This research uses low-cost air quality sensors to monitor pollution exposure in underserved communities in Philadelphia. It reveals unexpected indoor and temporal pollution patterns and highlights disparities in exposure. By involving residents as citizen scientists, the study demonstrates how accessible data can inform policy and improve public health outcomes.

This research investigates whether thallium exposure from 9/11 dust contributes to long-term memory loss in first responders. By linking biological samples with decades of cognitive data, findings suggest higher exposure increases risk of early Alzheimer’s indicators. The study emphasizes early detection and prevention for those exposed to environmental toxins.

This research investigates how bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic chemical, may contribute to obesity. By disrupting hormonal systems during brain development, BPA alters appetite regulation and metabolic set points. Animal studies show increased obesity and diabetes risk, suggesting environmental chemicals may play a significant role in the obesity epidemic.

This research explores biofiltration as a sustainable alternative to chemical water treatment. By supplying bacteria with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, it improves removal of harmful organic matter. Results show a 20% efficiency increase, reducing chemical use and risks, and offering a cost-effective solution for safe drinking water worldwide.

This research examines harm reduction practices and their limitations within systems of prohibition. While designed to support people without judgment, institutional rules and boundaries restrict access. Case studies reveal how these constraints can increase risks, including overdose, highlighting a gap between harm reduction philosophy and real-world implementation.

This research tackles harmful cyanobacteria blooms that threaten drinking water. Using ceramic membrane filtration, it prevents toxin release by retaining intact cells. Improved cleaning methods with eco-friendly chemicals enhance membrane efficiency and longevity. The work aims to ensure safe water treatment as climate change increases the frequency and severity of algal blooms.

This research examines how neonicotinoid pesticides affect frog immune systems, contributing to amphibian decline. Since frogs naturally control mosquito populations, their loss may increase the spread of diseases like malaria. The study aims to inform regulatory policies by linking pesticide exposure to weakened immunity, disease susceptibility, and broader public health risks.

This research examines how older adults manage indoor environmental conditions while aging in place. It highlights the importance of “adaptive opportunities,” such as adjusting surroundings or behavior, and identifies barriers like mobility and cost. The goal is to develop practical strategies to improve comfort, health, and independence for aging populations at home.

This research evaluates passive cooling strategies—like reflective roofs and shading—to reduce heat in homes without air conditioning. Using simulations of thousands of combinations under current and future climates, it identifies optimal solutions for cities like Ottawa, aiming to protect vulnerable populations from rising heat risks due to climate change.

This research improves combination vaccines by addressing antigen competition using injectable hydrogels that slowly release antigens. This approach produces balanced immune responses to multiple diseases, unlike traditional vaccines. The innovation could reduce the number of shots required, improve global vaccine access, and ensure more effective immunization, particularly in underserved populations.