InfoTrak

Claire Nee, PhD, Director of the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK led an international study of the behavior of burglars. She discussed the surprising degree of knowledge and skill of experienced thieves in choosing which home to target, how to navigate inside and what to take. She offered crime prevention suggestions to make a home less vulnerable to burglary.

It’s common knowledge that being outdoors and around nature is a healthy thing. Mathew White, PhD, Environmental Psychologist and Senior Lecturer from the University of Exeter Medical School in Devon, Englandled a study that measured exactly how much outdoor time is necessary for improved health. He found that two to four hours per week is the sweet spot, and it can be done in bits and pieces over the course of a week. He added that the benefits were especially helpful for those with longstanding illness or disabilities.

It’s common knowledge that being outdoors and around nature is a healthy thing. Mathew White, PhD, Environmental Psychologist and Senior Lecturer from the University of Exeter Medical School in Devon, Englandled a study that measured exactly how much outdoor time is necessary for improved health. He found that two to four hours per week is the sweet spot, and it can be done in bits and pieces over the course of a week. He added that the benefits were especially helpful for those with longstanding illness or disabilities.

Laura Condon, PhD, Assistant Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona led a study that found that groundwater pumping in the last century, for drinking water and agricultural use, has contributed as much as 50 percent to stream flow declines in some US rivers. She explained why this is such a serious concern and what can be done by communities and individuals to conserve water resources.

Over the past two decades, there have been major changes in tornado forecasting technology and how Americans receive alerts. Rick Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norman, OK discussed the latest developments and what everyone needs to know to stay safe. He said the number or intensity of tornadoes hasn't changed, but media attention has increased, partly because nearly every tornado is now captured on a smartphone camera.

Julie Angwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, author of Dragnet Nation: A Quest for Privacy, Security and Freedom in a World of Relentless Surveillance explained why Americans should be concerned about the rapidly increasing ways that the government, private companies, and even criminals use technology to indiscriminately sweep up vast amounts of our personal data. She outlined tools that people can use to reduce their digital footprint.

Julie Angwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, author of Dragnet Nation: A Quest for Privacy, Security and Freedom in a World of Relentless Surveillance explained why Americans should be concerned about the rapidly increasing ways that the government, private companies, and even criminals use technology to indiscriminately sweep up vast amounts of our personal data. She outlined tools that people can use to reduce their digital footprint.

An American Psychiatric Association report found that Americans have experienced a 51% increase in anxiety levels in the past two years. Laurie Nadel, PhD, a psychotherapist who specializes in treating acute stress, anxiety and PTSD, author of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes said the report illustrates an epidemic of anxiety issues, including PTSD. She said it can be triggered just by watching disturbing images on electronic devices, causing what she terms “vicarious traumatization.” She outlined five techniques that may help those suffering from mental trauma.

Jamie Cooper, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Foods and Nutrition at the University of Georgia led a study that found that stepping on the bathroom scale once per day may help to avoid weight gain. She said the average adult gains 1-2 lbs over each vacation or holiday period, and normally doesn’t lose it afterwards. She said although people may walk more and get other forms of physical activity during vacations, they tend to eat more.

Julie Angwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, author of Dragnet Nation: A Quest for Privacy, Security and Freedom in a World of Relentless Surveillance explained why Americans should be concerned about the rapidly increasing ways that the government, private companies, and even criminals use technology to indiscriminately sweep up vast amounts of our personal data. She outlined tools that people can use to reduce their digital footprint.