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This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - How the Duval’s workforce drives Citi’s expansion, community impact
Las Vegas’ long standing gap in specialized pediatric care meets a franchise level response as the Raiders deliver a $25 million gift to Intermountain Health
The Raiders organization and Intermountain Health have worked closely since the team's relocation to Las Vegas, yet discussion for their most impactful collaboration didn’t begin until less than a year ago.
Debra Lienhardt, RWJBarnabas Health Executive Vice President, Chief Business Development and Legal Officer, Honored as a Leading
Debra Lienhardt, RWJBarnabas Health Executive Vice President, Chief Business Development and Legal Officer, has been honored as a recipient of the 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business award, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact in New Jersey. The honorees were celebrated at a formal event on August 18 at The Palace at Somerset Park.
Debra Lienhardt, RWJBarnabas Health Executive Vice President, Chief Business Development and Legal Officer, Honored as a Leading
Debra Lienhardt, RWJBarnabas Health Executive Vice President, Chief Business Development and Legal Officer, has been honored as a recipient of the 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business award, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact in New Jersey. The honorees were celebrated at a formal event on August 18 at The Palace at Somerset Park.
Blog details why economic impact of health disparities matters for hospitals and health systems
Joy A. Rhoden, AHA senior vice president and executive director of health outcomes and care transformation, explores the economic impact of health disparities and discusses how the AHA’s new Economic Impact of Disparities in Health Outcomes Resource Guide helps organizations build the business case for action. The guide offers data-driven strategies to identify and address health disparities, along with real-world examples of hospitals and health systems using data, quality improvement efforts and targeted interventions to improve outcomes and achieve measurable results.
You are Invited to Health on the Line: Our Bodies, Plastics and Data Centers
The Iowa Conference Board of Church and Society is committed to connecting our faith with key social issues impacting our communities and God’s ...
What climate science tells us about the causes of the Colorado River crisis
Researchers have grown increasingly confident in global warming’s role in post-2000 ‘megadrought’ and its impact on the Colorado River.
Utility investment analysts ding Indiana amid 'political intervention,' potential profit cuts
Energy companies warn of the potential impacts of investor distrust as Gov. Mike Braun calls on them to "deliver" to earn higher profits.
The Economic Impact of Health Disparities: Why It Matters for Hospitals and Health Systems
Disparities in health outcomes are associated with approximately $320 billion in annual healthcare spending, a figure projected to reach $1 trillion annually by 2040 if current trends continue.
Thunderbolts sign Vande Meerakker
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — It’s a reunion on the ice, as the Evansville Thunderbolts agree on a deal to bring Logan Vande Meerakker back to the Tri-State. The forward joined the Bolts late in the 2024 season, and immediately became an impact for the team scoring two goals and three points in the playoffs. The following […]
Automakers enter energy storage business as data centers face backlash
Concerns related to the environment, energy demands and the impact of AI's expansion fuel the pushback.
From sandwiches to murals, Dolly Parton is being honored across New York
As condolences continue to pour in for Dolly Parton, we are seeing firsthand the impact her life is having in our communities.
How worried are you about the health impacts of extreme heat?
Are you worried about the effects of rising temperatures on your and your community's health? Take our poll to answer now.
Michigan Football: 5 biggest X factors for the 2026 season
Who will have the biggest impact on Michigan Football winning a lot of games in 2026? Here are the 5 biggest X factors on the team:
Aviation Training Giant to Acquire Clearwater-Based Simulator Business
FlightSafety will acquire Acron's simulator and training business, while the impact on its Clearwater operations remains unclear today.
Predicting data centers’ energy and health impacts | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
A new project co-led by Harvard Chan School’s Francesca Dominici aims to predict the energy and health impacts of proposed data centers.
Vanderbilt Health mourns passing of global icon Dolly Parton
Legendary songwriter, singer, actress, author, and businesswoman, Parton will be remembered for her lasting impact on the lives of millions through her support of everything from pediatric cancer care to infectious disease research at Vanderbilt Health.
Niche CBA rule unlikely to impact Packers roster at cutdowns
Few players near the bubble would quality for termination benefit
Basallo’s bat can make powerful impact over final stretch
Samuel Basallo’s bat should provide power and protection to an inconsistent Orioles lineup down the stretch.
J.M. Smucker CEO on Q1 results: The underlying health and momentum of the business have been great
Mark Smucker, J.M. Smucker CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's quarterly earnings results, the company's Uncrustables business, impact of tariffs, and more.
Boston Scientific hit by cyberattack causing ‘disruptions’ to parts of its business
This year has seen a growing number of medtechs hit by cyberattacks, and now Boston Scientific has become the latest victim. In an SEC filing posted Aug. 26, the medtech giant said it had detected a “cybersecurity incident” the day before. The incident has affected certain parts of its information technology systems, something that “has resulted in a global disruption to the company’s operations.” The incident has hit not just its information systems but also its business applications, which “support aspects of the Company’s operations,” it said in the filing. This includes its ability to process and ship customer orders. Boston Scientific said it is working to restore the systems, but the timeline remains unknown. Related Baylor Genetics hit by cybersecurity attack targeting patient, staff information As the company investigates the incident, it remains unclear how significantly its business will be affected. “Accordingly, the Company has not yet determined whether the incident is reasonably likely to have a material impact.” The company’s shares were down 3.5% in premarket trading as the news broke. This adds another layer of pressure for the medtech, which last month revealed a new global restructuring program that starts this year and is slated to be completed by 2029. The company said at the time that it “does expect some headcount reductions to result from these restructuring activities,” but did not provide any numbers or specify areas where the cuts may be made. It added, however, that new jobs are also set to be “created in areas of growth.” It was also forced to cut its sales guidance in Q2, saying in late July that it now expects full-year 2026 organic revenue growth of 5% to 6%, down from its previous guidance of 6.5% to 8%. Boston Scientific is one of a growing number of life sciences companies, notably medtechs, that have been hit by cyberattacks this year. These include Abbott, iRhythm, Medtronic and Stryker, as well as Big Pharmas Amgen and Novo Nordisk.
Norah O'Donnell: Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Concern at impact of £162m science research "cuts"
Didcot and Wantage MP, Olly Glover is worried flat funding may lead to job losses and facilities shut.
Concern at impact of £162m science research "cuts"
Didcot and Wantage MP, Olly Glover is worried flat funding may lead to job losses and facilities shut.
How Mass. consumers and businesses stand to be affected by Canada trade war
Building materials, sporting equipment and food products are among the Canadian goods sold in Massachusetts to be impacted by new 50% tariffs.
Greg Gutfeld: Politicians love playing into imagined fears
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld and the ‘Gutfeld!’ panel examine the rise of artificial intelligence, the national debate over data centers and its political impacts.
Lenovo Recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business Reflecting the Global Impact of its Disability Advantage Strategy
Lenovo today announced it has been recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business through the Disability Index®, the world's leading benchmarking tool for measuring and advancing disability inclusion in business
Canada's tariff response could impact New York businesses, tourism
The ongoing trade conflict could further affect tourism between Canada and New York City.
How Kayshon Boutte trade impacts Patriots wide receiver depth chart
The Patriots traded the fourth-year receiver to the Texans on Monday.
What Super El Niño Means For Business Supply Chains And The Economy
A strong El Niño event is forecasted for 2026. It could cause trillions in economic damage, significantly impacting global supply chains. How can businesses prepare?
Genshin Impact Studio Lean Into Elden Ring In Its New Action-RPG
Nodus Fall takes place in a world where 'divine authority has crumbled'—sound familiar?
Trump-backed Ken Paxton unveils ‘Texas first’ datacenter plan aimed at ‘negative impact’
The Republican Senate candidate announced the plan with a graphic X flagged as ‘Made with AI’
How Collaboration Can Unlock Your Next Business Or Career Goal
Collaboration goes beyond marketing hype. Here’s how leaders and brands join forces to expand their reach, visibility and impact.
Texans push back on proposed high voltage transmission lines
Texans' land could be impacted through a process that many say is unfair.
NJ Business, Labor Groups Maintain Fierce Opposition to Climate Superfund Act
In separate op-eds posted in the recent days, both New Jersey business and labor groups said they remain staunchly opposed to the Climate Superfund/ Polluters Pay Act and offered dire warnings of their impact on affordability, jobs and the state’s business climate. In an op-ed published by the USA TODAY/Gannett NJ Network, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor said many New Jersey[...]
Aurora City Council delays vote on so-called socioeconomic impact business permits
All of the proposed changes are expected to be on the Sept. 14 agenda.
Santana: Hotel Workers Caught Up In Political Rip Tides At Dana Point Harbor
The race for a supervisors’ seat in South Orange County is having a real impact on a lucrative deal to redevelop hotels and boat slips.
Penn State CTSI releases 5-year impact report
For many communities across Pennsylvania, persistent challenges in access to care, chronic disease burden and health equity remain significant hurdles. Over the past five years, Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute has worked to bridge this gap with scientific discoveries that don't just stay in the lab, but are translated into real-world, sustainable health solutions.
3 Ways Scientists Can Help Hold Major Polluters Accountable Under the Trump Administration
The impacts of climate change have been on full display this Danger Season, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating wildfires, making evident the urgent need for accountability for the harms caused by supercharged extreme events and long-term changes. These harms have been inescapable across the western US, particularly when it comes to water. As fossil-fueled climate […]
No time to work out? How to still lose weight
What you eat – and how much you eat – typically has a much greater impact on the numbers you see on the scale.
Drug mix-up at Ascension impacts at least 4 surgeries, leaves 1 patient paralyzed
The details are still unclear, but an anesthetic used during joint replacement surgeries may have been contaminated with potassium. The number of victims and the full extent of the injuries are still being investigated by the hospital and the state.
Major brain changes that occur around age 50 could impact dementia risk
Microglia decline after age 50 as inflammatory blood-derived immune cells infiltrate the hippocampus, potentially driving neuroinflammation and dementia.
Local business owners excited as Sturgeon Bay explores downtown entertainment district expansion
In Downtown Sturgeon Bay, neighbors can carry alcoholic beverages in some areas, which could be expanding soon and impacting local businesses.
Trump to headline RNC fundraiser in Houston aimed at boosting Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign
An analysis by AdImpact suggests that Paxton, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, and groups supporting both campaigns could spend roughly $440 million on the Texas Senate race, making it the second-most expensive U.S. Senate contest in history.
CCTA programs need a strategic C-suite case to drive growth and efficiency
Advocates say the shift to CCTA can translate into a broader financial impacts, with some cath labs potentially seeing margin increases of as much as 40%.
'GTA 6' Leak Reveals New Feature Rockstar Was Probably Saving For Netflix
The world of Grand Theft Auto 6 will be impacted by its evolved day and night cycle
GRAND OPENING: Science + You
Explore & More’s brand-new Temporary Exhibit Galley will open on September 26, 2026. The first exhibit to be displayed in the new space on the 2nd Floor will be Science + You, which offers a child-sized laboratory where children can explore how scientists impact health and wellness. Through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology, Science + You demonstrates the role science plays in keeping the body healthy. A demonstration area of the exhibit also will allow visiting scientists and educators to perform fun and interactive scientific experiments appropriate for young children. The exhibit was created by Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago, located in Glenview, Illinois, working with scientists from Abbott Laboratories. Since its debut there in 2011, the exhibit has traveled to museums in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, as well as internationally to Germany and Brazil. Science + You will be on display September 26, 2026 through January 9, 2027. Other upcoming temporary exhibits include Hero Quest , Storyland , and Monsters on Vacation .
Traffic lights, businesses along Pelham Road affected by power outage
Traffic and businesses along a portion of Pelham Road in Greenville County are being impacted by a power outage on Monday morning.
Proposal to limit 'socioeconomic impact' business density returns to Aurora City Council
The proposal targets vape and smoke shops, pawnshops and second-hand buyers, check-cashing businesses, cannabis dispensaries, liquor stores and extended-occupancy motels.
Crews in Santa Clarita battle third-alarm fire impacting several businesses
The blaze was quickly upgraded to a third-alarm fire, which is classified as a major emergency that requires a high level of response.
Let Me Explain: Keeping cool during late-summer sports - College of Arts and Sciences
Let Me Explain is a series in which we ask a College of Arts and Sciences faculty member to shed light on an intriguing, timely or often misunderstood topic related to their research. This month, we asked Jessica Murfree how rising temperatures are impacting late-summer sports.
Lone Star Politics: Aug. 23, 2026
How the shortage of a critical mineral could impact your pocketbook. Plus, a closer look at two big races Texans will be voting on in November.
Downtown businesses feel Acrisure Amphitheater's impact
The Acrisure Amphitheater has been bringing some of music's biggest names to its stage for three months, and local business owners said it's bringing new business to downtown Grand Rapids. (August 23, 2026)
Downtown businesses feel Acrisure Amphitheater’s impact
The Acrisure Amphitheater has been bringing some of music’s biggest names to its stage for three months, and local business owners said it’s bringing new business to downtown Grand Rapi…
A deep dive into climate change
Some policymakers continue to question the science of climate change, despite the growing evidence of significant damage to life on land and in the ocean.Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, believes the ongoing attempts to politicise climate science and discredit researchers are hindering international cooperation and public understanding. The ocean provides clear evidence of the extent to which changes are occurring, she says.“We are seeing severe, unprecedented and accelerating changes in the ocean — warming ocean temperatures, acidification and oxygen depletion — that are destabilising the most important system that makes life on this planet possible,” Matthes explains. Visible signs of these changes include the melting of ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland. Deeper down, the growing frequency of hypoxia — or oxygen-deprived “dead zones”, where marine life can no longer survive — in the Baltic and record-high Mediterranean surface temperatures are indicators of the “dramatic warming” of the ocean, she adds.The ocean, which covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, acts as a vital carbon sink, absorbing around 30% of the planet’s carbon dioxide (CO2) and 90% of the excess heat. However, the global ocean surface temperature has risen by an average of half a degree Celsius since 1982, according to the EU Copernicus observatory. More significant rises have been recorded in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and other shallower seas.Some ocean temperature increases do occur naturally, such as during El Niño events. But sustained rises can trigger extreme weather on land — including droughts, floods and catastrophic storms — while also harming marine ecosystems. Only 10% of marine species have been studied, Matthes notes, “so the consequences might be even more severe than we know.”Fostering European cooperation amid uncertaintyMatthes, who holds a doctorate in meteorology, is a professor of atmospheric physics as well as director of GEOMAR. She serves as one of Kiel’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), an EU-funded programme that aims to promote science’s role in society and strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, innovation and sustainability. SCTT is hosted by the coastal cities of Kiel, Brest (in France) and Split (in Croatia).The SCTT project also provides a platform for raising awareness and understanding between scientists and the public about major issues, such as climate change. Having worked on both sides of the Atlantic, Matthes is frustrated by recent attempts to erode decades of international climate collaboration and question the credibility of research. Earlier this year, the US administration delivered a major blow to global cooperation by withdrawing from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other global climate organisations, claiming they were “contrary to the interests of the United States.”In addition, a US Department of Energy (DOE) report cast doubt on the latest IPCC climate assessment, which was published in 2024. As a contributing author to the IPCC study, Matthes says the DOE sought to discredit scientists like herself. “Climate change is not a matter of opinion, it really exists and we are witnessing dramatic changes,” she notes. “It’s not climate change as a whole that is being targeted, but scientists and their research.”Other US actions have also hit home for Matthes, who spent three years at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The White House has announced plans to close the facility, a move that was “pretty tough” due to the German scientist’s personal connections with the staff and their reputation for excellence.Changing the narrative on climate changeEurope’s scientific community remains a driving force on climate research and collaboration. As one of the world’s leading marine research institutions, GEOMAR attracts students from more than 50 countries and plays an important role in global observation initiatives that contribute to understanding and protecting the ocean basins. At a European level, GEOMAR works closely with other top marine research facilities, including France’s Ifremer, an SCTT partner in Brest. GEOMAR has also developed innovative and safe strategies for removing unexploded wartime munitions from the seabed, which release toxic substances that pose a danger to humans and the marine environment. Through the Horizon Europe MMinE-SwEEPER project, this knowledge has been transferred to the European level.These initiatives are examples of how local action can have a global impact, Matthes says, and how Europe can strengthen climate research and partnerships. “This is a chance for Europe to step up and work on climate cooperation and agreements,” she notes. “Climate change is an international problem and a real threat, and we need more speed on climate action than we have now.”Matthes believes her fellow scientists need to communicate that climate change is not only a threat, but an opportunity to find solutions. “We need to change our narrative and expand our strategic alliances with those who are willing,” she says, “and luckily there are a lot of willing people and countries.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Tuberculosis policy should shift focus to population-level interventions for greatest impact
Nature Health - Interventions to improve tuberculosis care for those who already seek it or their household contacts will have limited impact on the tuberculosis epidemic, whereas strategies to...
A deep dive into climate change
Some policymakers continue to question the science of climate change, despite the growing evidence of significant damage to life on land and in the ocean.Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, believes the ongoing attempts to politicise climate science and discredit researchers are hindering international cooperation and public understanding. The ocean provides clear evidence of the extent to which changes are occurring, she says.“We are seeing severe, unprecedented and accelerating changes in the ocean — warming ocean temperatures, acidification and oxygen depletion — that are destabilising the most important system that makes life on this planet possible,” Matthes explains. Visible signs of these changes include the melting of ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland. Deeper down, the growing frequency of hypoxia — or oxygen-deprived “dead zones”, where marine life can no longer survive — in the Baltic and record-high Mediterranean surface temperatures are indicators of the “dramatic warming” of the ocean, she adds.The ocean, which covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, acts as a vital carbon sink, absorbing around 30% of the planet’s carbon dioxide (CO2) and 90% of the excess heat. However, the global ocean surface temperature has risen by an average of half a degree Celsius since 1982, according to the EU Copernicus observatory. More significant rises have been recorded in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and other shallower seas.Some ocean temperature increases do occur naturally, such as during El Niño events. But sustained rises can trigger extreme weather on land — including droughts, floods and catastrophic storms — while also harming marine ecosystems. Only 10% of marine species have been studied, Matthes notes, “so the consequences might be even more severe than we know.”Fostering European cooperation amid uncertaintyMatthes, who holds a doctorate in meteorology, is a professor of atmospheric physics as well as director of GEOMAR. She serves as one of Kiel’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), an EU-funded programme that aims to promote science’s role in society and strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, innovation and sustainability. SCTT is hosted by the coastal cities of Kiel, Brest (in France) and Split (in Croatia).The SCTT project also provides a platform for raising awareness and understanding between scientists and the public about major issues, such as climate change. Having worked on both sides of the Atlantic, Matthes is frustrated by recent attempts to erode decades of international climate collaboration and question the credibility of research. Earlier this year, the US administration delivered a major blow to global cooperation by withdrawing from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other global climate organisations, claiming they were “contrary to the interests of the United States.”In addition, a US Department of Energy (DOE) report cast doubt on the latest IPCC climate assessment, which was published in 2024. As a contributing author to the IPCC study, Matthes says the DOE sought to discredit scientists like herself. “Climate change is not a matter of opinion, it really exists and we are witnessing dramatic changes,” she notes. “It’s not climate change as a whole that is being targeted, but scientists and their research.”Other US actions have also hit home for Matthes, who spent three years at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The White House has announced plans to close the facility, a move that was “pretty tough” due to the German scientist’s personal connections with the staff and their reputation for excellence.Changing the narrative on climate changeEurope’s scientific community remains a driving force on climate research and collaboration. As one of the world’s leading marine research institutions, GEOMAR attracts students from more than 50 countries and plays an important role in global observation initiatives that contribute to understanding and protecting the ocean basins. At a European level, GEOMAR works closely with other top marine research facilities, including France’s Ifremer, an SCTT partner in Brest. GEOMAR has also developed innovative and safe strategies for removing unexploded wartime munitions from the seabed, which release toxic substances that pose a danger to humans and the marine environment. Through the Horizon Europe MMinE-SwEEPER project, this knowledge has been transferred to the European level.These initiatives are examples of how local action can have a global impact, Matthes says, and how Europe can strengthen climate research and partnerships. “This is a chance for Europe to step up and work on climate cooperation and agreements,” she notes. “Climate change is an international problem and a real threat, and we need more speed on climate action than we have now.”Matthes believes her fellow scientists need to communicate that climate change is not only a threat, but an opportunity to find solutions. “We need to change our narrative and expand our strategic alliances with those who are willing,” she says, “and luckily there are a lot of willing people and countries.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Tempe businesses celebrate ASU students returning to school
Arizona State University students returned to Tempe for the new school year, bringing crowds and energy back to local businesses.
Science 4 Everyone: Looking back at the 2011 earthquake
The largest earthquake to ever affect the D.C. region happened 15 years ago. News4’s Ryan Miller takes a look at the impact of the earthquake.
Full interview: Leader of California Energy Commission defends new tire rules
The leader of the California Energy Commission defended new tire rules the commission approved that are facing backlash and criticism for their potential impact on the cost of living in this state.
Letter: Apply science, aloha to solve cat problem
Hawaii must address the impact of free-roaming cats on native wildlife, but it must be done humanely and based on science. Simply restricting feeding is not a viable solution; it risks increasing predation on endangered species and ignores the root causes of the problem. Hungry cats do not disappear — they might hunt more, further threatening native wildlife (“Enact law to curb feral cat colonies,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 19). That is not a responsible outcome.
Disaster loans available for businesses impacted by Spring freeze
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Business and nonprofits impacted by the Spring freeze earlier this year can now apply for federal disaster loans. The Small Business Administration announced this week that bu...
Milk vs plant-based alternatives: 7 claims put to the test
Experts look at cow’s milk and alternatives like soy, almond and oat, comparing the benefits, allergy safety, climate impact and more.
Your favorite Canadian products hit by Trump's latest tariffs
President Donald Trump's new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods impact whisky, dairy products, hockey gear, and many other products.
AI Is Shoring Up Cognitive Errors Made By Mental Health Therapists
Mental health therapists can make cognitive errors that impact therapy. AI can help to identify and aim to correct those mistakes. Use AI prudently. An AI Insider scoop.
Scotts Valley business owners raise concerns over business license fee, road changes
A group of Scotts Valley business owners have banded together to raise awareness about the impact of a local business license tax and changes to road structures.
41,000 HUSKY Health members impacted in second security incident this year, DSS says
For the second time this year, the Connecticut Department of Social Services is notifying HUSKY Health members about a security incident involving a Medicaid provider portal. The latest incident affects approximately 41,000 HUSKY Health members after an unauthorized person accessed certain claims and payment information through a provider’s account. The last incident happened in March, and an unauthorized user gained…
Apple is reportedly cutting hundreds of jobs from Siri, Vision Pro teams
Apple has admitted that some roles are being impacted as it shifts its focus away from certain initiatives.
Update: What We’re Watching, Aug. 21, 2026
This update covers the latest federal health policy news and its potential impact on Kansas.
Reimagining how scientists study the chemistry of the air
Professor Victoria Barber and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree are spearheading Keck Foundation-funded project charting a path toward better understanding atmospheric oxidation. by Álvaro Castillo, UCLA College of Letters and Science From the vantage point of Victoria Barber, a UCLA assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, understanding the chemical reactions that shape air quality and climate are among the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. And thanks to a recent grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, she and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree will spearhead a new research project exploring exactly how pollutants form in the atmosphere. Specifically, the project will examine how volatile organic compounds transform through atmospheric oxidation and explore how pollutants, like smog, form in the atmosphere. VOCs are released by sources ranging from trees and wildfires to vehicle exhaust pipes and consumer products such as cologne and perfume. As they undergo atmospheric oxidation, they can transform into a wide range of other compounds. Anyone in Southern California can attest to the urgency of this area of research — for example, in late July of this year, Los Angeles County was under an active ozone pollution advisory for almost a full week. While many people associate ozone with the protective ozone layer high in the stratosphere, ground-level or tropospheric ozone is a harmful secondary pollutant formed through atmospheric oxidation. Understanding how VOCs transform into pollutants like ozone is therefore critical to improving air-quality forecasts and informing strategies to reduce exposure. “My group is focused on trying accelerate our understanding of these networks of reactions so that we can do a better job of predicting how those pollutants form,” Barber said. “When we make decisions about how we might alter emissions, we can understand how that’s going to influence the production of these downstream pollutants.” With support from the W. M. Keck Foundation, Barber and Crabtree are developing new experimental approaches that will combine — and improve — techniques to study hundreds of chemical systems more efficiently than traditional methods allow. Instead of spending years decoding a single VOC, the project seeks to dramatically expand the pace and scale of discovery. The grant comes at a particularly important moment for environmental research. Barber, who joined UCLA in 2023, says funding for climate and air-quality research, especially for early career scientists, has become increasingly difficult to secure, a challenge compounded for ambitious projects that require building entirely new research infrastructure. The Keck Foundation’s support, Barber said, provides the flexibility to pursue bold early-stage, high-risk ideas that may be more difficult to fund using conventional federal funding sources. “It’s really, really hard to do environmental research under the current federal paradigm,” Barber said. “By stepping in and providing stable and flexible funding to explore this new idea, the Keck Foundation is making a huge difference to my research program.” In addition to funding early-career faculty, the Keck Foundation’s support is also focused on empowering graduate students like Crabtree in their scientific growth. The project gives Crabtree the opportunity to help develop an entirely new experimental approach to studying atmospheric chemistry — an experience that will provide him with valuable technical skills, scientific training and preparation for the next stage of his career. Stable funding also allows doctoral students like Crabtree to devote themselves more fully to research rather than balancing their scientific work with additional teaching responsibilities needed to cover funding gaps. “Getting to devote more of my time to research this past school year has greatly improved the pace and quality of our experiments, data analysis and planning for our future work,” said Crabtree, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry. “I feel very lucky — especially amid the current uncertainty surrounding scientific funding — to be able to continue exploring exciting knowledge gaps in our field and growing as a scientific researcher.” For Barber, mentorship is among the most rewarding and important aspects of her role as a faculty member. “Our jobs as faculty are to do good science and make good scientists,” she said. “I believe the Keck Foundation shares this belief and sees the potential positive impact this project can have.”
Race cars, politics, and sports: ‘Freedom 250’ roars through DC
At Washington Freedom 250 events, like this weekend’s IndyCar race at the National Mall, fans ask how politics might be impacting their sports.
Colts and Falcons join forces in Kicking the Stigma around mental health
Colts Owner & Chief Brand Officer Kalen Jackson and Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan discuss the impact of Kicking the Stigma and the power of partnering with other teams to raise awareness, break down the stigma surrounding mental health and e
SBA Offers Relief to Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by the Pocket Fire
Congressman Eli Crane
Data breach of health product company impacts 48,000 Vermonters
Vermont’s attorney general announced more than 48,000 Vermonters had their information leaked in a data breach in June
Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Making Immediate Impact Since Injury
Oneil Cruz has wasted no time making an impact for the Pittsburgh Pirates since coming off the injured list.
'Trojan horse': Opposition mounts, warnings about impacts increase from property tax amendment critics
Pushback continues against help for homeowners.
Leavenworth businesses see lingering impacts from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke still lingers in the air in Leavenworth, and though conditions have improved from unhealthy levels earlier this month, it's still taking a toll.
Brooklyn business owners rally against G train service shutdowns
Business owners in Greenpoint say weekend service shutdowns are impacting their customer flow.
Brooklyn business owners rally against G train service shutdowns
Business owners in Greenpoint say weekend service shutdowns are impacting their customer flow.
The power of quality improvement: How a cath lab transformed care for PCI patients
A multidisciplinary committee formed in 2022 to identify ways to improve safety and efficiency in their facility's cath lab. By 2024, it was clear the group's proposals had made a major impact.
Wood’s research advances fertility understanding
Wood's team studies embryo development, nutrition impacts and lab techniques to help producers achieve better reproductive outcomes.
From experiment to impact: The first decade of Chain Reaction Innovations
Chain Reaction Innovations at Argonne National Laboratory mirrors the startup journey it supports. Over 10 years, it has helped launch science-based companies that have raised $732M, created more than 700 jobs and advanced transformative technologies.
Aon: U.S. Employer Health Care Costs Continue Multi-Year Climb, Projected to Rise 9.5% in 2027
Fourth straight year of near double-digit increases for U.S. employers Employers now absorb more than 80% of health plan costs as rising expenses increasingly impact workforce and business...
How Florida is challenging climate change in textbooks, while quietly updating its science standards
Publishers acceded to state requests watering down information on climate change’s impact, WUSF/Hechinger Report investigation finds. Now the state has turned to updating its science standards.
'Confusing' HS2 road signs impacting Stoneleigh business
Confusing signage for HS2 road closures is impacting local businesses in Warwickshire
The scandal that has gripped Australian sport – and started a difficult conversation
Sexual assault claims have led to one of the AFL's biggest teams 'torpedoing' their season but the scandal's impact stretches beyond sport
How the record setting heat is impacting business on King Street
Sweltering temperatures are taking a toll on foot traffic along downtown Charleston’s King Street, with business owners and shoppers saying the summer heat
Stripe says the singularity is here. Here's what they told investors.
Stripe executives, including Patrick and John Collison, claim the singularity began in 2026, impacting AI adoption and their business strategy.
It is finally time to talk about the impact of fluctuating hormones
For decades, women have felt the need to hide the impact of changes in their hormones, while scientists have excluded women from research to avoid hormonal fluctuations complicating their research. Thankfully, this is starting to change
Survey shows push for off‑peak growth in Bar Harbor
The biggest takeaway was related to the discussion around whether or not the town should find ways to spread the impacts of tourism out into the shoulder seasons in order
The best Nordic Naturals supplements to boost your health
Nordic Naturals is family-owned and prides itself on focusing on science-backed supplements that address the areas of health that impact all human beings.
Rethinking the Pollinator Garden
Maegan Luckett, a recent alumna of the horticulture distance education graduate program and horticulturalist at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, explores how garden plant bed layout and selection impact bees and humans alike.
San Francisco Business Times Recognizes Blue Shield’s Sustainability Impact
"Clean air, safe neighborhoods, and resilient communities are powerful drivers of health."
Gloucestershire canoe hire says Thames drought impacting business
A canoe hire business says the lack of rain has left soil on the flood plains "like concrete".
Fluctuating work hours increase health risks for workers
Workers who juggle volatile work hours that change from week to week may experience adverse health effects that impact their ability to work, although the limitations vary by gender, say researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who conducted a recent study.
Major sports events boost business near Chase Center, but lasting impact uncertain
Sporting events bring business to Bay Area but lasting impact uncertain
49ers' Trent Williams compares rookie to 15-sack former teammate
The San Francisco 49ers have a few rookies who could make an impact in 2026, including one defender who is drawing some interesting comparisons.
Governor Newsom secures federal disaster assistance for small businesses impacted by Boyle Heights warehouse fire
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to help small businesses and private nonprofit organizations recover from economic losses caused by the 2026 Los Palos incident, also known as the Boyle Heights warehouse fire, in Los Angeles. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the […]