Levy: Caution needed in interpreting recent study of fluoride and children’s IQ scores

University of Iowa professor of dentistry and epidemiology Steven M. Levy, an international expert on fluoride intake and water fluoridation, addressed a recent study linking fluoride exposure and lower children’s IQ levels. Levy wrote that "several considerations raise substantial concerns about the validity and usefulness of the article," laying out his arguments in an editorial published alongside the study. (JAMA Pediatrics)  Published January 9, 2025

Nominations for CPH Faculty and Staff Awards now open

It's time to nominate deserving colleagues for staff and faculty awards! Nominations are due March 13. Published January 8, 2025

Charlton, Gilbert comment on new advisory about alcohol and cancer risk

Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, and Paul Gilbert, associate professor of community and behavioral health, spoke to several media outlets about the new advisory. Published January 8, 2025

Iowa Cancer Registry to visit all Iowa counties to share cancer data 

The Iowa Cancer Registry plans to deliver county-specific reports to all 99 counties in Iowa and meet with communities to point out particular policies or trends that might be driving higher rates of one particular type of cancer. (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Published January 8, 2025

Hansen Award call for nominations

The University of Iowa College of Public Health invites CPH faculty, staff, and students to submit nominations for the 2025 Richard and Barbara Hansen Leadership Award and Distinguished Lectureship. The submission deadline is Feb. 21, 2025. Published January 7, 2025

Nominations open for the Iowa Public Health Heroes Awards

Do you know a public health professional in Iowa who consistently goes above and beyond to serve their community? Someone who works tirelessly to promote a healthier state through wellness and disease prevention initiatives? Nominate them for the 2025 Iowa Public Health Heroes Award. The nomination deadline has been extended to Feb. 21, 2025. Published January 7, 2025

PCB exposure alters expression of genes in the brain

Exposure to a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can harm the brains of female mice, according to a recent study led by University of Iowa researchers. The results shed light on how PCB exposure directly and indirectly affects brain health. Published January 7, 2025

Mueller shares areas to watch for 2025

Keith Mueller, director of the Rural Policy Research Institute, recently shared some of the major issues that he'll be tracking as a policy analyst and researcher focused on rural health services in 2025. (Becker's Hospital Review) Published January 7, 2025

Hamann participating in 2025 Grant Writing Residency Program

Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, has been accepted as one of four participants in the Center for Social Science Innovation's (CSSI) spring 2025 Grant Writing Residency Program. Hamann is writing a grant for a project to improve bicycle safety. Published January 6, 2025

’Tis the season for thank yous

As the semester wraps up, it's time to pause and say thank you to all the instructors, mentors, coworkers, and colleagues who make a real difference.  Published December 19, 2024