We are excited to highlight the pioneering research of Prof. Ling Jin, Assistant Professor of CEE, and his team, which has garnered international attention, including features in Nature Research Highlights and an embargoed press release on American Chemical Society. Under the theme "Probing Microbial Hazards in Urban Air", these studies examine how harmful airborne microbial components contribute to public health risks in cities.
In the first study, titled Disproportionately Higher Contribution of Endotoxin to PM2.5 Bioactivity than Its Mass Share Highlights the Need to Identify Low Concentration, High-Potency Components, Prof. Jin and team investigated the inflammatory effects of endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria found in fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Despite their small mass, these bacterial toxins were found to significantly drive inflammation, raising concerns about the air quality in urban environments.
The second study on Public Health Implications of Airborne Candida: Viability, Drug Resistance, and Genetic Links to Clinical Strains highlighted airborne Candida in respirable suspended particulate (PM10) from urban areas. It identified multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis and revealed genetic links to clinical strains, suggesting the possibility of community-acquired infections. This underscores the impact of urban pollutants and climate change on antifungal resistance.
Explore the studies in the following links:
- Nature Research Highlights: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03052-1
- American Chemical Society Press Release: https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/october/pathogenic-yeast-strains-found-in-urban-air-but-not-along-the-coast.html
Prof. Jin's research opens vital discussions on the microbial hazards in urban air, emphasizing the need for ongoing investigation into the impacts of urban living on public health. We congratulate him on his achievements and anticipate more insights from his pioneering work.
