Hotter and drier climate in Colorado’s San Luis Valley contributes to kidney disease in agriculture workers, new study shows

A prolonged drought in the San Luis Valley has contributed to kidney issues in agricultural workers.

Katherine Ann James, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
April 25, 2025 • ~6 min

Is Earth really getting too hot for people to survive? A scientist explains extreme heat and the role of climate change

The answer depends in part on where you live. If it’s extremely hot and humid, the health risks are much higher.

Scott Denning, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
June 17, 2024 • ~6 min

Heat index warnings can save lives on dangerously hot days − if people understand what they mean

A risk expert explains how to read the heat index and interpret extreme heat warnings, and how to stay safe.

Micki Olson, Senior Researcher in Emergency and Risk Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
June 5, 2024 • ~8 min

Why does your hair curl in the summer? A chemist explains the science behind hair structure

A chemist explains how the structure of your hair follicles, your genetic code and environmental factors like humidity influence how hair behaves on a day-to-day basis.

Tara S. Carpenter, Principle Lecturer, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Aug. 11, 2023 • ~7 min

As heat records fall, how hot is too hot for the human body?

The biggest risks aren’t always the biggest numbers on the thermometer – humidity gets dangerous faster than many people realize.

S. Tony Wolf, Postdoctoral Researcher in Kinesiology, Penn State • conversation
July 19, 2023 • ~9 min

Does turning the air conditioning off when you're not home actually save energy? Three engineers run the numbers

Energy modeling software provides insight into whether letting your A/C relax while you’re gone all day will save you energy – and money.

Kyri Baker, Assistant Professor of Building Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 22, 2022 • ~7 min

How hot is too hot for the human body? Our lab found heat + humidity gets dangerous faster than many people realize

New research on young, healthy humans found the body begins overheating when exposed to temperatures and humidity lower than previously believed.

S. Tony Wolf, Postdoctoral Researcher in Kinesiology, Penn State • conversation
July 6, 2022 • ~8 min

Knowing how heat and humidity affect your body can help you stay safe during heat waves

Which is worse, dry heat or wet heat? Both, says an exercise physiologist.

JohnEric W. Smith, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Mississippi State University • conversation
July 8, 2021 • ~8 min

Why does some rain fall harder than other rain?

Some rainstorms drench you in a second, while others drop rain in a nice peaceful drizzle. A meteorologist explains how rainstorms can be so different.

Jeffrey B. Halverson, Professor of Geography & Environmental Systems, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Aug. 13, 2020 • ~5 min

Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate

'Wet-bulb' temperature records show that deadly thresholds for heat and humidity are arriving faster than anticipated.

Colin Raymond, Postdoctoral Researcher, California Institute of Technology • conversation
May 20, 2020 • ~7 min

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