Ticks, including the Lyme Disease-carrying Ixodes scapularis or deer tick, are widespread across Minnesota and 2021 is shaping up to be a bad year.
Environmental Health Sciences
School of Public Health awarded $10 million to lead Midwest hazardous waste training consortium
Professor Peter Raynor heads the Midwest Consortium for Hazardous Waste Worker Training, which provides 37 different courses to train workers and community residents who may be exposed to hazardous substances in nine states.
Finding better ways to detect and measure infectious viruses in the air
A study led by Professor Peter Raynor found that a two-sampler approach may be necessary to detect viruses and accurately measure their concentrations. (Peter Raynor)
Handling animals at fairs, on the farm linked to serious bacterial disease in people
PhD student Madhura Vachon found that direct farm animal contact was a key risk factor for the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome among people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
Measuring coronavirus infection among MN grocery store workers
Professor Craig Hedberg is recruiting 1,000 Minnesota grocery store workers for a study to see if they have antibodies for the virus causing COVID-19.
Toscano given University global health award
Professor Emeritus William Toscano has received the Award for Global Engagement from the University’s Global Programs & Strategy Alliance.
Study to evaluate genetic underpinnings of smoking and nicotine dependence in American Indians and Alaska Natives
Assistant Professor Dana Carroll is studying how quickly American Indians and Alaska Natives metabolize nicotine, how it relates to their genetic makeup, and barriers that exist to using that information to improve health.
Mapping tick-borne disease risk in Wisconsin
PhD student Austin Rau analyzed the cases of three serious — but lesser-known — tick-borne diseases in Wisconsin and found that they are increasing, moving, and varying over time across the state.
Air pollution in the U.S. declines during the COVID-19 pandemic
The pollution study by Assistant Professor Jesse Berman showed that nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter levels in the U.S. dropped during March and April compared to the same months in previous years.
Do stress and other factors affect how well people comply with social distancing?
A study led by Assistant Professor Gillian Tarr and Associate Professor Marizen Ramirez is surveying families and older adults to identify key factors that may affect how much people adhere to social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Talking farmer mental health with Jeff Bender
Professor Jeff Bender, with the School of Public Health’s Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, talks about unique challenges farmers face that may affect their mental health, signs someone may be struggling with their mental health and resources available.
Diners want better access to restaurant inspection information
PhD student Melanie Firestone found that 94% of people want easy access to restaurant inspection information and most would use it when choosing where to eat.
