When drought and extreme weather lower water levels on the Mississippi River, it doesn’t just slow boats—it can ripple through the whole economy. A new study in Risk Analysis shows how climate change–related disruptions to fertilizer shipments along the river can shrink GDP and raise prices, especially in states like Illinois and Minnesota. Fred Roberts, an […]
How Puerto Rican Communities Stepped Up After Hurricane María
When Hurricane María hit Puerto Rico in 2017, it left behind widespread destruction—no power, destroyed homes, and thousands dead. Many people felt abandoned by the government. But some local groups stepped up to take care of their neighbors when official help never came. In a new study published in Geoforum, the authors explore how two […]
Flying High to Find Drought-Resistant Grass
Zoysiagrass is a popular lawn choice because it looks great and handles heat fairly well—but it still struggles in dry conditions. A new study is using drones and advanced imaging technology to find out which types of zoysiagrass do best when water is scarce. Bingru Huang, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Biology and […]
Building Fair Climate Solutions: What We Can Learn from Washington and Colorado
Todd Vachon, an affiliate of the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute, is a co-author of a new study that explores how different groups—like labor unions, environmental advocates, and community organizations—can work together to create fair and effective climate policies. The study, published in Environmental Politics, compares two major efforts in Washington State and Colorado to build […]
Rutgers Researchers Chart Next Steps for Developing Lateral Flow COVID-19-Type Tests to Monitor Coral Health
In a recent review in the journal BioEssays, Rutgers researchers described the next steps needed to produce affordable, field-portable diagnostic tests to deliver coral health monitoring tools to local communities. The latest collaborative effort brought together coral restoration practitioners, which included the Coral Restoration Foundation, academic researchers at Rutgers, small business owner, CapitalCorals Research & […]
Annalise VanVranken is the new Family and Community Health Sciences Educator in Atlantic County
Announcement by Sara Elnakib, chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences Please join me in welcoming Annalise VanVranken as the new Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator in Atlantic County, effective August 1. A lifelong advocate for an equitable and sustainable food system, Annalise will be part of the Community Food […]
Scientists Uncover DNA Secrets to Bolster Corn Crop Traits
A team that includes Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists has unlocked some of the secrets of corn DNA, revealing how specific sections of genetic material control vital traits such as plant architecture and pest resistance. The discovery could enable scientists to use new technologies to improve corn, making it more resilient and productive, the scientists said. […]
Katie Applegate Bobowski CC’92: Dedicated Environmental Educator and Community Leader
Since graduating from Cook College in 1992, Katie Applegate Bobowski has lived with her family in seven states – Oregon, Utah, Maryland, Arizona, Montana, Colorado and, since 2016, Alaska. In each place she’s lived, Katie’s grassroots commitment to community and to environmental education has been steadfast throughout, particularly those organizations that invest in youth and […]
Helping People Spot Greenwashing: A New Tool to Tell Truth from Hype
Greenwashing—when companies make themselves look more eco-friendly than they really are—is becoming a serious problem as the world tries to tackle climate change. A new study helps people understand when a company is being honest about going green and when it’s just using “green” talk to distract or mislead. The study, published in Ecology and […]
New Catalyst Breakthrough Could Make Clean Ammonia Easier to Produce
Producing ammonia—a key ingredient in fertilizer and a promising hydrogen energy carrier—traditionally requires lots of energy and fossil fuels. But a new study offers a more efficient, greener method for making ammonia using only nitrogen from the air and water, with help from electricity. Huixin He, associate professor in the School of Arts and Sciences, […]
