How America courted increasingly destructive wildfires − and what that means for protecting homes today

In many parts of the US, Americans must learn to live with fire. That means careful decisions on where homes are built and what’s around them, and allowing more low-risk fires to burn.

Justin Angle, Professor of Marketing, University of Montana • conversation
Jan. 16, 2025 ~11 min

A national, nonpartisan study of the Los Angeles fires could improve planning for future disasters

The Los Angeles fires may be the most costly natural disaster in US history. An expert on safety, risk reduction and complex systems calls for a blue-ribbon commission to analyze their causes.

Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Engineering and International Relations, University of Southern California • conversation
Jan. 15, 2025 ~12 min


Lightning strikes make collecting a parasitic fungus prized in traditional Chinese medicine a deadly pursuit

The parasitic fungus sometimes called ‘Himalayan gold’ can provide a good living to villagers who collect it. But rugged terrain and a high risk of lightning strikes make it a dangerous option.

Daile Zhang, Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of North Dakota • conversation
Jan. 14, 2025 ~8 min

How Santa Ana winds fueled the deadly fires in Southern California

Where people live today also makes a difference when it comes to fire risk.

Jon Keeley, Research Ecologist, USGS; Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 ~7 min

The ‘choking game’ and other challenges amplified by social media can come with deadly consequences

Although these activities have been around for decades, there are signs that some are making a comeback.

Paige Williams, Doctoral student in Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Dec. 20, 2024 ~8 min

Climate change could overwhelm our sewers – here’s how green infrastructure could help

Cities need to find new ways to handle rainwater, especially in the face of climate change. Green infrastructure offers a way to tackle this challenge.

Mayra Rodriguez, Postdoctoral Researcher, Earth Observation Science, Plymouth Marine Laboratory • conversation
Dec. 17, 2024 ~8 min

No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024

If federal streamgages were bolstered by networks of cheaper monitors run by communities, the results could save lives.

Branko Kerkez, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 17, 2024 ~10 min

Light exercise can yield significant cognitive benefits, new research shows

The study shows cognitive processing speed increased even when participants were moderately active.

Jonathan G. Hakun, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Psychology, & Public Health Sciences, Penn State • conversation
Nov. 27, 2024 ~4 min


3 innovative ways to help countries hit by climate disasters, beyond a loss and damage fund

Getting aid to countries before the storm or drought hits is one response increasingly being used to limit the damage.

Erin Coughlan de Perez, Professor of Climate Risk Management, Tufts University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2024 ~8 min

Brain-training games remain unproven, but research shows what sorts of activities do benefit cognitive functioning

Brain-training games may have cognitive benefits, but other challenging activities are proven to help our brains function at their best.

Michael Dulas, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Nov. 13, 2024 ~9 min

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