Exploring External Factors in Disease & Injury
One-fourth of all diseases – and most injuries – are caused by environmental factors. Many more are influenced by environment.
Diet, drugs, toxins and physical activity greatly influence risk and progress of conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Brain function
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Obesity
- Orthopedic injuries
At Sanford Research, we study how environmental factors influence cellular function and human disease. We also study how physical activity and nutrition improve health and well-being.
We work to understand these processes from conception to adulthood.
The Environmental Influences on Health and Disease group is home to:
Primary Faculty
Secondary Faculty
Sanford Health News
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Sanford researchers awarded major grants from NIH
Research studies include in-depth look at ovarian cancer, binge eating disorders
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Early diabetes detection prevents serious illness in toddler
PLEDGE study helped 2-year-old with type 1 diabetes diagnosis before any symptoms
Classes & Events
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Teen Science Café
Tue 10/07/25 5:30 PM - Tue 10/07/25 7:00 PM
Sanford Research Center -
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Sanford PROMISE Community Lecture Series
Thu 10/09/25 6:30 PM - Thu 10/09/25 7:30 PM
Sanford Health News
-
background-image
Sanford researchers awarded major grants from NIH
Research studies include in-depth look at ovarian cancer, binge eating disorders
-
background-image
Early diabetes detection prevents serious illness in toddler
PLEDGE study helped 2-year-old with type 1 diabetes diagnosis before any symptoms
Classes & Events
-
background-image
Teen Science Café
Tue 10/07/25 5:30 PM - Tue 10/07/25 7:00 PM
Sanford Research Center -
background-image
Sanford PROMISE Community Lecture Series
Thu 10/09/25 6:30 PM - Thu 10/09/25 7:30 PM