News

Monitors find high levels of toxic benzene near Clairton Coke Works

“Benzene is well known to be able to produce leukemia in people that have been exposed for a long period of time,” said Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health James Fabisiak. 

RAND scholar appointed Chair of Epidemiology at Pitt Public Health

Tamara Dubowitz, ScD, MS, MSc, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation in Pittsburgh, has been appointed professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology, effective April 15.

Brazil has a dengue emergency, portending a health crisis for the Americas

“Right now you have serotypes circulating in Brazil that have not circulated in 20 years,” said Ernesto Marques, associate professor of infectious diseases and microbiology.

Mary Ganguli: How does it matter that Biden and Trump are aging? That we are?

"We really must stop conflating age and aging with disease and disability," said Professor of Epidemiology Mary Ganguli.

New EPA rule could rein in air pollution in Western Pennsylvania

“It appears that public health considerations outweighed the convenience of setting a higher, more easily achievable limit,” said Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health James Fabisiak.

Ohio derailment reveals gaps in public health response to chemical emergencies, experts say

To understand the health impact of a chemical event, responders need to act quickly, according to Dean Maureen Lichtveld. 

14 Pitt people earned Year of Discourse and Dialogue funding

Congratulations to Human Genetics Professor and Director of the Center for Bioethics & Health Law, Lisa Parker, on her Year of Discourse and Dialogue funding!

A Pitt summer program helps local high school students take center stage

Graduates of the school’s 2023 Public Health Science Academy will be presenting their study results at the 45th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

A monthlong summer program hosted at the School of Public Health to immerse high schoolers in the science of public health will introduce two Pittsburgh-area students to an even grander venue when they present their research at one of the foremost scientific meetings in behavioral medicine.

Many cancers are on the rise in the U.S., even as overall deaths fall

“It has been hard because the idea is that it has to do with early-age exposures, and now the world is very different than it was 40 years ago,” said Associate Professor of Human Genetics Brenda Diergaarde. 

How climate change Is making these 5 chronic conditions worse

One of the biggest threats to respiratory health is wildfire smoke, says Chair of Environmental and Occupational Health Sally Wenzel.

6 OTC Drugs That Can Be Dangerous for Older Adults

“We need better consumer education, more involvement of physicians and pharmacists in OTC consults, and better packaging of the products themselves," says Professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Steven Albert. 

Apply for the Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Scholars Program by Jan. 31

Applications are now open for the Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Scholars Program (PHUSP).

Thomas Songer won the 2023 Abraham Lilienfeld Award

Thomas J. Songer, assistant professor of epidemiology, was awarded the Abraham Lilienfeld Award. 

New study highlights barriers to contraceptive access for disabled Medicare enrollees

Researchers highlight how lack of contraceptive coverage by Medicare may prevent disabled enrollees from accessing contraception.

Contraceptive use is low among reproductive-aged people with disabilities who are enrolled in Medicare, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh that highlights how lack of contraceptive coverage by Medicare may prevent disabled enrollees from accessing contraception.

These are the type of low-carb foods that help slow weight gain, new study shows

“It’s telling people that following a low-carbohydrate diet is important, but which foods they choose to consume is also important,” said Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Samaneh Farsijani.