Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment (UCSF)

06/16/2026

New research from team members of UCSF Environmental Research and Translation for Health Center sheds light on the prenatal environment. Scientists examined amniotic fluid and confirmed 10 environmental contaminants, 9 of which had never previously been detected.

Our latest blog post breaks down what was found and why amniotic fluid deserves much closer attention in future research. 🧪

The fluid that surrounds a baby during pregnancy does more than cushion and protect. Amniotic fluid reflects what a developing fetus is exposed to in the womb, offering a direct snapshot of both fetal metabolic processes and the prenatal environment. Yet despite its importance, scientists have rarel...

06/16/2026

06/11/2026

A new study from UCSF sheds light on how PFAS may disrupt the biological pathways that keep the placenta functioning during pregnancy. Read more on PRHE blog's latest post to learn more. ⬇️

A new study from UC San Francisco, published yesterday in Environmental Science & Technology, provides clues to how PFAS may contribute to pregnancy complications and adverse developmental outcomes. Forever chemicals such as PFOA and other PFAS contaminate drinking water supplies across the United S...

06/04/2026

New research strengthens the call to reduce plastic chemical and microplastic exposures to protect children's health and development. Read about it in our new guest blog from Project TENDR. 🧠

The following is a guest blog from Project TENDR. Action is urgently needed to safeguard children’s developing brains from microplastics and plastic-related chemicals say scientists and health professionals from across the U.S. who are part of Project TENDR, a coalition working to protect children...

06/02/2026

Several states, including California, have a primary election today — get out there and vote!

05/19/2026

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest public health threats — and not everyone has equal access to potentially life-saving information. Our new blog post highlights the "How to Survive a Heatwave" resource, now available in Arabic.

Extreme heat is now one of the deadliest weather-related public health threats in the United States, contributing to thousands of emergency department visits and preventable deaths each year. Longer heat waves, higher temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events are placing growing strain....

05/04/2026

PRHE correspondent Ari Eastburn McCormick is on the ground in Sacramento today for the Fund California Science rally—where scientists, clinicians, educators, public servants, and community members are calling for funding for life-saving research.

Ari says: “Everyone here has a story about how they’ve been impacted by loss of funding. There’s not a life untouched when research and science are negatively impacted.” 🔬

04/30/2026

This , we stand with every worker who deserves better protections from chemical exposures — and all other hazards — in the workplace. No one should risk their health or life just to do their job. We also stand for the right to organize and thank every person who makes their voice heard on . 💪

04/29/2026

Congratulations to our long-time collaborator Rachel Morello-Frosch on becoming the first-ever associate provost for energy, climate, and environment at UC Berkeley! We're so proud to see her work recognized at this level. 🌱

The public health expert and Berkeley professor will unite scholars across campus to address crucial environmental challenges.

04/21/2026

PRHE is back in action! Our staff gathered this week for a strategic planning retreat — coming together to reflect, align, and map out what's next. Big things are on the horizon. 🔭