Fall 2024 Seminars

The story of Ignaz Semmelweis is a common part of biology and epidemiology education. However, the story told is more a simplified myth than anything else. Semmelweis did determine that handwashing is an important part of preventing the spread of infectious disease in a hospital setting, but his ideas were rejected by his contemporaries, and handwashing did not become common medical practice for decades. When he died at the young age of 47, Semmelweis was an object of pity, scorn, and even hatred – he became a scientific hero only long after his death. Moreover, his colleagues in the medical establishment were not benighted simpletons who just recoiled from new ideas. The full story provides a view into the complex reality of how science works and progresses, the nature and practice of science and the responsibilities and pitfalls of being a scientist. Most of all, it illustrates how science is as inextricably embedded in a sociopolitical, cultural, and historical context as scientists are themselves. Attendees will be invited to participate and discuss as we explore this tale. 

Unhealthy diet and excess alcohol consumption are leading causes of preventable death in the US. Public policies could address these challenges, but policymakers need information about which policies to pursue and how to optimize their design. This talk will present evidence about the potential for warning labels and other policy changes to improve diet and reduce excess alcohol consumption and will discuss how to design these policies to maximize their benefits. 

The early life period is critical for long term health. Fetal growth abnormalities and cardiometabolic diseases are interconnected and cause high burden of morbidity. The placenta is critical for fetal development and potentially underlies later onset diseases. This talk will address that insights about genetic and epigenetic processes that regulate fetal development and placental response to maternal metabolic and psychosocial factors can unravel potential molecular interventions targets to promote healthy fetal development and later life health. 

We will discuss the current state of affairs, reflect on stakeholder perspectives, and review tailored interventions.