Medical researchers are increasingly prioritizing the inclusion of underserved communities in clinical studies. However, mere inclusion is not enough. People from underserved communities frequently experience chronic stress that may lead to accelerated biological aging and early morbidity and mortality. It is our hope and intent that the medical community come together to engineer improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Here, we introduce Health Equity Engineering (HEE), a comprehensive scientific framework to guide research on the development of tools to identify individuals at risk of poor health outcomes due to chronic stress, the integration of these tools within existing healthcare system infrastructures, and a robust assessment of their effectiveness and sustainability. HEE is anchored in the premise that strategic intervention at the individual level, tailored to the needs of the most at-risk people, can pave the way for achieving equitable health standards at a broader population level. HEE provides a scientific framework guiding health equity research to equip the medical community with a robust set of tools to enhance health equity for current and future generations.

Linoleic acid (LA), an essential n-6 fatty acid (FA), is critical for fetal development. We investigated the effects of maternal high LA (HLA) diet on offspring cardiac development and its relationship to circulating FA and cardiovascular function in adolescent offspring, and the ability of the postnatal diet to reverse any adverse effects. Female Wistar Kyoto rats were fed low LA (LLA; 1·44 % energy from LA) or high LA (HLA; 6·21 % energy from LA) diets for 10 weeks before pregnancy and during gestation/lactation. Offspring, weaned at postnatal day 25, were fed LLA or HLA diets and euthanised at postnatal day 40 (n 6–8). Maternal HLA diet decreased circulating total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in females and decreased total plasma n-3 FA in males, while maternal and postnatal HLA diets decreased total plasma n-3 FA in females. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) and EPA were decreased by postnatal but not maternal HLA diets in both sexes. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets increased total plasma n-6 and LA, and a maternal HLA diet increased circulating leptin, in both male and female offspring. Maternal HLA decreased slopes of systolic and diastolic pressure–volume relationship (PVR), and increased cardiac Col1a1, Col3a1, Atp2a1 and Notch1 in males. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets left-shifted the diastolic PVR in female offspring. Coronary reactivity was altered in females, with differential effects on flow repayment after occlusion. Thus, maternal HLA diets impact lipids, FA and cardiac function in offspring, with postnatal diet modifying FA and cardiac function in the female offspring.

The Program Group for World-wide Development of Astronomy (PG-WWDA) is one of nine Commission 46 program groups engaged with various aspects of astronomical education or development of astronomy education and research in the developing world. In the case of PG-WWDA, its goals are to promote astronomy education and research in the developing world through a variety of activities, including visiting astronomers in developing countries and interacting with them by way of giving encouragement and support.

About 9½ years ago, I wrote the first editorial for Volume 1, Number 1 of Environmental Practice (March 1999). I reread that editorial in preparation for writing this, my last editorial, for Volume 10, Number 2 (June 2008).

Bad economic news abounds these days—recession, home foreclosures, unemployment, jitters, and collapses on Wall Street. And, of course, we also have the war, with costs already in the trillions and counting and oil prices seemingly firmly stuck over $100 per barrel. All these indicators and more suggest that prudent souls should hunker down for the duration.

The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) mourns the loss of our friend and colleague, Jim Roberts, who died November 25, 2007. In this brief tribute, I'd like to record my memories of him and his professional contributions. Several other members of the NAEP also sent me brief statements to include.

January 31, 2008, promises to be a momentous day for moving the United States towards a serious embrace with climate change. Focus the Nation, a non-profit organization, organized “teach-ins” around the country, and a multitude of universities, colleges, churches, and other groups participated.

This editorial calls for action to strengthen the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) and its chapters. If others agree, it will also enable NAEP and its chapters to speak effectively on climate change. Global warming currently ranks among the top factors that are forcing nations across the world to reconsider their policies and economies. The work of environmental professionals will change, too, and the members of NAEP and its chapters have expertise that is needed in the ongoing discussions.

Environmental professionals, if nothing else, can rightly claim an occupational niche that is anything but boring. The saying, “May you live in interesting times,” truly captures the dynamism of our work, even if it probably does not stem from an authentic ancient Chinese curse.