How Trump’s ‘gold standard’ politicizes federal science

The first Trump administration also used words like ‘transparency,’ ‘reproducibility’ and ‘uncertainty’ − to try to block regulators from using important health studies when writing pollution rules.

H. Christopher Frey, Glenn E. Futrell Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University • conversation
June 5, 2025 ~10 min

As heated tobacco products reenter the US market, evidence on their safety remains sparse – new study

Tobacco companies say that heated tobacco products have fewer health risks than cigarettes, but there is little clear data to support that claim.

Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Policy, UMass Amherst • conversation
May 1, 2025 ~6 min


Seed oils are toxic, says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – but it’s not so simple

Despite calls from some corners to switch from canola oil and corn oil to beef tallow, the move is unlikely to make Americans healthier.

Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Lecturer in Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto • conversation
Feb. 7, 2025 ~10 min

Countries spend huge sums on fossil fuel subsidies – why they’re so hard to eliminate

Countries have promised to reduce their fossil fuel subsidies to fight climate change, but it’s harder to do than it looks. An energy law expert explains the challenges.

Bruce Huber, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Nov. 12, 2024 ~9 min

Toxic chemicals from Ohio train derailment lingered in buildings for months – here’s what our investigation found in East Palestine

A lot went wrong in the scramble to respond after a train carrying highly volatile vinyl chloride and other chemicals derailed in 2023. The lessons can help ensure safer responses in the future.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Sept. 30, 2024 ~11 min

Lead water pipes created a health disaster in Flint, but replacing them with cheaper plastic − as some cities are doing − carries hidden costs

Durability and the risk of chemicals being released when pipes heat up are just 2 concerns about plastic pipes.

Melissa Scanlan, Professor and Director of the Center for Water Policy, School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee • conversation
June 25, 2024 ~9 min

Extreme heat can be dangerous for runners, cyclists and anyone spending time outdoors: 6 tips for staying safe

The heat comes from everywhere when you’re active outside on hot days – the Sun’s rays, the air around you, the ground and even your own body.

Susan Yeargin, Associate Professor of Athletic Training, University of South Carolina • conversation
June 20, 2024 ~7 min

PFAS 'forever chemicals' are getting into ocean ecosystems, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine – we traced their origins

Scientists found PFAS hot spots in Miami’s Biscayne Bay where the chemicals are entering coastal waters and reaching the ocean. Water samples point to some specific sources.

Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry, Florida International University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 ~7 min


How PFAS 'forever chemicals' are getting into Miami's Biscayne Bay, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine

Scientists discovered PFAS hot spots in the bay and found PFAS in water along the Atlantic coast. In a new study, they traced the chemicals’ origins to help stop the harm.

Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry, Florida International University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 ~7 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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