https://ysph.yale.edu/ysph/news-rss/?title=Recent%20News&orgId=109082&keywordId=570&keywordId=35 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Yale School of Public Health en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:27:06 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yales-health-innovators-put-community-first/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yales-health-innovators-put-community-first/ Developing technology that makes health care more inclusive was a theme of the 2026 Yale Innovation Summit's Health Track. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://forhumanity.yale.edu/news/rising-star-epidemiology-aims-give-back https://forhumanity.yale.edu/news/rising-star-epidemiology-aims-give-back Jayson Wright, MPH '27, plans to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps by working at a hospital in his native state of Georgia. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/dont-grill-meat-to-a-char-and-5-other-ways-to-have-a-safer-summer-100001002.html https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/dont-grill-meat-to-a-char-and-5-other-ways-to-have-a-safer-summer-100001002.html Single-use plastic bottles are made of a thin plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. Some chemicals within PET, such as phenols and phthalates, have been linked to pregnancy problems and neurodevelopmental concerns, among other health issues, said Nicole Deziel, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the Yale School of Public Health. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emma-bebarta-mph-26-graduating-student-spotlight/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emma-bebarta-mph-26-graduating-student-spotlight/ Emma Bebarta, MPH ’26 , is a graduating student in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 Z https://www.everydayhealth.com/pregnancy/no-clear-link-between-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy-and-autism-or-adhd/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/pregnancy/no-clear-link-between-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy-and-autism-or-adhd/ A study of 2.1 million births found no link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and ADHD or autism when researchers compared sibling outcomes. YSPH Associate Professor Zeyan Liew is senior author of the study. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00097-8 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00097-8 A common pain reliever taken in pregnancy might raise the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to recent research. But proof of cause and effect remains elusive. YSPH's Dr. Zeyan Liew, a lead investigator in this area, comments. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-parents-should-know-about-the-new-childhood-immunization-schedule/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-parents-should-know-about-the-new-childhood-immunization-schedule/ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new childhood immunization schedule represents one of the most dramatic changes in childhood disease prevention policy in decades. Yale School of Public Health vaccine expert Dr. Jason L. Schwartz, PhD, explains the new vaccine schedule — and what it means for parents and families. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-examines-gestational-diabetes-in-american-samoan-women/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-examines-gestational-diabetes-in-american-samoan-women/ A research team led by Dr. Nicola Hawley, PhD, hopes its findings will lead to a better future for gestational diabetes screening recommendations and treatment. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2025-12-09/ct-doctors-react-to-cdcs-changing-pediatric-vaccine-recommendations https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2025-12-09/ct-doctors-react-to-cdcs-changing-pediatric-vaccine-recommendations Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials very concerned. Health experts worry that fear and confusion about vaccines could bring back diseases that the U.S. had forgotten. YSPH Associate Professor Dr. Jason Schwartz joins the conversation. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-the-research-says-about-autism-and-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-the-research-says-about-autism-and-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy/ Dr. Zeyan Liew, PhD, MPH, is one of the country's leading scientists when it comes to studying possible links between frequent acetaminophen use during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment conditions such as autism. Dr. Liew discusses the latest research on the issue in this 4 Essential Questions feature. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine calls for an evidence-based national strategy to increase breastfeeding rates in the United States. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, co-authored the NASEM report. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/09/05/rfk-autism-tylenol-pregnancy/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/09/05/rfk-autism-tylenol-pregnancy/ A new study suggests there is a connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. Dr. Zeyan Liew, a YSPH scientist who has extensively studied the issue, says there is evidence that acetaminophen may negatively affect fetal development, but much more research is needed to investigate how other potential factors, such as medication, diet, and chemicals, may influence neurodevelopment. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ A new study led by researchers at Yale University suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants— small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night—could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/laboring-for-change-reimagining-black-maternal-health-equity/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/laboring-for-change-reimagining-black-maternal-health-equity/ In a personal and insightful essay, Yale School of Public Health Research Scientist Dr. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, discusses the urgent need for better maternal health care for Black women in the United States and suggests solutions for improving care that go beyond addressing structural racism. Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/data-scientists-discuss-digital-health-equity-at-yale-conference/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/data-scientists-discuss-digital-health-equity-at-yale-conference/ Experts shared insights on the transformative role of data science in public health at a two-day conference hosted by Yale School of Public Health in March. Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02498-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02498-4 Meet the biotech startups brewing milk in bioreactors to improve on baby formula. YSPH Professor Rafael Perez-Escamilla has concerns. Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-institute-for-global-health-hecht-award-sparks-collaboration-in-american-samoa/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-institute-for-global-health-hecht-award-sparks-collaboration-in-american-samoa/ Over a decade ago, Dr. Nicola Hawley, PhD, connected with a colleague in American Samoa to learn more about prenatal care delivery and how pregnancy might provide an opportunity to impact chronic disease prevention interventions. Obesity and overweight are highly prevalent among pregnant Samoan women, and a previous study conducted by Dr. Hawley and her colleagues found those conditions to be associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. They also discovered a lack of data about gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the U.S. territory, but they estimate that about 40% of women in American Samoa will develop GDM during pregnancy. At the time, screening rates for gestational diabetes were low, largely due to a lack of awareness about the condition and issues with supply-side service provision. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/connecticut-health-foundation-launches-advisory-committee-for-statewide-blueprint-on-maternal-health-equity-focused-on-black-patients/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/connecticut-health-foundation-launches-advisory-committee-for-statewide-blueprint-on-maternal-health-equity-focused-on-black-patients/ The Connecticut Health Foundation has convened an advisory committee to help inform the creation of a blueprint for maternal health equity in Connecticut, focused on Black patients. The Yale Global Health Leadership Initiative and the Yale Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) will help facilitate the work. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/five-things-infant-formula-companies-dont-want-you-to-know/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/five-things-infant-formula-companies-dont-want-you-to-know/ In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, which begins today, Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla discusses five key, science-based facts that formula milk companies may not want people to know. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ Yale School of Public Health researchers evaluate the association between exposure to hot temperatures during pregnancy and the risk of cancer in children. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:30:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/group-prenatal-care-shows-promise-in-reducing-maternal-health-disparities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/group-prenatal-care-shows-promise-in-reducing-maternal-health-disparities/ Group prenatal care shows promise in reducing maternal health disparities, say Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health researchers. Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-research-team-awarded-dollar4-million-grant-to-evaluate-new-immunizations-for-infant-rsv/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-research-team-awarded-dollar4-million-grant-to-evaluate-new-immunizations-for-infant-rsv/ A multidisciplinary team of Yale scientists has received a $4-million federal grant to study the effectiveness of a new vaccine and monoclonal antibody shot designed to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/samoan-children-as-young-as-six-are-at-risk-of-diabetes-yale-study-shows/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/samoan-children-as-young-as-six-are-at-risk-of-diabetes-yale-study-shows/ YSPH researchers are studying obesity in Samoa, including the first longitudinal study of child health in the Pacific. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/health-headlines-new-postpartum-depression-pill/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/health-headlines-new-postpartum-depression-pill/ In today’s health headlines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first oral medication to treat postpartum depression. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ickovics-earns-aphas-martha-may-eliot-award/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ickovics-earns-aphas-martha-may-eliot-award/ Jeannette Ickovics, the inaugural Samuel and Liselotte Herman Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health, will receive the 2023 Martha May Eliot Award from the American Public Health Association (APHA). Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/metabolomic-research-links-diet-to-paraben-food-preservatives-in-urine-findings-important-for-women-trying-to-conceive/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/metabolomic-research-links-diet-to-paraben-food-preservatives-in-urine-findings-important-for-women-trying-to-conceive/ Yale researchers identify diet-related metabolites associated with paraben concentrations in the urine of pregnant women. Parabens can disrupt endocrine activity in the body and they have been associated with changes in fertility in women. Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:00:00 Z https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 Residential proximity to oil and gas wells has been increasingly recognized to threaten the health and environmental quality of nearby communities. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://us.cnn.com/2023/08/17/health/rsv-virus-timing-vaccine-antibody/index.html https://us.cnn.com/2023/08/17/health/rsv-virus-timing-vaccine-antibody/index.html This year, experts think the timing of the RSV season will be closer to the pre-pandemic normal, but case numbers will probably be anything but — that is, if people embrace newly available tools to prevent RSV. Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:00 Z https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/lactation_and_wellness_space_opens_at_union_station https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/lactation_and_wellness_space_opens_at_union_station After years of struggling to find a private space to breastfeed her children, LaKayla Farrow can now do so in peace in a newly opened room on the second floor of Union Station. Located on the second floor of the city’s transit hub at 50 Union Ave., a new Lactation and Wellness space designated for those seeking to pray or chestfeed (a gender-inclusive alternative to the commonly used ​“breastfeed”) was opened at a press conference on Tuesday morning. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:00:00 Z https://abcnews.go.com/Health/1-6-toddlers-completed-childhood-vaccine-series-study/story?id=101664925 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/1-6-toddlers-completed-childhood-vaccine-series-study/story?id=101664925 Overall, 17.2 percent of children initiated, but did not complete, the combined seven-vaccine early childhood series, according to a study published online July 25 in Pediatrics. Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:13:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/nicole-deziel-testifies-to-the-health-risks-of-oil-and-gas-exploration/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/nicole-deziel-testifies-to-the-health-risks-of-oil-and-gas-exploration/ The health impacts of living near an oil or gas well include increased adverse pregnancy outcomes, childhood cancers, hospitalizations, asthma exacerbations, mental health issues, and mortality among the elderly. Thu, 04 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-way-of-measuring-neonatal-mortality-uncovers-paradoxical-racial-disparity/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-way-of-measuring-neonatal-mortality-uncovers-paradoxical-racial-disparity/ A new research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics is the first to compare two methodological approaches to neonatal mortality rates side-by-side. Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-year-of-breastfeeding-costs-families-as-much-as-dollar11000-study-finds/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-year-of-breastfeeding-costs-families-as-much-as-dollar11000-study-finds/ The direct and indirect costs of breastfeeding are far higher than people might assume, making the choice to breastfeed rather than bottle feed less automatic for many families. Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/higher-lithium-levels-in-drinking-water-may-raise-autism-risk/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/higher-lithium-levels-in-drinking-water-may-raise-autism-risk/ Pregnant women whose household tap water had higher levels of lithium had a moderately higher risk of their offspring being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and UCLA Health. Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-led-teams-algorithms-could-improve-pediatric-tuberculosis-diagnosis/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-led-teams-algorithms-could-improve-pediatric-tuberculosis-diagnosis/ Two new evidence-based algorithms for diagnosing pediatric tuberculosis developed by a Yale-led international team could improve TB diagnosis around the globe. Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/experts-call-for-an-end-to-the-exploitative-marketing-used-by-the-baby-formula-milk-industry/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/experts-call-for-an-end-to-the-exploitative-marketing-used-by-the-baby-formula-milk-industry/ A newly released Series on breastfeeding published in The Lancet argues that formula milk companies exploit parents’ emotions and manipulate scientific information to generate sales at the expense of the health and rights of families, women, and children. Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-lancet-series-highlights-the-continuing-struggle-that-breastfeeding-women-face-across-the-globe/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-lancet-series-highlights-the-continuing-struggle-that-breastfeeding-women-face-across-the-globe/ A Lancet Series published on Feb. 8, 2023, highlights the continuing struggle that women across the globe face to meet their breastfeeding goals. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, a leading authority on breastfeeding policy and early childhood nutrition, is co-author of all three Series articles and the lead author of the first paper featured in the Series. Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:00:00 Z https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/07/health/baby-formula-marketing/index.html https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/07/health/baby-formula-marketing/index.html Less than half of infants around the world are breastfed as recommended, and baby formula is in high demand despite failing to offer the same health and developmental benefits as breast milk, experts say. According to a new report, misleading claims and political influence are to blame. Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2022/11/22/ct-rsv-flu-hospital-capacity-connecticut-childrens-yale-new-haven/ https://ctmirror.org/2022/11/22/ct-rsv-flu-hospital-capacity-connecticut-childrens-yale-new-haven/ Connecticut’s two children’s hospitals, already dealing with a deluge of respiratory syncytial virus cases among young kids, are bracing for flu cases to swell as the colder weather sets in and a surge in patients tests capacity. Tue, 22 Nov 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-professor-prez-escamilla-contributes-to-new-american-journal-of-public-health-series-nutrition-in-the-first-1000-days/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-professor-prez-escamilla-contributes-to-new-american-journal-of-public-health-series-nutrition-in-the-first-1000-days/ YSPH Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla contributed an essay to the American Journal of Public Health's “Nutrition in the First 1000 Days,” a comprehensive special series of editorials, perspectives, and research and analysis about ways to improve nutrition in the crucial first 1,000 days of a child's development, from pregnancy through second birthday. Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z https://www.newyorkfamily.com/rsv-and-other-respiratory-illnesses-nyc/ https://www.newyorkfamily.com/rsv-and-other-respiratory-illnesses-nyc/ Doctors across the country are seeing a resurgence in RSV, a common respiratory illness that can leave some kids in need of hospitalization.Here's some information parents need to know regarding RSV and other respiratory illnesses in children this year, as well as the symptoms to look for. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2022-10-24/polio-vaccination-efforts-must-be-supported-by-good-hygiene-say-experts-on-world-polio-day https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2022-10-24/polio-vaccination-efforts-must-be-supported-by-good-hygiene-say-experts-on-world-polio-day World Polio Day on October 24th is an annual day that highlights progress on the road to polio eradication. As new outbreaks of an archaic disease sweep the globe, hygiene experts warn that vaccination as the first line of defense must be backed up by adequate hygiene. Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/major-funding-award-supports-yale-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/major-funding-award-supports-yale-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ A team of Yale researchers, working collaboratively with Yale New Haven Hospital, community partners and two regional hospitals, is exploring ways to improve health outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women in priority populations that have been historically underserved and experience systemic racism. A $18 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will support the study. Thu, 17 Mar 2022 04:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/03/01/1082775961/infant-formula-promoted-in-aggressive-and-misleading-ways-says-new-global-report https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/03/01/1082775961/infant-formula-promoted-in-aggressive-and-misleading-ways-says-new-global-report "Advertisements will make me buy infant formula, if I see a beautiful and chubby baby on TV, well-fed and smiling." Tue, 01 Mar 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/birth-outcomes-improved-through-expect-with-me-group-prenatal-care/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/birth-outcomes-improved-through-expect-with-me-group-prenatal-care/ Expectant mothers who received group prenatal care through Expect With Me, a program co-developed by the Yale School of Public Health, had significantly better birth outcomes than their peers receiving traditional one-on-one prenatal care, a new study finds. Fri, 03 Dec 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/scientific-team-including-ysph-researcher-warn-against-use-of-acetaminophen-by-pregnant-women/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/scientific-team-including-ysph-researcher-warn-against-use-of-acetaminophen-by-pregnant-women/ A team of 13 scientists — including one from the Yale School of Public Health — are cautioning against the use of pain relievers with acetaminophen by pregnant women, citing a growing body of research that suggests the drug might alter fetal development. Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-social-media-habits-black-teen-girls-risk-reduction-video-game/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-social-media-habits-black-teen-girls-risk-reduction-video-game/ To support the development of a multiplayer risk-reduction videogame for Black teen girls, researchers at Yale conducted a study that sheds light on the social media habits of these teens in evaluating and choosing potential romantic partners. The results were published in the July 24 issue of Social Media & Society. Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2021/06/28/fetal-alcohol-exposure-data-underscore-need-public-health-interventions https://news.yale.edu/2021/06/28/fetal-alcohol-exposure-data-underscore-need-public-health-interventions While alcohol consumption during pregnancy may result in harm to developing embryos and fetuses, a new study led by the Yale School of Public health finds that a significant number of pregnancies that result in live birth still involve alcohol exposure. Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/elevate-joins-ysph-bringing-maternal-and-child-mental-health-expertise/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/elevate-joins-ysph-bringing-maternal-and-child-mental-health-expertise/ The Elevate Policy Lab has joined the Yale School of Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice. Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-child-health-promotion-track/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-child-health-promotion-track/ A new academic track that promotes the health of mothers and their babies and children is being launched by the Yale School of Public Health at the beginning of the new academic year this fall. Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 Z