Complex organic molecules from natural organic matter fouls water purification and desalination facilities, creating bio-fouling layers. Researchers found that certain ions like calcium interact strongly with natural organic matter.
A mathematical model developed by MIT engineers can help optimize natural gas production in Malaysia. The model takes into account the complex interactions between pipelines, facilities, and contracts to ensure a reliable supply of this valuable fuel.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working with Frontline BioEnergy to develop a renewable alternative to natural gas in ethanol production. The new technology uses partial combustion of biomass to produce producer gas, which can replace natural gas in plant heaters and be upgraded into high-value fuels.
Recent studies have found that levels of toxic metals in New Orleans soil samples were not significantly higher than before Hurricane Katrina. In fact, some pollutants may have decreased due to natural processes. Researchers are now focusing on restoring the Gulf Coast's resilience through science and engineering.
Post-tsunami mental health studies found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among survivors in Thailand. Loss of livelihood was a significant predictor of these symptoms. Children also showed increased symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A $1.5M study at UH's Office for Drug and Social Policy Research investigates drug abuse, depression, PTSD and HIV/AIDS among 300 Katrina evacuees, mostly African American and Hispanic. The research aims to develop rapid public health responses for large-scale disasters affecting socially disenfranchised populations.
Researchers have discovered four fully different classes of phosphatase inhibitors using the BIOS principle, which mimics natural products to identify potential new medicines. The study found promising results in targeting antiangiogenesis inhibitors, cell cycle regulation, and tuberculosis infections.
A study reviewing 40 years of disaster research found that PTSD affects a substantial burden of people who experience disasters. The most important risk factors for developing PTSD are the extent of exposure and the scope of the disaster.
Natural killer cells rely on receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Tyro3, to acquire their reconnaissance tool kit, allowing them to distinguish friend from foe. The study reveals that environmental signals, transmitted through Gas6 and protein S, trigger the maturation of natural killer cells.
A 700-page report suggests key mechanisms for levee failures in the US, built upon data and field investigations supported by National Science Foundation grants. The Berkeley-led team's findings aim to improve emergency planning and response strategies for natural disasters.
The conference aims to define the scientific parameters of surge capacity, a critical measure of disaster preparedness. Experts will explore the linkages between disaster surge and daily surge, developing a better understanding of this complex issue.
The study finds that healthy ecosystems can mitigate the effects of disasters like landslides and floods. Mainstreaming sustainable biodiversity management into policy decisions may reverse ecosystem degradation trends.
Researchers used a large centrifuge to mimic the effects of Hurricane Katrina on levees, finding that earth sliding along a weak clay layer helped bring down the 17th Street structure. The study is part of a nationwide 'co-laboratory' of earthquake engineering facilities and aims to help prepare for future national disasters.
Researchers at UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training aim to improve team performance in complex situations. They will study how teams process knowledge and work together to solve ill-defined problems, with potential applications in natural disasters and crisis management.
A study provides empirical support for natural selection's role in species formation by analyzing the relationship between adaptation and reproductive isolation in hundreds of organisms. The researchers found a positive link between these two processes, suggesting that adaptation drives species diversification.
Research on hurricane Katrina victims reveals a correlation between self-reported pain, stress, and fear. The study also found that patients demonstrated resilience in coping with chronic pain after the disaster, focusing on survival rather than pain.
Researchers explore how science can help understand and alleviate poverty, with a focus on biophysical parameters and energy services. They find strong correlations between disaster vulnerability, soil fertility, drought frequency, and malaria exposure, highlighting the need for tailored solutions.
A University of Illinois scholar warns that avian influenza poses a significant threat to international security, citing the potential for human-to-human transmission and widespread economic disruption. The expert emphasizes the need for global coordination and increased surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus.
Climate change is exacerbating landslides worldwide, particularly in Asia and the Americas, resulting in significant human and financial losses. International experts propose various strategies to mitigate landslide risks, including land use planning, building codes, and infrastructure development.
The study highlights the importance of effective risk communications in emergency response, finding that people rely on non-traditional sources like clergy for information. Only 31% of respondents had created a family plan, while most believed they were prepared but weren't.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has launched a new strategy to strengthen international science, focusing on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainable development and natural disasters. The plan aims to improve communication between scientists and policymakers, and promote the sharing of findings and data.
The ICSU Scoping Group on Human-Induced Environmental Hazards aims to provide a strong scientific basis for reducing risks and consequences of natural hazards. Recent disasters show a dramatic increase in natural disasters, causing significant economic loss and human displacement.
A team of experts is investigating the damage caused by wind-driven waves and overtopping, as well as emergency patch effectiveness and decision-making processes behind levee configurations. The study aims to improve levee design to withstand potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Researchers have developed a new dating technique using radioactive carbon-14 in tooth enamel, which can accurately determine a person's age at the time of death within 1.6 years. This method can help forensic scientists identify victims of disasters like Hurricane Katrina and narrow down search efforts.
According to Irvine, no animals had to be euthanized due to lack of space after Hurricane Charley. She studied how human attitudes and myths influence emergency workers' approach to free-roaming animals during disasters.
Disaster research presented at the American Sociological Association Centennial Meeting challenges the common perception that minorities are disproportionately affected by disasters. The study finds patterns in human behavior and societal organization that mirror these disasters, highlighting that disaster is a normal part of life.
A growing coastal population is set to experience more frequent and intense natural disasters due to climate change. Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangrove forests can provide natural barriers and absorb the impact of these disasters, whereas man-made structures are less effective.
A new study explores how consumers perceive risks in natural vs medicalized childbirth, revealing cultural anxieties over technology and loss of autonomy. The research highlights the struggles consumers face when approaching childbirth and the risks associated with both natural and medicalized methods.
The special issue of PLoS Medicine examines the disproportionate death toll among women in the tsunami, highlighting pre-existing gender disparities. The article also critiques the inadequate healthcare response, including invasive media representation and ineffective psychological therapies.
Five high-profile medical whistleblowers share their accounts of practices in medicine and research that risk public health and safety. They reveal the 'pharma-FDA complex' may compromise drug development, prescribing, and safety monitoring, leading to potential disasters like Vioxx.
Researchers are drawing inspiration from honeybees' collaborative decision-making and ants' behavior to develop new collaboration frameworks for disaster relief efforts. The study aims to create flexible networks of responders who can act based on local information, mimicking the spread patterns of viruses and rumors.
A recent study suggests that better hospital resource management and staff training are crucial in responding effectively to disasters. The study emphasizes the need for improved communication, planning, and education among hospitals to ensure a more efficient exchange of resources during critical situations.
The concentration of people and wealth in underground spaces poses significant risks from floods, tsunamis, and other extreme events. Modeling catastrophic events is crucial for designing contingencies such as evacuations and emergency containment.
Researchers create a system that takes chaotic reports from the field and transforms them into useful information for decision-makers and emergency responders. The system, undergoing beta testing, is designed to suggest likely scenarios and provide confidence measures within minutes of receiving initial reports.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated that half-matched donor (haploidentical) natural killer cells can survive and persist to actively attack cancer cells, potentially leading to remission and eligibility for bone marrow transplant. This breakthrough treatment option shows promise for some patients with AML.
The American Geosciences Institute announced winners of the Earth Science Week contest, showcasing artistic talents in visual arts, essay writing, and photography. The contests aimed to increase public awareness of geology and the earth sciences.
The USF College of Nursing will create an interdisciplinary disaster and trauma management program with a focus on bioterrorism education. The college will work with hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies to provide quality training.
Researchers create synthetic transcription factors, mimicking natural regulators to probe gene regulation and explore new treatment approaches. The artificial activation domains developed in Mapp's lab were as effective as a natural activation domain at turning on genes.
The UN University estimates that the number of people living in flood-prone areas will double by 2050 due to extreme weather systems, rising sea levels, and deforestation. This would put an additional 1 billion people at risk, with devastating consequences for global economies and human security.
Salvage harvesting operations after natural disturbances can threaten some organisms when large quantities of biological legacies are removed. Researchers argue that exempting large areas from these practices is crucial for ecosystem recovery and sustainability.
According to Rutgers sociologist, the DOE's Long Term Stewardship program ignores worst-case scenarios, fails to consider public disasters. The agency relies on flawed engineering barriers and institutional rules to mitigate risks, according to Clarke.
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, need to be 'nurtured' before they can effectively destroy tumor and infected cells. This new understanding paves the way for potential changes in bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures.
NASA satellites provide daily, high-quality data on crop productivity, surface temperature and snow cover to support decision-making for FAS analysts. The data helps monitor natural disasters' impact on crops and assess water levels in lakes and reservoirs.
Two LSU professors are working to develop survivable sensor networks that can collect valuable data during disasters, which could be used in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and national security projects. The researchers also aim to ensure secure data transmission through methods like anonymous email tracking.
The new Little GLORIAD network increases bandwidth between the US and China to 155 Mbps and enhances research capabilities for scientists worldwide. The network enables joint responses to natural disasters, nuclear materials safeguards, and human genome studies.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing wireless video sensor networks that can provide real-time visual data in critical situations. The goal is to improve the government's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Researchers have discovered large reservoirs of nitrates in desert subsoils, challenging the concept that nitrogen is tightly retained in soil. This finding has implications for potential groundwater nitrate contamination following climate change or land-use alterations in natural deserts.
The Penn State Earth 101 course uses B-movie clips to engage students in learning about natural disasters, promoting critical thinking and science-based decision-making. Students work on projects such as public affairs manuals for cities with earthquake histories, debating topics like government response to natural disasters.
The WIISARD project aims to provide emergency personnel with medical data on victims' conditions, track chemical or radioactive attacks, and ensure communication safety. The system utilizes radio-frequency tags, hand-held devices with location-based access to patient data, and a disaster database.
A new book published by the University of Colorado Center explores post-disaster research and findings from 22 studies on emergency response, corporate interactions, volunteer behavior, and risk communication. The studies aim to improve public policy and disaster response in the face of terrorist attacks.
A controlled study after the Dutch café fire found a 75% increase in clinical overall mental-health symptom scores among Volendam adolescents compared to other students. These scores were significantly higher for girls than boys, indicating that post-disaster healthcare should focus on psychosocial consequences.
A sociologist has developed a 10-category scale to measure disasters and terrorism events, helping researchers and practitioners distinguish between appropriate mitigating efforts. The scale assesses the degree of social disruption resulting from an actual or potential disaster, with categories ranging from everyday emergencies to anni...
Researchers Barany and Hammett found that forests and non-timber forest products are crucial for household coping strategies, offering low-cost alternatives to meet nutritional needs. Medicinal plants from these resources can treat conditions related to HIV/AIDS, making them a vital priority for conservation and management efforts.
Engineers studied the impacts of 9/11 on the World Trade Center, discovering factors that minimized infrastructure disruption. The study highlighted the importance of wireless communication, compartmentalized electrical systems, and heroic actions by utility workers.
Researchers created a set of tools to evaluate disaster drills in four parts: command and control, out-of-hospital care, in-hospital care, and system integration. The methods are designed to be practical for disaster planners worldwide, particularly in developing countries disproportionately affected by disasters.
The article discusses the relationship between natural and synthetic substances in relation to human health. Key findings include the difficulty of synthesizing complex natural compounds and the potential for modification by synthetic chemists to enhance medicinal properties.
A UC Irvine study found that hospitals can successfully evacuate patients and staff without relying on outside assistance. Non-structural problems like water leaks and electrical outages pose the biggest risk to facilities during disasters. The study provides basic steps for responding to bioterrorist attacks on medical facilities.
The report recommends building disaster resilience into utility infrastructure, strengthening emergency response systems, and establishing constitutional legitimacy for disaster management. The authors aim to reduce the vulnerability of Caracas to natural hazards through innovative interdisciplinary approaches.
Researcher North studies survivors of disasters, including plane crashes and mass shootings, finding most people are resilient but vulnerable to PTSD. People with a history of psychiatric illness are at high risk for developing PTSD, especially those experiencing avoidance and numbing symptoms after disasters.
Expert Clarke emphasizes the importance of communication, infrastructure development, and international cooperation in preparing for asteroid impacts. He highlights the need for countries to have comprehensive civil defense plans and to prioritize population relocation and geographical redevelopment.