ScienceDaily: Disaster Plan News

Expert questions US public health agency advice on influenza vaccines

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

The United States government public health agency, the CDC, pledges "To base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data, openly and objectively derived." But experts argue that in the case of influenza vaccinations and their marketing, this is not so.

How should geophysics contribute to disaster planning?

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:20:20 EDT

Earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters often showcase the worst in human suffering – especially when those disasters strike populations who live in rapidly growing communities in the developing world with poorly enforced or non-existent building codes. Scientists now illustrate how nearly identical natural disasters can play out very differently depending on where they strike.

As Canada takes Arctic Council helm, experts stress north's vulnerability to spills, emergencies

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

It is crucial that northern nations strengthen response capabilities to shipping-related accidents foreseen in newly-opened northern waters, as well as to more-common local emergencies such as floods, forest fires and rescue situations, experts say.

Protecting hospitals from 'new' terrorist threats

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:45:45 EDT

Health care facilities play a vital role in the UK’s terrorism contingency plans, but a new study provides a timely warning to managers, regulatory bodies and government that crucial services such as hospitals are also potential targets for malevolent actions.

Global networks must be redesigned, experts urge

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

The increasing interdependencies between the world's technological, socio-economic, and environmental systems have the potential to create global catastrophic risks. We may have to redesign global networks,or else they could turn into "global time bombs," experts say.

Finding a sensible balance for natural hazard mitigation with mathematical models

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:16:16 EDT

Uncertainty issues are paramount in assessing risks posed by natural hazards and in developing strategies to alleviate their consequences. A new model estimates the balance between costs and benefits of mitigation following natural disasters, as well as rebuilding defenses in their aftermath.

The politics of climate change

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:05:05 EDT

US residents who believe in the scientific consensus on global warming are more likely to support government action to curb emissions, regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat, according to a new study.

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident: Two years on, the fallout continues

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

More than two years after the earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan, scientists are still trying to quantify the extent of the damage.

Adaptable leaders may have best brains for the job

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:21:21 EDT

Effective leaders’ brains may be physically “wired” to lead, offering the promise of more precise identification and training, according to new studies.

Finnish children sent to Sweden to avoid war suffered more than those who stayed

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:11:11 EDT

Finnish war children, that is, Finnish children who were evacuated to safety in Sweden during the second world war, faced greater hardships than children who remained in Finland, a new study suggests. In particular, there are marked differences in the risk for heart diseases and diabetes as well as in the prevalence of mental health problems.

Many emergency department providers don't ask suicidal patients about gun access

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

Although guns are used in over half of all American suicides, a new study shows many emergency room doctors do not routinely ask suicidal patients about their access to firearms.

Americans back preparation for extreme weather and sea-level rise

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:06:06 EDT

The majority of Americans express support for stronger coastal development codes, according to a new survey.

Predicting hotspots for future flu outbreaks

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:13:13 EDT

A major pandemic could occur if bird flu were to become highly contagious among humans. Scientists are making sure we get a leg up on the threat by developing predictions about where outbreaks are most likely to begin.

Antibiotic resistance 'has the potential to undermine modern health systems,' say experts

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EDT

Antibiotic resistance "has the potential to undermine modern health systems," argue health economists. They believe that an increase in resistant organisms coupled with a big fall in the number of new antimicrobial drugs "suggests an apocalyptic scenario may be looming."

Walk it out: Urban design plays key role in creating healthy cities

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:44:44 EST

Residents of new housing developments increased their exercise and their wellbeing when they had more access to shops and parks, a new study from Australia reveals.

Bankruptcy judges influenced by apologies

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

Debtors who apologized were seen as more remorseful and were expected to manage their finances more carefully in the future compared to debtors who did not offer an apology, finds a new study.

Living through a tornado does not shake optimism

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:30:30 EST

Even in the face of a disaster, we remain optimistic about our chances of injury compared to others, according to a new study. Residents of a town struck by a tornado thought their risk of injury from a future tornado was lower than that of peers, both a month and a year after the destructive twister. Such optimism could undermine efforts toward emergency preparedness.

U.S. may face inevitable nuclear power exit

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:29:29 EST

In the third and final issue in a series focused on nuclear exits, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by SAGE, turns its attention to the United States and looks at whether the country's business-as-usual approach may yet lead to a nuclear phase-out for economic reasons.

Study surveys impact of Leap Day Harrisburg, Illinois tornado

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:57:57 EST

On Leap Day last year, the largest natural disaster in Illinois in 2012 devastated a small town in Southern Illinois. Since the Feb. 29 EF-4 level tornado that tore through Harrisburg one year ago—hitting the ground with a force of 175-180 miles per hour and leaving eight people dead, injuring many others and destroying more than 250 homes.

Workstation design improvements for drone operators may reduce costs and mishaps, researchers suggest

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:20:20 EST

The US Department of Defense reports that drone accidents in which personnel or aircraft are damaged or destroyed occur 50 times more often than mishaps involving human-operated aircraft. Researchers suggest multimillion-dollar drone loses might be prevented by applying commercial workstation design standards to drone workstations.

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 EST

New research suggests that exposure to diverse types of traumatic events among protective services workers is a risk factor for new onset of psychopathology and alcohol use disorders.

With robots, humans face 'new society'

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:30:30 EST

Humanity came one step closer in January to being able to replicate itself, thanks to the EU's approval of funding for the Human Brain Project. Danica Kragic, a robotics researcher and computer science professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, says that while the prospect of living among humanoid robots calls to mind terrifying scenarios from science fiction, the reality of how humans cope with advances in robotics will be more complex, and subtle.

Businesses not prepared for pandemics and other disasters

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:11:11 EST

In light of the recent influenza outbreak, a new study finds that majority of businesses are not prepared for a pandemic.

Preparing for climate change-induced weather disasters

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:43:43 EST

The news sounds grim: Mounting scientific evidence indicates climate change will lead to more frequent and intense extreme weather that affects larger areas and lasts longer. However, we can reduce the risk of weather-related disasters with a variety of measures, according to scientists.

Predictions of the human cost of climate change

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:53:53 EST

Scientists predict a grim future for billions of people by 2050 if climate change issues are not addressed now.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

Humanitarian aid workers in Uganda show signs of stress, depression, and burnout

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:24:24 EST

The high risk for mental health problems among staff working in humanitarian organizations in northern Uganda is due in large part to their work environment. Scientists examined the mental health of 376 Ugandan workers at 21 humanitarian aid agencies and found that a significant number of the staff at these organizations experienced high levels of symptoms for depression (68 percent), anxiety disorders (53 percent), and posttraumatic stress disorder (26 percent), respectively.

Disasters prompt older children to be more giving, younger ones to be more selfish

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:18:18 EST

A natural disaster can bring out the best in older children, prompting 9-year-olds to be more willing to share, while 6-year-olds become more selfish. Researchers made this finding in a rare natural experiment in China around the time of a horrific earthquake.

Lessons of the 1953 East Coast of England flood disaster

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:13:13 EST

Sixty years ago, on 31 January and 1 February 1953, over 300 people died in flooding on the East Coast of England. Recent research has found that the Cabinet partly funded the response to avoid blame and further requests for funding.

Climate change impacts to U.S. coasts threaten public health, safety and economy, report finds

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:30 EST

According to a new technical report, the effects of climate change will continue to threaten the health and vitality of US coastal communities' social, economic and natural systems.

Pandemic controversies: The global response to pandemic influenza must change

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:46:46 EST

"Evil" scientists, deadly viruses and terrorist plots are usually the preserve of Hollywood blockbusters. But when it comes to pandemic influenza, it is the stuff of real life. As controversy about H5N1 bird flu virus research continues, a new article argues for a new approach to pandemic preparedness.

Using Twitter to track the flu: Researchers find a better way to screen the tweets

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:32:32 EST

Computer scientists have developed a new tweet-screening method that not only delivers real-time data on flu cases, but also filters out online chatter that is not linked to actual flu infections.

Free clinics reduce emergency department visits

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:38:38 EST

People who receive primary care from free clinics are less likely to use the emergency department for minor issues, according to a team of medical researchers.

Is your business ready for a flu outbreak?

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:37:37 EST

Flu is reaching epidemic levels this year. A flu outbreak affects more than individual's health. Communities, schools and businesses will all be impacted by the virus. Will your business be ready for a flu outbreak?

Flooding preparedness needs to include infection prevention and control strategies

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:12:12 EST

Clinical investigators report key findings and recommendations related to the closure and re-opening of hospitals impacted by black-water floods. The guidance builds on lessons learned from Thailand and the United States. The findings come as many flood-damaged healthcare facilities in New York and New Jersey look to reopen in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Affordable Care Act's impact on uncompensated care

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:02:02 EST

The decision by several states not to expand Medicaid health insurance for the poor may create unintended cuts for hospitals that provide uncompensated care, according to a new study.

US cancer screening rates decline over the last 10 years, finds new study

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:01:01 EST

The rate of people who seek preventive cancer screenings has fallen over the last 10 years in the United States with wide variations between white-collar and blue-collar workers, according to a new study.

Will the world end on December 21, 2012? What we know and don't know about forecasting natural disasters

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:03:03 EST

Based on interpretations of the ancient Maya calendar, some people are predicting the world will end on December 21, 2012, Others believe that instead of doomsday and destruction, the day will mark a new era for humanity and will be a time for celebration. Such beliefs aside, what we know with certainty is that Earth has a tremendous capacity to generate natural disasters on any day of any year. For this reason, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists continue to look for ways to better forecast a wide range of natural hazards and protect our communities.

World Trade Center rescue, recovery workers have had increased incidence of certain types of cancer

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:17:17 EST

Among rescue and recovery workers exposed to the dust, debris, and fumes following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, there was an increased incidence of prostate and thyroid cancers and multiple myeloma, although it is not clear how big a factor medical screening and non-WTC risk factors contributed to these increases

Will climate change cause water conflict?

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:09:09 EST

Climate change plays a secondary role in the origin or aggravation of social conflicts linked to water. Political discourses must avoid directly linking climate change with social conflict and human insecurity, without taking into account other political and socio-economic factors.

Long-term public health support needed to tackle infectious disease outbreaks

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:32:32 EST

Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as swine flu (H1N1) threaten global health and should be considered by funding agencies and humanitarian organizations as development issues rather than emergency situations, requiring long-term support and investment, according to U.S. experts.

Citizen science more than a century later: Ordinary people go online to track Gulf oil spill

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:52:52 EST

Researchers report on a new form of "citizen science," concluding that it can help assess health and environmental threats, such as those posed by the 2010 Gulf oil disaster. The researcher studied reports to an online Oil Spill Map and discovered that citizen science can red-flag potential hazards quickly and offers specific local information that often fails to make it into official scientific reports.

Bugs without borders: Researchers track the emergence and global spread of healthcare associated Clostridium difficile

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:25:25 EST

Researchers show that the global epidemic of Clostridium difficile 027/NAP1/BI in the early to mid-2000s was caused by the spread of two different but highly related strains of the bacterium rather than one as was previously thought. The spread and persistence of both epidemics were driven by the acquisition of resistance to a frontline antibiotic.

Obesity increases time needed for lung cancer surgery

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:20:20 EST

Lobectomy for primary lung cancer takes longer when a patient is obese, not only increasing the resources required to achieve a good outcome, but also adding to national health care costs. The researcher found that for every 10-unit increase in BMI, operating room time rose by 7.2 minutes —- even in hospitals experienced in caring for obese patients.

Federal technology transfer in the United States

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

With new treatments for disease, test suites that safeguard computers, and even expertise to rescue miners trapped thousands of feet underground, federal laboratories have a wealth of technologies and know-how that can give US companies a competitive edge and improve quality of life.

Blame, responsibility and demand for change following floods

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:13 EST

New research shows that concerns about governmental failure to act effectively and fairly in the aftermath of extreme weather events can affect the degree to which residents are willing to protect themselves.

Models for evacuation procedures in big cities after massive earthquakes

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:08:08 EST

Researchers in Japan report on models for evacuation procedures in big cities after massive earthquakes based on the behavior of people in Tokyo after the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake on March 11, 2011.

How 'black swans' and 'perfect storms' become lame excuses for bad risk management

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:33:33 EST

Instead of reflecting on the unlikelihood of rare catastrophes after the fact, a risk analysis expert prescribes an engineering approach to anticipate them when possible, and to manage them when not.

Government, industry can better manage risks of very rare catastrophic events, experts say

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:23:23 EST

The mindset that uses the extreme unlikelihood of a catastrophic event as a rationale for not taking measures before a disaster happens, factored into the risk management failures of the Fukushima Tsunami, 9/11 and other such events, but a better approach is available, experts say.

Underemployment persists since recession, with youngest workers hardest hit

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:17:17 EST

Underemployment has remained persistently high in the aftermath of the Great Recession with workers younger than 30 especially feeling the pinch, according to new research.

Ovarian cancer patients have lower mortality rates when treated at high-volume hospitals

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:17:17 EST

Women who have surgery for ovarian cancer at high-volume hospitals have superior outcomes than similar patients at low-volume hospitals, new research suggests.

Chernobyl cleanup workers had significantly increased risk of leukemia

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:36:36 EST

A 20-year study following 110,645 workers who helped clean up after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in the former Soviet territory of Ukraine shows that the workers share a significant increased risk of developing leukemia. The results may help scientists better define cancer risk associated with low doses of radiation from medical diagnostic radiation procedures such as computed tomography scans and other sources.

New method could help communities plan for climate risk

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:27:27 EST

Researchers have developed a new tool to help policymakers, city planners and others see the possible local effects of climate change.

Children's preexisting symptoms influence their reactions to disaster coverage on TV

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:14:14 EST

After a natural disaster occurs, we often find ourselves glued to the TV, seeking out details about the extent of the damage and efforts at recovery. While research has shown that exposure to this kind of coverage is associated with symptoms of traumatic stress in youths, new research suggests that the relationship isn't so simple: the amount of exposure to disaster coverage matters but children's preexisting symptoms also play an important role.

More than a quarter of St. Louis EMTs don’t get flu vaccines

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:12:12 EST

More than 25 percent of St. Louis area EMTs do not get vaccinated against the flu, new research shows.

Disaster defense: Balancing costs and benefits

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:19:19 EDT

Do costly seawalls provide a false sense of security in efforts to control nature? Would it be better to focus on far less expensive warning systems and improved evacuation procedures? A father-son team have developed new strategies to defend society against natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the effects of climate change. The approach, which considers costs and benefits while identifying the best solution, is based on a mathematical technique called optimization.

Overcoming Hurricane stress: Getting a grip after Sandy leaves town

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:13:13 EDT

The upheaval brought about by a natural disaster the likes of Hurricane Sandy forces us to reorganize how we see the world.

Long-term sea level rise in Washington, D.C. could have significant impact

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:49:49 EDT

The U.S. capital is likely to face flooding and infrastructure damage in both the short- and long-term brought about by sea level rise (SLR), current trends and predicted increases suggest. The rise is linked to thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of global ice sheets as a result of global warming, researchers say in a new study focused on real-estate property and government infrastructure impacts in Washington, D.C.

Seniors particularly vulnerable in Hurricane Sandy's aftermath

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:55:55 EDT

Older adults left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy will likely suffer disproportionately in the days ahead, based on data from other recent natural disasters.

Economists weigh in on Sandy's impending financial fury

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:22:22 EDT

In addition to the immediate physical impacts Hurricane Sandy promises the Northeast, economists say the storm also will bring intrinsic financial effects that are sure to unfold over the next few days and linger through the coming months.