Research

Air Purifiers May Reduce Heart Risks for People Exposed to Traffic Pollution

Posted on by Jini I Davis

Doug Brugge

Lead study author Douglas Brugge, chair, Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine (UConn Photo).

Researchers at UConn Health are studying whether portable air purifiers can help reduce heart-related risks for people frequently exposed to traffic-related air pollution, especially ultrafine particles near busy roadways. Prior studies have shown that short-term exposure indoors to such pollutants can raise blood pressure. In controlled settings, using high-efficiency air filters significantly reduced those effects, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. The goal now is to assess whether similar benefits occur in real-world home environments.

Curious to learn more about this important research and how everyday air purification might reduce health risks from traffic pollution?
Read the full article here: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/08/air-purifiers-may-reduce-heart-risks-for-people-exposed-to-traffic-pollution/

Research: Outcome Disparities in Cancer: Adverse Events in African-American Patients with Sickle Cell Trait and Other Hemoglobinopathies

Posted on by Jini I Davis

Helen Swede

Helen Swede, Associate Professor in Public Health Sciences, was awarded a Research Excellence Program (REP) grant by the UConn Office of the Vice-President for Research entitled, “Outcome Disparities in Cancer: Adverse Events in African-American Patients with Sickle Cell Trait and Other Hemoglobinopathies”. This study will expand her prior work in breast and prostate cancers into several additional cancer types along with a deeper look into clinical factors associated with adverse events and mortality. Long thought to be a benign condition, SCT recently has been linked to an increasing number of medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease. This research domain has the potential for substantial translational value given that SCT is found in a far higher proportion of African-Americans compared to whites (8.5% vs 0.20%, respectively), and could explain persistent differences in survival rates. The documented link between SCT and chronic kidney disease is of great relevance in cancer treatment, as well, given the prospect of reduced clearance of powerful anti-cancer drugs – leading to toxicity and other sequalae. On this project, Dr. Swede will continue collaborations with researchers at Hartford Hospital, SUNY at Buffalo, Yale Cancer Center, and UConn Health.

Dr. Greg Rhee Explores Mental Health Screening for Teen Students

Posted on by Jini I Davis

greg rhee

Regular Depression Screening May Benefit High Schoolers, New Research Finds

A recent study led by Dr. Greg Rhee, a faculty researcher in the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, suggests that routine mental health screenings in high schools could lead to earlier identification and support for students experiencing depression.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the research analyzed data from nearly 250,000 students across 12 U.S. states and found that students who underwent regular depression screening were more likely to receive a depression diagnosis and follow-up treatment compared to those who were not screened.

This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating mental health screenings into school health protocols—helping identify students in need before symptoms become more severe. As youth mental health challenges continue to rise, early intervention could be a key strategy in public health efforts to support adolescent well-being.

Dr. Rhee’s work is part of our department’s broader mission to translate research into real-world solutions that protect and promote the mental health of communities.

Read the full article on UConn Today:
Regular Screening for Depression May Benefit High Schoolers