Weather forecast accuracy is crucial in a heat wave – 1 degree can mean the difference between life and death

Three economists looked at years of temperature and death data and calculated the costs when forecasts miss the mark.

Laura Bakkensen, Associate Professor of Economics and Policy, University of Arizona • conversation
July 13, 2023 ~7 min

Annual numbers of excess deaths in the US relative to other developed countries are growing at an alarming rate

New research shows that preventable deaths are increasing in the US at the same time that life expectancy keeps dropping.

Patrick Heuveline, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
June 13, 2023 ~6 min


1918 flu pandemic upended long-standing social inequalities – at least for a time, new study finds

During the 1918 flu pandemic, white people died at similar rates to Black Americans, according to a new study – a very different pattern than what occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martin Eiermann, Postdoctoral Fellow in Sociology, Duke University • conversation
Dec. 16, 2022 ~6 min

Extreme heat + air pollution can be deadly, with the health risk together worse than either alone

The worst effects are during high nighttime temperatures, something happening more often with climate change. Wildfires add to the risk.

Rob Scot McConnell, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 29, 2022 ~7 min

A warning as a heat wave roasts the US West: Extreme heat + air pollution can be deadly, with the health risk together worse than either alone

The worst effects are during high nighttime temperatures, something happening more often with climate change.

Rob Scot McConnell, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 29, 2022 ~7 min

Fierce heat wave is building in the US West: Extreme heat + air pollution can be deadly, with the health risk together worse than either alone

The worst effects are during high nighttime temperatures, something happening more often with climate change.

Rob Scot McConnell, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 29, 2022 ~7 min

Heat waves + air pollution can be a deadly combination: The health risk together is worse than either alone

The worst effects are during high nighttime temperatures, something happening more often with climate change.

Rob Scot McConnell, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 29, 2022 ~7 min

Losing a grandmother can have long-lasting mental health effects for kids and adolescents, a new study finds

Models shows that some 4 million people in the US have lost a grandparent to COVID-19. But until now, there has been a dearth of research into the mental health effects of losing a grandparent.

Rachel Margolis, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Western Ontario • conversation
July 20, 2022 ~6 min


The maximum human life span will likely increase this century, but not by more than a decade

Jeanne Calment of France died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. That record will be broken this century, statistical models suggest.

Adrian Raftery, Boeing International Professor of Statistics and Sociology, University of Washington • conversation
Aug. 10, 2021 ~8 min

More families are discussing end-of-life planning as COVID-19 cases rise – here's how to start the conversation

The pandemic is bringing up tough new questions as parents and grandparents develop advance care plans. Here's how to start the conversation.

Lindy Grief Davidson, Associate Dean for Curriculum & Instruction and Faculty, Judy Genshaft Honors College, University of South Florida • conversation
Nov. 19, 2020 ~7 min

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