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Lighting the Fires of Memory: The History, Meaning and Modern Significance of Memorial Observances
In the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, special annual days of remembrance bring into focus a simple yet profound truth: societies mark the sacrifice of those who died in military service so that past and future generations will not forget. These observances are layered with history, symbolism and evolving practice. Origins & Historical Development United States – Memorial Day Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the American Civil War. One of the earliest national observances took place on May 30, 1868, when John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed “Decoration Day” to honour the Union dead by decorating their graves. The date was chosen because spring flowers would be in bloom across much of the country. Over time, as the United States engaged in further conflicts, Decoration Day evolved into a broader day of honouring all U.S. military personnel who died in service. In 1971, Congress made Memorial Day a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – Remembrance Day Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, originated from the end of the First World War and is observed on November 11. It commemorates the armistice signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In Britain and the Commonwealth, the red poppy became the enduring symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poppies of Flanders fields and popularized in the years following the war. Canada – Remembrance Day Canada also observes Remembrance Day on November 11. The observance dates back to post-WWI traditions and was officially adopted by Parliament in 1931. It honours the more than 118,000 Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice among the 2.3 million who have served in uniform. Meaning and Symbolism At their core, Memorial Day and Remembrance Day are about memory, sacrifice, duty, and gratitude. They serve as communal rituals: visiting cemeteries and memorials, placing flowers or wreaths, holding moments of silence, and wearing symbols like the poppy. In the United States, the act of decorating graves carried not only personal remembrance but also civic pride—honouring those who laid down their lives for their country. In the United Kingdom and Canada, the poppy remains a powerful visual reminder of both the human cost of war and the enduring hope for peace. Modern Significance These observances offer societies a chance to pause, reflect, and connect past sacrifice with present freedoms and responsibilities. In the United States, Memorial Day has also come to mark the unofficial start of summer. Still, national initiatives such as the National Moment of Remembrance invite Americans to refocus on solemn reflection. In Canada and the United Kingdom, Remembrance Day remains deeply ceremonial, marked by two-minute silences, wreath-layings, and public education about the sacrifices of war. For all three nations, these days foster inter-generational understanding—educating younger people about service, sacrifice, and the peace that followed—while reminding governments and citizens alike of ongoing obligations to veterans. Why It Matters to U.S., British, and Canadian Peoples For Americans, Memorial Day symbolizes how unity, freedom, and democracy have been defended and preserved at great cost. For Britons and Canadians, Remembrance Day binds their shared histories of service in global conflicts, linking national identity with sacrifice and resilience. In Canada especially, the day has evolved into a moment not just of military remembrance, but of reflection on what it means to serve a country and commit to peace. Across all three nations, these observances allow public acknowledgment of loss and courage, while anchoring civic values of duty, freedom, and gratitude. Key Themes and Story Angles Continuity and Change: From Decoration Day to Memorial Day, from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day—how the meaning endures through time. Symbols and Rituals: Poppies, wreaths, silences, and ceremonies as expressions of collective memory. Commercialization vs. Solemnity: Balancing commemoration with modern traditions such as travel and leisure. Generational Awareness: Passing remembrance to younger audiences through schools, media, and veterans’ stories. Veterans and Contemporary Service: Linking remembrance with ongoing commitments to those who serve. Community Connection: How towns and cities mark remembrance through local parades, services, and shared stories. Memorial Day and Remembrance Day are more than calendar observances—they are living rituals of collective gratitude. They invite reflection on what has been given and what must be preserved. For the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, these days stand as enduring reminders of courage, unity, and the price of peace. Connect with our experts about the history, meaning and modern significance of memorial observances: Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
The Hidden Risks of Sports Betting
In a recent release from Cedarville University, Dr. Jared A. Pincin, Associate Professor of Economics, emerges as a prominent voice warning students about the hidden risks of sports betting. Pincin underscores that modern betting apps are intentionally designed to mimic mobile video games—fast, rewarding, and highly addictive—which makes them especially appealing to young adults and students. He emphasizes that while the appeal of quick wins is strong, the reality is that these platforms can erode both personal finances and educational opportunities. “The dark reality is that gambling is very addictive and can bankrupt people, strain marriages and destroy futures,” Dr. Pincin explains when describing the slippery slope that many young gamblers face. Grounded in his economic research and Christian ethics framework, Pincin adds another layer of concern: from a faith perspective, gambling exploits the desire for instant gain and distracts individuals from a more grounded trust in provision and purpose. He argues that with legalization expanding and betting apps readily available on smartphones, college students—not just athletes—are increasingly vulnerable to behaviors that can derail their academic trajectory and long-term goals. “Gambling preys on our desire for quick gain and distracts us from trusting God’s provision,” Dr. Pincin notes, bringing into focus the moral as well as the practical implications of sports gambling in a university setting. Dr. Jared Pincin's research interests explore the intersection of public choice economics with foreign aid as well as issues in sports economics. Pincin has published in popular publications such as The Hill, Real Clear Markets, Foxnews.com, and USA Today and scholarly journals such as Oxford Development Studies, Applied Economic Letters, and the Journal of Sport and Social Issues. View his profile here The release garnered a lot of attention - and substantial media coverage from outlets like ABC News and others. Gambling is emerging as a serious issue across America - and if you're a reporter looking to know more about this topic - then let us help. Cedarville's Jared Pincin is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Heart valve developed at UC Irvine shines in early-stage preclinical testing
UC Irvine researchers designed and developed a minimally invasive replacement pulmonary heart valve. Created for pediatric patients, the device can be expanded as children grow, eliminating the need for multiple surgeries. The team successfully conducted laboratory and early-stage animal feasibility testing of the implant, crucial steps toward approval for human use. Irvine, Calif., June 23, 2025 — Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have successfully performed preclinical laboratory testing of a replacement heart valve intended for toddlers and young children with congenital cardiac defects, a key step toward obtaining approval for human use. The results of their study were published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The management of patients with congenital heart disease who require surgical pulmonary valve replacement typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 10. To be eligible for a minimally invasive transcatheter pulmonary valve procedure, patients currently must weigh at least 45 pounds. For children to receive minimally invasive treatment, they must be large enough so that their veins can accommodate the size of a crimped replacement valve. The Iris Valve designed and developed by the UC Irvine team can be implanted in children weighing as little as 17 to 22 pounds and gradually expanded to an adult diameter as they grow. Research and development of the Iris Valve has been supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the National Science Foundation. This funding has enabled benchtop fracture testing, which demonstrated the valve’s ability to be crimped down to a 3-millimeter diameter for transcatheter delivery and subsequently enlarged to 20 millimeters without damage, as well as six-month animal studies that confirmed successful device integration within the pulmonary valve annulus, showing valve integrity and a favorable tissue response. “We are pleased to see the Iris Valve performing as we expected in laboratory bench tests and as implants in Yucatan mini pigs, a crucial measure of the device’s feasibility,” said lead author Arash Kheradvar, UC Irvine professor of biomedical engineering. “This work represents the result of longstanding collaboration between our team at UC Irvine and Dr. Michael Recto at Children’s Hospital of Orange County built over several years of joint research and development.” Congenital heart defects affect about 1 percent of children born in the United States and Europe, with over 1 million cases in the U.S. alone. These conditions often necessitate surgical interventions early in life, with additional procedures required to address a leaky pulmonary valve and prevent right ventricular failure as children grow. The Iris Valve can be implanted via a minimally invasive catheter through the patient’s femoral vein. The Kheradvar group employed origami folding techniques to compress the device into a 12-French transcatheter system, reducing its diameter to no more than 3 millimeters. Over time, the valve can be balloon-expanded up to its full 20-millimeter diameter. This implantation method, along with the ability to begin treatment earlier in very young patients, helps mitigate the risk of complications from delayed care and reduces the need for multiple surgeries in this vulnerable population. “Once the Iris Valve comes to fruition, it will save hundreds of children at least one operation – if not two – throughout the course of their lives,” said Recto, an interventional pediatric cardiologist at CHOC who’s also a clinical professor of pediatrics at UC Irvine. “It will save them from having to undergo surgical pulmonary valve placement, as the Iris Valve is delivered via a small catheter in the vein and can be serially dilated to an adult diameter and also facilitate the future placement of larger transcatheter pulmonary valves – with sizes greater than 20 millimeters, like the Melody, Harmony and Sapien devices – if needed.” Kheradvar said that the next phase of preclinical testing of the Iris Valve is funded by the Brett Boyer Foundation, which is committed to supporting research into treatments for congenital heart disease. “We are actively engaged with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to define and carry out the required experiments and documentation for first-in-human authorization of the Iris Valve,” Kheradvar said. “Our team is urgently advancing the Iris Valve through preclinical studies to enable its clearance for first-in-human use. This is a critical step toward providing toddlers – who currently have no viable minimally invasive treatment until they reach the 45-pound threshold – with a much-needed option.” First co-author Nnaoma Agwu, a biomedical engineering Ph.D. candidate at UC Irvine, said: “The development of the Iris Valve required a strong and knowledgeable team that understood the clinical and mechanical design requirements. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the collaboration of talented clinicians, veterinarians and engineers. With this milestone reached, we are rigorously advancing the Iris Valve’s development, setting our sights on human clinical trials.” Joining Kheradvar, Recto and Agwu as co-authors of the article in Journal of the American Heart Association were Daryl Chau, a recent UC Irvine master’s graduate; Gregory Kelley and Tanya Burney, both research specialists at UC Irvine, with Burney also affiliated with the Beckman Laser Institute; Ekaterina Perminov, a clinical veterinarian with UC Irvine’s University Laboratory Animal Resources; and Christopher Alcantara, a radiology technician at CHOC. About UC Irvine’s Brilliant Future campaign: Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for the university. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UC Irvine seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The Samueli School of Engineering plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.UC Irvine.edu/the-henry-samueli-school-of-engineering About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus studio with a Comrex IP audio codec to interview UC Irvine faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UC Irvine news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at https://news.uci.edu/media-resources.
From classrooms to communities: Rethinking civic engagement in K–12 education
When national headlines focus on school board battles and political polarization, James Bridgeforth, assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Delaware, is focused on what’s possible instead: building a more inclusive, participatory model of democracy through public education. His research in UD's College of Education and Human Development explores how community voice, equity and local leadership intersect to shape education policy – and how school boards can serve as vital engines for rebuilding public trust in government. "Despite the often sensationalized stories of chaotic school board meetings and the influence of more national "culture war" issues, I still believe that it's possible for people from different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view to come together to figure out how to best serve the needs of all of our children." – Bridgeforth Bridgeforth’s work centers on education governance, policy and leadership, with particular attention to how racism and anti-Blackness manifest in schools and policymaking spaces. His scholarship highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making, arguing that effective education policy must be representative of the diverse communities it serves. He recently published the report "Navigating Democracy in Divided Times" with co-authors on this topic. As part of his work with the Getting Down to Facts III project at Stanford University, Bridgeforth collaborates with researchers studying how to improve California’s TK–12 system and inform the next governor’s education policy agenda. His work documents the complex realities faced by local school board members – often minimally paid community leaders navigating contentious public discourse, social media pressure and limited resources. He notes that this research can be applied to school boards around the country. The next frontier: Youth civic engagement Over the next several years, Bridgeforth aims to deepen understanding of how schools can nurture young people’s civic skills and leadership capacity through participation in governance. One proposed project – "Strengthening Opportunities for Youth Civic Engagement and Student Voice in Educational Governance" – uses participatory action research to explore how student board member policies and engagement practices foster civic agency and democratic mindsets. This collaborative work brings together youth-led community organizations and education researchers to study how these experiences shape long-term civic behavior – from voting to public service. Why it matters Bridgeforth’s research arrives at a pivotal time for American democracy. As trust in public institutions erodes, local school boards remain one of the spaces where citizens can directly shape policy. His work points to a hopeful truth: democracy’s renewal may begin in classrooms, communities and the local school board meetings shaping them. For journalists covering education, race or civic engagement, Bridgeforth offers data-driven insight, lived experience and policy expertise – helping make sense of one of the most pressing questions of our time: How can we build systems that truly serve all students and communities? This work collectively demonstrates a number of promising opportunities to foster more inclusive, community-connected forms of governance, particularly in a time of eroding trust in government institutions." – Bridgeforth ABOUT JAMES BRIDGEFORTH Assistant Professor, College of Education and Human Development James Bridgeforth is an educator, researcher and policy advocate whose work focuses on community voice in education policy and the politics of educational leadership. His scholarship has appeared in top journals including Journal of School Leadership, Education Policy Analysis Archives, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis and Educational Administration Quarterly, and he has contributed to Education Week and The Washington Post. A recipient of the National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, Bridgeforth holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy from the University of Southern California, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Georgia College & State University. Expert available for: Interviews on K–12 school governance, education policy and democracy Commentary on community voice and equity in education decision-making Analysis of youth civic engagement and participatory leadership To contact Bridgeforth, email mediarelations@udel.edu.
Colder weather will soon to be sweeping across Manitoba, and CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is reminding drivers to prepare now for the fast-approaching winter season. “Now is the time for motorists to get their winter tires on, check the health of their car battery, and make sure they have an emergency car kit in their vehicle,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “We want to ensure Manitobans are as ready as possible to drive safely this Winter.” Manitoba is known for cold and snow in the winter months, as well as poor driving conditions. Planning ahead will help make your next winter drive as stress-free as possible. “There’s no better time than now to ensure you and your loved ones are ready to drive safely this Winter,” adds Matos. CAA Manitoba has a list of winter readiness tips to help Manitobans prepare for winter driving. Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent of its charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. Make sure you ask for a battery health check when you next perform maintenance on your car. For a listing of CAA's Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS), please visit Approved Auto Repair Service - CAA Manitoba. Install winter tires for better traction. On cold and snowy roads, winter tires can help reduce your braking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Dec. 12 to have our mobile tire service change them at home for a fee. Ensure you have an emergency car kit. Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. You should also add extra mitts, hats, socks, and footwear to your emergency kit. Have your brakes checked. If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding. Check your block heater. When you park, is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires? Check your lighting system. Ensure all your interior and exterior lights are functioning properly. Also, check that your headlights are aimed correctly for safe driving. Top up your fluids. Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full. Inspect your wiper blades. If you notice streaking on the windshield, check the condition of your blades for fraying or cracking. Remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones. Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools. Keep an ice scraper, a small shovel and a snow brush handy in your car at all times. While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also essential for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded. Some additional ways to be prepared include: Keep a cell phone battery bank and a charging cable connected to your vehicle. Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle, so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded. Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area. Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving for a longer trip. For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our winter driving page at caamanitoba.com.
Why College Students Are Storming Fields More Often
In his most recent Forbes article, Dr. Marshall Shepherd takes a scientific look at why college students and fans storm football fields, blending insights from psychology, meteorology, and social dynamics. He explains that field-storming is not simply a burst of emotion—it’s a predictable outcome of collective excitement and shared identity. After an unexpected win or a high-stakes rivalry game, thousands of people simultaneously experience what psychologists call “emotional contagion,” amplifying feelings of unity and celebration. This shared surge, combined with environmental cues like stadium acoustics and crowd density, transforms the act into what Shepherd calls a form of “social weather event.” “Storming the field isn’t chaos—it’s choreography fueled by emotion and crowd physics.” Shepherd also examines the logistical and safety implications. He notes that while universities often celebrate these spontaneous displays of school pride, they carry risks ranging from crowd injuries to property damage. Yet, institutions are reluctant to ban them outright because these moments reinforce fan loyalty and media attention. Shepherd suggests that the solution lies in better understanding crowd behavior: designing stadiums with safe egress routes, training security teams to manage surges, and anticipating emotional tipping points rather than reacting afterward. “Understanding the science behind fan behavior lets us manage energy, not suppress it.” Ultimately, Shepherd’s piece reframes field-storming as a fascinating mix of culture and physics—where joy, identity, and momentum collide. He urges universities to see these moments not as mere rule-breaking but as opportunities to study human behavior in motion, and to design environments that celebrate passion without compromising safety. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Shepherd was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS), the nation’s largest and oldest professional/science society in the atmospheric and related sciences. View his profile here Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is available to speak with the media about this interesting topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Covering Hurricane Melissa? Our Expert is Here to Help with Your Coverage
Hurricane Melissa has exploded into a record-breaking Category 5 storm, tearing through the Caribbean with catastrophic force. It made landfall in Jamaica with sustained winds near 185 mph, unleashing torrential rain, landslides, and widespread destruction across the island — the strongest storm ever recorded there. The hurricane has already caused fatalities in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and now barrels toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, where mass evacuations are underway. Meteorologists warn of up to 30 inches of rainfall in some areas, storm surges reaching 11 feet along southern coasts, and a severe risk of flash flooding and mudslides due to the storm’s slow, grinding pace. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Shepherd was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS), the nation’s largest and oldest professional/science society in the atmospheric and related sciences. View his profile here While Melissa is expected to weaken slightly as it moves north, its enormous size means destructive winds, life-threatening flooding, and dangerous coastal waves will persist through the week — with Bermuda now bracing for potential impact and the U.S. East Coast monitoring for high surf and rip currents as the storm churns offshore. Covering? We can help. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. His expertise has been sought recently by ABC News, Forbes Magazine and The New York Times. He's available to speak with the media about this ongoing story and storm - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Experts in the Media: CBD may help treat and reduce inflammation in Alzheimer's disease
In a recent Medical News Today article, Corrie Pelc reported on a study led by Babak Baban, PhD, in which inhaled CBD (cannabidiol) was tested in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease to examine its effects on neuroinflammation. Baban, associate dean for Research with AU's Dental College of Georgia and a professor with appointments in neurology and surgery in the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, explained that previous work from his group showed inhaled CBD to be more effective than oral or injected forms for certain neurological conditions, motivating them to explore its potential in Alzheimer’s research. He emphasized that Alzheimer’s is driven by multiple interacting biological processes – not just amyloid plaques – and sees inflammation as a promising new therapeutic target. In the study, inhaled CBD lowered activity in two major immune “alarm” pathways – IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) and cGAS-STING – both implicated in chronic inflammation. By dampening these pathways, CBD reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and helped restore a more balanced immune environment in the brain. Baban framed this as a shift from symptom treatment to addressing underlying immune dysfunction, and noted that the findings could reorient how Alzheimer’s is approached. At the same time, he stressed that human trials are still needed: his team is preparing translational studies and holds an active Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for inhaled CBD in neuroinflammatory conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease as a natural next step. Read the full article here: Babak Baban, PhD, is a professor, immunologist and associate dean for research at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University where he has served for 13 of his 20 years as a translational and clinical immunologist. View his profile here Looking to know more about this important research or to connect with Babak Baban, PhD? He's available to speak with media – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
Multi-university AI research may revolutionize wildfire evacuation
As wildfires grow wilder, the University of Florida and two other universities are developing large language models to make evacuations safer and more efficient. Armed with a nearly $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant, UF, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Utah are creating these AI-based models to simulate human behavior during evacuations – information that will help emergency managers shape more effective evacuation plans. “Strengthening wildfire resilience requires accurate modeling and a deep understanding of collective human behavior during evacuations,” said UF project lead Xilei Zhao, Ph.D., an associate professor with the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment. “There is a critical need for simulation models that can realistically capture how civilians, incident commanders and public safety officials make protective decisions during wildfires.” Xilei Zhao focuses on developing and applying data and computational science methods to tackle problems in transportation and resilience. View her profile here Existing simulation models face limitations, particularly with reliable predictions under various wildfire scenarios. New AI models can simulate how diverse groups of people behave and interact during the hurried scramble to seek safety. Zhao’s team is developing a convergent AI framework for wildfire evacuation simulations powered by psychological theory-informed large language models. The project will produce simulation methods to promote teaching, training and learning, and support wildfire resilience by allowing public safety officials to use open-access tools. “This research seeks to be a transformative step toward improving the behavioral realism, prediction accuracy and decision-support capability of wildfire evacuation simulation models,” Zhao said. Zhao partnered with John Hopkins professor Susu Xu, Ph.D., and University of Utah professors Thomas Cova, Ph.D., and Frank Drews, Ph.D. The preliminary results of the study were recently presented at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics. “In that paper, we started to train the model on the survey data we collected to see how we can accurately predict people's evacuation decisions with LLMs,” Zhao said. Research objectives include extending the Protective Action Decision Model for civilians and public safety officials, developing psychological theory-informed large language model agents for protective modeling and generating a realistic synthetic population as input for the simulation platform. The team also plans to develop learning-based simulations and predict human behavior under scenarios such as fire spread, warning and infrastructure damage. This research comes at a critical time, as the number of wildfires has significantly increased globally. About 43% of the 200 most damaging fires occurred in the last decade leading up to 2023, according to a recent study in Science. The intensity, size and volume of wildfires are threatening more urban areas. “If you go into the urban area, many people do not have cars, or they need additional mobility support,” Zhao said. “For example, the LA fires impacted nursing homes with a lot of elderly people, many of whom are immobile or lack the ability to drive. That's a big problem. This would be very relevant to them.” The large language models will provide important context for evacuation planning as well as real-time decision making. “We envision this tool being used during planning,” Zhao said, “so emergency managers can test different kinds of scenarios to determine how to draw the evacuation zones, where to issue the orders first and how to design the communications messaging.” This is important research and critical as wildfires become more common across North America. If you're a reporter looking to connect and learn more - then let us help. Xilei Zhao is available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
Adam Frank: New Peer-reviewed Studies Change the Conversation on UFOs
For decades, talk of UFOs has thrived on fuzzy photos and personal anecdotes—never the kind of hard data scientists can actually test. But new peer-reviewed studies have changed the conversation, says Adam Frank, a University of Rochester astrophysicist who studies life in the universe and the nature of scientific discovery. Two recent papers, published in reputable astronomy journals, claim to have found evidence of “non-terrestrial artifacts” in astronomical photographs from the 1950s — objects that appear to be orbiting Earth before the Space Age began. “That’s an extraordinary claim,” Frank says, “and, as Carl Sagan famously said, 'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.' “The good news is that, finally, there’s something associated with UFOs that science can work with.” Led by astronomer Beatriz Villarroel and her VASCO project (Vanishing and Appearing Sources during a Century of Observations), the studies passed the first test of scientific credibility: rigorous peer review. Now, Frank says, comes the harder part — the “call-and-response” that defines real science. “Getting a paper published doesn’t make the claim right,” he explains. “It just means the debate can begin. Other scientists will now dig into the data, test the methods, and try to tear the claim apart. That’s how science works.” Frank is a frequent on-air commentator for live interviews and segments in national media outlets and the author of The Little Book of Aliens (Harper Collins, 2023). He also regularly contributes to written publications, including The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Scientific American. In 2021 he received the Carl Sagan Medal, which recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to the general public. It is awarded to scientists whose efforts have significantly contributed to a public understanding of, and enthusiasm for, planetary science. Connect with him by clicking on his profile.
