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Latest news and updates

Latest news and updates

Making the switch to e-cigarettes leads to holistic health benefits for adult smokers

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A new study from the University of Washington sought to determine whether adult smokers might experience multiple health and well-being benefits by switching to e-cigarettes. Their results showed an overall positive effect on the health of smokers after making this switch in their adult life. The researchers drew from the Seattle Social Development Project, which was a larger longitudinal study that began in 1985. They surveyed 156 of the participants from that project who reported smoking at age 30 and…

Spotlight: Kristina Adams Waldorf uses social media to combat vaccine hesitancy in pregnancy

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As a professor and researcher in the University of Washington Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr. Kristina Adams Waldorf’s career has centered on studying infectious diseases in pregnant people for more than 20 years. Her extensive research is conducted through the Adams Waldorf Laboratory, which is part of the Center for Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease at UW. The research in her lab is focused on studying how infections can target placentas to reach…

Pilot project promotes environmental justice through protection of urban green spaces

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The restoration and protection of urban green spaces can mitigate the harmful effects of climate change on human health. Kristin Hayman, first year graduate student at the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, and her team are awardees of a Population Health Initiative Tier 1 Pilot Grant that seeks to identify communities across the Puget Sound that would realize the greatest health benefits from green spaces in their communities. “This project sits at the intersection of human…

Decreasing the stigma of mental health through a peer educator approach

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The pressing mental health crisis the world faces and major gaps in the mental healthcare system led Dr. Jody Early, professor at the University of Washington Bothell’s School of Nursing & Health Studies, to partner with Sandra Huber from the Verdant Health Commission to create Mental Health Matters (MHM). This program supports community-centered health education and promotion by connecting residents in Snohomish County, WA with resources and peer educators to contribute to their overall health and well-being. MHM is committed…

Meta-analysis shows self-injury and thoughts of suicide reduce stress levels for young adults

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Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and the role of self-harm and suicidal thoughts are known risk factors for suicide. A group of researchers from the University of Washington recently conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of the mental impacts and reasons behind teens and young adults engaging in self-harm and/or considering attempting suicide. The results show that the consequence of engaging in self-harm or thinking about a suicidal attempt is perceived feelings of stress alleviation. Researchers around…

Pilot grant awardees from 2020 report their final project outcomes

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The Population Health Initiative awarded six pilot research grants to faculty-led teams from 10 different University of Washington schools and colleges in March 2020. The pilot research grants supported innovative interdisciplinary collaboration among research teams and resulted in projects that tackle significant local and global population health challenges. The teams have closed out their projects and provided reports on their results and future plans.

Ten new members named to Population Health Initiative executive council

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Ten new members have been named to the 30-member Population Health Initiative executive council by President Ana Mari Cauce. These individuals, who will begin their terms in autumn quarter 2022, are: Jody Early, professor of Nursing and Health Studies, UW Bothell Beatrice Gandara, clinical associate professor of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry Nancy Hertzog, professor of Learning Sciences and Human Development, College of Education Soo-Hyung Kim, professor of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment Karin Martin, assistant professor,…

Teaching students about microgrids advances Indigenous energy sovereignty

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Indigenous tribes are historically reliant on U.S. energy production. In the past two decades, the development and implementation of microgrids on Indigenous land has allowed several tribes to move toward energy sovereignty. Northwest Indian College (NWIC) Professor Stephanie Bostwick has been instrumental in building on this progress by shifting the engineering curriculum at NWIC towards a renewable energy focus and educating students on microgrid infrastructure. In collaboration with UW researchers from the Clean Energy Institute (CEI) and engineering departments, Bostwick…

Researchers seek to increase firearm safety in rural areas by studying patterns among youths

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Researchers from the University of Washington explored the patterns of handgun carrying among young people growing up in rural areas as part of a wider Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded series of projects focusing on firearm violence and injury prevention. Their goal was to inform programs that help prevent violence and injury from firearms in rural areas by gaining a better understanding of the motivation and culture behind handgun carrying in these areas. The team identified six patterns of…

UW professor’s book redefines reasoning and solutions for homelessness

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University of Washington faculty member Gregg Colburn recently authored a book titled Homelessness is a Housing Problem, which highlights factors of homelessness and solutions that lie in the housing market. His research contextualizes homelessness across different areas of the country and seeks to create a cultural and societal shift in the way homelessness is addressed. Through his research, Colburn concluded that homelessness is exacerbated primarily by housing market conditions in a specific area. High housing and rental prices combined with…