DID YOU KNOW?  Herbicides are widely used in the Heartland, and farmers are using these chemicals more than ever before. Several studies have raised concern that some of the herbicides  may be associated with reproductive disorders, certain birth defects, and developmental disorders. What are herbicides? Herbicides are a type of pesticide that are used to protect our food crops, trees, vines, and pastures from harmful weeds. Some herbicides are also used in and around our homes, parks, sports fields, and golf courses. Herbicide use has increased significantly since the 1990s and is projected to rise rapidly on corn and soybean farms in the Midwest for the next 5-10 years.  As more pounds are applied, higher levels of human exposure are expected.    What Is the Heartland Study?Mother-infant pairs living in the Midwest will be followed throughout pregnancy, infancy and early childhood to observe health and development in order to better understand the effects of prenatal herbicide exposures. Your participation will help researchers to increase their knowledge about how herbicide exposure might affect pregnancy, newborn health, child childhood development, and future generations.

Why is this study being done?The goal of this study is to better understand how preferences for sweet flavors affect dietary habits, heart and metabolic health. Who can take part?We are looking for  adolescents (ages 12-18) who consume sugary sodas and their families (only one parent/guardian can participate). Participants must also be able to attend study visits at the Nutrition Research Center on either IU Indianapolis or IU Bloomington campus or Purdue University (West Lafayette).

Would you like to contribute to the fight against breast cancer?  You can help by donating a breast tissue sample during an event at the IU Melvin and Bren Comprehensive Cancer Center from 8 am to 2 pm on October 19th, 2024.  While the donation process takes only 60-90 minutes, your contribution could help cancer researchers make lasting discoveries.   What is the purpose of this study?The Susan G. Komen® Tissue Bank (Komen Tissue Bank, or KTB), established by researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Indiana University School of Medicine, is the world's first and only repository containing breast tissue and blood products from individuals who do not currently show signs of breast cancer. Our most valuable specimens are healthy breast tissue. By collecting samples from women and men without breast cancer, researchers may be able to better understand the differences between healthy and cancerous tissue, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the disease Who can take part in this study? We are looking to obtain and store specimens (tissue, blood, and saliva) from adults (ages 18 and older) who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors who have an unaffected breast. Additional informationStudy title:  The Susan G. Komen for a Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center Collection and Storage of Biological Specimens Intended for Use in the Elucidation of Breast Carcinogenesis The KTB hosts collection event 2-3 times a year, with at least one here is Indianapolis. Our next collection event in 2024 is October 19th at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.    Our 2025 events will be announced soon.