Disease Research
Research Funded by NIEHS Grants - Division of Extramural Research and Training
The Institute’s extramural division supports a variety of programs and centers to address a range of environmental health issues and to better understand how environmental agents cause or exacerbate human diseases and disorders, including the following:
- Autism
NIEHS supports research projects investigating whether various contaminants, together with genetic susceptibility, increase the risk for developing autism. Three projects funded by NIEHS are the Childhood Autism Risks from Genes and the Environment (CHARGE) study, the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) study, and the Markers of Autism Risk in Babies—Learning Early Signs (MARBLES). - Autoimmune Disease and Immunotoxicology
NIEHS-funded immunotoxicology research is exploring how environmental exposures can cause immune system dysfunction. At the other end of the spectrum, grantees are examining the role environmental exposures play in the development and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. - Breast Cancer
NIEHS-funded breast cancer research is studying how the environment interfaces with other factors, such as early puberty, to shape risk for breast cancer. Multidisciplinary scientists, clinicians, and community partners are examining environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility. - Cardiovascular Disease
NIEHS supports research aimed at identifying who is most likely to experience cardiovascular problems because of exposure to air pollution and other contaminants such as pesticides, lead, dioxins, and arsenic. Investigators also want to understand how a person's genetics might affect susceptibility to pollutants and the mechanisms leading to cardiovascular effects. - Children’s Diseases
Researchers supported by NIEHS are investigating how early environmental exposures might contribute to developmental problems, childhood diseases, or later development of disease. Scientists at NIEHS' Centers for Children's Environmental Health & Disease Prevention Research work with community partners and health care providers to reduce children's exposure to contaminants. - Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegeneration can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and is thought to be caused by an interaction of genes and environment. NIEHS-funded research is examining how exposure to pesticides, pollution, and other contaminants affects neurodegeneration. - Neurodevelopmental Diseases
NIEHS supports scientists who are working to uncover how genetics and early environmental exposures interact to lead to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental problems. This research is increasing our understanding about how environmental exposures early in life affect neurodevelopment and will help identify who is the most vulnerable to these exposures. - Obesity and Diabetes
Obesity increases risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Many factors, including the environment, are involved in obesity. NIEHS-funded researchers are studying how exposure to air pollution, arsenic, and other contaminants affect obesity, metabolism, and type 2 diabetes. - Reproductive System Disorders
Exposure to environmental pollutants can lead to diseases, disorders, and conditions that affect the function of male and female reproductive systems. NIEHS supports research that is developing a fuller understanding of the relationship between exposures and risk of reproductive health problems. - Respiratory Illnesses
NIEHS-funded researchers are increasing our understanding of how exposure to various pollutants can lead to respiratory illnesses and the role that a person's genetics plays in this process. This information could help prevent and treat these illnesses and aid in identifying who is the most vulnerable to air pollution.
