Trade policies shape everything from the price of goods to the stability of global economies, but how do they actually work?

In part one of this two-part series, Plugged into Public Health host Lauren Lavin sits down with Dr. Anne Villamil, professor of economics at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, to unpack the history and complexity of international trade. Dr. Villamil shares her experience working at the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in Washington, D.C., and explains how trade institutions like the World Bank and World Trade Organization came to exist after World War II.

Together, they explore how trade agreements are negotiated, what lessons past trade wars can teach us, and why tariffs are back in the spotlight today.

Tune in next week for part two, where Dr. Villamil breaks down how tariffs work in the modern U.S. economy.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-understanding-global-trade-and-tariffs-with-dr-anne-villamil-part-1/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #globaltrade #tariffs #trade #internationaltrade #economics #politics #policies #tradewars #healthcare

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, but why?

In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, host Maxwell Hanson talks with Dr. Patrick Sinn, a pediatric pulmonologist and researcher at the University of Iowa, whose work has reshaped how scientists understand measles transmission. Dr. Sinn’s lab made a surprising discovery that challenged decades of assumptions about how the virus infects airway cells, revealing new insights into why measles spreads so efficiently.

Together, they explore what makes measles different from other respiratory viruses, how vaccine hesitancy has fueled recent outbreaks, and why effective communication remains a cornerstone of public health. Dr. Sinn also shares how moments of unexpected results in research can lead to major scientific breakthroughs.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-science-of-measles-and-what-makes-it-so-contagious/

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#publichealth #contagions #contagiousdiseases #pediatrics #vaccines #pediatrician #healthcare #pulmonology #community #personalchoice #evidence #research

Ticks, mosquitoes, and climate change are shaping the future of infectious disease and public health.

In this episode, host Lauren Lavin talks with Dr. Kathryn Dalton, a veterinarian turned researcher and assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, about the rise of vector borne diseases. Dr. Dalton explains how environmental changes are expanding the reach of ticks and mosquitoes, what that means for both people and pets, and how the One Health approach connects human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Together, they explore simple ways to prevent exposure, why farmers and outdoor workers face unique risks, and how collaboration across disciplines can help protect communities from emerging health threats. It is a reminder that public health begins in the spaces we live, work, and play every day.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-understanding-vector-borne-disease-with-dr-kathryn-dalton/

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#publichealth #research #environmentalhealth #iowacity #ticks #mosquitoes #OneHealth #animalhealth #vectorborne #airborne #epidemiology #parasites

When a mumps outbreak hits a small progressive school in Berkeley, California, parents who once agreed on everything find themselves suddenly divided. Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, uses humor and heart to explore the messy intersection of personal choice, public health, and community trust.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Kathleen Johnson, Director of Outreach and Education at Riverside Theatre and the director of Eureka Day in Iowa City. Kathleen shares how the production connects with real-world public health issues—especially vaccine hesitancy and communication across different beliefs—and why theater can sometimes say what data alone can’t.

From PTA politics to social media comment sections, this conversation dives into how we navigate disagreement, how empathy shapes public dialogue, and what it means to keep communities healthy and connected.

Show link: https://riversidetheatre.org/eurekaday/

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-when-public-health-takes-the-stage/

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#publichealth #riverside #theatre #iowacity #vaccines #healthcare #outbreaks #community #personalchoice #evidence #misinformation #politics

Pregnancy pain is common, often dismissed, and rarely easy to manage. At the same time, recent headlines have stirred anxiety by suggesting that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may be linked to autism. These claims spread quickly online, leaving many parents-to-be with more questions than answers.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, host Lauren Lavin talks with Dr. Julie Vignato, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and a leading researcher on pain in pregnancy. Dr. Vignato brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother, helping us unpack what the science actually says, where misinformation creeps in, and how healthcare providers and public health communicators can share clearer messages.

Topics discussed include:

-Why pregnancy pain is too often under-treated and misunderstood

-What the evidence shows about acetaminophen and NSAIDs during pregnancy

-How a large Swedish “sibling study” helps rule out Tylenol as a cause of autism

-The role of maternal guilt, stigma, and communication in shaping these conversations

-Practical advice for both pregnant people and healthcare providers navigating pain management

-How to identify trustworthy evidence and avoid misinformation online

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Swedish sibling study on acetaminophen and autism: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406

-Cochrane Library – Plain language reviews: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence

-Dr. Vignato’s study on OTC pain relievers during pregnancy: https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/37365704/

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-tylenol-pain-in-pregnancy/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #pregnancy #autism #pain #painmanagement #healthcare #acetaminophen #NSAIDs #maternalhealth #evidence #misinformation

Part 2: Care-giving, Innovation, and Lessons from Older Adults: what does it take to age well in practice—and what can younger generations learn from those who’ve gone before us? In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Jennifer Jones and Angela Charsha-Harney to look at the realities of care-giving, promising practices like age-friendly health systems, and the power of inter-generational connection.

You’ll hear stories from the nonprofit thinkJOY, lessons Jennifer and Angela have learned from working closely with older adults, and reflections on why joy, dignity, and storytelling are vital for public health. This episode is packed with insights for anyone—whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or curious about how public health can shape healthier communities for all ages.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-aging-joy-and-changing-the-narrative-part-2/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #aging #joy #thinkjoy #csomaycenter #gerontology #connection #preparedness #personalhealth #mentalhealth

Aging is something we all share in common, yet it’s often framed as decline rather than growth. In this first part of our conversation with Jennifer Jones of the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and Angela Charsha-Harney, Associate Director of Fitness and founder of thinkJOY, we explore how reframing aging can transform health and community.

Jennifer and Angela share the origins of their work, how personal connections spark powerful initiatives, and why joy is far more than a “nice to have” in public health. We dig into misconceptions about aging, the role of loneliness and connection, and why preparing for aging is really preparing for life itself.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-aging-joy-and-changing-the-narrative-part-1/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #aging #joy #thinkjoy #csomaycenter #gerontology #connection #preparedness #personalhealth #mentalhealth

Even though polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned nearly 50 years ago, these persistent chemicals are still part of our daily environment. In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Dr. Amanda Bullert, neuroscientist and research consultant at the University of Minnesota, about what PCBs are, how exposure still happens today, and what her team’s research reveals about their effects on the brain.

Amanda breaks down how PCBs influence metabolism, inflammation, and long-term brain health, why certain communities are more at risk, and what steps individuals and public health leaders can take to reduce harm. It’s a conversation that sheds light on the hidden legacy of environmental pollutants and the lessons they offer for today’s public health challenges.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-persistent-pollution-reducing-the-risk-of-pcbs-on-brain-health/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #environmentalhealth #PCBs #foreverchemicals #brainhealth #pollution #inflammation

What happens when science and policy collide — and how can we prepare for the environmental health challenges ahead?

In part two of our series with Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health, we dig into persistent pollutants, climate change, and the future of science-informed policymaking.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The risks of PCBs, PFAS, and other “forever chemicals”

• How communities weigh costs and health risks in decisions like school renovations

• The challenges of science advisory boards in an era of political polarization

• Climate-related disasters — from wildfires to hurricanes — and their health consequences

• Why better science communication and stronger policy action are urgently needed

This conversation shows how today’s public health challenges extend beyond the lab, into policy decisions that will shape the lives of future generations.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-regulating-risk-dr-peter-thorne-on-epa-fda-science-part-2/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange

In this two-part interview, Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health and a leading expert in toxicology, provides an in-depth overview of how the federal government regulates chemicals in food, water, and air. Key points:

• The EPA and FDA are science-based organizations that interpret laws passed by Congress and apply the best available science to make regulatory decisions aimed at protecting human health and the environment.

• The EPA's Science Advisory Board provides independent, non-partisan oversight to ensure the agency's decisions are grounded in scientific evidence.

• Chemical regulations are dynamic, with compounds like Red Dye No. 3 and inorganic arsenic being re-evaluated as new scientific data emerges.

• The precautionary principle guides regulators to err on the side of safety when the evidence suggests a chemical may pose health risks, even in the absence of definitive human studies.

• Replacing problematic chemicals with safer alternatives can facilitate regulatory action, though the availability of substitutes should not be the primary driver of these decisions.

• Persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and PFAS pose complex public health challenges due to their ubiquity and long-lasting environmental presence, underscoring the need for continued research and policy responses.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-regulating-risk-dr-peter-thorne-on-epa-fda-science-part-1/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange