https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-rss/?title=Latest%20News&orgId=121449 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Climate, Health, and Environment Nexus (CHEN) Lab en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:33:02 Z https://abcnews.com/Health/extreme-heat-impact-health-early-dangerous-temperatures-hit/story?id=131248730 https://abcnews.com/Health/extreme-heat-impact-health-early-dangerous-temperatures-hit/story?id=131248730 As a dangerous heat wave hits the West, doctors warn people can suffer severe health effects, which can be even worse when high temperatures come earlier than expected. YSPH's Dr. Kai Chen comments. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/translating-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/translating-science/ Three impact stories and one essay detail research projects across YSPH's Scholarly Areas of Focus, led by Drs. Nicola Hawley, Yusuf Ransome, Kai Chen, and Zack Cooper. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/news/story/epa-rolling-back-greenhouse-gas-emissions-endangerment-finding-130149962 https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/news/story/epa-rolling-back-greenhouse-gas-emissions-endangerment-finding-130149962 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is rescinding its 2009 finding that six key greenhouse gases threaten human health and welfare. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen says the rollback threatens millions of lives. Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/cardiovascular-deaths-from-air-pollution-declining-in-the-us-but-racial-disparities-persist/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/cardiovascular-deaths-from-air-pollution-declining-in-the-us-but-racial-disparities-persist/ A new study from the Yale School of Public Health shows that air pollution-related cardiovascular deaths are increasingly concentrated among traditionally underserved communities and driven by specific chemical components rather than overall pollution levels. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/warming-us-climate-linked-to-rising-deaths-from-heat/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/warming-us-climate-linked-to-rising-deaths-from-heat/ Record-breaking heat and severe cold spells are having a significant impact on health and mortality in the United States, say researchers at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH). Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/lone-star-ticks-nitrogen-dioxide-pollution-and-dementia-care-study-highlight-october-2025-research-roundup/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/lone-star-ticks-nitrogen-dioxide-pollution-and-dementia-care-study-highlight-october-2025-research-roundup/ A YSPH investigation discovers significant racial disparities in the health impact of nitrogen dioxide pollution. A new study highlights successful dementia-friendly communities in China; and a rare lone star tick bite gets documented in Connecticut. Learn more in this month's research roundup report. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/building-resilience-in-the-face-of-extreme-climate/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/building-resilience-in-the-face-of-extreme-climate/ Far less extreme cold weather, more dangerous heat days, accelerating sea level rise, and an increased frequency of hazardous storm surges are possible in Connecticut by the end of the century. Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/climate/wildfire-smoke-health-deaths.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/climate/wildfire-smoke-health-deaths.html Pollution from fires, intensified by rising temperatures, is on track to become one of America’s deadliest climate disasters, according to a new study. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen calls the report a "wake-up call." Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/new-ysph-pilot-grants-aim-to-support-innovative-interdisciplinary-research/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/new-ysph-pilot-grants-aim-to-support-innovative-interdisciplinary-research/ The Yale School of Public Health recently launched its inaugural Transformational Pilot Funding grants, providing internal seed money to empower faculty to pursue ambitious, cross-disciplinary studies that have the potential to transform health outcomes locally and globally. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-floodwaters-increase-health-risks-months-experts/story?id=123675897 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-floodwaters-increase-health-risks-months-experts/story?id=123675897 Central Texas is continuing to recover from one of the deadliest floods in the state's history. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen warns residents to take precautions, as a buildup of mold, sewage system failures, and other environmental issues after the flooding can pose significant health risks. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bad-breaths-moderate-air-pollution-and-heat-exposure-raise-2025a1000g80 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bad-breaths-moderate-air-pollution-and-heat-exposure-raise-2025a1000g80 The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality has been linked to an increased risk for acute myocardial infarction in young adults. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/two-new-studies-from-china-on-medical-care-environmental-mental-health-stressors/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/two-new-studies-from-china-on-medical-care-environmental-mental-health-stressors/ Two new YSPH research studies look at health care practices in China and the impact of pollution and high temperatures on children's mental health. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/06/03/star-music-kavli-kudos-and-summertime-heart-risks https://news.yale.edu/2025/06/03/star-music-kavli-kudos-and-summertime-heart-risks Researchers listen to “music” made by stars, consider the heart risks of hot, smoggy days, and earn kudos in geoscience, public health, and systems biology. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/faculty-research-awards-showcase-ysph-strengths-in-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/faculty-research-awards-showcase-ysph-strengths-in-science/ Whether developing a new test for malaria, exposing health risks associated with climate change, or highlighting the impact of stigma on LGBTQ+ population well-being, Yale School of Public Health faculty advanced science in a variety of impactful ways over the past year. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/03/04/yale-forum-celebrates-ten-years-of-center-on-climate-change-and-health/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/03/04/yale-forum-celebrates-ten-years-of-center-on-climate-change-and-health/ On Feb. 28, over 50 faculty members across various disciplines convened for the Yale Forum on Climate Change and Health, hosted by the Yale Planetary Solutions and Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, or YCCCH. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/when-climate-and-health-collide/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/when-climate-and-health-collide/ In a new report, scientists at the Yale School of Public Health warn that smoke from the California wildfires can exacerbate cardiovascular problems. They also say the compound extreme weather events that preceded the fires represent a new era in public health in which climate change-driven disasters create new challenges for protecting population health. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://abcnews.go.com/International/sites-2026-fifa-world-cup-pose-heat-stress/story?id=116236299 https://abcnews.go.com/International/sites-2026-fifa-world-cup-pose-heat-stress/story?id=116236299 Extreme heat could pose a significant threat to players and spectators at the next World Cup, according to climate and medical experts. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen expects temperatures to keep rising and says they will continue to pose a significant health threat. Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.pnas.org/post/podcast/long-term-impact-wildfire-smoke-pollution https://www.pnas.org/post/podcast/long-term-impact-wildfire-smoke-pollution Science Sessions, the podcast of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, speaks to Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Kai Chen about the impact of wildfire smoke on human health. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/2024-lancet-report-on-climate-change-reveals-record-breaking-health-threats-associated-with-climate-inaction/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/2024-lancet-report-on-climate-change-reveals-record-breaking-health-threats-associated-with-climate-inaction/ The 2024 Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, an annual international assessment of progress toward the climate mitigation goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement — co-authored this year by three members of the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health — contains some of the most dire projections to date associated with persistent global inaction over the pressing climate emergency. Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/study-links-higher-temperatures-to-increased-stroke-risk/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/study-links-higher-temperatures-to-increased-stroke-risk/ According to a new study by researchers from the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, short-term exposure to high ambient temperatures may significantly increase the risk of stroke among people aged 18 to 64 years, especially women. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuradhavaranasi/2024/09/30/more-than-11000-deaths-linked-to-wildfire-smoke-every-year-in-the-us/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuradhavaranasi/2024/09/30/more-than-11000-deaths-linked-to-wildfire-smoke-every-year-in-the-us/ Every year, more than 11,000 deaths in the U.S. could be attributed to wildfire smoke because it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/long-term-exposure-to-wildfire-smoke-associated-with-higher-risk-of-death/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/long-term-exposure-to-wildfire-smoke-associated-with-higher-risk-of-death/ Pollutants from fires can travel great distances and have the potential to affect human health thousands of kilometers away. In a new study, researchers from the Yale School of Public Health investigated whether long-term exposure to fine particles in wildfire smoke was associated with increases in causes of death. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/wildfires-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-stay-safe/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/wildfires-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-stay-safe/ In addition to a fire's deadly flames, wildfire smoke is a threat to lives and health. Here's how to stay safe, from Yale School of Public Health experts. Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/very-hot-weather-is-hazardous-to-your-health-but-there-are-ways-to-stay-safe/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/very-hot-weather-is-hazardous-to-your-health-but-there-are-ways-to-stay-safe/ Extreme heat is hazardous to your health. Here are ways to stay safe as the globe warms. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/08/06/california-seniors-heat-climate-change/ https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/08/06/california-seniors-heat-climate-change/ By the end of this decade, 10.8 million Californians — or one-quarter of the state’s population — will be over 60 years old. That could change the way the state prepares for rising temperatures. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen discusses his latest research. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.aamc.org/news/ozone-unseen-health-threat-makes-comeback-climate-change https://www.aamc.org/news/ozone-unseen-health-threat-makes-comeback-climate-change U.S. laws have reduced ground-level ozone since the 1970s, but scientists warn that rising temperatures will fuel more of the gas and stall pollution reduction. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/california-heat-wave-climate-health-19553325.php https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/california-heat-wave-climate-health-19553325.php Americans all over the country have experienced highly unusual, and sometimes catastrophic weather patterns this past year. This week, a record-breaking heat wave is gripping the Bay Area, one that appears will persist foran unusually long time. This is not an isolated event. Fri, 05 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ Yale School of Public Health researchers evaluate the association between exposure to hot temperatures during pregnancy and the risk of cancer in children. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:30:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/yale-faculty-jacc-editorial-board/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/yale-faculty-jacc-editorial-board/ The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), one of the leading cardiovascular journals worldwide, recently named several Yale faculty members to its editorial board. Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/beyond-heatwaves-how-rising-temperatures-affect-our-health/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/beyond-heatwaves-how-rising-temperatures-affect-our-health/ When we talk about heat, what are we talking about? The health effects of temperature are really two-fold, if it gets either too hot or too cold, people can die, and people can get sick. Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/2024-teachers-and-mentor-of-the-year-announced/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/2024-teachers-and-mentor-of-the-year-announced/ Three outstanding members of the Yale School of Public Health faculty are honored as part of the 2024 distinguished faculty awards. Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://time.com/6978159/wildfire-smoke-health-impact/ https://time.com/6978159/wildfire-smoke-health-impact/ Wildfires burning in Canada are sending smoke across the border, prompting U.S. officials to issue air quality warnings in several northern states. YSPH Assistant Professor Kai Chen discusses the potential health impact. Tue, 14 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/earth-month-giving-campaign-supports-health-centered-climate-solutions/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/earth-month-giving-campaign-supports-health-centered-climate-solutions/ The Yale Center on Climate Change and Health believes that protecting human health is the most powerful yet under-tapped driving force for climate action. Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/a-call-to-action-ysph-co-hosts-first-climate-symposium/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/a-call-to-action-ysph-co-hosts-first-climate-symposium/ The profound impact of climate change on community health was the topic of the 2024 Connecticut Symposium on Climate Change and Health at the Yale School of Public Health. Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/aging-population-to-be-major-driver-of-future-climate-related-deaths/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/aging-population-to-be-major-driver-of-future-climate-related-deaths/ Population aging constitutes a crucial driver for future heat- and cold-related deaths. Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1234671424/the-human-cost-of-climate-related-disasters-is-acutely-undercounted-new-study-sa https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1234671424/the-human-cost-of-climate-related-disasters-is-acutely-undercounted-new-study-sa A new study published in Nature Medicine finds that emergency admissions, and even deaths, are higher than expected for days and weeks after storms. YSPH Assistant Professor of Epidemiology (Environmental Health Sciences) Kai Chen comments. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ YSPH associate professor and clinical psychologist Sarah Lowe discusses the connection between climate change and mental health. Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ozone-related-deaths-projected-to-rise-significantly-without-stricter-climate-air-quality-controls/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ozone-related-deaths-projected-to-rise-significantly-without-stricter-climate-air-quality-controls/ An international study led by scientists at the Yale School of Public Health warns that ozone-related deaths will rise significantly in many parts of the world over the next two decades unless current climate and air quality regulations are strengthened. Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ysph-study-reveals-the-human-health-costs-of-exposure-to-floods/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/ysph-study-reveals-the-human-health-costs-of-exposure-to-floods/ A new Yale School of Public Health study shows that flooding’s impact on human health is much greater than is typically recognized. Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 Z https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/study-reveals-startling-between-air-123000138.html https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/study-reveals-startling-between-air-123000138.html A new study has revealed that air pollution negatively affects children’s test scores, and girls and minorities are most at risk. The study’s senior author Kai Chen, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, said it’s important to take measures to fix the pollution problem. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/yale-study-polluted-air-can-negatively-impact-childrens-test-scores/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/yale-study-polluted-air-can-negatively-impact-childrens-test-scores/ A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds air pollution may negatively impact standardized test scores. Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-10-18/summer-wildfires-drove-up-asthma-cases-in-nyc-emergency-rooms-what-does-that-mean-for-ct https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-10-18/summer-wildfires-drove-up-asthma-cases-in-nyc-emergency-rooms-what-does-that-mean-for-ct In early June, Connecticut saw hazy orange skies and days of bad air, as wildfires in Canada covered the region in smoke. Now, a new Yale-led study shows how the respiratory health of people in nearby New York City suffered as the air quality diminished. Experts warn similar impacts could play out in Connecticut. Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://fortune.com/well/article/global-warming-climate-change-health-effects-prevention-tips/ https://fortune.com/well/article/global-warming-climate-change-health-effects-prevention-tips/ The summer of 2023 was the hottest in history. Global warming has resulted in record-breaking temperatures that don’t just make it unbearable to be outside—they’re taking a massive toll on our climate and health. Assistant Professor Kai Chen says heat can also trigger inflammation and impact the heart. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/canadian-wildfire-smoke-associated-with-increased-asthma-cases-in-nyc/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/canadian-wildfire-smoke-associated-with-increased-asthma-cases-in-nyc/ A new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health confirms that harmful smoke from wildfires is capable of traveling great distances and can impact the health of people hundreds of miles away. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/severe-flooding-linked-to-increased-diarrhea-risk-in-children/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/severe-flooding-linked-to-increased-diarrhea-risk-in-children/ Weather patterns driven by climate change are causing more severe flooding around the globe increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening diarrhea among children under the age of five, particularly among those living in low- and middle-income countries, according to a new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-outdoor-air-pollution-study-18366232.php https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-outdoor-air-pollution-study-18366232.php Connecticut’s buildings are hidden vectors for most types of air pollution, causing increased risk of heart attack, asthma and many other health conditions, according to a joint report by a coalition of local and national environmental groups, including Save the Sound, the Sierra Club, and the CT Conservation Law Foundation. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/for-ysph-student-maui-wildfires-are-the-latest-consequence-of-the-islands-colonialist-history/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/kaichen/news-article/for-ysph-student-maui-wildfires-are-the-latest-consequence-of-the-islands-colonialist-history/ Yale School of Public Health PhD student Bryce Takenaka says the Maui wildfires did not result from a natural catastrophe nor a single incident but were a product of settler capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism. He's urging people to donate to help indigenous people rebuild after the fires. Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/09/12/yale-researchers-identify-racial-disparities-in-clean-air-access/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/09/12/yale-researchers-identify-racial-disparities-in-clean-air-access/ A team at the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine has uncovered that Black communities are especially vulnerable to harmful air pollutants, casting doubt on clean air policy. Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-09-12/us-environmental-laws-are-cleaning-up-air-but-benefits-vary-across-racial-groups-study-finds https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-09-12/us-environmental-laws-are-cleaning-up-air-but-benefits-vary-across-racial-groups-study-finds Poor air quality has been a major concern this year in New England, but a new Yale-led study is highlighting how certain racial groups have suffered disproportionate health impacts from air pollution for years. Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/new-haven-neighborhood-has-the-most-people-vulnerable-to-extreme-heat/3100043/ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/new-haven-neighborhood-has-the-most-people-vulnerable-to-extreme-heat/3100043/ In Connecticut, an estimated 2.6 million people, more than half of the total population, are vulnerable to extreme heat, according to NBC’s analysis of the data. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:00:00 Z