WHCOHH Research 2012- 2018
Mission
The ultimate mission of the Center is to improve the public health through enhanced understanding of how oceanic and environmental processes affect the production, distribution and persistence of toxin producing organisms, and the risks from exposure to their potent neurotoxins.
Theme
The major goal of the current Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (WHCOHH) is to carry out research on harmful algal bloom (HAB) detection and bloom dynamics, and HAB toxin effects, through a strong and integrated set of research projects, in the context of a Center structure. Two current projects employ novel remote sampling technologies to gain new insight into the population dynamics of known and emerging HAB threats, and to assess rapid detection and response approaches. A third project addresses mechanisms of toxin action, linking developmental exposures to adult consequences, especially at low doses likely to be encountered during periods when toxin levels do not exceed action limits. The studies are designed to improve the ability to predict HAB events, and to improve risk assessment for low-dose exposure to toxins.
Funders
The Woods Hole Center for Human Health and Ocean Studies was jointly funded from 2012 - 2018 by the National Science Foundation ( OCE-1314642) and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (1P01ES021923).