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

Your favorite drink can cause breast cancer – but most women in the US aren’t aware of alcohol’s health risks

Drinking alcohol is normalized in American society. But the ubiquity of alcohol consumption hides its serious health risks, including cancer.

Ritu Aneja, Professor of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation in the School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham • conversation
June 5, 2024 • ~5 min

Colon cancer rates are rising in young Americans, but insurance barriers are making screening harder

Colon cancer is curable when caught early, but some insurers are either refusing to cover or significantly delaying approval for colonoscopies.

Andrea Shin, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
May 29, 2024 • ~9 min

Hurricanes don’t stop at the coast – these mountain towns know how severe inland flood damage can be, and they’re preparing

In the mountains, heavy downpours can be devastating, especially when storms hit back to back. Yet, hurricane season’s inland flood risk is often overlooked until it’s too late.

Craig E. Colten, Professor Emeritus of Geography, Louisiana State University • conversation
May 29, 2024 • ~10 min

Why banks consider renewable energy to be a riskier investment than fossil fuels

Risk assessments used by lenders are a boon for the oil and gas industry.

Matteo Gasparini, DPhil Candidate, Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford • conversation
May 15, 2024 • ~5 min

Houston’s flood problems offer lessons for cities trying to adapt to a changing climate

Too much pavement and old drainage systems are just two of the problems communities face.

Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor Emeritus of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
May 5, 2024 • ~9 min

What cities everywhere can learn from the Houston area’s severe flooding as they try to adapt to climate change

Too much pavement and old drainage systems are just two of the problems communities face.

Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor Emeritus of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
May 5, 2024 • ~9 min

Houston area’s flood problems offer lessons for cities trying to adapt to a changing climate

Too much pavement and old drainage systems are just two of the problems communities face.

Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor Emeritus of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
May 5, 2024 • ~9 min

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’: Why EPA set federal drinking water limits for these health-harming contaminants

These chemicals are now found on almost every part of the planet, including in the bodies of a large percentage of the American public. An environmental health scientist explains the risks.

Kathryn Crawford, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health, Middlebury • conversation
April 10, 2024 • ~9 min

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