Investigating the link between uranium exposure and infertility in a community cohort.
Official title: Uranium Exposure and Infertility in Reproductive Partners in the Fernald Community Cohort
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10666344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around uranium might affect the ability to have children for people who lived in the Fernald area, and it’s for anyone from that community who wants to help us understand the possible impacts on reproductive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $202,604 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES032112-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10666344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from the Fernald Community Cohort who have experienced infertility issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to uranium or are not part of the Fernald Community Cohort may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how exposure to uranium may affect infertility in both men and women within the Fernald Community Cohort, a group of approximately 9,000 individuals who lived in an area with known uranium exposure from 1951 to 1989. The study utilizes historical data and biological samples collected over the years to explore the relationship between uranium exposure and reproductive health. By analyzing hormone levels and infertility rates, the research aims to uncover potential risks associated with environmental contaminants. Participants will be asked to provide information through questionnaires and may contribute biological samples for further analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of environmental factors contributing to infertility, potentially guiding public health interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental exposures and infertility, suggesting that this investigation could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinney, Susan Mengel — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Pinney, Susan Mengel
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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.