Research Highlights

Latest stories on research

Heroin, fentanyl fuel rising mortality rates in opioid deaths

Jacqueline Carey | Posted on February 22, 2021

While most opioid use nationwide does not involve heroin and its illegal adulterants, these substances accounted for about 83 percent of overdose deaths in Cook County since 2016.

A person washes a handful of tomatoes in the running water of a kitchen faucet.

Nitrate in Maternal Drinking Water May Impair Fetal Growth

Sharon Parmet | Posted on February 09, 2021

A new study from SPH researchers found even low levels of nitrate had an adverse effect on infant birth weight, causing potential long-term health problems.

A medical professional fills a needle with the COVID-19 vaccine solution in preparation for an inoculation.

Current State Immunization Laws and COVID-19

Elizabeth Piekarz-Porter, JD, Rebecca M. Schermbeck and Jamie Chriqui, PhD | Posted on February 08, 2021

SPH researchers analyze current state laws on vaccinations for children attending school, analyzing how exemptions and opt-outs could impact COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

Sweetened Beverage Sales Rebounded Quickly After Cook County Tax Repealed

Sharon Parmet | Posted on January 05, 2021

New research led by SPH's Lisa Powell found sweetened beverage sales recovered after the repeal of a tax in effect for four months in Cook County, Illinois.

A busy intersection in Chicago's Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.

Barriers to Social Distancing Drive COVID-19 Cases

Jacqueline Carey | Posted on December 10, 2020

Researchers from SPH and the UIC College of Medicine found in barriers to social distancing was a more significant factor than air quality or use of public transportation.

Research Aims to Expand Smoking Cessation in Underserved Populations

Lori Botterman | Posted on November 19, 2020

New research co-led by SPH alumnus Karriem Watson seeks to explore smoking cessation interventions via patient portals in a network of federally qualified health centers.

New COVID-19 Study Examines Hypertension Complications

Robert Schroeder | Posted on November 05, 2020

A new COVID-19 research project led by alumna Dr. Heather Prendergast will investigate the connections between hypertension and severe illness from COVID-19 among UI Health patients.

A migrant farmer adjusts his cap while picking produce from a row of crops.

PhD Student Named Health Policy Scholar

Robert Schroeder | Posted on November 04, 2020

Lupita Quintana has been named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar in support of her research on pesticide-related illnesses among migrant farmers.

A National Geographic promo for the series

Bringing People Together on Climate Change

Sharon Parmet | Posted on October 14, 2020

A new study suggests that engaging, high-quality media programming could help Democrats and Republicans see eye to eye when it comes to climate change.

A Chicago police remote camera, mounted on a light pole at an intersection in the city.

New Grant Funds Research on Hyper-Surveillance and Health

Robert Schroeder | Posted on October 06, 2020

SPH's Sage Kim, PhD, will study how high levels of monitoring by law enforcement impact personal health, access to social services and community cohesion.

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