Investigating how different sources of air pollution affect stillbirth rates in neighborhoods
Official title: Source-specific multi-pollutant exposures and the neighborhood context in disparities in stillbirth
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10850676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different types of air pollution in your neighborhood might affect stillbirth rates, helping us understand how the environment can impact pregnancy outcomes for moms and babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $533,173 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES031990-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals living in urban areas with varying levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living in rural areas with minimal air pollution exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of various sources of air pollution on stillbirth rates, particularly focusing on how neighborhood characteristics influence these outcomes. By analyzing complex mixtures of pollutants and their origins, the study aims to identify specific environmental factors that contribute to disparities in maternal and child health. The methodology includes advanced statistical models to assess the relationship between air quality and stillbirth, providing insights that could lead to targeted interventions. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their environment affects pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that reduce stillbirth rates by addressing environmental factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown associations between air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but this study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of multiple pollutant sources, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Symanski, Elaine — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Symanski, Elaine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stillbirth Data Hub: Coordinating Center for Big-Data and AI in Stillbirth Research
A national data hub is being built to coordinate data, biorepository, and analytics for stillbirth research using advanced AI and machine learning.
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Genetic roots of stillbirth and developmental disorders
A genetic study from Massachusetts General Hospital will look for inherited and new DNA changes that contribute to stillbirth and related developmental disorders in families.
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Innovative Data Core for Stillbirth Research Center
A data and software core is being built to harmonize and analyze information from multiple sites to uncover why stillbirth happens and to support future prevention.
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Administrative Core for Stillbirth Research Coordinating Center
A coordination core is being funded to organize and manage data, collaborations, and administration to help stillbirth research move forward.
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Stillbirth Data Coordinating Center focusing on AI-powered insights
A national data hub is using advanced AI and machine learning to analyze stillbirth data and help researchers find patterns that could prevent or understand stillbirth.
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NOURISH: nutrition and health factors linked to pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth risk
Aimed at understanding how nutrition and stress-related health factors affect placental function to prevent stillbirths in pregnancies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.