Articles tagged with Natural Disasters
Children's National Hospital's NICU staff underwent evacuation simulation training to improve their skills and knowledge. The training, which included hands-on practice with mannequins and equipment, resulted in significant improvements in evacuation times and staff confidence.
Research from Oregon State University suggests that climate change could lead to a 52% increase in tropical storm-related deaths, mainly affecting vulnerable populations in developing countries. The study's findings are based on analyzing mortality data and simulating the impact of climate change on storm frequency and severity.
A new study found that cultural differences play a significant role in how young people cope with natural disasters. The research used a new method to assess coping among disaster-affected youths and found that middle-class teen girls in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, used different coping strategies than low-income, predominantly Afri...
A team of UMBC researchers has developed a novel approach to making therapeutic proteins available at the point of care, enabling faster drug development and more personalized medicines. The portable system, about the size of a suitcase, allows for rapid production without relying on manufacturing facilities or transport.
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 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.
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 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 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.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz and University of Cantabria, Spain, has identified hotspots of coastal risks in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Comparative Coastal Risk Index reveals over 500,000 people living in high-risk areas where coastal hazards and poverty converge.
A recent CU Anschutz study found that climate change can spur outbreaks of infectious diseases like Zika, malaria, and dengue fever. The researchers discovered a 12-fold increase in Zika cases in Ecuador after an earthquake struck the region during an exceptionally strong El Niño event.
Research reveals that nearly half of colonia residents live in severely overcrowded environments with poor infrastructure, leading to chronic diseases and mental health issues. The study aims to raise awareness about the need for public policies and interventions to buffer the effects of poverty on these communities.
A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.
A new study warns that natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and tsunamis could wipe out the world's only population of Javan rhinoceros. The authors urge establishing additional rhino populations away from disaster zones to increase survival odds for at least part of the population.
The German Research Foundation has approved funding for three graduate schools at TU Dresden, focusing on making existing buildings more resilient through innovative materials, developing new treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes, and advancing computer science modeling.
The transitional climate zone in East Asia experiences significant changes due to global warming, including coastward migration and aridity. Models largely reproduce the TCZ shape, but uncertainty from climate models dominates over emission scenarios.
A study of 355 World War II veterans found that those who experienced intense combat were more price-sensitive and less brand loyal. This research provides insights for store owners and aid providers on what items to stock in stores after a disaster, such as practical and affordable options like off-brand variety.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves are less impacted and recover faster than unprotected reefs. Well-designed reserves provide benefits for non-target species and wider ecosystem processes.
Researchers used Google Street View images to assess damage to buildings after a major natural disaster. The study found that online images could be used to identify material and form of structures that remained standing, providing valuable information for future design guidelines.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that US schools are not better prepared for pandemics than they were in 2011. Schools reported having less than half of the measured indicators for preparedness, with notable gaps in bioterrorism readiness and addressing student psychological needs.
The DPR Korea has launched a national agroforestry strategy and action plan to restore degraded landscapes, enhance soil quality, and increase crop yields. The initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity and reduce the frequency of natural disasters, with a focus on empowering local villagers through legal and institutional frameworks.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that community participation and social networks can aid preparedness to natural disasters such as tsunamis in vulnerable regions. People who participate in social activities are more likely to plan and prepare for future disasters, including having a family emergency plan or disaster supplies kit.
Engineers at Lehigh University are developing stochastic models to study the dynamics of Ebola virus infection in bats and its potential human transmission. The goal is to quantify the risk associated with the virus's spread and provide a basis for resource allocation and epidemic response strategies.
BMJ has opened its online resources, including The BMJ and BMJ Journals, decision support tools from BMJ Best Practice, and learning resources from BMJ Learning, to support doctors and healthcare institutions in Nepal. Free access is available for three months for anyone with an IP range originating in Nepal.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behaviour found that women are more attracted to war heroes than regular soldiers or men who display heroic traits in other fields. The researchers also discovered that heroism in combat increases women's levels of sexual attraction towards male soldiers, but not in disaster zones.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions after Hurricane Sandy, while 95% were interested in learning about emergency preparedness. Another study showed a positive effect of distributing an 'emergency information packet' to patients.
A new study reveals that less attractive children receive more help than their cuter counterparts in disaster relief efforts. The research suggests that when a child's need is severe, facial attractiveness has no effect on helping responses.
A US study found clusters of 'broken heart' syndrome in Vermont and Missouri after major natural disasters, suggesting stress as a trigger. Researchers call for greater awareness among emergency responders to improve diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
A new study conducted by Brigham Young University professor Niwako Yamawaki found that nearly half of Hirono's survivors experienced clinically concerning PTSD symptoms. Eating right and exercising regularly were identified as key factors in fostering resilience among disaster survivors.
A research team from Michigan State University studied the recovery of forests and bamboo groves in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, after a devastating earthquake. They found that many areas were on the road to recovery, with replanting efforts helping in areas with poor soil conditions.
A study comparing post-traumatic stress symptoms among children exposed to disasters and identifying risk factors for resiliency. The article discusses the importance of recognizing similarities and differences in how children and adults react to traumatic events.
Researchers found that individuals who feel connected to a group are more likely to donate, even if it's for a different group. The study suggests that nonprofits can improve fundraising efforts by targeting specific demographics and avoiding comparisons between donors and recipients.
A new study finds that consumers donate less when focused on distant future but more when abstract thinking is used. Brands can leverage this by emphasizing the fun experience of a product, rather than its unpleasant side effects.
Researchers are using past natural disasters to develop models of potential future events, highlighting the importance of local community resilience. By analyzing geological and social parameters, scientists aim to create a more robust framework for disaster preparedness.
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that 84% of Michigan emergency departments are better prepared to handle disasters than they were seven years ago. They've added decontamination rooms, stockpiled antidotes, and improved respiratory protection supplies.
Researchers found that donors prioritize fatalities over those affected when deciding how much to donate. However, a simple change in terminology can reverse this bias, prioritizing the number of homeless individuals. By diverting attention from fatalities to survivors, aid can be allocated more effectively.
A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that corporate philanthropy increases during mega-events like the Super Bowl and decreases during severe natural disasters. This suggests that local communities still matter to corporations, even in a globalized age.
The article highlights the importance of geophysics in disaster planning, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address natural hazards. Brian McAdoo's presentation compares death counts and economic fallout from similar magnitude earthquakes in areas with different levels of economic development, showing that dea...
A study found that natural disasters can alter children's altruistic giving, with 9-year-olds showing increased willingness to give and 6-year-olds becoming more selfish. The research suggests that empathy plays a key role in this development, with older children better able to regulate their emotions and act pro-socially.
Researchers have discovered that some water catchments exhibit a finite resilience to wet and dry years, switching between two steady states. This finding allows for better prioritization of investment and informed decision-making in water resourcing.
A new study by the European Respiratory Society found that Christchurch residents increased their tobacco consumption following the 2010 earthquake. The study showed that 28% of non-smokers picked up the habit after the disaster, with many attributing it to anxiety and changes in lifestyle.
A new study evaluates seismic hazards for six capital cities in Central America, with Guatemala City and San Salvador at highest risk. The study provides a regional seismic catalog and strong motion database updated to December 2010, supporting national seismic code revisions.
A study found that stress in the second and third months of pregnancy can shorten pregnancies, increase the risk of pre-term births, and affect the ratio of male to female births. Exposure to stress itself, rather than other factors accompanying it, appears to have this impact.
In a surprising finding, firefighters are more likely to be injured while exercising than during firefighting activities. This is according to research that analyzed data from 21 fire stations in Tucson, Arizona between 2004 and 2009.
A new study by Keisha Cutright found that consumers who feel a lack of control over their lives seek tangible boundaries to restore order and structure. This includes aesthetic elements like frames around paintings or fences around yards, which provide a sense of comfort and control.
Researchers developed a new software that allows wireless sensor networks to run at much lower energy, improving the efficiency of hurricane and other natural disaster warning systems. The technology also enables environmental monitoring and risk identification.
Biological invasions are becoming more frequent worldwide, causing multiple extinctions of native species and economic damage. Hazard-reduction plans could minimize these impacts at a low cost, similar to those for natural disasters.
A recent roundtable discussion sponsored by GEN explored biological methods for improving marine environment understanding, assessing oil spill impact, and monitoring remediation. The event brought together scientists from academia and industry to discuss the effectiveness of these approaches.
Conservation programs in China's Wenchuan County preserved forest cover after the 2008 earthquake, protecting endangered species like the giant panda. The research found that expansive national conservation efforts reduced natural disaster damage and human impacts.
Research highlights the need for emergency online communities to address the psychological and social needs of people with disabilities during disasters. The study proposes three main objectives: developing coordinated online social networks, establishing adequate infrastructure, and conducting emergency training and simulation.
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.
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.
The Galveston 1900 Hurricane is a devastating event studied in a chapter by Robert Simpson, a renowned expert on severe weather. The hurricane led to the development of the Saffir-Simpson scale for classifying potential damage from hurricanes.
A study found that military personnel assigned to mortuary duty during the Gulf War experienced increased physical symptoms, with those handling bodies showing the most dramatic increases. The researchers suggest that this may be due to an increased awareness of one's own body or concern about dismissed physical symptoms.