Biological Methods

This report presents the findings of a study led by Manabu Shiraiwa of the University of California, Irvine, a recipient of HEI’s Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award. Shiraiwa and colleagues evaluated the mechanisms of aerosol-induced reactive oxygen species formation by two pathways in the respiratory tract: by chemical reactions  and by immune cells called macrophages.

Research Report 204 presents a study led by Dr. Kymberly Gowdy of East Carolina University (now at Ohio State University) and colleagues in which they evaluated how acute exposure of mice to ozone affects initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response in the lung.

In this issue of Update, read about two new HEI Board members; HEI’s formal response to EPA’s proposed transparency rule; a new chair for our Review Committee; HEI’s actions to promote diversity; a recently published Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator report on novel techniques to study VOC–ozone effects… and more!

Research Report 201 presents a study led by Dr. Lydia Contreras at the University of Texas, Austin, who is a recipient of HEI’s Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award. Dr. Contreras and colleagues evaluated how exposure of lung cells to volatile organic compounds plus ozone affects oxidation of ribonucleic acid, a key component of cells. The study aimed to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms by which air pollutants can cause effects in human health, thereby expanding our knowledge of potential causal links between exposure and health.