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Study: Many pregnant women uncertain of marijuana risks even as use increases

Many pregnant women are unsure if it’s safe to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol, an active compound in marijuana, even as they increasingly turn to them to combat morning sickness, anxiety or insomnia, a recent University of Florida Health study shows. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against the use of marijuana and cannabidiol, or CBD, during pregnancy. Marijuana use has been associated in some studies with adverse fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Evidence of cannabidiol safety is sparse in human studies, but researchers remain concerned that it might nonetheless pose a danger. CBD is not intoxicating. The UF Health researchers said their study shows a need for the medical community to better educate women about the potential hazards to the fetus from using marijuana, also called cannabis. One worry is that some people believe the spreading legalization of marijuana or CBD around the nation equates to the government giving its stamp of approval that the products are safe, researchers said. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida, although its recreational use is not. “If a medication is legal, we assume that maybe it’s safe, although other things like tobacco and alcohol are also legal and we know that those can be harmful to pregnancies,” said Kay Roussos-Ross, M.D., the study’s senior author and a professor in the UF College of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We see a good deal of data out there that shows that there is increased risk of psychiatric and behavioral issues related to marijuana use in pregnancy, but we need more,” she added. “We need more so that we can be correct in our assessments and our educational efforts to women of reproductive age who are using marijuana.” It’s difficult to quantify the rise of marijuana and CBD use during pregnancy, with most estimates showing an increase predating COVID-19. A 2021 federal survey reported 7.2% of pregnant women used marijuana. The UF Health study noted that emerging evidence from obstetrics care shows more pregnant women are trying the products, perhaps because of increased legalization. The study, published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, surveyed 261 women and used focus groups to explore participants’ perceptions of the products. The women were either pregnant, breastfeeding or caring for a child 5 years old or younger, and reported use of marijuana or CBD products, such as vapes, smoking, tincture oils or ointments. “There seems to be a disconnect,” said Amie Goodin, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the UF College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy and the study’s lead author. “About one in six pregnant women are telling us, ‘Yes, I have used marijuana or a CBD product while I’m pregnant.’ But half are saying, ‘I don’t know what the risks are.’” About 40% of the pregnant women surveyed said they were unsure how risky it was to use marijuana once or twice a week during pregnancy, compared with 34.5% of women who were not pregnant when surveyed for the study but who had children. Asked the same question about CBD, more than 52% of pregnant women were unsure of the risk, compared with 41.8% for mothers who weren’t pregnant when surveyed. About 36% of pregnant women reported using marijuana, compared with 65% of mothers not currently pregnant, perhaps reflecting at least some increased caution among those in the former group. CBD use was 19.9% for pregnant women and 38.2% for women who were not pregnant. “Some women did mention that the legalization of marijuana has made marijuana more socially acceptable,” said study co-author Deepthi Varma, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Department of Epidemiology. The researchers said they were especially concerned that women were even less sure of the safety of CBD use because it is widely available and often seen as harmless. “You might notice that it’s even something that you can buy at a gas station or a grocery store,” Goodin said. “CBD in a purified form has actually got an FDA approval to treat certain types of pediatric epilepsy on its own … but pharmaceutical-grade CBD is not quite the same thing as you would expect to get if you were purchasing CBD oil at a smoke shop or a gas station.”

Reading for pleasure in free fall: New study finds 40% drop over two decades

A sweeping new study from the University of Florida and University College London has found that daily reading for pleasure in the United States has declined by more than 40% over the last 20 years — raising urgent questions about the cultural, educational and health consequences of a nation reading less. Published today in the journal iScience, the study analyzed data from over 236,000 Americans who participated in the American Time Use Survey between 2003 and 2023. The findings suggest a fundamental cultural shift: fewer people are carving out time in their day to read for enjoyment. “This is not just a small dip — it’s a sustained, steady decline of about 3% per year,” said Jill Sonke, Ph.D., director of research initiatives at the UF Center for Arts in Medicine and co-director of the EpiArts Lab, a National Endowment for the Arts research lab at UF in partnership with University College London. “It’s significant, and it’s deeply concerning.” Who’s reading and who isn’t The decline wasn’t evenly spread across the population. Researchers found steeper drops among Black Americans than white Americans, people with lower income or educational attainment, and those in rural (versus metropolitan) areas — highlighting deepening disparities in reading access and habits. “While people with higher education levels and women are still more likely to read, even among these groups, we’re seeing shifts,” said Jessica Bone, Ph.D., senior research fellow in statistics and epidemiology at University College London. “And among those who do read, the time spent reading has increased slightly, which may suggest a polarization, where some people are reading more while many have stopped reading altogether.” The researchers also noted some more promising findings, including that reading with children did not change over the last 20 years. However, reading with children was a lot less common than reading for pleasure, which is concerning given that this activity is tied to early literacy development, academic success and family bonding, Bone said. Why it matters Reading for pleasure has long been recognized not just as a tool for education, but as a means of supporting mental health, empathy, creativity and lifelong learning. The EpiArts Lab, which uses large data sets to examine links between the arts and health, has previously identified clear associations between creative engagement and well-being. “Reading has historically been a low-barrier, high-impact way to engage creatively and improve quality of life,” Sonke said. “When we lose one of the simplest tools in our public health toolkit, it’s a serious loss.” The American Time Use Survey offers a unique window into these trends. “We’re working with incredibly detailed data about how people spend their days,” Bone said. “And because it’s a representative sample of U.S. residents in private households, we can look not just at the national trend, but at how it plays out across different communities.” Why are Americans reading less? While causes were not part of the study, the researchers point to multiple potential factors, including the rise of digital media, growing economic pressures, shrinking leisure time and uneven access to books and libraries. “Our digital culture is certainly part of the story,” Sonke said. “But there are also structural issues — limited access to reading materials, economic insecurity and a national decline in leisure time. If you’re working multiple jobs or dealing with transportation barriers in a rural area, a trip to the library may just not be feasible.” What can be done? The study’s authors say that interventions could help slow or reverse the trend, but they need to be strategic. “Reading with children is one of the most promising avenues,” said Daisy Fancourt, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and epidemiology at University College London and co-director of the EpiArts Lab. “It supports not only language and literacy, but empathy, social bonding, emotional development and school readiness.” Bone added that creating more community-centered reading opportunities could also help: “Ideally, we’d make local libraries more accessible and attractive, encourage book groups, and make reading a more social and supported activity — not just something done in isolation.” The study underscores the importance of valuing and protecting access to the arts — not only as a matter of culture, but as a matter of public health. “Reading has always been one of the more accessible ways to support well-being,” Fancourt said. “To see this kind of decline is concerning because the research is clear: reading is a vital health-enhancing behavior for every group within society, with benefits across the life-course.”

Epidemiologist: Winter Olympics fortunate to dodge norovirus outbreak

Finland's Olympic women's hockey team overcame a norovirus scare last week, but they couldn't get past Team USA, who shut them out 5-0 Saturday in Milan. The University of Delaware's Jennifer Horney can discuss the difficult-to-contain virus, which also hit the Winter Games in 2018. - Horney, a professor of epidemiology at UD, said that the outbreak –  which forced Finland to cancel its first game after 13 players had either been infected or quarantined – is not surprising. Norovirus spreads rapidly in crowded environments through direct contact with surfaces or airborne droplets. - It is difficult to limit the spread of norovirus, as witnessed by the major outbreak that spread at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. - Consideration is often given for the potential of these types of outbreaks being intentional, which requires public health to work closely with law enforcement. To reach Horney directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Georgia Southern faculty featured on prestigious top 2% of scientists list

Twelve outstanding active faculty members from Georgia Southern University were featured on Stanford and Elsevier’s 2025 list of the top 2% of scientists in the world. This annual list features scientists whose work has had the highest citation count and citation impact in their fields within a given year. This year’s Georgia Southern honorees represent a diverse range of disciplines, from physics and chemistry to epidemiology and business. Ten of the 12 faculty members were also featured on last year’s list. Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D, P.G., is among them and takes pride in seeing so many familiar names, and a couple of new ones, included. “Seeing names from so many different disciplines, both old and new, speaks volumes about our growth and consistency,” said Weindorf. “I’m so thankful for these faculty who relentlessly pursue excellence and truly embody growing ourselves to grow others in research.” Check out who made the list from Georgia Southern by clicking on the attached media release below: Looking to know more about Georgia Southern University and it's nationally recognized faculty — simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

Colorado wildfires will have severe mental health impact on residents and firefighters

The historic wildfire season in Colorado includes some of the largest in its history, leading to firefighter burnout and resource shortages. University of Delaware epidemiologist Jennifer Horney says that first responders, as well as Colorado residents, will be at risk for both physical and mental health impacts of the fires. "The fires, and the expected flash floods and mud slides to follow, will also be a test of a reduced focus on, and investment in, federal disaster response and hazard mitigation," said Horney, professor and director of UD's epidemiology program. In addition to research on the impacts of natural disasters on public health, Horney also studies linkages between disaster planning and the actions communities and individuals take to prepare, respond and recover. To set up an interview, visit her ExpertFile profile and click on the "contact" button. Reporters can also email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

AU research team awarded $4.4 million American Heart Association grant

A research team at Augusta University, led by Jennifer C. Sullivan, PhD, has secured a $4.4 million grant from the American Heart Association to study the risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases and how they impact women. Sullivan’s research center, “Disruptions in cardiorenal free fatty acid metabolism in Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome,” is part of a larger $15 million project titled “Strategically Focused Research Network on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome: Heterogeneity in Women.” The overarching AHA project is aimed at learning why women may be more likely to develop cardiovascular and kidney diseases due to certain unique risk factors and life stages. Research teams from Massachusetts General Hospital and The Ohio State University were also chosen. “I think this is a huge step for Augusta University as we continue to distinguish ourselves and the research that we have here focused on the health of women,” said Sullivan, dean of The Graduate School. “This grant is particularly impactful as we look to advance and improve the health of women, not just in Georgia, but for the entire country.” According to the Healthy Georgia Report, produced by AU’s School of Public Health, Georgia has the 23rd highest rate of obesity in the United States. Among the women living in the state, 38.3% of them, as well as 37.5% of people living in rural areas, suffer from obesity. “It’s great that we are able to represent the state of Georgia because our state has such a high prevalence for obesity rates,” said Sullivan, who is the director of AU’s SCORE project “Improving awareness of women with hypertension: ROAR (Rural, Obese, At Risk).” “It’s important for us to understand that different populations have distinct needs. You can’t talk about a one-size-fits-all approach to health. This is really about trying to understand how different groups are impacted.” Each center is comprised of three teams, as well as a training component and an area partner. Together, they will explore obesity’s lifetime impact on CKM syndrome through three projects. CKM syndrome is a clinical term that describes the combined health effects of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, which puts people at high risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults has at least three components of CKM syndrome, which include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), impaired kidney function and excess body weight. The first project is led by Daria Ilatovskaya, PhD, and Justine Abais-Battad, PhD, and will look at aging and Western diet-induced CKMS mechanisms in obesity. Ilatovskaya is an associate professor and the graduate program director for the Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology program, and Abais-Battad is an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. The second component, led by Jessica Faulkner, PhD, an assistant professor in MCG’s Physiology department, will study obesity-associated mechanisms of CKMS in pregnancy. The third project, led by Stephen Coughlin, PhD, with Marlo Vernon, PhD, is looking at CKMS epidemiology, associations with obesity, CVD/CKD. Coughlin is the program director for the Master of Science in Epidemiology and professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health’s Department of Biostatistics, Data Science, and Epidemiology, while Vernon is an associate professor with MCG’s Georgia Prevention Institute and SPH’s Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences. Additionally, the team will talk to women and health care providers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to assess current knowledge and interest levels in heart health and use that information to develop programs that may help treat and prevent disease. There is also a training director, Alison Kriegel, PhD, a professor in the Department of Physiology, and a core director, Guido Verbeck, PhD, chair and professor of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics. “We have a strong blend of clinical epidemiology and basic science, as well as a training component, which we will fill with post-doctoral fellows,” Sullivan said. “Dr. Ilatovskaya, Dr. Faulkner, Dr. Abais-Battad and Dr. Vernon are all a part of our ROAR grant, and, while this isn’t directly related to that program, it allowed us to demonstrate how we are already well positioned to work together to amplify our ability and increase awareness about the importance of the health of women.” The team has over 50 collaborative papers and has secured more than $13 million in collaborative funding to advance the health of women. They also all have experience training fellows and students to continue to expand their reach. “We already have a lot of the infrastructure in place for this kind of cross-disciplinary project, so we leaned very heavily into our connections and the expertise we have here at Augusta University. It’s set up very similar to our ROAR program, so this is something that was really organic in nature,” Sullivan said. The American Heart Association has invested almost $300 million to establish 18 Strategically Focused Research Networks, each aimed at addressing a key strategic issue identified by the association’s volunteer Board of Directors. Prior networks have been studying a wide variety of important topics including, but not limited to, prevention, hypertension, the health of women, heart failure, obesity, vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death, cardiometabolic health/type 2 diabetes, health technology, cardio-oncology, the biological impact of chronic psychosocial stress and the role of inflammation in cardiovascular health. Each network centers around scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the key research topic. Three to six research centers make up each network, bringing together investigators with expertise in basic, clinical and population/behavioral health science to find new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease and stroke. Funding scientific research and discovery through initiatives like these awards is a cornerstone of the century-old American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. The association has now funded more than $5.9 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the United States. New knowledge resulting from this funding continues to save lives and directly impact millions of people in every corner of the U.S. and around the world. Looking to know more about the amazing research happening at Augusta? To connect with Dr. Sullivan, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.

Spring break could compound West Texas measles outbreak

Most Texas schools go on spring break this week, which could be a major issue compounding the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas, said Jennifer Horney, an epidemiologist at the University of Delaware. The outbreak, which has grown to more than 200 cases and claimed the life of a child last week, is likely to continue to grow as new cases are identified in both surrounding communities as well as other states, Horney said. Horney, founding director of UD's epidemiology program, can also comment on vaccination of measles, which is one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases. • Through maintenance of vaccination coverage of greater than 90%, the U.S. was able to gain eradication status in 2000. • Although there have been sporadic cases, and even outbreaks, since then, worsening vaccine hesitancy has led to vaccination rates in some communities of 80% or lower. • According to data, of 20 outbreaks involving three or more cases reported in the last five years, 40% were in 2024. With outbreaks currently in at least nine states in the U.S., 2025 looks to be a very bad year for measles infections. Visit Horney's profile below and click on "contact" to arrange an interview.

Los Angeles wildfires: Experts address health concerns and evacuation strategies

Major wildfires are once again raging in California, this time in Los Angeles County. According to news reports, they have so far been responsible for two deaths, 1,000 damaged structures and the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents. Experts from the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center can comment on health impacts, evacuation strategies and how to manage pets and animals during disasters. Below are three of the Disaster Research Center core faculty and the topics they can discuss related to the current wildfires: Jennifer Horney, founding director of UD’s epidemiology program: Health impacts of disasters (mental and physical) as well as evacuation. Additionally, exposure to wildfire smoke which increases risk of respiratory infections; the scale of these fires during a very high period for these infectious diseases (flu, RSV, COVID) may also put pressure on public health and health care systems. Tricia Wachtendorf, co-director of the Disaster Research Center and professor of sociology and criminal justice: Disaster donations, social vulnerability and evacuation. Sarah DeYoung, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice: Pets and animals during evacuations.

New COVID variant: Uptick expected, but cases should be mild

Talk of a new COVID-19 variant can lead to a feeling of shell shock and fears that another wave is approaching. But a University of Delaware epidemiologist says the FLiRT strain will likely cause more of a ripple marked by mild cases as opposed to the waves we became accustomed to four years ago. Jennifer Horney, professor and founding director of UD's epidemiology program, said that although the number of cases will rise during the summer due to travel, weddings and other large gatherings, the health impact won't be as dire thanks in large part to our existing public immunity. "What we can expect later in 2024 will likely depend on how well the vaccine advisors are able to anticipate changes to the virus and make recommendations about a vaccine that will become available in Fall 2024," she said. Horney has been one of the leading sources for media outlets on COVID-19 and served as a member of the Board of Scientific Counselors for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Center for Preparedness and Response during the pandemic. She has led interdisciplinary research projects funded by many federal agencies and was part of the public health response to Hurricanes Isabel, Charley, Katrina, Wilma, Irene and Harvey where she conducted rapid assessments of disaster impacts on individual and community health. Reporters interested in setting up an interview can visit Horney's profile and click on the contact button. The message will reach her directly.

Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs | Media Advisory

With two cancer diagnoses in the Royal family - cancer is regrettably a trending topic but also a vitally important one for everyone. In the ongoing battle against cancer, recent advancements in diagnosis and prevention offer promising avenues for both medical practitioners and the general public. With cancer being one of the leading causes of death globally, developments in this field not only hold significant importance for healthcare but also for individuals and families impacted by the disease. Here's why this matters and potential story angles: Why it Matters: Health Impact: Improved diagnostic tools and preventive measures can lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment options, potentially saving lives. Economic Implications: The economic burden of cancer treatment on individuals, families, and healthcare systems underscores the importance of preventative measures and early detection. Public Health: Addressing cancer at the diagnostic and prevention stages contributes to broader public health initiatives, reducing the overall incidence and mortality rates. Story Angles: Breakthrough Technologies: Explore innovative diagnostic technologies such as liquid biopsies or AI-driven imaging systems transforming cancer detection. Lifestyle and Prevention: Investigate lifestyle factors, from diet and exercise to environmental exposures, and their role in cancer prevention. Genetic Research: Cover advancements in genetic testing and personalized medicine, offering insights into individual risk factors and tailored prevention strategies. Access to Care: Examine disparities in access to cancer screening and prevention measures, particularly among underserved communities. Survivor Stories: Highlight stories of individuals who have benefited from early detection or preventive interventions, offering hope and inspiration. Policy and Advocacy: Discuss the role of policy initiatives and advocacy efforts in promoting cancer prevention strategies and ensuring equitable access to screening and diagnostic services. Connect with an Expert about Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Anna McDaniel Dean of the College of Nursing – University of Florida Jorge Cortes Director, Georgia Cancer Center – Augusta University Nicholas J. Petrelli Bank of America endowed medical director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute – ChristianaCare Katherine Reeves Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, School of Public Health and Health Sciences –  University of Massachusetts Amherst Nicole Onetto Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer – Ontario Institute for Cancer Research                                                                                                                                          Photo Credit: National Cancer Institute