Safety risk of electric bikes and scooters

+ biomarkers for deep brain stimulation to treat depression US Edition - Today's top story: Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing public safety concern − here's how to reduce the risk [View in browser]( US Edition | 27 September 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Urban transportation has changed dramatically in recent years with the spread of electric bicycles and scooters. But those gadgets come with some hazards: New York City and San Francisco, which have a high density of electric vehicles, have had to handle more than 660 fires involving lithium-ion batteries since 2019. A team of energy researchers from Clemson University and Hunan University explain [how these pervasive batteries work](, when dangers can arise and steps people can take to mitigate problems. They also provide a snapshot of research to make batteries safer, including different materials and improved management systems. One of the economic arguments behind policies to advance green technology industries, such as wind energy or battery manufacturing, is that they will create jobs – and some people who now work in fossil fuels have transferable skills. But University of Pittsburgh researchers Morgan R. Frank and Junghyun Lim found in a paper published yesterday that the location of projected green jobs [does not map well with where fossil fuel workers are now](. “Without careful planning and targeted policies, we estimate that only about 2% of fossil fuel workers involved in extraction are likely to transition to green jobs this decade,” they write. Any story with “flesh-eating bacteria” in the headline is sure to get a lot of attention, which may explain why an article on the subject was one of the most-read science stories in the past week. In it, University of Indiana infectious disease expert Bill Sullivan explains what people should know about ​​necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection of open wounds people typically get from seawater. Although it is on the rise, it remains [relatively rare and can be prevented]( by washing wounds that occur from swimming, fishing or preparing seafood, he writes. Also in this week’s science news: - [More sulfur than expected found on Moon]( - [Powerful new spyware uses online ad networks]( - [Gene could help prevent biomedical implant failures]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Martin LaMonica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters In June 2023, a fire started at this e-bike shop in New York City and spread to upper floors of the building. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews [Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing public safety concern − here’s how to reduce the risk]( Apparao Rao, Clemson University ; Bingan Lu, Hunan University; Mihir Parekh, Clemson University ; Morteza Sabet, Clemson University Lithium-ion batteries power many electric cars, bikes and scooters. When they are damaged or overheated, they can ignite or explode. Four engineers explain how to handle these devices safely. Renewable energy jobs often aren’t close to fossil fuel workers’ homes. Prapass Pulsub/Moment via Getty Images [Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition]( Morgan R. Frank, University of Pittsburgh; Junghyun Lim, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities. Vibrio vulnificus infections are spreading across the U.S. because of climate change. CDC/Janice Haney Carr [Flesh-eating bacteria infections are on the rise in the US − a microbiologist explains how to protect yourself]( Bill Sullivan, Indiana University Warmer ocean waters are fueling the spread of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Infections can lead to a rare but fatal condition called necrotizing fasciitis. [Art and science entwined: This course explores the long, interrelated history of two ways of seeing the world]( Katherine Reinhart, Binghamton University, State University of New York Art and science may seem like opposites, but throughout history the disciplines have fed off each other − and still do today. [Wildland firefighters face a huge pay cut without action by Congress – here’s how physically demanding this lifesaving job is]( Brent C. Ruby, University of Montana Wildland firefighters need the endurance of a cyclist in the Tour de France, and the work takes a toll on their bodies. A physiologist explains what’s at stake. [Earthquakes and other natural hazards are a risk everywhere – here’s how people are preparing in the US and around the world]( John van de Lindt, Colorado State University One way to prevent the destruction wrought by a devastating earthquake – like the one that hit Morocco in September 2023 – is to construct resilient homes and buildings. [What are APIs? A computer scientist explains the data sockets that make digital life possible]( Tam Nguyen, University of Dayton How do all the different pieces of digital technology you use every day – weather apps, online banking, games and so on – talk to each other? Via application programming interfaces, or APIs. - [Why does a plane look and feel like it’s moving more slowly than it actually is?]( Sara Nelson, Iowa State University An aerospace engineer explains why it’s so hard to tell just how fast an airplane is really moving. - [Your unique body odor could identify who you are and provide insights into your health – all from the touch of a hand]( Chantrell Frazier, Framingham State University; Kenneth G. Furton, Florida International University; Vidia A. Gokool, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Human scent could one day be used as evidence in forensics and as diagnostic information in medicine. - [Depression recovery can be hard to measure − new research on deep brain stimulation shows how objective biomarkers could help make treatment more precise]( Christopher Rozell, Georgia Institute of Technology; Sankaraleengam Alagapan, Georgia Institute of Technology Deep brain stimulation can help some people with treatment-resistant depression feel better, but it can be unclear whether a bout of low mood is a relapse or a bad day. - [Take a break from your screen and look at plants − botanizing is a great way to engage with life around you]( Jacob S. Suissa, University of Tennessee; Ben Goulet-Scott, Harvard University Botanizing is the practice of observing and appreciating plant life. Two plant scientists explain how it benefits people and the planet. - [Chandrayaan-3’s measurements of sulfur open the doors for lunar science and exploration]( - [Spyware can infect your phone or computer via the ads you see online – report]( - [Implants like pacemakers and insulin pumps often fail because of immune attacks − stopping them could make medical devices safer and longer-lasting]( - Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly emails: [Politics Weekly]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Global Economy & Business]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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