Research News

The Information Futures Lab at Brown University has announced its 2026 visiting fellows, a group of interdisciplinary leaders dedicated to addressing the global information crisis and building healthier communication networks.

Building on decades of research supporting mindfulness for stress reduction and cardiovascular health, a new study finds that a mindfulness trial, originally designed to lower blood pressure, significantly reduced depression symptoms, especially for those with early-life adversity.

Researchers find that differences in drug availability are driven more by when companies submit drugs for approval than review speed, especially for medicines that offer little added benefit to patients.

A local pilot study between School of Public Health researchers and Meridian Senior Living has paved the way for a CDC-funded initiative to keep seniors safer across the country.

A new review of ‘Dry January’ from researchers at Brown’s School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School finds even a short break from alcohol can boost health and help drinkers cut back for good.

A Brown University School of Public Health analysis shows Oregon’s cap on hospital payments for the state employee health plan led to major savings without reducing services, staffing or patient satisfaction.

A Brown-led study of the nation’s first state-level SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program finds small gains for some in the Rhode Island program but highlights overall need for better outreach and access.

A Brown-led study of the nation’s first state-level SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program finds small gains for some in the Rhode Island program but highlights overall need for better outreach and access.

A new study led by researchers at Brown University suggests that while other risks remain, smoking marijuana can temporarily cut down how much people drink.

Researchers from RAND, Brown University School of Public Health and Harvard report that young people are turning to generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, for mental health advice at unexpectedly high rates.

A new study linking pharmacy and Medicare data sheds light on pain management regimens for hip fracture patients in rehabilitation, and raises concerns about potentially dangerous drug-drug interactions.

In a new report, STAT Network highlights increasing threats and shows how states are rewriting playbooks in real time to protect American health, safety and economic vitality.

Researchers at Brown, including Director of the Center for Climate, Environment & Health Joseph Braun, led a study in that found poor air quality had a negative effect on marathon finish times.

Amidst a reversal in youth substance-use trends, a new study links experiences of discrimination among young people of color to an increased risk of turning to substances as a coping mechanism.

As the U.S. population ages, a study on the Older Americans Act Nutrition program reveals it delivers more than just food—recipients say it prevents nursing home placements, supports caregivers and provides a crucial daily social link.

In an era where the value of scientific research is increasingly undermined, Brown University public health scholars remain steadfast, showing how high-quality public health science protects people, shapes policy and transforms the health of our nation.

Many parents believe their children are getting plenty of sleep—but new research from Brown University suggests that notion may be far from the truth. “What parents often don’t see is how long it takes for kids to fall asleep or how often they wake up during the night,” explained paper author and behavioral scientist professor Diana Grigsby-Toussaint in a statement.

New findings about loneliness among adults with disabilities underscore the need for accessible, targeted interventions.

For her policy-shaping research, Professor Yashaswini Singh will join health leaders from around the world in Colorado for the 2025 Aspen Ideas health conference.

Our Community-Academic Research Partnership Fund is powering collaborative, community-centered projects that will positively impact public health and strengthen local partnerships.

Epidemiologists in the School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School conducted a meta-analysis to assess whether red wine protects against cancer, comparing the cancer risks of red wine vs. white wine.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals are everywhere—in our homes, our clothing, the personal care products we use and in our bodies. Postdoctoral researcher Amber Hall explains the dangers PFAS pose, especially to developing humans, and offers suggestions for avoiding them.

A flurry of Trump orders has put health researchers in the federal government’s crosshairs, and forced many into an ethical dilemma

The first study to evaluate the racial and ethnic diversity of physicians in private insurance networks contributes to the larger conversation about diversity in the physician workforce.

The research, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, aims to uncover how alcohol and HIV disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to chronic health issues like heart disease.

For older patients with dementia, can beloved music from their teenage years provide comfort in moments of anxiety and stress? Professor Ellen McCreedy studied a personalized music intervention’s power to improve the quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

6th annual statewide survey is a partnership between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Brown University School of Public Health

Professor Alyssa Bilinski set out to answer a seemingly simple question: how often are pregnant people included in medical trials? But finding the answer was anything but simple. With 90,000 records to analyze, she turned to AI for help—but ensuring the accuracy of the results required a creative approach.

As opioid-related hospitalizations rise, skilled nursing facilities could offer a crucial bridge to recovery for patients with opioid use disorder. However, stigma, regulatory hurdles and funding challenges limit their potential. New research highlights policy solutions to ensure these facilities can better meet the needs of a growing and aging population with OUD.