Heat map visualization of complex environmental and biomarker measurements

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Systems Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Human-environment interactions are central to environmental and public health research.
• Systems Biology utilizes network analysis for molecular and cellular processes.
• Systems Exposure Science adapts these concepts to environmental exposures and biological outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt visualization tools from Systems Biology for Systems Exposure Science.
• To demonstrate the utility of heat maps for interpreting exposure and biomonitoring data.
• To link environmental measurements to biological parameters and public health.

Main Methods:

• Adapting "heat maps" (color-coded arrays) for visualizing complex data.
• Applying heat maps to environmental and biomonitoring data, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• Utilizing existing EPA measurements of environmental and biomarker concentrations.

Main Results:

• Heat maps provide a flexible method for exploring hypotheses in exposure science.
• This visualization aids in understanding cumulative and aggregate environmental exposures.
• The approach facilitates the linkage between environmental exposures and biological responses.

Conclusions:

• Heat maps are valuable tools for hypothesis development in Systems Exposure Science.
• This method enhances the interpretation of biomonitoring data and environmental measurements.
• The approach supports the connection to established statistical models for health risk assessment.