2024 Pilot Projects Awards

Neighborhood environment and genetic risk for neurodevelopmental conditions: Interactive effects and influences on the stress response system

• Principal investigator: Meghan Miller ([email protected]). Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

The problem: This study explores the relationship between genetics and environment in the development of autism and ADHD. Both conditions have a genetic component, and there is growing recognition that shared genetic factors may increase the likelihood of each. This suggests the two conditions may share common developmental pathways. However, the extent to which the environment influences this genetic likelihood remains unclear. This is important because, unlike genetics, environmental factors may be more modifiable. This study focuses on two neighborhood-level factors: neighborhood disadvantage and air quality. We hypothesize that these factors may increase the likelihood of autism and ADHD in genetically susceptible infants by impacting their stress response system. 

The project: We will test these questions in 3 established cohorts of infants at high and low genetic likelihood for autism and/or ADHD based on family history. We will look at data on developmental functioning, physiological reactivity, and symptoms of autism and ADHD that was collected at 6/9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. Exposure to disadvantage and air pollution at the neighborhood level will be determined based on the infant’s home address in the first year of life. Findings from this research will help understand whether very young children at elevated genetic likelihood for autism or ADHD may be more susceptible to environmental influences than other children. This has large implications for reducing early childhood health disparities.

A Community-based One Health study on health effects of environmental harmful algal bloom toxin exposure

• Principal investigator: Wilson Rumbeiha ([email protected]). Environmental Health Toxicology
• Community Partner: The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians

The problem: When certain species of algae bloom, they can release toxins that make people and animals ill. These are referred to as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS) and are a major source of both ecological and human health risk around the world. Climate change increases these risks as higher temperatures can promote the growth of these algae. HABs produce microcystins and other types of toxins which can contaminate water and human and animal food webs. Chronic ingestion of these toxins can cause cancer and damage the liver, brain, kidney, skin, and/or the  immune system. Marginalized rural communities face the highest risk of drinking microcystin-contaminated water or food. There is currently no blood test for chronic exposure, and it is challenging to identify exposure pathways. 

The project: This project involves collaboration with the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians (BVBPI) to study the impact of HABs from a “One Health” perspective, which highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal health. The project has two major goals. The first is to discover early biomarkers of chronic microcystin exposure in animals (mice and cattle). The second is to measure microcystins food webs (plants and animals)  of communities living in and around Clear Lake, one of the most impacted lakes in California. This study is intended as the beginning of a long-term collaboration with the BVBPI. Preliminary data will be used to apply for larger federal grants to advance this unique community-university collaboration to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health.

Development of an armband to monitor physiological indicators of heat stress  

• Principal investigator: Cristina Davis ([email protected]). Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Community partner: Central California Environmental Justice Network

The problem: Our rapidly warming climate presents serious public health risks, including heat stress and heat stroke. Many people are unaware of the early symptoms of heat stress, and this lack of knowledge can lead to injury or even death. 

As extreme heat events increase, wearable monitoring devices may play an important role in keeping vulnerable populations safe, but no such sensors are easily available. 

The project: Our team has developed a low-cost, lightweight armband that can record heart rate, oxygen saturation, activity level, skin temperature, and galvanic skin response (sweat). Its sensors continuously monitor these vitals to determine when the wearer is experiencing heat-related stress. 

This project will update the armband to include additional sensors and an alert function that will let the wearer and others know when they are experiencing heat stress, so that appropriate action can be taken.

Contact

If you'd like more information about a particular project, please contact Ruth Williams ([email protected]) for details.