Nutrition Facts labels have a complicated legacy – a historian explains the science and politics of translating food into information

The process of converting food into nutritional information is more than just a scientific process. It involves many political and technical compromises that continue to shape the food industry today.

Xaq Frohlich, Associate Professor of History of Technology, Auburn University • conversation
July 16, 2024 ~11 min

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

Ammonia could be a nearly carbon-free maritime fuel, but without new emissions regulations, its impact on air quality could significantly impact human health.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
July 11, 2024 ~9 min


Researchers study differences in attitudes toward Covid-19 vaccines between women and men in Africa

While women and men self-reported similar vaccination rates, unvaccinated women had less intention to get vaccinated than men.

Will Sullivan | MIT Governance Lab • mit
July 10, 2024 ~7 min

Extreme heat waves broiling the US in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world

Global temperatures have averaged at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than preindustrial times for over a year. Two scientists explain what that means and what humanity can do.

Jeffrey Basara, Professor of Meteorology, UMass Lowell • conversation
July 9, 2024 ~9 min

Extreme heat waves broiling the planet in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world

Global temperatures have averaged at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than preindustrial times for over a year. Two scientists explain what that means and what humanity can do.

Jeffrey Basara, Professor of Meteorology, UMass Lowell • conversation
July 9, 2024 ~8 min

Extreme heat waves aren’t ‘just summer’: How climate change is heating up the weather, and what we can do about it

The June heat wave triggered warnings of a flash drought and caused a surge in ER visits. Many other countries have been facing extreme heat at the same time.

Jeffrey Basara, Professor of Meteorology, UMass Lowell • conversation
June 26, 2024 ~8 min

FDA authorized the sale of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes – a health policy expert explains how the benefits may outweigh the risks

It’s a conundrum: While vaping can help some adults stop cigarette smoking, it also appeals to young people who may take up the habit.

Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Policy, UMass Amherst, UMass Amherst • conversation
June 25, 2024 ~7 min

New Ragon Institute building opens in the heart of Kendall Square

The building will serve as a hub for research on the development of immunology-based treatments.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
June 21, 2024 ~7 min


EPA has lowered the screening level for lead in soil – here’s what that could mean for households across the US

The new level won’t trigger automatic cleanups, but it sets a lower threshold for taking precautions to reduce lead exposure.

Gabriel Filippelli, Professor of Earth Sciences and Executive Director, Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University • conversation
June 18, 2024 ~9 min

Wastewater surveillance reveals pathogens in Detroit’s population, helping monitor and predict disease outbreaks since 2017

Detecting infectious agents in sewage is only the first step. Researchers are working on developing reliable ways to translate surveillance measurements to case numbers and infection predictions.

Irene Xagoraraki, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University • conversation
June 12, 2024 ~9 min

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