Flood maps show US vastly underestimates contamination risk at old industrial sites

Climate change is colliding with old factory sites where soil or water contamination still exist, and the most vulnerable populations are particularly at risk.

Scott Frickel, Professor of Sociology and Environment and Society, Brown University • conversation
Aug. 1, 2022 ~10 min

Moon: crashing rocket will create new crater – here's what we should worry about

Some people are outraged that human negligence will disfigure the Moon. But that’s not the main issue.

David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University • conversation
Jan. 28, 2022 ~7 min


Ancient groundwater: Why the water you're drinking may be thousands of years old

As surface water diminishes in the Western US, people are drilling deeper wells – and tapping into older groundwater that can take thousands of years to replenish naturally.

Kevin M. Befus, Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology, University of Arkansas • conversation
Oct. 7, 2021 ~10 min

The water you're drinking may be thousands of years old – growing demand for deeper wells is tapping ancient reserves

As surface water diminishes in the Western US, people are drilling deeper wells – and tapping into older groundwater that can take thousands of years to replenish naturally.

Kevin M. Befus, Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology, University of Arkansas • conversation
Oct. 7, 2021 ~10 min

Wildfires are contaminating drinking water systems, and it's more widespread than people realize

An increasing number of communities are discovering dangerous contamination in their water systems weeks or months after fires.

Andrew J. Whelton, Associate Professor of Civil, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Director of the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and Center for Plumbing Safety, Purdue University • conversation
May 6, 2021 ~9 min

How safe is your baby food?

Reports from baby food companies show questionable levels of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals. Here's what parents need to know.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 22, 2021 ~9 min

How safe is your baby food? Company reports show arsenic, lead and other heavy metals – here's what you need to know

Baby foods with rice or root vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes, had some of the highest levels, but they weren’t the only ones.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 22, 2021 ~9 min

Mars: how scientists prevent Earth's microbes from contaminating other planets

The space laws designed to protect planets and moons from contamination.

Thomas Cheney, Lecturer of Space Governance, The Open University • conversation
Feb. 4, 2021 ~8 min


Making masks at home – what you need to know about how to reduce the transmission of coronavirus

At-home mask makers should carefully consider fit and fabric variables when designing face coverings to help prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Karen L. LaBat, Professor Emerita of Design, University of Minnesota • conversation
April 16, 2020 ~7 min

Should we wear masks or not? An expert sorts through the confusion

The CDC is reconsidering its policy about the widespread public's use of masks, as is the World Health Organization. Here are the facts about when it's appropriate to wear a mask – and what kind.

Thomas Perls, Professor of Medicine, Boston University • conversation
April 1, 2020 ~8 min

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