The most popular public health stories of the year
These 10 research articles grabbed the attention of our readers in 2024
- 3 min. read ▪ Published
The readers of UC Berkeley School of Public Health’s Research News had a lot to select from in 2024—we published a total of 106 pieces on our website and through our weekly newsletter. From toxic tampons to AI in mental health, here are the most-read pieces of the year.
First study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
This groundbreaking study, led by UC Berkeley School of Public Health postgraduate researcher Jenni A. Shearston, showed that tampons from several brands that potentially millions of people use each month can contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Taxes on sugar-sweetened drinks drive decline in consumption
A study led by researchers at UC Berkeley—including those at UC Berkeley School of Public Health and the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics—and elsewhere showed that after excise taxes were placed on sugary beverages, purchases declined dramatically and steadily across five American cities.
The Legacy of Eugenics: Professor Osagie K. Obasogie launches landmark series with LA Review of Books
Professor Osagie Obasogie teamed up with the LA Review of Books to launch a two-year project called Legacies of Eugenics, a national conversation on the history of eugenics and the ways it still shapes various aspects of science, medicine, and technology.
Dr. Jodi Halpern on why AI isn’t a magic bullet for mental health
A Q&A with Jodi Halpern, professor at UC Berkeley School of Public Health and an expert on empathy and leadership, AI ethics and bioethics, and mental health, on why using AI therapy in mental health may pose some problems.
Bay Area soda taxes don’t just affect sales. They help change people’s minds
UC Berkeley researchers, led by Professor Kristine Madsen, found that taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, coupled with media attention, coincided with significant changes in social norms around sugary drinks.
“Altruistic” doctors put patients before profits — and achieve better results
At a time when insurance companies, hospital systems and government agencies are pressing doctors to cut costs and increase profits, the findings have enormous health care implications.
Sodium intake associated with severe eczema
A study led by Associate Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology Katrina Abuabara found that sodium intake is associated with a higher risk for developing atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Researchers found that one additional daily gram of sodium was linked with 11% higher risk of developing severe eczema.
Black students are punished more often
A study co-written by Assistant Professor Sean Darling-Hammond came to the conclusion that, “No matter how you slice it, Black students are punished more.” They also found that while disparities are widespread in K-12 education, they are larger in some contexts than one might expect.
UC Berkeley School of Public Health welcomes inaugural cohort of Impact Fellows
In 2024, the school greeted nine impact fellows who will collaborate with our community to create new projects and initiatives, help shape the Berkeley Public Health social impact strategy, and share their expertise with students.
FDA launches tampon safety investigation after study finds toxic metals
After a UC Berkeley-led study reported that tampons used by millions of people worldwide can contain lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other chemicals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched its own investigation into the potential hazard.