Dr Leah Reznikov and her team are awarded a new R21. R21 is an exploratory/ developmental grant. It supports innovative and developmental work. The work is title Emerging impact on airway health by airborne red tide toxins following major hurricanes Helene and Milton at the Gulf coast. Her Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) is Dr. Myosen Jang. Dr Jang’s info can be found here https://essie.ufl.edu/people/name/myoseon-jang/ , her lab’s page can be found here https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/myoseon-jang/. Dr. Nancy Denslow is her department Co-Investigator (Co-I.) her page is here (https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/denslow-nancy/).
The grant covers research into Red tide, caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, is a growing environmental and public health concern in Florida’s coastal regions. These harmful algal blooms are intensified by hurricanes and tropical storms, which stir nutrient-rich waters and fuel bloom growth. Toxins released by the algae become airborne through sea spray, potentially triggering or worsening respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis—particularly in vulnerable populations.
Using samples collected from affected coastal areas, they will simulate atmospheric conditions in the UF Atmospheric Photochemical Outdoor Reactor (UF-APHOR) to analyze how these toxins evolve with sunlight exposure. The aerosols will then be tested on primary human airway cells to assess inflammation, barrier function, and asthma-like responses. This research aims to better understand the mechanisms behind red tide-related respiratory illness and inform public health strategies during bloom events.
Link to NIH Reporter page: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/YvP-mcsdVEyFqoxSYGfiCQ/project-details/11229489
