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Latest news and updates

Latest news and updates

Spotlight: Gregory Valentine, a neonatologist, collaborator and innovator

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Most days, Dr. Gregory Valentine wishes he had more than 24 hours to realize his goal of overcoming health disparities amongst newborns around the world. Valentine recently found himself in Africa for two weeks to follow up on his Prevention of Developmental Delay and Xylitol (PDDaX) trial in Malawi and develop a neurodevelopmental program that evaluates early nutritional practices for small and sick newborns in Ethiopia. “What really hits me hard is when I go abroad, I see significant health…

Research sheds light on air pollution in nail salons, need for increased regulations

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The strong scent of nail polish that permeates nail salons has been linked to a variety of health effects experienced by the workers who inhale it, according to new research from a University of Washington faculty member. Diana Ceballos, a UW assistant professor of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, recently co-authored a study published in Atmospheric Pollution Research and discussed her findings with UW News in a question-and-answer session. She spoke about her background working with nail salons to improve…

Awardees of autumn 2022 Tier 1 pilot research grants report final project outcomes

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Nine interdisciplinary University of Washington project teams were awarded Population Health Initiative Tier 1 pilot grants in autumn quarter 2022. Each of these teams were working to lay an interdisciplinary foundation for future projects in areas ranging from perinatal health to the impacts of climate change to generate proof-of-concept. Each of the funded projects has now concluded, with investigator-reported project findings detailed in the following sections.

New UW biomaterials center seeks to fight inequities, reduce disparities

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The National Institutes of Health recently granted $10.5 million towards the creation of the Humanity Unlocking Biomaterials (HUB) center, led by the University of Michigan and University of Washington, with a focus on advancing biomaterials research through the recruitment of historically excluded Black, Latino and Indigenous individuals. The proposal applies a concept known as centering margins, which instigates a path towards rapid progress by partnering those in power to excluded individuals. HUB center leaders plan to focus on bringing individuals…

Initiative funds 14 UW project teams for early-stage pilot grant research

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The Population Health Initiative announced today the award of 14 Tier 1 pilot grants to interdisciplinary teams of University of Washington researchers representing 11 schools and colleges across two UW campuses plus several community-based partners. The value of these 14 awards is approximately $360,000, which includes matching funds from schools, departments and units. “The breadth and depth of the innovative project ideas that we received in response to this funding call was an inspiring way to kick off the academic…

Winter course to explore interdisciplinary work that improves youth mental health, well-being

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The University of Washington Population Health Initiative, the College of Education and the School of Social Work are partnering to offer a one-credit General Studies course during winter quarter 2025 that will introduce students to a number of UW and community-based research and programs that are working to improve youth mental health and well-being. Undergraduates and graduate students may take this course for credit; graduate students will need to request an add code. The course, “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Youth Mental…

Fueling the flame: Initiative pilot grant studies health risk of increasing heat and wildfires

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Agricultural communities in the western portion of the U.S. are becoming more exposed to extreme heat and wildfire smoke (WFS) as a result of climate change, adversely impacting the health of the general population and posing a greater risk to outdoor crop workers. Washington state leads the U.S. in apple, blueberry and cherry production, with an estimated 100,000 documented crop workers in 2021. While there is limited research on the impact of climate change induced heat and WFS events on…

UW faculty discuss how the H5N1 bird flu outbreak could impact humans, our ecosystems

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A major outbreak of a new strain of bird flu began circulating the world in 2020 and has killed millions of wild birds and infected poultry, dairy cattle and domestic cats to date. A few humans have also died from bird flu infection. Federal health officials have deemed the Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 a low risk to public health despite four humans contracting the virus, with the most recently confirmed case experiencing flu-like respiratory symptoms. UW News spoke with…

Initiative-funded project seeks to understand impact of climate change on mental health

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The continued rise in focus on climate change comes as a result of increasing temperatures, extreme storms and wildfires. Distress experienced as a result of an awareness that climate change underlies these changing weather patterns can be referred to as “climate change distress” (CC-D), which is elevated among young adults and could be linked to adverse health outcomes. Research on CC-D has remained limited though in epidemiological studies due to an absence of a brief measure suitable for large health…

Initiative-funded project studies how culturally sensitive communication styles affects health AI

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The capabilities of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) have improved dramatically in healthcare settings, with the potential to promote mental health and increase adherence to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, current AI-based chatbots lack the understanding of cultural differences needed to support communication with patients and ensure positive health outcomes. Communication styles vary across cultures and prove significant when it comes to evaluating the likelihood of adherence to physicians’ recommendations. In spring 2023, an interdisciplinary team of University of Washington researchers received…