vaccine is Available
Recent research by Assistant Professor Nicole Basta reveals that only 20 percent of parents are aware that a vaccine to protect their children against meningococcal B disease exists.
Infections May Be Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke
Associate Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan and PhD student Logan Cowan found that infections, such as pneumonia, can increase a patient’s risk of heart attacks and strokes for three months after being sick.
Preventing Violent Encounters Between Police and Young Black Men
Research by Professor Rhonda Jones-Webb shows a diverse group of stakeholders had little awareness of programs or policies specifically designed to prevent violence between police and young black men at work in their communities.
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.
Lung Disease in Middle Age May Be a Risk Factor for Dementia Later in Life
The study by Associate Professor Pamela Lutsey shows that both restrictive and obstructive lung diseases were associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Enlarged Heart Linked to a Higher Risk of Dementia
The findings from the new study by PhD student Faye Norby underscore the need for hypertension control to prevent injury to the brain tissue and the development of dementia.
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.
Unhealthy Weight-Control Practices Can Persist and Intensify in Adulthood
The Project EAT study found that over time the rates of dieting increase for both men and women — and extreme forms of weight control, such as purging and using diet pills, went up for men.
Preventing Obesity Among Low-Income, Diverse Preschool-Aged Children and Parents
Professor Simone French and Associate Professor Nancy Sherwood led a study of the NET-Works program, which consisted of home visiting, community-based parenting classes, and telephone check-in calls.
Yoga Linked to Improved Body Satisfaction
A study by Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer of adults who do yoga shows 83 percent of them believe it has improved how they feel about their bodies.
