NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Grants

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Millions of people in the United States experience respiratory health conditions such as asthma, COPD, and allergies that make them more susceptible to the acute health impacts of indoor air pollution, including coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, and irritation. Interventions are needed to reduce acute exposures and health risks in homes to (1) identify sources of pollution, (2) elucidate exposure pathways and determinants, and (2) guide residents in effective exposure mitigation strategies. Sources include emissions from smoking, fires, cooking, cleaning, dust, household products, and ambient pollution. Reducing indoor air exposure will also reduce long-term risks such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. To meet these needs, we will leverage advanced scientific models and web technologies to develop a personalized intervention, called CLYR-SIM, that precisely simulates exposure to indoor air pollution in residences. Using a detailed virtual model of their home and its time-varying contexts, CLYR-SIM allows users to interactively pinpoint exposure reduction strategies that are effective for their specific real-world environment. We will first develop the software needed to implement the CLYR-SIM intervention limited in Phase I to PM2.5 exposures, which is a key indicator for harmful health impacts of air pollution. Next we will co-design the user interface and user experience with 30 prospective customers. Finally, we will conduct an intensive field pilot test in 5 homes with adults and children to evaluate its feasibility in terms of usability, acceptability, technical performance, and potential health impact. Our specific aims are: AIM #1. Develop core simulation (Build Simulation Engine Add Realistic Physical Home Modeling Add Initial User Inteface Add Real-Time Context Recording Build Web Infrastructure Integrate Calibration and Validation Procedures). AIM #2. Co-design interface with Prospective Users (Hold Inspiration Sessions Ideate over 3 Protoypes Implement Final Prototype). AIM #3. Pilot test in 5 homes (Develop participant procedures Deploy intervention in 5 homes Evaluate intervention feasibility and impact). We will elicit feedback from participants on each component of their experience, including instruction, engagement, usability, accuracy, impact on behavior and health, cost, etc. We will observe objective changes in mean pollutant levels from air monitoring data as a measure of potential impact. This study will feed into a Phase II impact study and commercialization.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

The Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Sciences: Water is to be held June 14-19, 2026, in Holderness, NH. The 2026 conference theme is Novel Approaches and Tools to Address Aquatic Impacts on Human and Environmental Health and will feature a program of thought-provoking research by leading researchers and experts in the field of water quality science and technology. The conference will bring together 190 participants from multiple countries in an immersive and informal setting. The program will feature a series of plenary talks by established and emerging researchers, as well as daily poster sessions by conference attendees. The overarching theme of the 2026 conference recognizes that state-of-the-art research is needed to understand challenges facing water resources, and to develop solutions to address these challenges. Ensuring water quality is critical for protecting human and ecosystem health, as well as maintaining ecosystem services. This conference will showcase innovative researchers who focus on current water resources challenges, including the presence of persistent contaminants and pathogens, access to clean water for communities, and environmental stresses on water. This aspect of the conference will provide a forum for discussing and evaluating the most pressing water issues of our time. The conference will highlight scientists who directly study environmental impacts through field measurements and community engagement, along with those working at the science-policy interface. Specific aims of the conference are to: 1) Feature a scientific program that links water quality issues, the protection of human health, and sustainability of environmental resources through a plenary program of leading researchers from different fields and perspectives - themes include chemical and biological exposures, human health impacts, and innovative solutions for the management of water resources; 2) Advance discovery while promoting mentoring, networking and learning by offering a platform for graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to present their research at the full conference, as well as provide a venue for informal interactions between senior scientists and trainees and broad participation of scientists from different professional settings; and 3) Provide a conference that fosters discussion and debate of research results through close interaction of participants from academia, industry, and government laboratories. Funds will be used to support the attendance of invited plenary speakers, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. Outcomes related to the quality of the scientific program, discussion, management, and atmosphere will be evaluated through surveys of conference attendees. 1

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY The objective of this study is to determine epigenetic mechanisms that impact genomic imprinting upon in utero exposure of mice to human-relevant levels of lead (Pb). Pb is an infamous environmental exposure to human populations in the US and around the world, due in part to its neurotoxic effects. Pb exposure during early development has been linked to adverse health outcomes later in life. Preliminary data generated for this grant indicates that in utero and perinatal Pb exposure increases placenta/embryo size, and alters the DNA methylation of imprinted genes, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Pb exposure reprograms genomic imprinting during early gestation remain largely unknown. Imprinted genes are epigenetically regulated in a parent-of-origin specific manner with their mono-allelic expression driving critical periods of development. Known mechanisms of genomic imprinting include the 1) long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and 2) insulator models, each of which program allele-specific regulation of imprinting control regions. Although dysfunctional genomic imprinting is implicated in several human diseases, the mechanisms leading to toxicant-induced imprinting dysregulation by the two models remain poorly understood. Using an established Pb exposure mouse model, this study seeks to determine in utero mechanisms that impact genomic imprinting and health effects from altered epigenetic reprogramming. Thus, female animals exposed to Pb two weeks prior to mating through 13-14 days post-conception will be used in the following Aims: 1) Determine fetal sex-specific imprinting dysregulation associated with in utero Pb exposure in mouse placenta, 2) Assess allele- and sex-specific mechanisms of in utero Pb exposure regulating genomic imprinting in the brain. Pb-exposed animals will be compared against controls to investigate genomic imprinting mechanisms in the lncRNA and insulator models by characterizing sex-, tissue-, and developmental stage-specific imprinted gene dysregulation via phenotypic, gene expression, DNA methylation, and immunohistochemical analyses. This study will reveal Pb-associated lncRNA mechanisms that inform the current epigenetic reprogramming by fetal sex. The University of Michigan provides an ideal environment to conduct the proposed research in collaboration with multiple core facilities outlined herein. The candidate will receive mentorship from a multidisciplinary team of experts to: 1) Gain proficiency in computational and statistical skills required for data analysis; 2) Acquire expertise in developmental toxicological research and mechanistic investigation; and 3) Build skills critical for leadership, teaching and mentoring, laboratory management, and grantsmanship. The proposed study will address fundamental knowledge gaps of genomic imprinting in the field to inform potential Pb-induced disease interventions. The training and research goals established in this K01 proposal constitute an exceptional foundation to ensure the candidate success in obtaining research independence.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY The International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) North America Chapter (NAC) was formed in 2019 focusing on promoting research collaborations across North American institutions. Since then, it has grown to host 1055 members from or residing in the United States (US), Bermuda, Canada, and Greenland. Although ISEE Global hosts an annual international meeting, this meeting is held on different continents each year, and visa issues and travel expenses often inhibit attendance by students, trainees, and early career researchers. Therefore, the ISEE-NAC started hosting regional meetings in 2023 to accommodate members with barriers to attending the global meeting when the location is not in America. Given the success of our previous regional meeting, recent changes in institutional funding allocation, and travel restrictions for international students and trainees and federal employees, we have experienced an increased interest in hosting the ISEE-NAC meeting in 2026. This meeting will enhance the mission of ISEE-NAC by providing a venue for environmental health and epidemiologic researchers, practitioners, and government personnel located in North America to network with potential new collaborators. The 2026 ISEE-NAC regional meeting will be held with a theme of “translating environmental health research to inform public health practice” and will be critical to moving our field forward. Meeting planning is already underway. Together with the organizing committee, we are planning a 2.5 day in-person meeting in Baltimore, MD (June 1-4, 2026) at the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. The purpose of this meeting is to: provide networking and professional development opportunities for students, trainees, and early career scientists in environmental epidemiology (Aim 1); illuminate environmental epidemiology research throughout North America (Aim 2); and highlight research related to environmental health and epidemiology intervention, translational research, and community engagement (Aim 3). By focusing on community engagement, translation, and implementation, this meeting supports NIEHS Strategic Plan 2025-2029 items related to solutions-focused research and translation, building collaboration and partnership, and supporting training and workforce development through increasing public access to important environmental health findings.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Project Summary (Abstract) We are requesting partial funding for the 25th Midwest DNA Repair Symposium. This symposium will be held in Kansas for the first time, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City on May 30-31, 2026. This is the only continuously running Midwestern DNA repair meeting, and has been on-going since 1999, with only a hiatus during the 2020-23 pandemic. This meeting has established itself as one with exceptionally high value for the cost, which allows investigators to take or send several trainees to the meeting in addition to attending themselves. The oral presentations are selected from the submitted abstracts, and historically this meeting chooses trainees and early career investigators for the talks to boost their careers. The remaining abstracts present posters. The 2026 meeting will also have four keynote speakers: Dr. Joann Sweasy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center; Dr. Scott Williams from the NIEHS; Dr. Anja Bielinsky from the University of Virginia; and Dr. Alessandro Vindigni from Washington University in St. Louis. These speakers are all internationally recognized experts in DNA repair and genome stability and will help attract participants to the meeting. Two of our invited keynotes are supported by NIEHS, and we plan to build a session around them that focuses on environmental sources of DNA damage. The remaining sessions will be planned according to the submitted abstracts. The meeting is being co-chaired by Dr. Ryan Barnes and Dr. Bret Freudenthal. Both are experts in DNA repair and genome stability and represent an early career investigator (Barnes) and an established investigator (Freudenthal). Funding through this R13 mechanism is requested to defray costs for keynote, as well as selected trainee and early career investigator, travel and lodging, awards for trainees, and expenses such as poster boards and audio/visual support. We expect that participants will leave the meeting with new ideas for their own research, new collaborations, and new leads for career opportunities for the trainees.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT The International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) is the preeminent scientific society focused on relationships between environmental agents and human health. Its Annual Conference serves as a critical forum for the exchange of ideas and advancement of solutions to pressing environmental health challenges of regional, national, and global significance. The conference is regularly attended by prominent epidemiologists from academia, industry, and government. As one of the most important forums for the presentation of human health research related to environmental exposures, it provides a unique opportunity for scientists, policymakers, and public health professionals to present their work, cultivate new collaborations, and develop solutions to emerging environmental health issues. It also plays a key role in training, education, and professional networking for students and early-career investigators. The 38th ISEE Annual Conference will be hosted in Munich, Germany from August 30th to September 2nd, 2026. It will feature interdisciplinary presentations of new research and methods that are of profound significance to the field of environmental epidemiology. In doing so, the conference also aims to facilitate open and respectful exchange of ideas and information between epidemiological investigators and public health practitioners from around the world. Scholarships will be provided to distinguished experts, young investigators, students, and promising new scientists who might not otherwise be able to participate in this meeting. In addition, funds will be allocated to cover journal publication fees so that accepted abstracts are publicly accessible to all to promote transparency and dissemination of science that is rigorous, reproduceable, and generalizable. Collectively, this meeting will strengthen the environmental health work force, promote scientific collaboration, and enhance knowledge exchange.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT The Measuring Micro- and Nanoplastics in Environmental Samples Workshop (“the Workshop”) will be held as part of a Great Lakes Microplastic and Health Symposium (June 17-18, 2026) in Rochester, New York. This Workshop aims to pool existing expertise, establish new collaborations, and prioritize future needs for characterizing micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) in complex environmental matrices relevant to health research in the Great Lakes ecosystem. This Workshop will bring together national experts on MNP analysis with researchers studying the interactions between Great Lakes ecosystems (particularly water and air) and health. The Workshop will be hosted by two multidisciplinary centers that are part of the NIH/NSF Centers for Oceans and Human Health program. The University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology co-host the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics (LOMP) Center, a transdisciplinary hub for research, translation and engagement on how MNPs affect human health and the Great Lakes environment (particularly water and near shore air). The Great Lakes Center for Fresh Water and Human Health is based at the University of Michigan (the Great Lakes Center). Its central goal is to better understand the increasing risks that cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHAB) pose to freshwater ecosystems and human health. One aspect of the Great Lakes Center’s research is to explore the association of aerosolized microplastics and cHABs. Fostering collaboration and scientific exchange between the Great Lakes Center, LOMP, and national experts studying MNPs is one example of how this workshop may have long-term impacts on regional MNP research collaborations that may yield results of global significance. The Workshop has three objectives: 1) Bring together scientists from multiple laboratories and institutions to present new findings, identify methodological challenges, and share analytical approaches to better understand environmental exposures to MNPs and their potential impact on human and environmental health; 2) Develop new collaborations between researchers and trainees across institutions, both regionally and nationally; and 3) Identify priorities and opportunities for analytical advances to support this rapidly growing field. The objectives will be met through a Workshop format with a limited number of participants (30-40) to encourage close interaction. The requested R13 conference funds will be used to pay for expenses for the June 17 Workshop, including travel expenses for trainees, invited experts, and researchers from other institutions. R-13 support will also enable these attendees to participate in the full Great Lakes Microplastic and Health Symposium, to be held on June 18 at the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, that will include a larger number of researchers, trainees, and community partners (120-150) on a broad range of topics related to Microplastics and Health with a focus on the Great Lakes region.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a class of several thousand compounds that present a major public health problem worldwide. The 5th National Conference on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, will be held in Tucson, AZ, a region affected by PFAS drinking water contamination, to grow the impact of the national conference through facilitating PFAS information sharing, collaborative research, and remediation across the U.S. This meeting uniquely convenes scientists, government officials, environmental advocates, affected community members, Tribal Nations, journalists, utility managers, and attorneys to support and better inform the priorities of PFAS sectors. The 5th PFAS conference will utilize the new geographic location to cultivate novel cross-sector collaborations to help prevent future PFAS contamination and exposure-related health risks and leverage an enhanced diversity of perspectives to more effectively prevent future exposure and protect human health. By moving the 5th meeting location to Tucson, AZ, another PFAS-affected community in a state that has become a leader in PFAS testing and action, we will expand the access, impact, and participation from affected communities at this conference. This proposed meeting will bring together all involved groups to examine the complex set of social, scientific, political, and environmental health issues associated with PFAS exposure. The planning committee will utilize principles from funds of knowledge and ensure that the conference is designed around multi-directional environmental health dialogue.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD) hypothesis, which posits that early-life events or exposures determine the health outcomes across the life span, is foundational to the U.S. DOHaD Society. The U.S. DOHaD Society has held annual meetings since its inception in 2016. These meetings bring together investigators from a wide array of disciplines who otherwise may not be likely to interact. Our membership includes clinicians, scientists and trainees across a wide array of specialties including developmental biology, nutrition, environmental toxicology, cancer, stress, and endocrinology. Such individuals span institutions geographically across the U.S. including Universities, companies/corporations, and government agencies (NIH, EPA, NIEHS). The annual meeting provides a critical opportunity for members to share knowledge and recent advancements on how environmental toxicants, nutrients, pharmaceutical agents, pathogens, gut microbiota, stress, and emerging factors influence developing fetuses and newborns, and thereby contribute to their health and disease across the life span. Presentations and discussions explore how environmental factors may lead to harmful effects in subsequent generations. The major goals of the U.S. DOHaD Society's annual meeting are to foster multidisciplinary interactions, promote collaborations on applicable scientific and clinical topics, and provide opportunity for trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical residents/fellows, and junior faculty) to interact with world-renown experts to facilitate the development of future scientists and career opportunities in the field. The past eight conferences have been enormously successful, with significant growth in membership and attendance during each subsequent meeting. Such successes provide impetus for continued and permanent annual meetings. The 10th will be held at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) and the theme will be “The Exposome and DOHaD Science”. In short, the strength of the U.S. DOHaD Society lies in its ability to integrate an impressive range of science among individuals in varying levels of their education and careers.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY The 16th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans (ISTERH-16) will take place in the World Trade Center Events Center in São Paulo, Brazil, June 3-6, 2026. The title of this conference is ISTERH-16: Toxicology and Trace Elements: The Intersection of Health and Disease; highlighting integration of the central theme of trace element and toxicology research at the intersection of health and disease outcomes. In addition, ISTERH is partnering with the Brazilian Congress of Toxicology (CBTox) and the International Society for Zinc Biology (ISZB) to expand the interdisciplinary interactions among international researchers working within this research theme. This partnership is anchored in the success of ISTERH-14 in Aachen, Germany with ISZB and expands participation with researchers with complementary interests in CBTox. The overall objective of the conference is to bring together global experts from academia, medical institutions, industry, government, and non-government organizations to assess research advances, to identify knowledge gaps, and to define future research and regulatory needs in areas related to trace element research. ISTERH- 16 will build upon the most recent ISTERH meetings in Murcia, Spain (2024), Aachen, Germany (2022), and Bali, Indonesia (2019) including expanding participation with researchers in South America. São Paulo is a central location in Brazil with major transportation and hotel networks to accommodate international participants and provides a unique setting to strengthen collaborative networks and strategic partnerships. 150-180 ISTERH members are expected from all continents to attend and present their research in 14 symposia (including a trainee focused symposium), 3 plenary sessions, and 3 poster sessions. Symposia will cover scientific topics within the conference theme including transport and metabolism of trace elements, trace element nutritional health considerations in children, epidemiological approaches for study of metal-induced toxicities, mitochondrial mechanisms of metal toxicity, mechanisms of metal carcinogenesis, environmental biomonitoring of trace elements, among other topics. Furthermore, ISTERH participants will be joined with colleagues from CBTox (~500 researchers expected) and ISZB (~150 researchers expected), expanding reach and impact of ISTERH- 16 through co-hosting of joint plenary and poster sessions and parallel symposia. Dr. Jennifer Freeman, ISTERH President and Chair of the Scientific Program Committee, has been working closely with ISTERH leadership and Scientific Program Committee members, along with leadership from CBTox and ISZB towards conference planning and logistics. Funding is needed to support travel of early career investigators and trainees, along with symposium chairs and speakers. The purpose of this support is to provide travel assistance to ISTERH researchers at US-based institutions to attend, share their research, and interact with international colleagues. Meeting proceedings will be featured in a special issue of the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking remains a major environmental and public health issue, as these persistent pollutants resist natural degradation, accumulate in water supplies, and pose long-term health risks. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water at 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. Metrics Water Catalyst (MWC) holds the exclusive license from Arizona State University (ASU) for a novel two- stage treatment process that couples catalytic defluorination with biological mineralization for complete PFAS destruction. ASU selected MWC as the licensee based on our proven engineering capabilities and ability to translate laboratory advances into deployable technologies. Bench-scale experiments at ASU Biodesign Institute have demonstrated effluent concentrations below EPA’s proposed maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. This Phase I project will address the required engineering efforts in membrane reactor material selection and construction methods, a critical step toward developing durable, field- deployable treatment systems for municipal use. Specific Aims: (1) Establish a scalable membrane manufacturing method for both reactors, including substrate selection, catalyst-film application (MCfR), surface preparation (MBfR), and documented SOPs with QC checks (yield, bubble-point/pressure-hold, gas flux/kLa, film loading/adhesion). (2) Verify mechanical and chemical durability under plant-like stress—pressure and temperature cycling, representative drinking-water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, hardness, NOM), and clean-in-place (CIP)—while maintaining integrity and gas- transfer performance within preset acceptance limits. (3) Optimize module geometry—packing density, fiber dimensions, flow path, and header/housing design—to increase specific surface area and gas-transfer coefficients at acceptable pressure drop and fouling risk, and to fit standard sanitary housings. Research Design and Methods: We will fabricate pilot lots of membranes and sub-scale modules; implement SOP-driven QC; run pre/post stress testing with integrity, flux/kLa, adhesion, and ΔP endpoints; and execute a structured geometry design-of-experiments. Deliverables include manufacturing SOPs and a QC plan, durability data packs, optimized drawings/BOM, and vendor-informed manufacturability recommendations (e.g., suggested processes, tolerances, and design improvements) suitable for future scale-up. Expected Outcome and Impact: A manufacturable, stress-tolerant, geometry-optimized membrane platform that de-risks Phase II pilot builds of destruction-based PFAS treatment and advances a practical route to lowering PFAS exposure at the tap.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), due in part to their ubiquity, have become a major public health concern.3,4 Biomonitoring data shows that over 90% of US adults have common EDCs (e.g. bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates) in their urine.5,6 EDCs have been shown to disrupt reproductive function in animals,10 and contribute to infertility in both women and men8,9 through several mechanisms.9,10 In men, sperm count has been decreasing for the past 50 years by more than 50%, globally.11 This reduction in semen quality is likely due to exposure to toxic environmental chemicals/EDCs,12 as corroborated by animal13 and human studies.9,14 Thus, reducing daily exposure to EDCs is essential for men seeking to conceive, but also for any male seeking a long and healthy life, as EDC exposures have been linked to male-related disease and longevity.15 While EDC exposure occurs in both men and women, most research regarding exposures/interventions have been in women, likely due to a focus on female beauty products and reproductive health,16–20 and possibly, greater self-motivation in women to reduce exposures.21 Million Marker (MM) provides at-home, mail-in EDC testing with report-back and personalized exposure reduction recommendations. We have found that informing participants of their exposure to harmful chemicals increases environmental health literacy and exposure reduction behavior in a sample predominantly of women.21 However, it is unclear to what extent the testing and intervention program reduces these exposures in men, and by extension, the effects this EDC reduction has on semen quality. In this proposal, we aim to test our EDC testing and report-back, including an environmental health literacy (EHL) intervention program, in a population of men with low semen quality by 1) measuring male participants’ urinary levels of EDCs and semen quality before and after report-back and EDC reduction intervention and assessing change, 2) assessing the extent to which MM’s program (testing, curriculum, and report-back) alters participant environmental health literacy, readiness to change, and product/lifestyle choices, and 3) testing the feasibility and acceptability of MM’s program to male participants. We hypothesize that our report-back and intervention program will increase environmental health literacy and EDC-reduction behavior, reduce urinary EDCs, and increase semen quality in a sample of US men with low semen quality. Further, we believe our intervention program will have a larger effect than report-back only.23 We expect our program will be well-received by men as a tool for improved male health and wellness. If completed, this study will prepare us for the Phase II SBIR and allow us to further test this EDC intervention program in larger populations and men seeking to improve fertility, in preparation for commercialization of the EDC testing and intervention program among clinics, employee wellness programs and large healthcare systems and insurers.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

SUMMARY Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products, industry, and firefighting foams. Their persistence and mobility have caused widespread contamination of drinking water, wastewater, soil, sediments, and food webs. Chronic exposure has been linked to cancer, immune suppression, and developmental harm. New U.S. EPA regulations, including maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and Method 1633, are driving unprecedented demand for PFAS analysis. However, current laboratory methods rely on solid-phase extraction (SPE), a slow and labor-intensive procedure that creates severe analytical bottlenecks. As a result, sample to result times can exceed 6–12 weeks, at costs above $500 per sample, limiting organizations’ ability to monitor and respond to contamination in real time. To address these challenges, Biota, Inc. is developing a fully automated PFAS sample preparation solution. The platform leverages advanced nanoparticle chemistry paired with a high-throughput magnetic handling system to streamline PFAS isolation and concentration. This technology eliminates key bottlenecks in current workflows, reduces solvent use, and minimizes analyst time. The result is a method compatible with LC- MS/MS that can process 90 samples in under one hour with less than 10 minutes of operator involvement. By dramatically reducing time, cost, and variability, this solution will make high-quality PFAS testing accessible to more laboratories and communities. In turn, it will enable faster decision-making by utilities, regulators, and remediation professionals who depend on timely data to protect public health. This Phase I project will establish feasibility of the platform in water and wastewater, demonstrating compatibility with regulatory performance criteria. In Phase II, the system will be validated more broadly across the full panel of analytes and environmental sample types required under Method 1633, paving the way for commercialization and adoption in testing laboratories nationwide. Successful development of this platform will transform PFAS monitoring from a weeks-long process into a near real-time capability, empowering stakeholders to address contamination more rapidly, affordably, and effectively.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY An estimated 21,000 Americans die from radon-induced lung cancer every year, making radon gas the second leading cause of lung cancer among smokers and the primary risk factor for non-smokers. Lack of awareness coupled with outdated maps, and gaps in testing areas leave many, especially in high-risk areas, unaware of the danger. A significant challenge in radon risk management is obtaining real-time data on radon gas variability as a function of geology, meteorology, and structure factors. Traditionally used static, low-resolution county and zip-code level radon potential zone maps make determining radon levels at the neighborhood-level impossible to interpret, particularly since radon concentrations are known to fluctuate wildly due to weather and dwelling characteristics. Homeowners, real-estate agents, construction companies, policymakers, and state and local health and environmental departments need an easily accessible high-resolution, interactive map that provides accurate, real-time radon predictions and solutions for mitigating radon health risks. Although attempts have been made to gather measurement data and utilize advanced computing for predicting radon risk zones, none to date have integrated all known contributing factors with AI models and been made commercially available. AI-Solutions 87 (AIS), a Wisconsin based small business, is developing an end-to-end software development and real-time data platform for people, businesses and elected officials concerned about radon risks for their families, customers, and constituents. Preliminary studies have shown the AIS’s ability to provide a secure application with the ability to upload static measurements and share real-time IoT sensor data onto an interactive map that integrates geological, and meteorological data. In Phase 1, the PI, AIS staff, and collaborating parties will determine the feasibility and user acceptability of the platform as well as AIS’s ability to generate predictive models. Aim 1: Engineer software that aggregates and analyzes radon measurements, environmental, geological, atmospheric and soil data, enables role-based social collaboration, and provides advanced computational resources for a web and mobile application. Aim 2: Construct an ultra-high resolution radon prediction map for Bozeman, MT using available indoor radon measurements from national laboratories, state and local environmental departments, and local radon testing specialists. Aim 3: Establish the blueprint for a dynamic radon prediction map by enabling real-time radon exposure data integration using progressively interconnected IoT radon monitors. By the end of Phase 1, AIS will have established a robust framework for data integration, manufactured a data pipeline, implemented AI/ML techniques, and deployed scalable cloud solutions to enhance dynamic radon prediction mapping. Phase II efforts include expanding coverage to the state and then national level. A significant market opportunity exists for AIS’s AI-powered technology to determine current and future radon exposure risk. This preemptive intervention protects families and saves lives.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ABSTRACT Since its inception in 2012, the UJMT Fogarty Global Health Fellows Program—led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Johns Hopkins University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Tulane University—has provided a critical pathway to global health research careers. During the last grant cycle (2017-2022), our 110 doctoral scholars and postdoctoral fellows published a collective 287 manuscripts, including 109 as primary author. The vast majority remain in academic research careers, and many have obtained independent grant funding. Under the LAUNCH initiative, we build upon these strengths to train the next generation of biomedical scientists equipped to address complex health challenges. First, we provide enriching 12-month mentored training opportunities at affiliated research sites. We draw upon a highly qualified group of researchers jointly recruited from training programs funded by the NIH. Our expert mentors support experiential learning on site, while the program provides a central training framework that monitors progress through individual development plans, core skills checklists, and regular group check-ins. Over the course of the five-year award, we expect to support at least 60 positions via base funding; in line with the RFA, 60% will be for US postdoctoral fellows. Second, we continue to foster research in scientific areas, aligned with the most recent NIH priorities. We emphasize reciprocal innovation to ensure that the knowledge gained from these international settings—where disease burden may be higher, standards of care may differ, and healthcare delivery may be more cost-efficient— is translatable to domestic settings facing similar challenges. As such, these investments will lead to measurable benefit to affected populations in the United States. Third, we enhance our training curriculum. We have developed a new Research Leadership Academy, building upon our team’s experience in leadership training, institutional resources, and collaborations with other US government programs. This curriculum also emphasizes bidirectional learning and the adaptation of locally developed solutions across settings, including translation to applicable US contexts. Fourth, we monitor, evaluate, and learn from our activities to iteratively improve the quality of our trainee experience. We utilize a conceptual framework that considers both process and performance to ensure that the specific aims of the program are met. Fifth, the UJMT LAUNCH initiative is led by a team of committed health researchers—and a broad network of engaged collaborators—with the expertise and experience to carry out these aims. Through this program, we will train a group of productive, independently funded, research leaders who are prepared to address health problems that affect Americans and communities abroad. Finally, we recognize that the health, safety, and well-being of Americans are increasingly interconnected with communities worldwide. Through these activities, our consortium generates knowledge that is applicable to understanding, improvement, and protection of health in the US. We do so in a manner that is innovative, accountable, and in line with the policies and procedures set forth by the NIH.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Project Summary: Correctly identifying a substance’s acute oral toxicity is crucial for labeling with the proper safety precautions needed for health and safety. The classification, handling, and labeling requirements of substances is determined by their oral toxicity category, based on their acute exposure hazard as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Acute oral toxicity data from rat mortality studies are needed to ascertain the median lethal dose of 50% (LD50). This LD50 is a requirement needed to specify governmental agencies' labeling demands and for risk assessment for human health and environmental hazards. The determination of the LD50 (a single endpoint of lethality) meets the oral and systemic toxicity data requirements of categorization for international regulatory authorities in the areas of industrial chemicals, consumer products, and mixtures such as pesticides [1] [2] [3] [4]. Under considerable public pressure, the US government now has an interest in fostering the development of in vitro and alternative replacements for animal tests [1]. Although in vitro and alternative assays have been developed and codified for other toxicity hazards (i.e., eye and skin irritation, skin sensitization), the alternative assays developed for assessing acute oral systemic toxicity are limited and inaccurate. Additionally, the high cost of the zebrafish models, in vitro 3D constructs, and organ-on-a-chips generally dissuade chemical registrants and product stewards who only rely upon the lower expense and accuracy of LD50 assays. The Egg LD50 Assay for Categorization (ELDAC) would fill a large gap between mammalian LD50 testing and other anticipated but yet-to-be-validated and very complex alternatives. ELDAC uses an already well-characterized network of organ systems. Since the yolk and albumen are the sole nutrition sources for the embryo, test chemical administration to these food sources is a good approximation of oral administration. To demonstrate the feasibility of the ELDAC, we administered 18 chemicals (from GHS 1-5 and EPA IV oral toxicity categories) by injecting directly into the yolk or the albumen of fertilized chicken eggs. Our work demonstrates that these fertilized chicken eggs respond to different chemicals’ toxicity in a potency-responsive manner. We correctly predicted the exact GHS or EPA category for 16 of the 18 (88.9%) chemicals (and all 18 of 18 were predicted correctly within one category). Thus, the ELDAC can easily stratify lethality responses based on the oral toxicity categories as well as the rat LD50 values of these chemicals. Our research establishes the novel utility and the approach necessary for evaluating the LD50 of chemicals specifically, or for acute oral toxicity categories assignment. In summary, we conducted requisite studies for establishing the ELDAC as a feasible non-mammalian test system that is very capable of categorizing oral toxicity hazards of chemicals according to their relative toxicity.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Project Abstract (Edited version) In response to RFA-TW-21-004, the University of California Global Health Institute (UCGHI), including UC San Francisco (UCSF), UC San Diego (UCSD), UC Los Angeles (UCLA) and UC Davis (UCD), along with a network of 21 collaborating institutions internationally, proposes to continue our successful GloCal Health Fellowship (GloCal). Our international sites are well-established, work in regions with significant health challenges, and stand to benefit from our program’s capacity building, mentorship training and alumni support. GloCal is the only UC-wide health training program, and our track record shows that we: 1) Recruit pre- and postdoctoral trainees from various disciplines and backgrounds who aspire to build interdisciplinary academic research careers in health; 2) Provide outstanding, interdisciplinary education and training in health in collaboration with faculty mentors from participating UC campuses and collaborating international institutions; and 3) Provide each trainee with a rich and enduring mentored research experience that fosters scientific and career development in health. The program also advances long-term objectives to 1) Develop models of interdisciplinary, innovative health research and training designed to ensure healthy lives and promote well- being for all; 2) Enhance health networks between the UC and our international partners and recruit faculty leading innovative health research; and 3) Strengthen a long-lasting model of collaboration between the UC and our international partners that develops research capacity that advances locally-led and locally-relevant research. GloCal will recruit candidates from a pipeline of 65 T32 and 13 D43 programs. GloCal trainees are at different career stages, but all receive: 1) A 9 or 12-month, hands-on research experience onsite with one of our international partners—international fellows will spend their first 2 to 3 months of the program at UC and earn a certificate in ‘conducting health research’; 2) A strong, interdisciplinary mentored research experience; 3) Instruction in health through onsite and online courses; and 4) Career development to ensure that they attain their short-term goals and succeed in transitioning to the next career stage. GloCal leadership and standing committees ensure that these program components form a seamless, integrated experience supported by evaluation and continuous improvement. Strengths and innovations of the program include: 1) A unified consortium under UCGHI that includes four UCs at the leading edge of health 2) Recruitment of U.S. trainees from across UC and the UCLA-Charles Drew University partnership; 3) Mentors offering training across various disciplines (e.g., medicine, nursing, dentistry, public health, veterinary science, and social sciences) and in research methods; and 4) Leveraging common resources across the four participating UC campuses (UCGHI, CTSAs and CFARs).

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Over the past ten years, our consortium Universities in Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, and Hawaii have provided research training to 221 Fogarty Global Health Fellows and Scholars, who to date have generated 866 publications. With this competitive renewal, we propose to expand training activities aimed at increasing the likelihood of trainees becoming independent global health scientists and leaders. We have modified our consortium name to reflect this new emphasis: Northern Pacific Global Health Leadership, Education, And Development for Early-career Researchers (NPGH LEADERs). We propose to continue partnerships based in nine countries: Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Liberia, Peru, Thailand, Nepal, and India. To achieve our objective of developing the next generation of independent global health scientists and leaders, we will offer 12-month research and leadership training with the following specific aims: Aim 1: To ensure excellence in scientific inquiry, trainees will complete a comprehensive curriculum in global health research, including how to frame novel, relevant, and feasible scientific questions, prepare detailed scientific protocols, and plan for the implementation of a mentored research project in a low- or middle-income country. Aim 2: To address the challenges of research implementation in a low-resource setting, trainees will follow an explicit, expedited, supported, and mentored progression from research planning to pragmatic implementation and process management. Aim 3: To prepare trainees for careers as independent scientists and to excel in both leadership and management, we will support trainees in development of individualized “road maps” to define the research, management and leadership skills necessary for their transition into independent investigators. We will also expand alumni support to further strengthen the scientific and leadership skills necessary for transitioning to the next generation of independent global health scientists. Our comprehensive research training model will generate rigorous, generalizable scientific evidence in a variety of resource-limited settings and strengthen implementation and leadership capacity of promising young U.S. and international scientists. In doing so, we will advance the NIH mission to understand, prevent, and treat diseases in ways that directly improve the health of Americans as well as the international populations engaged in our trainees’ research projects.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Millions of people in the United States experience respiratory health conditions such as asthma, COPD, and allergies that make them more susceptible to the acute health impacts of indoor air pollution, including coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, and irritation. Interventions are needed to reduce acute exposures and health risks in homes to (1) identify sources of pollution and (2) guide residents in effective exposure mitigation strategies. Sources include emissions from smoking, fires, cooking, cleaning, dust, household products, and ambient pollution. Reducing indoor air exposure will also reduce long-term risks such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. To meet these needs, we will leverage the latest sensor technology, voice and cloud platforms, and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies to develop a Just- in-Time Adaptive Intervention for households, called CLYR-VUE, that learns precise exposure contexts and delivers context-aware real-time guidance in the moments that hazards occur. The intervention will help users verify and maximize intervention effectiveness with adaptive refinements over time. We will first develop the hardware and software infrastructure needed to implement the CLYR-VUE intervention. We will use industry- standard sensors for environmental quantities that can be used to indicate different sources (particle counts by size, VOCs, CO, CO2, NO2, HCHO, temperature, humidity, light, and noise). Next, we will evaluate and test its performance in the laboratory and conduct an intensive field pilot test in 4 real homes with adults and children to evaluate its feasibility in terms of usability, acceptability, technical performance, and potential health impact. Our specific aims with tasks are: AIM #1. Develop software and hardware (Engineer and build 25 units → Add Voice Interface → Web scraping of public air quality data → AI/ML computation → Messaging engine → Web app frontend). AIM #2. Perform 73 laboratory tests (Measure source emissions in a chamber → Evaluate and calibrate sensor readings → Train and evaluate ML models for source classification). AIM #3. Perform pilot field test in 4 homes (Develop procedures → Deploy 2-5 devices per home → Evaluate CLYR- VUE feasibility). We will elicit feedback from participants on each component of their experience, including setup, instruction, voice interaction, web app use, accuracy of source identification, appropriate messaging, guidance, impact on behavior and health, cost, and privacy. We will also observe objective changes in exposure events and mean pollutant levels as a measure of potential impact. This study will feed into a Phase II impact study and commercialization.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Summary Abstract Nanohmics proposes to further develop its already proven general water toxicity biosensor based on the published principle that yeast cell vacuoles respond like human lysosomes by acidifying, swelling and increasing in numbers in response to a variety of pollutants in water within 30-60 minutes. Since lysosomes can be rapidly stained with a variety of pH-sensitive and lipophilic fluorescent dyes, monitoring lysosomal or vacuolar fluorescence levels can be used as a general indicator of water toxicity. Dried yeast can last for years in sealed envelopes across a large range of temperatures. Thus, the proposed Fluorescent Lysosomal Yeast (“FLY”) biosensor that uses dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae or other yeast would be extremely robust and exhibit long shelf life. Under a recently completed successful DoD Phase I SBIR, the FLY system was proven effective for detecting lethal levels of Hg (II), azide, nicotine, and phenol in water in addition to various other toxins and metal ions that Nguyen et al. have detected previously and reported using a similar FLY-based system. In Phase I, Nanohmics will investigate the ability of Saccharomyces yeast to respond to Cd II, Cr VI, Cu II, and Pb II, diazinon, malathion, glyphosate, PFAS compounds, and TCE at low to lethal levels. Yeast will be suctioned down onto filters in microwells in 96-well plates or 8- well strips for staining, washing, and fluorescence imaging in a benchtop apparatus in Phase I and a rugged, inexpensive (< $100) ~ 2 lb. handheld, battery-operated FLY biosensor prototype will be constructed for tap and well water testing. Nanohmics will also enhance the sensitivity and detection speed of FLY by adding a photomultiplier tube (PMT) for greater fluorescence signal to noise ratios and pre-concentrating analytes with hydrophobic matrices and chelators in portable columns, then desorbing the pollutants and metal ions in water samples at higher concentrations prior to introduction to the FLY biosensor. Finally, Nanohmics will investigate the feasibility of “Aptagate” approaches to specific analyte detection such as transfecting yeast with plasmids containing DNA aptamers as toxicant-binding transcriptional regulatory elements to either block RNA polymerase and turn off GFP synthesis and fluorescence (Iyer & Dokcytz FASEB J. 2012) or use RNA aptamers linked to ribozymes in Mckeague’s pDIVE (DNA Integrated Versatile Encoded) aptamer approach (Chem. Sci. 15:4770. 2024) for “lights on” GFP fluorescence detection as a function of toxicant concentration within 60 minutes.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Project Summary/Abstract The goal of this application is to obtain support for the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Toxicology (TOXI) at the Fall 2026 National Meeting program, which will be held August 23-27, 2026, in Chicago, IL. The mission of the Division of Chemical Toxicology is to improve human health and public welfare by promoting the understanding of chemical mechanisms that govern disease processes and the toxicity of drugs, environmental agents, and endogenous chemicals. Our goals include providing a forum for communicating research in the field of chemical toxicology, encouraging research in chemical mechanisms of toxicity, and facilitating connections between academia, industry, and policy in scientific areas of mutual interest. We are also committed to developing the leadership and professional development skills of scientists at all levels. Thus, the requested funds will be used to support travel awards and expenses for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior faculty. The overall TOXI program is organized around the theme of “New Problems and New Solutions in Toxicology” with a timely focus on microplastics and AI tools and Big Data in modeling. The program includes three thematic sessions, which will feature invited oral presentations by a diverse group of established and emerging investigators with a range of perspectives on each topic. The three thematic sessions are: (1) “Advances in Toxic Risk Assessments from Microplastics”, co-organized with the Division of Environmental Chemistry (ENVR), will highlight news areas of research focused on the assessment and mechanistic understanding of health risks posed by microplastics; (2) “Transformative AI in Environmental Toxicology,” co-organized with the Division of Environmental Chemistry (ENVR), will discuss recent advances in solutions using AI and Big Data to identify and deepen an understanding of toxicological mechanisms as well as inform decision making on environmental regulations; “Advancing PROTAC Drug Discovery: Bridging Medicinal Chemistry and PK/PD Modeling for Safer Drugs,” co-organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry (MEDI), will tackle new challenges and foster new solutions through collaboration and knowledge exchange between medicinal chemists and experts in PROTAC enzymology, pharmacology, PK/PD modeling, and mechanistic toxicology. This collaborative approach for crosscutting themes for several joint sessions led topics align with multiple NIEHS Research Areas of Emphasis from the Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, such as Mechanistic Biology and Toxicology and Data Science and Computational Biology.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT (Resubmission – Revised) This project aims to develop and validate an innovative water treatment technology using Colloidal Gas Aphrons (CGAs) for comprehensive removal of both long-chain and ultra/short- chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water. PFAS are persistent environmental pollutants linked to significant health risks, and current technologies often fail to adequately capture short-chain and precursor compounds, leaving a critical gap in remediation strategies. Our technology uses positively charged CGAs—microscale structures composed of air, water, and surfactant—that remove anionic PFAS via electrostatic attraction. In contrast to conventional approaches like granular activated carbon or foam fractionation, CGAs operate under atmospheric pressure, offer superior short-chain PFAS removal, and naturally concentrate PFAS into small liquid volumes for downstream destruction. This resubmission incorporates new data and revisions that directly address reviewer concerns. Specifically, we have: • Demonstrated >99% removal of key PFAS (including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS) in a three- stage semi-batch system. • Shown that residual surfactant levels are <0.1 ppm—well below regulatory thresholds for human consumption. • Confirmed scalability using commercial aphron generation equipment operating at atmospheric pressure. • Clarified intellectual property protections under U.S. Patent No. 11,679,999 B2, with broad claims covering surfactant-based PFAS removal. Research objectives include: 1. Optimization of aphron generation and separation, including multi-stage performance enhancement and continuous flow reactor development (1–2 gpm scale); 2. Performance evaluation across diverse matrices, including high-salinity reverse osmosis concentrate and low-concentration drinking water; 3. Concentration process development for producing high-strength PFAS waste streams suitable for destruction technologies. This work advances a novel, scalable, and cost-effective PFAS treatment platform. Successful Phase I outcomes will position this technology for full-scale deployment, reducing PFAS exposure and enhancing public access to safe, clean drinking water. 11

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Summary - Growing Clean- Partnering with Plants For Public Health Leaders: International PhytoScholars Program – 2026 Overview: We will train and inspire the next generation of professionals and academic researchers in public health protection as part of the 19th Annual International Phytotechnologies Conference. We plan to support student participation in the International Phytotechnologies Scholars Program to be held in October 2026 in Providence Rhode Island. The conference is hosted by the International Phytotechnology Society (IPS), that also develops and executes the PhytoScholars Program. PhytoScholars is a unique student-oriented scholars program for green solutions for public health protection with the overarching goal to inspire and train future leaders in green solutions. Intellectual Merit: The IPS conference has the goal to advance knowledge in areas of protecting human health and advancing sustainable solutions that can be broadly applicable. The resulting knowledge exchange and publications explicitly advance the intellectual exchange and knowledge generation, with merit for our scholarly community. PhytoScholars program feeds into this mission, and promotes the next generation with the following objectives: - To increases knowledge of the broader roles of phytotechnologies in the concurrent protection of public health, risk assessment and the improvement of ecosystem function; - To provide students with professional skills and development opportunities and the chance to network with international professionals working in the field of phytotechnologies; - To directly support student training, active mentorship, and education in phytotechnologies and sustainable technologies as strategies for environmental remediation and stewardship. Broader Impacts: As part of this program, students will be supported to attend the conference by offering support for partial coverage of travel and lodging fees for an expected 12 – 20 selected scholars. PhytoScholars will be offered the opportunity to travel and will directly interact with international leaders in public health protection to learn scientifically and grow professionally. All PhytoScholars will be tasked to offer a presentation, meet professional leaders, offer specified feedback, and meet learning objectives, which include not only scientific objectives but also cultural and professional development objectives. All PhytoScholars’ presentations will be evaluated by a minimum of two professional leaders. The selection process will aim to invite applicants from across the range of STEM fields involved in public health and environmental quality. The selection committee will cover a range of fields and is a group of accomplished scholars that has interacted with past conferences and can benefit from the PhytoScholars programs. All selection committee members will be attending the conference to offer talks and engage with the PhytoScholars as mentors and role models and provide guidance and advice toward impactful careers.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Wildfires are occurring across the US and globally with potentially harmful impacts on maternal and child health. Although research into health effects specific to wildfire smoke exposure in pregnancy is nascent, a recent meta-analysis on more than 1.7 million births showed that maternal exposure during late pregnancy was linked to reduced birth weight and preterm birth. However, the short and long-term effects of repeated wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy on maternal and fetal health outcomes have not been investigated in depth, nor are any molecular mechanisms responsible for such effects well understood. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the how wildfire smoke exposure affects health and wellbeing. One hypothesized mechanism to facilitate biological communication from pollutants inhaled in the lung to distal organs and tissues is through extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain a variety of biologically active molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs) which are small ~22 nucleotide-long noncoding RNA molecules. EV-miRNA might be the ideal candidates to mediate effects of wildfire smoke exposures on pregnancy because they can be produced by the respiratory system where the initial exposure occurs and then enter the circulation to affect distant tissues and organs. We hypothesize that prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke triggers a biological response that can be measured in EV-miRNA, and that these wildfire smoke-related biological signatures are negatively associated with fetal and infant growth. We will additionally investigate the interplay between smoke exposure and miRNA signatures with neighborhood characteristics, including housing, infrastructure, and other factors that may modify effects on fetal and infant growth. We will examine this hypothesis in 466 participants in MADRES—a cohort representative of the population living in Los Angeles, CA – in the following aims: Aim 1) Identify unique EV-miRNA transcriptomic signatures of wildfire smoke across pregnancy and the biological pathways associated with their predicted gene targets in a population of 466 pregnant participants with 666 maternal biospecimens. Aim 2) Evaluate the influence of wildfire-associated EV-miRNA signatures on ultrasound-measured fetal growth, infant birthweight, body composition and child growth through age 7. We will additionally evaluate effect modification by sex of child and neighborhood characteristics. Aim 3) In exploratory analyses in a subset of 96 mother/child pairs, we will test whether wildfire smoke exposures affect newborn miRNA levels in cord blood and further investigate the correlation of EV-miRNA expression profiles between mother and infant. Findings from this study may inform future screening, diagnostic, or treatment, interventions by helping us understand the biological effects of wildfire smoke.