The origin of COVID-19 is highly debated – most studies have focused on a zoonotic origin, but research from the journal Risk Analysis, examined the likelihood of an unnatural origin (i.e. from a laboratory.) The results indicate a greater likelihood of an unnatural than natural origin of the virus. The researchers used an established risk […]
OAKLAND, Calif., June 27, 2024 – Power outages are on the rise nationwide as climate change brings more frequent wildfires, heat waves, and severe weather events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state of California have both recently established funding to help communities create “resilience hubs” that rely on solar+battery systems to provide […]
Seven of 10 riskiest places are in California and Houston, Huntsville, Alabama and Oklahoma City HERNDON, Va., July 10, 2024 — One of the privileges the wealthiest Americans enjoy is living wherever they want. But new research published in Risk Analysis suggests they should be cautious when choosing their Shangri-La. In their nationwide analysis, Rutgers […]
Embargoed for Release Until December 12, 2023, 11:15 a.m. Two new studies on dietary exposure to heavy metals clarify their connections to cancers and other serious illnesses. WASHINGTON, DC, 2023, December 12, 2023 – The problem of foodborne metal contamination has taken on new urgency, thanks in part to a 2021 US Congressional Report detailing […]
Research shows that counties with higher black and lower-income populations receive less support in wildfire disasters. WASHINGTON, DC, 2023 – Recent U.S. wildfire events — including the 2023 Maui wildfire in Hawaii, the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire in New Mexico, and the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire in Colorado — are tragic examples of how […]
Scientists have developed a web-based tool to help communities design an optimal wildfire evacuation plan WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 13, 2023 – Wildfires pose an increasing threat to communities at the wildland-urban interface (WUI) – where dry, flammable vegetation borders back yards, often in remote locations. Despite the well-known danger, many communities at highest risk do […]
WASHINGTON, DC, December 13, 2023 – There appears to be a common understanding that there is a mental health crisis among young people, but has society understood why? As presented at the 2023 Society for Risk Analysis Annual Conference, Gabriel Rubin from Montclair State University conducted 40 interviews with members of Gen Z (as of […]
Ten years of data indicate that a hurricane disaster leads to rent increases, higher eviction rates, and less affordable housing for renters WASHINGTON, DC, December 13, 2023 –With a severe shortage of affordable housing in the United States, renters living along the East and Gulf coasts are uniquely vulnerable to hurricane disasters. Two new studies […]
WASHINGTON, DC, December 13, 2023 – As more research reveals how many microplastic particles humans are ingesting and absorbing in their bloodstreams, Duke and Appalachian State researchers led by Joana Sipe and Christine Hendren have examined a source for microplastic absorption many would not have considered: sex toys. In a study originally published in Microplastics […]
Embargoed for Release Until Dec. 11, 4:30 p.m. WASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2023 – As presented at the Society for Risk Analysis 2023 Annual conference, Patrycja Sleboda from Baruch College – CUNY and her colleagues from the University of Southern California conducted a national food choice experiment to determine how people respond to labels such as […]
