Restoring degraded ecosystems has emerged as a global policy priority to address the interlinked concerns of deforestation and land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change while delivering social benefits, according to the United Nations.

The Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair (FWRSEF), held in partnership with The University of Texas at Arlington, is the oldest continually operating regional science fair in Texas. One of the reasons it has been so successful is the tireless organizational efforts of UT Arlington psychology Professor Yuan Bo Peng, who has served as director of the 73-year-old FWRSEF since 2012. In recognition of his dedication to the science fair, Dr. Peng received the 2024 Individual Outstanding Community Service Award from the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Chinese Institute of Engineers (CIE/USA-DFW).

Lower indoor home temperatures are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. A recent study by Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) reports that upgrading thermal insulation in new homes is more cost-effective than retrofitting insulation to existing homes in Japan. This finding could help guide policymakers in subsidizing housing costs to create warmer homes, thus reducing cold-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.