During its first reporting period, MAMELI built the foundations of a unique research infrastructure connecting environmental monitoring, molecular profiling, and citizen engagement.
On the molecular side, over 200 volunteers were recruited for the discovery phase, with paired blood samples at baseline and follow-up. Using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, high-quality DNA methylation maps were generated for more than 100 participants. Unlike short-read methods, this technology captures methylation across entire DNA molecules, enabling repetitive elements—nearly half of our genome and traditionally difficult to study—to be analysed with unprecedented accuracy. The resulting dataset established a dedicated bioinformatic pipeline capable of detecting methylation levels and variability between individuals. Early analyses confirmed that younger families of repetitive elements display higher variability, suggesting their role as sensitive “epigenetic sentinels” of environmental exposures.
On the environmental side, a network of 16 low-cost sensors was installed across the 17 km² of Legnano. These devices monitor particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, providing neighbourhood-level data with fine temporal resolution. After calibration against gold-standard instruments at a supersite, the system proved reproducible and sensitive. Data already reveal contrasts between background conditions and hotspots, confirming the ability to capture real-world heterogeneity. Algorithms for calibration and interpolation are under development, aiming to produce dynamic exposure maps directly linkable to biological data.
On the ethical side, the project faced the challenge of managing large-scale genomic and clinical information. In collaboration with the University of Milan’s Ethics Committee, MAMELI completed a Data Protection Impact Assessment and developed protocols for informed consent, incidental findings, and data storage. An independent Ethics Advisor reviewed and endorsed these safeguards, which now serve as a reference model for future population studies.
A further achievement is the early initiation of the tuning phase, with 100 general population participants recruited ahead of schedule. This marks the transition from feasibility testing to larger-scale implementation in a more diverse sample.
Finally, citizen science and public engagement have been a hallmark of progress. A press conference with local authorities and “Serenata Blues a Legnano”, a cultural event combining music and science, ensured transparency and broad participation. The website (mameli.unimi.it) and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) serve as ongoing platforms for communication, recruitment, and education.
Together, these achievements show that MAMELI is advancing scientific and technological innovation while also building the social and institutional conditions needed to sustain a new model of environmental health research.
