Research news from Dr. Zhang and his lab, alongside expert commentary and invited talks.
Upcoming talks
Developmental Origins of Hypertension: Life-Course and Intergenerational Opportunities for Prevention
December 1–2, 2026 · NHLBI virtual workshop
As an invited speaker, Dr. Zhang will discuss how integrating metabolomics can help advance understanding of prenatal exposures and childhood hypertension.
Plastics, Microplastics, and Plastic Chemicals: Emerging Impacts on Human Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Health
December 7–8, 2026 · NHLBI and NIEHS virtual workshop
As an invited speaker, Dr. Zhang will discuss early-life PFAS exposures and children’s cardiometabolic health.
Selected media coverage
Prenatal PFAS exposure and childhood blood pressure · 2025
Research in the Journal of the American Heart Association · Read the study — free full text
- PFAS exposure before birth could put your teen at risk for high blood pressure
CNN · June 12, 2025 - Exposure to “forever chemicals” before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids
ABC News · June 12, 2025 - “Forever chemicals” exposure before birth raises the risk of high blood pressure in teenage years
Euronews · June 13, 2025
Pregnancy metals, micronutrients, and midlife blood pressure · 2025
Research in Hypertension · Read the study — free full text
- Exposure to certain essential elements, vitamins during pregnancy may improve midlife BP
Healio · March 24, 2025 · Research coverage and interview - Cardiovascular research roundup featuring the pregnancy-metals study
MedPage Today · March 11, 2025 · Cardiovascular research roundup - Select Vitamins, Minerals During Pregnancy Protect Heart Health Later
HealthDay · March 7, 2025 · Also syndicated by UPI and U.S. News & World Report - Getting more of some vitamins during pregnancy may lower future risk of high blood pressure
KSL · March 9, 2025 · Syndicated American Heart Association News story
View the full news coverage tracked by Altmetric, including additional syndicated stories.
Prenatal PFAS exposure and adolescent adiposity · 2023
Research in Environmental Health Perspectives · Read the study — free full text
- Exposure to forever chemicals when pregnant could make your child obese
Fast Company · December 8, 2023
Air pollution during pregnancy and childhood blood pressure · 2018
Research in Hypertension · Read the study — free full text
- Exposure to Air Pollution in Womb Tied to Hypertension in Children
The New York Times · May 17, 2018 - Troubling link found between pollution exposure in pregnancy and high blood pressure in children
The Washington Post · May 14, 2018 - Air pollution during pregnancy tied to high blood pressure in kids
Reuters Health, syndicated by Gulf Times · May 18, 2018
Expert commentary
- Ultra-processed foods may raise risk of preterm birth and pregnancy complications
U.S. Right to Know · April 9, 2026
Expert commentary on ultra-processed foods and maternal and fetal health. - Rates of high blood pressure in children have nearly doubled in 20 years
CNN · November 12, 2025
Dr. Zhang comments on the implications for children’s cardiovascular health.
Research and institutional news
- Prenatal “Forever Chemical” Exposure Linked to High Blood Pressure in Childhood
American Diabetes Association · Research spotlight
2026
- Research Faculty & Staff Featured at AHA EPI|Lifestyle 2026
BIDMC General Medicine Research · March 23, 2026
2025
- Exposure to “forever chemicals” before birth may raise blood pressure during teen years
American Heart Association Newsroom · June 12, 2025 - General Medicine Research Showcased at AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions
BIDMC General Medicine Research · September 5, 2025 - Levels of select vitamins and minerals in pregnancy may be linked to lower midlife blood pressure risk
American Heart Association Newsroom · March 2025
2023
- Do “Forever Chemicals” Have “Forever Impacts”?
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute · December 2023
2022
- Mediterranean diet during pregnancy linked to lower risk of preeclampsia, especially in Black women
NIH / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · Research highlight · 2022 - Following a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia
American Heart Association Newsroom · Read the study — free full text
2021
- Exposure to optimal levels of manganese and selenium in utero may support lower blood pressure in children
NIH / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · Research highlight · 2021 - Prenatal metals, trace elements, and childhood blood pressure
ScienceDaily · June 23, 2021 · Read the study — free full text
Selected talks and events
- Early-life Environmental Pollutants and Pediatric Blood Pressure: Evidence from Prospective Birth Cohorts
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units Grand Rounds · March 10, 2026 - Early-Life Environmental Influences on Child Blood Pressure: Time for Solutions
NOPREN webinar · January 22, 2024
