Archaeologist Natalie Mueller at WashU explains how ancient agricultural systems could become a source of alternative crops and methods in an era of rapid climate change.

As climate change and development intensify flooding across the United States, disaster planners and policymakers are increasingly turning to social vulnerability indicators - such as poverty rates, racial demographics, or age - to assess which communities are most at risk. But a new study led by Princeton University researchers finds that these indicators may not be effective for every community. The connection between flood exposure and social factors varies significantly by location, which calls into question the “one-size-fits-all” approach of vulnerability measures in flood risk planning.

Researchers surveyed 4,177 adult American citizens in the United States. Participants provided opinions about four scenarios that featured individuals with distinct life circumstances and names that were racially/ethnically identifiable. The individual in the first scenario had “a genetic condition that destroyed his kidneys” and necessitated a kidney transplant. The second had “worked in a coal mine all his life” and needed a lung transplant because of black lung disease. The third was “very ill with COVID-19,” had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and needed a lung transplant. And the fourth had alcohol use disorder and needed a liver transplant.

Federal or statewide policies that help families in economic crises could dramatically reduce the rate of child abuse and neglect, according to a new study from the University of Georgia.

A new study shows that highlighting shared values and common goals can significantly increase the acceptance of civic organizations that are often seen as controversial and delegitimized for challenging the status quo. The research tested different messaging strategies on more than 1,600 Jewish Israeli participants, using real-world examples from a delegitimized prominent NGO. Messages that focused on widely supported activities—like providing services to marginalized communities—or that framed the organization as part of a shared value-based identity led to greater perceived legitimacy. The findings offer a practical and research-backed approach for protecting democratic discourse in polarized societies.