Michigan Public Health News Center

Your chances of Alzheimer's disease vary based on where you live. Why is that?

Federally funded University of Michigan research will search for answers—and prevention possibilities—in data from 20 countries

A Michigan Public Health study led by Lindsay Kobayashi will compare memory and thinking data from older adults in 20 countries to learn why dementia risk differs worldwide and which prevention strategies matter most where.

Who will rural voters blame for harmful healthcare changes, policies this election?

U-M School of Public Health researcher asks if this midterm might be the election to redefine them

Michigan Public Health's Michael Shepherd explains how hospital closures, Medicaid changes and rural media shape who rural voters blame for healthcare losses, and why this midterm could break the pattern.

U-M studies examine what schools are doing to address cell phone use among students

U-M researchers are studying how schools across Michigan and the country are navigating student cell phone use and what policies can support learning while considering students’ safety and well being.

University of Michigan environmental epidemiologist uncovers hidden health risks in the environment

Sung Kyun Park studies how PFAS, lead and other environmental toxicants affect human health, from reproductive disorders to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

University of Michigan professor Sung Kyun Park discusses his path into environmental epidemiology, research on PFAS, lead, pollutant mixtures and dementia risk, and the promise of exposome science. He also reflects on receiving an Excellence in Teaching Award and offers practical ways to reduce harmful environmental exposures and protect health.

Flu clues: Digging into 15 years of household data

$14.2-million NIH award to University of Michigan funds research to untangle intricacies of person-to-person flu transmission—and reduce illness, deaths, economic losses

A $14.2 million NIH award launches MiCRIT, where Michigan Public Health's Emily Toth Martin and the Medical School's Adam Lauring will mine 15 years of household data to learn how flu spreads person to person and how to stop it.

On the Heights: September 2026

September highlights include new research linking lead exposure to dementia, a $28 million CMS contract for kidney care, a first-of-its-kind HIV research mentoring program, and faculty insights on PFAS, hearing health, and more.