Science and Climate Content

Long-Term Study on Health Impacts of Los Angeles Wildfires Launched

Katherine E Kerlin — January 31, 2025 - 12:10pm

In an unprecedented collective scientific effort to understand the short- and long-term health impacts of wildfires, researchers from four universities have launched a 10-year study of the Los Angeles fires. The wildfires that began in early January 2025 killed 29 people, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and exposed millions to toxic smoke.

The research aims to evaluate which pollutants are present, at what levels, and where, and to assess the respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, reproductive, and immune system impacts of the wildfires.

Clear Lake Water Quality Report Recommends Rehabilitation Strategy

Katherine E Kerlin — January 29, 2025 - 9:00am

Clear Lake's water quality suffers from low-to-no-oxygen conditions, finds a report from �鶹��ý Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

How Urban Streams, Climate Change and Unhoused People Intertwine

Katherine E Kerlin — January 27, 2025 - 9:28am

A search for compassionate, sustainable solutions takes researchers to Bay Area streams to investigate the intersections of climate change, urban streams and unhoused people.

Dining Out with San Francisco’s Coyotes

Katherine E Kerlin — January 22, 2025 - 5:45am

As their traditional dining options dwindle, the native coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat. A �鶹��ý study reveals what's on the menu.

Little Birds, Little Poops, Little Food Safety Risk

Katherine E Kerlin — January 21, 2025 - 2:16pm

It doesn’t require a degree in ornithology, a lab test or even an app for most growers to determine whether bird poop near their crops presents a food safety risk. They just need to ask themselves a simple question: How big is it?

Mussel Bed Surveyed Before World War II Still Thriving

Katherine E Kerlin — January 16, 2025 - 12:22pm

A mussel bed in northern California is as healthy and biodiverse as it was about 80 years ago, when two young students surveyed it shortly before one was sent to fight in World War II, finds a new �鶹��ý study.

Wildfire, Smoke and Air Quality Experts

Katherine E Kerlin — January 15, 2025 - 6:30am

A �鶹��ý wildfire, smoke and air quality experts list for media, updated for 2024.

Storing Carbon in Buildings Could Help Address Climate Change

Andy Fell — January 09, 2025 - 6:08pm

Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University. The study, published Jan. 10 in Science, shows that combined with steps to decarbonize the economy, storing CO2 in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

States Struggle to Curb Food Waste Despite Policies

Amy M Quinton — January 09, 2025 - 2:00pm

Current state policies aren't enough to curb food waste. Study shows states are falling short of the reduction goals set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Carnivorous Squirrels Documented in California

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2024 - 1:00am

California ground squirrels hunt, kill and eat voles, reveals a study by �鶹��ý and UW-Eau Claire, sharing the first evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.