A young Black scientist discovered a pivotal leprosy treatment in the 1920s − but an older colleague took the credit

Historians are working to shine a light on Alice Ball’s legacy and contributions to an early treatment of a dangerous and stigmatizing disease.

Mark M. Lambert, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities, and Bioethics, Des Moines University • conversation
April 12, 2024 • ~8 min

Iceland battles a lava flow: Countries have built barriers and tried explosives in the past, but it's hard to stop molten rock

Iceland, Hawaii and Italy have all tried to control lava to save cities in the past. A volcanologist explains the methods.

Loÿc Vanderkluysen, Associate Professor of Earth Science, Drexel University • conversation
Jan. 17, 2024 • ~5 min

2023's billion-dollar disasters list shattered the US record with 28 big weather and climate disasters amid Earth's hottest year on record

An atmospheric scientist explains how rising temperatures are helping to fuel extreme storms, floods, droughts and devastating wildfires.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 • ~8 min

AI-powered maps could guide Maui fire recovery

Detailed maps of the devastating fires in Maui could guide where postfire remediation activities should be prioritized.

Kim Ward-Michigan State • futurity
Aug. 30, 2023 • ~5 min

Shutting off power to reduce wildfire risk on windy days isn’t a simple decision – an energy expert explains the trade-offs electric utilities face

Losing power also has real consequences for people’s businesses, livelihoods and potentially their health and safety.

Tim C. Lieuwen, Executive Director of the Strategic Energy Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 28, 2023 • ~7 min

Want to help Maui's animals after the wildfires? Send cash, not kibble

Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.

Sarah DeYoung, Disaster Researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 • ~10 min

Identifying fire victims through DNA analysis can be challenging − a geneticist explains what forensics is learning from archaeology

Maui officials have asked relatives to provide DNA samples to help identify victims of the Lahaina wildfires. Time and exposure to the elements, however, can make DNA retrieval from remains difficult.

Anne Stone, Professor of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University • conversation
Aug. 18, 2023 • ~9 min

Hawaii's climate future: Dry regions get drier with global warming, increasing fire risk

Projections for Hawaii’s climate future are raising concerns about fire risk, ecosystems and freshwater supplies for homes and agriculture.

Kevin Hamilton, Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Hawaii • conversation
Aug. 16, 2023 • ~8 min

Hawaii's climate future: Dry regions get drier with global warming, increasing fire risk − while wet areas get wetter

Projections for Hawaii’s climate future are raising concerns about fire risk, ecosystems and freshwater supplies for homes and agriculture.

Kevin Hamilton, Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Hawaii • conversation
Aug. 16, 2023 • ~8 min

After Maui fires, human health risks linger in the air, water and even surviving buildings

Maui County issued an ‘unsafe water’ alert and urged precautions. Residents can face several toxic hazards from fires, as an expert in the chemical risks from fires explains.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Director of the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and Center for Plumbing Safety, Purdue University • conversation
Aug. 12, 2023 • ~8 min

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