Researchers Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo from Western Michigan University are studying the long-term impacts of climate change on human adaptation, focusing on affected communities in Northern Kenya. Their collaboration incorporates advanced statistical analysis of epigenetic data, identifying crucial links between environmental stressors and health outcomes in children. The research aims to foster resilience in light of climate challenges, with ongoing studies planned to follow the affected children.
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, researchers from Western Michigan University, Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo, are examining the impact of climate change and environmental stressors on human adaptation. Their research, initiated from the drought-affected regions of Northern Kenya, aims to explore long-term implications of such stressors, particularly for pastoralist communities reliant on the climate.
Dr. Straight, who has engaged with the Samburu people for decades, witnessed severe drought impacts during her 2009 fieldwork. Observing the devastation, she recognized the urgency of studying long-term effects on health, growth, and development in children exposed to drought conditions. In collaboration with Dr. Belinda Needham from the University of Michigan, they obtained a National Science Foundation grant to analyze sibling pairs affected differently by the drought.
Data collection from these dispersed communities was challenging, as noted by Dr. Straight: “It’s a needle in a haystack… it was a bit of a nightmare from the standpoint of rugged roads.” The researchers gathered extensive demographic, epigenetic, and climate data while conducting in-depth interviews with mothers regarding their psychosocial experiences during pregnancy.
After three years of research, assistance was required to analyze the large set of DNA and climatic data. Dr. Ngo, an expert in statistics, introduced advanced Bayesian statistical methods, enhancing the analysis of high-dimensional datasets. He stated, “I really liked the project, it’s related to climate change,” reflecting his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort.
Together, the duo has identified significant epigenetic differences in siblings exposed to drought versus those who were not. Their research revealed how extreme environmental stressors can modify gene expression and suggested that epigenetic analysis is pivotal in climate change studies.
Dr. Ngo is also committed to mentoring students in this field. Xi Qiao, a Ph.D. student, has already contributed significantly to their findings, publishing research on the effects of heat and drought on children’s epigenetic aging. Notably, her work revealed accelerated biological aging linked to severe drought exposure.
As Dr. Ngo continues mentoring new students, he focuses on fostering both statistical analysis skills and contextual interpretation to address climate-related challenges. The research team plans to conduct longitudinal studies on the previously examined children, aiming to gain further insights into how these experiences promote resilience in the face of environmental changes.
Dr. Straight emphasizes this ongoing research’s importance, stating, “What happens over time? Does it set them up for being more adaptive to heat and drought events?” Their findings will have implications not just for the Samburu people but also for broader climate change resilience efforts.
The collaboration between Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo exemplifies an innovative approach to understanding the impacts of climate change on human resilience. Their research underscores the importance of examining environmental stressors through a multidisciplinary lens, revealing significant findings about epigenetic alterations that link climate phenomena to human health. Continued longitudinal studies will illuminate further implications and help enhance resilience strategies for vulnerable communities.
Original Source: wmich.edu
