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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 ...
How Innovation Could Reshape Chemistry by 2050
Chemistry and chemical engineering are fundamental to technologies that could revolutionize energy production, quantum computing, and materials and manufacturing over the coming decades. At a recent workshop, participants from academia, industry, and government considered the future of the chemical sciences, exploring scientific challenges that researchers should prioritize, where strategic investments could enable breakthroughs, and how the chemical sciences community can prepare for emerging capabilities.
Different State Regulatory Approaches Reflect Open Questions About AI Mental Health Tools
States are taking different regulatory approaches to AI mental health tools in response to concerns about chatbots providing inaccurate or potentially dangerous advice. Laws and pending legislation in some states restrict AI from providing or advertising itself as therapy, while others focus on data protections, disclosures, and patient consent requirements.
Science, the sea and gin: Meet Fathom Spirits, Watsonville’s newest distillery
Two ocean scientists turned a pandemic-era gin hobby into Fathom Spirits, a Watsonville craft distillery making small-batch gins infused with Santa Cruz-inspired botanicals. Founders Elisha Wood-Charlson and Chad Kecy plan to open in September, with private Saturday tours and tastings while they work to get their experimental gins into local bars and restaurants.
Lindsay Clancy case: Closing arguments begin as experts divided over mental health
Closing arguments begin in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial as the jury prepares to weigh her mental state. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Bober joins 'Fox & Friends First' to weigh in on the case.
Mental Health Workers Say Algorithmic Triage Is Hurting Patients
Workers and policymakers are pushing for safeguards around AI’s use in health care through collective bargaining and legislation.
Essex mental health trust's leaders need to improve, says CQC
It issues its latest report on an NHS trust under scrutiny at an inquiry into mental health deaths.
Idaho high schoolers learn to lead campus mental health efforts at Boise State summit
KBOI-TV CBS 2 covers news, sports, traffic, and weather in the Treasure Valley and Boise, Idaho and nearby communities, including Meridian, Nampa, Garden City, Caldwell, Kuna, Middleton, Eagle, Mountain Home, Star, Melba, Payette, Weiser, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, Marsing, Homedale, Parma, New Plymouth, Murphy, Fruitland, Emmett, Wilder, Notus, McCall, Cascade, Donnelly, Council, and Vale, Oregon, and Nyssa, Oregon, Ontario, Oregon.
States are trying policy prescriptions to mitigate youth mental health issues related to social media use. What works and what doesn’t?
Teaching young people how to be savvy with TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube may be parents’ best bet for helping their kids skirt some deleterious effects of social media overuse.
Virginia governor promises change after accused murderer flees U.S. from mental health facility
Virginia Gov. Spanberger is promising changes after an accused killer fled the U.S. while on unsupervised release from a Fairfax County mental health facility.
School Phone Bans Are Increasing Across America—Here’s What The Science Says On Their Effects On Mental Health
More states are adopting cellphone bans in schools. A doctor breaks down the science on how these interventions can affect a child's mental health.
School Phone Bans Are Increasing Across America—Here’s What The Science Says On Their Effects On Mental Health
More states are adopting cellphone bans in schools. A doctor breaks down the science on how these interventions can affect a child's mental health.
Caregiver Mental Health Tied to Mental and Behavioral Health in Youth With Cystic Fibrosis
Clinically significant mental and behavioral health symptoms remain common among youth with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers despite highly effective modulator therapy, a study finds.
Adding Anxiety and Suicide Screening to Depression Screening Identifies More At-Risk Adolescents
Depression screening alone missed more than half of adolescents with mental health concerns; combining anxiety and suicide risk assessments with it may reveal additional positive screens.
Stroke rehab should start early and address physical, cognitive and mental health
Guideline Highlights: Rehabilitation after a stroke should begin as soon as the individual is medically stable, ideally within 48 hours of the stroke, and should be personalized to address the person’s physical, cognitive, language and mental health...
Meta settles $17B lawsuit with Iowa and 46 other states over teen mental health claims
Meta has agreed to a $17 billion settlement with 47 states, including Iowa, over allegations that its platforms harmed teens' mental health, with Iowa set to receive $126 million over the next decade.
Will Meta’s Changes Benefit Young Users’ Mental Health?
Psychologists said the changes were a symbolic victory, but warned their effectiveness might be limited.
California’s political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Business as usual in California politics always includes at least one squabble over the California Environmental Quality Act, a law signed 56 years ago by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan.
Mental health advocates hope Meta settlement funds go to more resources
At the center of the lawsuit that Meta settled Wednesday for $17 billion was how social media affects the mental health of young people.
‘Work is good for you’: how UK scheme could help tackle youth mental health crisis
Paid employment can boost confidence and wellbeing, says Pat McFadden as jobs guarantee scheme gets under way
NFL, NFLPA announce Behavioral Health Network for mental health assistance
The NFL and NFL Players Association on Wednesday announced a Behavioral Health Network will launch on Sept. 1 and will be designed to provide simplified and confidential access to mental health assistance.
Mental health support for new mothers could increase with simple change | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Making primary care appointments for patients by default could help increase mental health support for new mothers.
What the Lindsay Clancy trial reveals about a broken postpartum mental health system
Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial hasn’t just dominated headlines for its tragic story and true crime fascination. For many, it has prompted a groundswell of recognition and outrage around the barriers women face when seeking care, the lack of research on postpartum mental health conditions and little education for providers.
VOTE: Do you worry about social media's effect on children's mental health?
VOTE: Do you worry about social media's effect on children's mental health?Read more:Meta reaches $17B settlement with states over claims its platforms harmed
Clive police partner with Lions Club to improve mental health crisis response
The Clive Lions Club is helping the Clive Police Department purchase a specialized restraint to safely manage individuals during mental health crises.
Sonoma County breaks ground on new behavioral health facility for teens, young adults
Sonoma County crews were beginning work this week on a new mental health and substance use disorder facility for local youth, advancing a project meant to reduce reliance on out-of-county facilities.
Sword Health to acquire Headspace in all-cash deal
Virtual physical therapy platform Sword Health is planning to acquire digital mental health company Headspace in an all-cash deal, according to a regulatory filing from the latter. | The virtual physical therapy and mental health platforms are targeting a September close, per a regulatory filing. A price tag was not disclosed, but is being reported to land between $200 million and $300 million.
Lindsay Clancy trial brings awareness to postpartum mental health
Northwell Health Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis talks about recognizing the warning signs and when to get help.
Mental Health Benefits of Travel: How Vacations Reduce Stress
Forget the staycation. Research reveals that travel can build stress resilience, sharpen cognitive health and ward off depression far better than staying home.
A field guide for the Wild West of AI-assisted environmental science
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) are blazing a trail through the Wild West of AI-assisted science, with a field guide aimed at environmental ...
Burns UMC receives GCORR grant to advance community mental health initiative
Burns United Methodist Church in Des Moines, IA, received a General Commission on Religion and Race Action Fund grant for its new initiative, Sacred ...
Mapping North Carolina’s Climate Health Risks
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast, North Carolina's geography does more than shape its landscape. It may also influence the health risks people face.At Duke University School of Medicine, researchers are combining climate data, geographic information, and real-world health records to better understand how environmental conditions affect health and why some communities face greater risks than others.
California's political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Legislators this week and voters this November will weigh in on measures to curtail some of CEQA's vexing construction project restrictions.
Illinois schools prepare for mandated student mental health screenings
Back-to-school season can bring excitement over new classrooms, friendships and routines. But for some students, returning to school can also bring anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Morning interview: new help for people with mental health, developmental problems
A new program aims to keep people with mental health and developmental disability challenges in the community.
Beltline stabbing renews debate over mental health, public safety
Atlanta officials are reviewing patrols, cameras and emergency response after Sunday's killing.
Popular central Phoenix bakery closes as owners focus on mental health
Dos Chris’ Bakery & Charcuterie Co., located at 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, will be closed starting Wednesday.
Perez Hilton 'lucid' after mental health crisis, brother-in-law says
Perez Hilton's brother-in-law shared that the gossip blogger was in a “lucid” state and after receiving treatment for his physical injuries.
Perez Hilton is 'lucid' after mental health crisis, brother-in-law shares
Perez Hilton's brother-in-law shared that the gossip blogger was in a "lucid" state and after receiving treatment for his physical injuries.
Chicago’s New Public Health Commissioner on Mental Health, Life Expectancy and Barriers to Care
VCU’s Daniel Gutierrez receives $3 million grant to train mental healt
The School of Education professor and his team are working on two initiatives that will prepare clinicians globally.
Chronic conditions persist in Alaska, but there are bright spots in latest health report
A state status report shows mixed results for well-being using a holistic approach with factors like food and housing security, environmental stress and education.
Sword Health to acquire Headspace, according to filing
Sword Health, a digital health company plans to acquire mental health services provider Headspace, according to a regulatory filing.
Hospital expanding mental health services with new inpatient care floor in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Mental health care is an important resource for some people in Central Illinois, and for those who need care, there will soon be more opportunities to get help. OSF Sacr…
Psychology says nostalgia is good for you mental health — especially for older people feeling the loneliness of retirement
The nostalgia is proof that the part of you that made your life good is still running.
How preference for sons affects women's mental health in rural India
In rural India, having a son is a strong social expectation that puts pressure on women to bear male children. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how a firstborn son ...
Ben Roethlisberger highlights key mental trait in Steelers young QBs
Ben Roethlisberger praised Will Howard and Drew Allar for showing short memories and mental poise during Pittsburgh's preseason loss to the Jets.
Discover ‘A Sea of Baby Orcas’ at Environmental Science Center on Friday, Aug. 28 - The B-Town (Burien) Blog
Registration is open for A Sea of Baby Orcas – A FREE storytelling, art engagement, and Southern Resident Killer Whale conservation education event on F...
New Hampshire teen survey shows improved mental health, community connection
New Hampshire teenagers are reporting healthier behaviors than previous years.
A field guide for the Wild West of AI-assisted science
Researchers at UCSB's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis develop a set of practice guidelines for environmental data scientists who use generative AI
Chronic conditions persist in Alaska, but there are bright spots in latest health report
A state status report shows mixed results for well-being using a holistic approach with factors like food and housing security, environmental stress and education.
Former mental health nurse denies sex with Homerton patient
Jason Forde deniws having sexual intercourse with a woman at a mental health unit at Homerton Hospital.
Lindsay Clancy trial puts spotlight on postpartum psychosis and maternal mental health
New Jersey Social Media Legislation Brings Renewed Focus to Youth Mental Health
Millburn, NJ, Aug. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Jersey’s newly enacted three-bill package will establish a research center dedicated to studying social media’s effects on young people and create new online privacy and safety protections for minors. The action brings renewed statewide focus to the relationship between social media, youth mental health and substance use prevention. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has made this issue a prevention priority through research and
Can Integrated Mental Health Care Improve Pediatric Outcomes? A New BMC Trial Will Find Out
TEAM UP has spent nearly a decade testing what it takes to pediatric mental health care a standard. Now, a new BMC trial will take the research a step further.
People, animals, plants, ecosystems – making the case for investing in One Health - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health
Discover why investing in One Health is key to safeguarding human, animal and environmental health in an interconnected world.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment partners with DAZN to stream Wizards, Mystics games
Your best source for quality Washington Wizards news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.
Rage yoga? Grief cycle? Workouts are starting to match emotional states
People are joining workout classes centered around their emotional state. Experts weigh in on whether science backs the mental health benefits of the exercise.
Rage yoga? Grief cycle? Workouts are starting to match emotional states
People are joining workout classes centered around their emotional state. Experts weigh in on whether science backs the mental health benefits of the exercise.
Pacific Recognized As Leader In Mental Health Awareness, Well-Being
Insight Into Academia magazine's Excellence In Mental Health and Well-Being Award honors Pacific's commitment to developing programming and awareness on mental health topics for its entire community.
NFL mascots inspire kids to PLAY 60 for better health
DALLAS, Aug. 25, 2026 — Fifteen NFL (National Football League) club mascots are stepping up to inspire kids to move more to support mental and physical health. These NFL mascots are serving as members of the annual NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador class supporting...
Supporting Community Health from New Haven to Nepal
UConn Shrestha Lab pioneers digital care solutions for mental health, substance use, and HIV prevention
Internal body awareness does not predict mental health, study finds
The human brain continuously receives information from inside the body that helps detect physical needs and emotional states, such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, hunger, thirst, pain and ...
Fort Worth mental health nonprofit launches youth trauma and grief collaborative
With the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Soar is training 180 school clinicians in trauma and grief therapy.
Chronic conditions persist in Alaska, but there are bright spots in latest health report
A status report shows mixed results for well-being using a holistic approach that considers socioeconomic and environmental factors.
Balancing Mission, Mentorship and Education at Public Health Command Europe
LANDSTUHL, Germany— Staff Sgt. Manely Pierre Asencio, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Environmental Health Sciences at Public Health Command Europe, balances a wide range of operations while also completing a college degree in a different time zone.
Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illnes
What is postpartum psychosis? The condition is at the center of the Lindsay Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy’s lawyers say a rare mental health condition caused her to kill her three children. So what is postpartum psychosis, and why is it so difficult to diagnose and treat? NBC News' Erika Edwards reports.
A new survey suggests teen mental health in Vermont is finally improving
About a quarter — 23% — of high school students in Vermont reported being sad or hopeless in 2025. That’s significantly down from a high of 31% in 2019.
Student Affairs Launches New Telemental Health Platform for Students
A new suite of telehealth support offerings for UNC students, faculty, staff and more.
Summer Sports Camp Sets Stage for School Year for 300 Youth
By Yanet Luna, Vitals contributor Who knew all that summer play could get kids ready for the upcoming school year? Regular physical activity can improve children’s academic performance, attention, memory and mental health, while reducing symptoms of depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Programs that encourage physical activity, social connection and confidence-building can play an […]
Penn State Altoona encourages college community to advocate for mental health
As a new academic year begins, Penn State Altoona encourages students, faculty and staff to become recognized as mental health advocates through Suspenders4Hope.
Kean Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fund Mental Health Support for First Responders
(August 24, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act with Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Sharice Davids (KS-03). The bipartisan bill would create the first federal grant program dedicated to mental health care for firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers, addressing a gap in support that EMS workers have faced for years.
Prosecution expert says Lindsay Clancy had limited mental health history before 2022
Forensic psychologist Kirk Heilbrun testified Lindsay Clancy had "a fairly limited mental health history" before September 2022, describing a straight-A student with some anxiety about leaving her kids. "She didn't like to leave them," he said.
Beaufort Community Praise Concert featuring Canton Jones support mental health resources
Adrianne & Musicbox are hosting the concert for a third year.
Gov. Reeves Announces Investment In Mental Health Services For Mississippi Youth » Office of Governor Tate Reeves
Gov. Tate Reeves today announced the state of Mississippi is deploying $3,375,709 to support expanded mental health services for children, adolescents and young adults who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Coronavirus Relief (CDBG‑CV) program, the Mississippi Development Authority has approved targeted funding to modernize treatment environments and establish new programming focused on long-term recovery.
WVU AI research could transform how scientists monitor ecosystems
With help from artificial intelligence, West Virginia University researchers are speeding up environmental scientists’ access to time-sensitive data about ecosystem health, allowing experts to respond rapidly to events like droughts or wildfires.
Losing A Parent Doubles Rates Of Mental Health Problems Among Children
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Aug. 21, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Children who lose a parent develop mental health problems at twice the rate of kids with an intact family, a new study reports. Losing a parent to death, imprisonment or separation all dramatically increase risk of mental ...
Always tired and not sure why? You may need to close your ‘loops’
Procrastinating on some tasks may feel harmless, but the perpetual mental hum of unfinished business may cause more stress than you realize.
Always tired and not sure why? You may need to close your ‘loops’
Procrastinating on some tasks may feel harmless, but the perpetual mental hum of unfinished business may cause more stress than you realize.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture launching new workshops to support farmer mental health
The sessions are designed to help those who live and work in agricultural communities recognize signs of struggle and connect farmers with supportive resources.
Sudan’s conflict worsening, UN political and peacebuilding chief warns
On 24 August, the Security Council held a briefing on Sudan at the request by Denmark to discuss the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict. “The consequences of this conflict will be long-lasting and should shock us all,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.Civilians face one of the worst humanitarian crises, she said, as they deal with frequent drone attacks against markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure, and the rainy season. Some 13 million people have fled their homes, but access challenges have made it impossible to confirm the true death toll, "it is likely to be in the hundreds of thousands", she said. “Brutal mass killings and atrocities, abductions of women and girls and mass rapes are recurring patterns,” she warned.In North Kordofan, drone attacks continue as both parties compete for control of strategically important towns, she said, reiterating deep concern at the imminent risk of large-scale atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El abdede. Drone strikes near Tina, on Sudan’s border with Chad, where the refugee influx has intensified pressure on already scarce land, have led to violent disputes over resources. Plus numerous armed movements are pursuing their own territorial and political interests. The UN continues to support efforts of the QUAD - United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates – for a humanitarian truce. And it is working with the Quintet partners, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the European Union to help advance a viable political path. “Our goal is to build confidence in the political path and pave the way for an inclusive Sudanese-led dialogue for a shared vision for the country’s future,” she said. Sudanese authorities have also bolstered efforts to support civilian dialogue. “Their desire for an inclusive and durable peace is clear,” she said. Both parties must now make concrete commitments on releasing of prisioners, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. “The Personal Envoy will travel to Sudan shortly to advance these conversations," she said.
Sustainable ag, boosted health
Study finds mental, physical health and community benefits of program that works in ag with refugees, immigrants.
HVRSD Prepares for New School Year With New Cellphone Rules, Mental Health Funding
With students returning to classrooms on Sept.1, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District is putting the final pieces in place for the 2026-27 school
Why environmental performance is becoming a business priority for solid waste
For solid waste operators, environmental performance has always been essential. What’s shifting now is its central place in core business strategy.
A childhood shaped by sugar rationing was linked to mental health more than 50 years later
UK Biobank researchers examined whether sugar rationing during pregnancy and the first two years of life was associated with adult sweet-food preferences, sugar intake, brain structure, anxiety, and depression.
Nemesis Brad Marchand Trolls Maple Leafs Star On Social Media
There are few players in the National Hockey League who have been as big a thorn in the side of the Toronto Maple Leafs over the last several seasons than Brad Marchand.Marchand, who has played for the divisional rival Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, has been one of the most instrumental players for both teams […] The post Nemesis Brad Marchand Trolls Maple Leafs Star On Social Media appeared first on HEAVY.
Toledo mental health agency marks one year of service
A Toledo mental health agency is marking one year of connecting people of all ages with resources and care.
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.
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.
SUN: Maryland launches court-ordered mental health treatment program
Health officials are launching a controversial program to help those with severe mental health challenges adhere to their treatment by using a court order.
Back-to-school: Mental health experts urge parents to set cell phone boundaries with kids
In May, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a bill restricting cell phone use in schools.
John Cusack stands in ‘solidarity’ with Mark Ruffalo as actor denies Paramount’s antisemitism claims
John Cusack is sharing support for Mark Ruffalo as the actor slams Paramount for ‘appalling and fundamentally dishonest’ claims of antisemitism.
Maryland launches court-ordered mental health care in Baltimore, some counties
The “respondent” will have the option to voluntarily enter the plan, but there are few details on what happens next if the patient does not cooperate.
Cyberbullying may fuel teen mental health problems through loneliness, study finds
Teenagers who are subjected to online bullying are at greater risk of later emotional and behavioral difficulties, research suggests.
Dr. Annie Andrews attending Upstate Black Women’s Mental Health Forum
Dr. Andrews is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.