Charlton comments on cancer death rates in rural areas

Despite the different types and rates of cancer across Iowa, Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology, said her research shows rural people die from the disease more than urban people do, often because they lack access to screening and treatment. (Public News Service) Published January 10, 2024

Supporting Kids’ Mental Health

The journey to adulthood is often a turbulent one, but recent research shows that today’s adolescents are struggling with dramatic increases in mental distress. CPH researchers Jonathan Platt and Ebonee Johnson are working to address these issues. Published December 21, 2023

Platt discusses high U.S. suicide rates

Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, recently discussed a new CDC report that found U.S. suicide rates are at the highest levels since 1941. (The Gazette) Published December 18, 2023

CPCRN Publishes Special Supplement to Mark 20th Anniversary

The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) has published a supplemental issue of Cancer Causes and Control to mark the Network’s 20th anniversary. The supplement is separated into five subthemes: (1) Addressing Equity Through CPCRN, (2) Capacity Building, (3) Partnership Engagement, (4) Rural Cancer Prevention and Control, and (5) Future Cancer Needs and Priorities. […] Published December 11, 2023

Platt comments on rise in suicide rates

Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, recently discussed a new federal report that finds the nation’s suicide rate has reached its highest level since 1941. “The trends in recent years have indicated that suicide rates are increasing more in rural areas than urban areas,” Platt says, “so the implications of that for the state of Iowa I think are concerning.” (Radio Iowa) Published December 7, 2023

Researchers discover genes that influence shape of skull

Paul Romitti, professor of epidemiology, is part of a research team that has discovered a suite of genes that influence head shape in humans. These findings help explain the diversity of human head shapes and may also offer important clues about the genetic basis of conditions that affect the skull, such as craniosynostosis. Published November 28, 2023

State Hygienic Lab recognized nationally for wastewater testing

The State Hygienic Laboratory is one of five new wastewater-based centers of excellence established by Ceres Nanosciences with support from the NIH. Wastewater testing allows officials to track the spread of pathogens such as RSV, influenza, mpox, and emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 without having to rely on testing individuals. (OVPR) Published November 28, 2023

Hamann offers a fix to the legal loophole in crosswalk laws

Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, recently wrote an op-ed about a glaring loophole in crosswalk laws in the United States. These laws often give legal protections only to people on foot -- but not to people in wheelchairs, on bicycles, or on other personal conveyances. Hamann offers a simple policy solution. (USA Today) Published November 28, 2023

Study examines factors that influence passing farm equipment on roadways

Crashes involving farm equipment are a major safety concern for farmers as well as all other road users. To help guide crash prevention strategies, a new study by University of Iowa researchers examined factors that influence drivers' farm equipment passing behaviors and their perceptions about the passing behaviors of other drivers. Published November 16, 2023

Submit a poster abstract to the Public Health Conference of Iowa

The 2024 Public Health Conference of Iowa is now accepting student poster abstracts. The conference will be held March 26 and 27 in Des Moines. The deadline for submission is Monday, Jan. 29. Published November 8, 2023