On the Heights: July 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Epidemiology
New study on TB transmission among minorities in Arkansas highlights urgent need for focused prevention
Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Black Arkansans experience a substantially higher risk of recently transmitted TB
A new study from Michigan Public Health and the Arkansas Department of Health reveals that, despite low overall rates, tuberculosis (TB) continues to disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic communities in Arkansas. The research highlights growing rates of recent TB transmission and calls for targeted prevention efforts and improved access to care to address persistent disparities.
Bridging public health, writing and AI innovation
Q&A with Ella August
After recognizing a gap in scholarly communication training, Ella August, clinical associate professor of Epidemiology and Global Public Health, established the Pre-Publication Support Service, or PREPSS. In this Q&A, she shares how her journey highlights the dynamic intersection of public health research, education and the art of writing.
Drug that treats flu shows additional benefit of protecting close contacts from infection
Newly published findings of global drug trial show promise for preventing avian flu transmission
One dose of the antiviral baloxavir marboxil lowers the chance of transmitting the influenza virus to family members by about 30%, according to new research in the New England Journal of Medicine from University of Michigan researchers.
Polio vaccine milestone: Live podcast marks 70th anniversary of historic announcement at U-M
U-M epidemiologist Matthew Boulton and Michigan's chief medical executive Natasha Bagdasarian discuss vaccines, then and now
In today's challenging era for vaccines, the University of Michigan School of Public Health will host a live podcast taping April 11 in recognition of the announcement made 70 years ago at U-M, when the polio vaccine was declared safe and effective to a worldwide audience.
HIV risk decreases in transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy, U-M study says
Overall, the study, published in The Lancet HIV journal, found that hormone therapy for patients receiving medical care to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity improved all HIV-related health outcomes for transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse people.