Columbia Public Health

Biostatistics professor Zhonghua Liu and colleagues developed DANDELION, a new framework that helps identify disease-driving genes that conventional approaches miss. In , it uncovered a previously unrecognized pathway that could point to new therapeutic targets.

Researchers Develop New Computational Framework to Identify Novel Pathway for Asthma The framework helps identify genes that play central roles in diseases, such as asthma, but are often overlooked by existing genetic analysis methods.

“The work that I do is really about the interplay between molecular biology and public health,” explains Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Public Health scientist Allison Kupsco in this Q&A. This combination unlocks insights that move the field forward and uncover answers about early exposure to toxins.

How an Environmental Toxicologist Tracks HIV's Ripple Effects on Infant Health—Through Breast Milk A Q&A with environmental health scientist Allison Kupsco.

For applicants in recovery, deciding whether to disclose a history of substance use can be difficult. A new Columbia Mailman-led study highlights why: more than 80% of physicians and dentists believe disclosure carries admissions risk.

Most Physicians and Dentists Believe Disclosing Past Substance Use in Medical and Dental School Applications Could Hurt Admissions Prospects National survey finds more than 80 percent perceive applicants face admissions risk when disclosing a history of substance use, highlighting persistent stigma within healthcare.

A new Columbia Mailman study published in JAMA found that alcohol use during pregnancy—including higher-risk drinking patterns—has increased over the past decade.

Researchers found increases in current alcohol use, binge drinking, and heavy drinking between 2011 and 2024. Because no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy, these findings are concerning.

New Study Finds Upward Trend in Alcohol Use During Pregnancy in the U.S. Prenatal alcohol exposure has increased in the United States

Your tap water may tell a bigger story than you think. 💧 New Columbia Mailman research provides some of the strongest evidence to date that household drinking water is a persistent contributor to lithium levels measured in the body across Tribal communities in the Western U.S.

Widespread Lithium Found in Drinking Water Across Communities in Western U.S. Decade-long research strengthens the evidence linking drinking water to lithium exposure and establishes urinary lithium as a reliable measure of long-term environmental exposure.

Where children live can have a lasting impact on their health.

A new study from Columbia Mailman and collaborators found that young children living in federally assisted housing were less likely to have elevated blood lead levels than children waiting for assistance. The strongest protective effects were seen in project-based housing programs, highlighting the importance of strong housing standards and lead hazard controls.

Federal Housing Assistance May Protect Young Children from Lead Exposure Children ages 5 and younger receiving federal housing assistance had lower average blood lead levels than children waiting to receive assistance.

A new Lancet Commission calls for greater action on women's hematologic health across the lifespan.

Columbia Mailman's Marni Sommer, a co-author, highlights how heavy menstrual bleeding remains under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized worldwide, leaving many without adequate support or care.

Lancet Landmark Commission Reports on Global Female Health: Takes Lifespan Approach to Menstruation Lancet Haematology published its Commission on Global Female Health and Haematology

Menstrual health affects an estimated 2 billion people, yet it remains overlooked as a public health priority.

A new commentary from Columbia Mailman's Marni Sommer calls for greater investment in education, healthcare, and menstrual-friendly schools, workplaces, and public spaces so everyone can manage menstruation with dignity.

Menstrual Health Still Overlooked Despite Affecting 2 Billion People Experts call for menstrual health to be recognized as a public health priority with greater investment in education, healthcare and public spaces.

An APEx experience in Sierra Leone helped inspire Mirelle Pereira, MPH'26, to expand the vision for Santé, the AI-powered startup she founded before attending Columbia Mailman.

Today, Santé is monitoring infectious disease risk across all 16 North American FIFA World Cup host cities—a testament to how hands-on learning at Columbia Mailman can fuel real-world public health innovation.

Alum’s Startup Tracks Infectious Disease Risk at the World Cup A startup by Mirelle Pereira, MPH’26, is providing daily infectious disease updates for World Cup host cities.

After years of decline, progress in reducing benzodiazepine use among older adults stalled after the COVID-19 pandemic. New research found increases among adults 75+ and long-term care pharmacy patients.

Progress in Reducing Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Americans Stalled reducing benzodiazepine prescribing among older Americans stalled after COVID-19