The White House announced Tuesday that three professors and two alumni had received the nation’s top honor for up-and-coming scientists and engineers.

New research led by The University of Texas at Arlington emphasizes that studying the impacts of past tropical storms can help communities better prepare for future storms. A key part of the study is analyzing the types and quantities of storm-related precipitation in affected regions to understand its role on local water resources. By mitigating excessive damage, such preparation could enable more people to remain in their home countries. This is increasingly urgent as climate change is expected to make tropical storms 10-15% more frequent and intense.

Study published in PNAS by researchers from Brazil and the UK shows that primates from the Brazilian semi-arid biome are able to acquire new knowledge as long as their presence is tolerated by other members of the group.

Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice combining gentle movements, breathing, and meditation, was assessed for its impact on biopsychosocial outcomes on veterans with chronic low back pain. The study measured pain intensity, disability, pain interference, sleep disturbance, PTSD, depression, anxiety, positive affect, and social roles. Findings showed significant improvements in pain-related outcomes and sleep disturbance in the qigong group compared to the control group. The study also found a significant connection between biological factors, such as inflammation markers, and psychosocial outcomes.