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.

Have you recently started a GLP-1?  You may qualify for a paid research study to help us learn how weight loss medications affect taste, appetite, and food choices.Our study is exploring how certain weight-loss medications may affect how adults with obesity experience food. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are often used to support weight loss.Study participation includes two in-person visits at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) and several short online activities over about two weeks.

Are you 60 years or older and living in or near Indianapolis, IN?  We would LOVE to hear about your experiences living in your community. This study is about how older adults find and use local services and support that help them live independently. These may include things like transportation, health services, community activities, and ways to get information.We also want to learn about your hopes for the future and what you think about new technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), and how it might help people find community resources in the future.Help us learn more about how how Indianapolis supports older adults. Your voice can help us better understand what older adults need to live well in their communities.