The workshop discussed how AI can help victims of disasters, including using unmanned aerial vehicles to find survivors and robots to communicate with trapped victims. The goal is to leverage AI to better deliver resources and people to those in urgent need.
A new tool called DesignSafe is helping researchers improve their ability to predict hurricanes, move people out of harm's way, and build homes that can survive the worst nature can throw at them. The platform provides critical information about natural hazards and enables engineers to design safer structures.
Researchers used official government records to estimate a higher death toll from Hurricane Maria, with approximately 1,139 deaths surpassing the official count of 64. The study aimed to inform future weather disaster preparedness and response.
A study found that natural habitat surrounding farm fields is not always effective in controlling pests, with benefits varying widely across the globe. The analysis, published in PNAS, compiled data from over 6,700 sites in 31 countries, revealing no one-size-fits-all recommendations for farmers.
A Portsmouth researcher is developing a mathematical model to speed up the delivery of life-saving blood to victims of disasters, reducing blood wastage and loss of life. The model will inform venue and location for temporary blood donation centres, transportation routes, and quantities delivered.
A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.
A new study finds that the shutdown of two nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania will not significantly impact power prices due to low natural gas prices. The research suggests that efficient natural gas power plants have increased capacity, making it difficult for nuclear power to compete with competitive market outcomes.
An analysis of federal food aid delivered after Hurricane Maria found that nearly 10% of items exceeded daily limits for sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats. The study highlights the need for better programs to protect the health of communities affected by disasters.
Researchers from Swansea University found that enriching natural gas with hydrogen is a promising way to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions. By increasing the hydrogen content to 30%, domestic carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 18% without requiring any changes to appliances.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University are developing new hydrate inhibitors using water-soluble polyurethanes and biodegradable compounds like polyvinyl alcohol and glucose. The goal is to create affordable and effective solutions to prevent gas hydrates from forming, which can cause serious technological disasters.
A new Michigan State University study found that disaster recovery policies must consider the livelihood portfolio of families to avoid long-term devastation. The research focused on the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China, where rebuilding efforts inadvertently worsened poverty and environmental degradation.
A new UBC study found that disasters with significant human toll strengthen religious faith, while those with mostly economic damage do not. For every one per cent increase in injured people due to a climate disaster, attendance at religious services rises by four per cent.
Researchers have discovered a natural compound that can enhance the elimination of radioactive strontium from the body. The Zn-InsP6 complex has been shown to inhibit the absorption of strontium into the bloodstream and increase its excretion in the feces, potentially reducing radiation doses in humans.
Most American preppers are influenced by mass media and government fears, preparing for short to medium-term disasters and believing society will recover afterwards. The culture of fear in the US since 9/11 and official recommendations from FEMA have contributed to this response.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that active Twitter users are prone to spreading falsehoods during public emergencies, such as hurricanes and bombings. The study revealed that only a small percentage of users corrected or clarified false information.
Researchers have developed a method for using sunlight to generate clean water with near-perfect efficiency. The technology uses carbon-dipped paper to absorb and vaporize water, drawing heat from the surrounding environment to achieve high efficiency rates.
A new study finds that telemedicine can offer aid to people hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma by providing routine medical care in the days following the disaster. The top diagnosis during this time included acute respiratory illnesses and skin problems, similar to national trends.
A new guide from QUT's Dementia Centre aims to prepare those who care for people with dementia to cope during natural disasters. The Preparing for a Natural Disaster Guide highlights the increased risks faced by carers of people with dementia, including exacerbated symptoms and potential harm.
A new natural gas catalyst aims to reduce methane emissions from vehicle exhaust, a potent greenhouse gas. The US Department of Energy-funded project will develop and optimize a lower-cost, more efficient catalyst to eliminate unreacted methane, making natural gas a cleaner-burning fuel option.
Kristin O'Donovan's NSF-funded project examines how local governments learn from disaster experiences and the limits of policy change, shedding light on vulnerability differences between communities.
The Hobby School at the University of Houston is conducting a five-year survey to study the impact of Hurricane Harvey on residents' properties, behaviors, and policy attitudes. Early results show significant support for policies to mitigate future disasters, such as reservoir construction and floodplain restrictions.
The study highlights how natural disasters can disrupt industries and regions, causing significant economic losses. Intersectoral and interregional linkages contribute to these losses, which can be up to 50-70% of standard estimates for major metropolitan areas.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure the impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations, finding that frequent intense events exert strong selection pressures on species. The study suggests that the 2011 tsunami had a relatively small impact on organisms living in Japan's intertidal zone, comparable to a Pacific storm.
A new research project aims to understand how non-profits and private organizations coordinate with governments in responding to natural disasters. The study will analyze data from Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and California, with the goal of improving recovery efforts and community resilience.
A team of researchers from Colorado State University's Energy Institute has received a $1.2 million grant to study the efficiency of natural gas engines, aiming to make them as efficient as diesel engines. The research could lead to cost savings and improved air quality, with potential benefits for commercial vehicles.
A tropical cyclone in Western Micronesia is expected to strengthen into a storm but is too far away to affect the Philippines. The Suomi NPP satellite will monitor changes in vegetation productivity and track natural disasters from space.
A Princeton University historian team analyzed four case studies to understand how societies coped with natural stresses, revealing socioeconomic factors often played a more significant role than environmental changes. Historians' nuanced interpretation adds context to past events, helping policymakers prepare for global climate change.
Scientists are developing a new living sensor that can detect fuel leaks in real-time, allowing for quick repairs and minimizing environmental disasters. The sensor uses bacteria to detect gas leaks and can be placed on the outside of pipes, making it a versatile technique.
A 2015 flood in south central Oklahoma led to a 93% decrease in invertebrate abundance, a 60% decrease in species presence, and a 64% decrease in biomass among insects and other invertebrates. Only well-adapted creatures were quick to return.
UNIGE researchers analyzed tree rings to link global warming to increasing frequency and intensity of avalanches in the Himalayas. The study found that rising temperatures have led to bigger avalanches traveling greater distances, threatening infrastructure development and socio-economic stability in regions like Himachal Pradesh.
A new study from the University of Georgia highlights the need for humanitarian aid groups to be trained in safe infant and young child feeding protocols following natural disasters. Exclusive breast-feeding is recognized as the safest form of infant feeding, but alternative formula feeding can be dangerous due to contamination risks.
A 20-minute video was created to help child daycare providers prepare for disasters, addressing concerns of unpreparedness. The video, developed through a collaboration between several stakeholders, provides key points in disaster planning for daycare providers.
New research finds that high workloads and targets lead to psychological stress, demotivation, and reduced initiative among healthcare staff. This exposes healthcare services to major risk of staff shortage and inoperability during disasters.
A new review assesses the microbial degradation potential in Arctic seas, highlighting six factors challenging oil-eating microbes, including low temperatures, sea ice, and nutrient-poor environments. The research reveals that these factors can slow down biodegradation and reduce the efficiency of microbial degradation.
Research found that corporate social responsibility efforts during and after disasters build strong relationships with consumers if they appear altruistic on social media. Users who frequently use social media to find information during crises are more likely to trust companies engaged in CSR efforts.
A study by Indiana University researchers shows that excess emissions from industrial facilities can make serious contributions to overall air pollution, causing approximately $150 million in negative health consequences annually.
The researcher aims to advance natural hazard mitigation by examining local stakeholder networks involved in planning and implementing risk reduction. His project will use a combination of methods, including surveys, interviews, and multivariate regression modeling, to better understand how compassion can be fostered in urban planning.
A study published in PLOS One compared pre- and post-Hurricane Harvey pollution levels in Houston's Manchester neighborhood, finding that flooding redistributed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Baseline data is crucial for understanding disaster-related public health issues.
Researchers develop risk assessment framework to incorporate three common failure modes into a comprehensive strategy. The analysis finds that any risk assessment must consider all pertinent failure modes of a structure.
A new algorithm developed at the University of Waterloo will help first responders and home care providers identify elderly individuals who are most vulnerable during natural disasters. The algorithm uses data from interRAI's home care assessment to generate an up-to-date list of those who may need assistance.
A study by Penn State researchers found correlations between natural disasters, declining farm income, and opioid overdoses in rural America. Opioid-related deaths are increasing in rural counties, with a 10% rise for every $10,000 reduction in net farm income.
New research by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that exposure to natural environments improves body appreciation and promotes respect for the body, reducing rigid ideals around appearance.
A team of researchers proposes a scenario mapping approach to test disaster preparedness and response to unknown, complex events. They found common vulnerabilities triggered similar cascading effects, suggesting that highly-developed countries are susceptible to M.OR.D.OR scenarios.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that survivors of the 2011 Joplin tornado experienced a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress. However, they also discovered that these individuals had the potential to experience positive changes or growth in addition to stress.
Scientists analyzed various natural hazards like earthquakes, space weather events, and floods to understand their impact on power grid recovery time. The report highlights the importance of integrating risk assessment and management efforts across policy areas and improving cross-jurisdictional emergency management capabilities.
Researchers propose a mechanism for ancient culture evolution tied to environment change and technological development, with varying influences at local, regional, and global scales. The study suggests that sudden disasters, climate change, and technological innovations drove social evolution.
Researchers will study how social media affects news dissemination and develop algorithms to accurately predict the spread of information online. The project aims to improve official evacuation orders by filtering out inaccurate posts during disasters.
Researchers identify subset of natural killer cells that secrete growth-promoting factors, reversing impaired fetal growth. These cells may hold key to treating fetal growth restriction and recurrent spontaneous abortion, improving maternal-fetal microenvironment.
A study on 757 children and adolescents who experienced the 2013 Ya'an earthquake in China identified three classes of symptoms: resilient, thriving, and struggling. Those transitioning from thriving to struggling were more likely to be girls with higher levels of loss and injury.
Scientists have discovered two new functions of natural killer cells in the womb, which can help regulate embryo implantation. The cells remodel and refresh the lining of the womb, but an imbalance in this process may increase the risk of miscarriage.
A team of researchers is mapping areas at risk from liquefaction, a devastating form of seismic phenomenon caused by earthquakes. The LIQUEFACT project aims to assess community resilience to liquefaction-induced disasters, producing a framework for building vulnerability evaluation and mitigation strategies.
Artificially cooling the planet through geoengineering could have devastating effects on regions prone to storms or droughts, a new study shows. The researchers warn that targeting one hemisphere for geoengineering could lead to increased likelihood of natural disasters in other parts of the world.
Natural regeneration outperforms active restoration methods for biodiversity and vegetation structure recovery by 34-56% in tropical forests. The study controlled for key factors like forest amount, precipitation, and past disturbance to ensure accurate results.
Researchers examine how civilians respond during disasters, highlighting the emergence of 'swarming' collective action. They aim to re-think traditional concepts like preparedness and response to marginalize vulnerable populations.
A University of Delaware research team is studying how people adapt to power outages and water shortages after disasters. The project aims to optimize risk management strategies and improve societal needs through a multifaceted approach combining engineering modeling techniques, social science methods, and real-world case studies.
University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.
A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.
The USF team uses 3D imaging and photogrammetry techniques to preserve historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. The project aims to document the forts' histories and cultural influences, strengthening management and conservation efforts.
A new study suggests that a strong El Niño and a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador in 2016 likely exacerbated the Zika virus outbreak, increasing cases by 12-fold in three months. The research highlights how climate variability can amplify the worst effects of natural disasters and disease outbreaks in socially vulnerable regions.
Researchers detect localized carbon dioxide sources from Mount Yasur and Los Angeles basin, providing insights into volcanic and anthropogenic emissions. The study supports the potential for space-based monitoring to prevent humanitarian disasters and reduce greenhouse gas-induced warming.