News

NEW COMPUTER MODEL CAN PREDICT THE LENGTH OF A HOUSEHOLD’S DISPLACEMENT IN ANY U.S. COMMUNITY AFTER A DISASTER

Scientists hope their model will enable risk assessments to more holistically capture the human impact of disasters HERNDON, Va., February 26, 2025 — One of the human impacts of natural hazards is household displacement.  Destructive floods, wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes often force people to leave their homes — some briefly, others for months or indefinitely. Most disaster […]

VENTILATION FANS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THE RISK OF INHALING BACTERIA PARTICLES AFTER TOILET FLUSHING

New research finds that unhealthy concentrations of bacteria are released into the air by toilet flushing Herdon, VA, February 18, 2025 — Bioaerosol emissions during toilet flushing are an often-overlooked source of potential health risks in shared public facilities. A new study published in Risk Analysis found that bioaerosol concentrations of two bacteria — Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus […]

THE INEQUITY OF WILDFIRE RESCUE RESOURCES IN CALIFORNIA 

A new study finds that the most vulnerable communities are lacking state resources to reduce damages – and save lives – in a wildfire  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 10, 2024 – Wildfires in California are intensifying due to warmer temperatures and dry vegetation – putting more residents at risk of experiencing costly damages or losing their homes. […]

NATIONWIDE STUDY LOOKS AT WHEN AND WHERE EV OWNERS USE PUBLIC CHARGING STATIONS 

Initial results show that demand during working hours is high in California  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 10, 2024 – Electric Vehicles (EVs) represent a promising mode of transportation that can help the United States reduce its carbon emissions. But barriers such as the high cost of installing and using EV Charging Stations (EVCS), their limitations in […]

LOWER-QUALITY PUBLIC HOUSING IS AT HIGH RISK OF FLOOD DAMAGE 

New research shows that lower-quality public housing in the United States is located in areas with high flood risk  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 09, 2024 – Hurricane Helene highlighted the increasing intensity of extreme weather events and the catastrophic flooding they can bring. A new study finds that many Americans residing in lower-quality public housing face a […]

EMPLOYEE VISITS TO ADULT OR GAMBLING SITES DOUBLES RISK OF INFECTION BY MALWARE 

Cybersecurity study calculates the odds of encountering seven kinds of malware  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 9, 2024 – Malware (malicious software) is a worldwide threat to network security for organizations. Individual users within those networks may inadvertently download or interact with malware like viruses and ransomware by browsing unsafe websites, downloading software, or clicking on phishing […]

WHAT MOTIVATES AMERICANS TO EAT LESS RED MEAT? 

New research looks at whether health risks or environmental impacts matter more  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 9, 2024 – Limiting red meat consumption is key to a sustainable and healthy diet, yet Americans are among the world’s largest consumers of red meat. A new study reveals the demographics of American adults who choose not to eat […]

STUDENTS ARE LESS LIKELY TO FEEL SAFE AT THEIR SCHOOLS, COMPARED TO STAFF AND PARENTS

 New research also finds that high school students are least likely to report a school threat to authorities   AUSTIN, TX, Dec 9, 2024 – School shooting incidents have doubled in the last three years, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, which tracks each time a firearm is discharged on school property. Many schools have […]

TOXIC AIR IN TEXAS HIGH SCHOOLS  

Study finds that students and teachers may be exposed to semivolatile organic compounds released by furniture and building materials in schools  AUSTIN, TX, Dec 9, 2024 – Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are found in building materials and consumer products like carpeting, furniture and electronics. Gases released by these chemicals in homes, offices and schools pose […]

EPA STUDY FINDS THAT U.S. PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE RISK TO AIR TOXICS HAVE HIGHER PROPORTIONS OF DISABLES LATINO, HISPANIC AND ASIAN CHILDREN

Children are at greater risk from inhaled air pollutants than adults, as they have higher respiratory rates. Research has shown that air pollutants in the form of respiratory toxicants (such as some  pesticides and solvents) can represent a significant health risk to children.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a nationwide study to assess […]