Investigating how traffic-related air pollution affects preterm birth rates.
Official title: The Omics and Mixtures Integration on Traffic exposure and Preterm Birth (OMIT-PTB) Study
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11078185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in air pollution from traffic during pregnancy might lead to preterm births, especially in African American communities, and aims to find out how this pollution affects the health of mothers and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 24, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $654,756 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035738-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals, particularly those from African American communities, who are exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living in areas with low traffic-related air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution on preterm birth, particularly in African American communities that are disproportionately affected. By utilizing advanced analytical techniques and bioinformatics tools, the study aims to identify biological signals that link air pollution exposure to adverse birth outcomes. The research will analyze multi-omics data to uncover the mechanisms through which these environmental factors influence maternal and child health. This comprehensive approach seeks to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding the effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing preterm birth rates and enhancing maternal and child health in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking air pollution exposure to adverse birth outcomes, but this study aims to take a novel approach by integrating multi-omics data.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Donghai — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Donghai
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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.