Antonella Zanobetti, an environmental epidemiologist and principal research scientist at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was on the brink of groundbreaking research. She was exploring the connections between environmental factors like pollution and heat with deadly neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, her progress was abruptly halted when the Trump administration canceled several Harvard research grants in May, including three of Zanobetti’s studies.
One of Zanobetti’s studies aimed to investigate how long-term exposure to air pollution might increase hospitalizations for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The team was analyzing Medicare and Medicaid claims to understand the impact of air pollution on mortality and rehospitalization rates for these neurodegenerative diseases. Another study, led by Zanobetti and co-researcher Danielle Braun, was examining the effects of heat and other environmental exposures on hospitalizations for Parkinson’s disease.
The third study, co-led by Petros Koutrakis, was focused on the effects of particle radioactivity on heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Particulate matter, which consists of tiny particles of air pollutants, can enter the body and affect the lungs, heart, and brain. Zanobetti’s research on particulate matter’s impact on health has informed Environmental Protection Agency regulations aimed at reducing health risks associated with air pollution.
Zanobetti expressed disappointment over the termination of these grants, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of environmental factors in neurological disorders to inform public health policies. She stressed the need to continue research to uncover new insights and develop strategies to improve air quality and protect public health.
The surge in neurological disorders globally, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, underscores the urgency of Zanobetti’s work. With the number of individuals affected by these diseases expected to rise significantly in the coming years, research like hers plays a critical role in advancing our understanding and addressing public health challenges.
Despite the setbacks caused by the grant cancellations, Zanobetti remains committed to her research and the potential impact it could have on improving the lives of individuals affected by neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The hope is that future funding opportunities will allow her and her team to resume their important work and contribute valuable insights to the field of environmental health.
This article was originally published in the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University’s official newspaper, and serves as a reminder of the importance of continued support for research efforts that have the potential to make a significant difference in public health outcomes.
