Securing Mobile Applications of First Responders
As apps for first responders have become more widely used, so has the ability to exploit them. Recently the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and other partners conducted a pilot study to see how security for the most frequently used resources fared—and the answer was not good. Of 33 iOS and Android apps tested, vulnerabilities were found in 32, including the ability for hackers to access cameras and contacts, record audio, send text messages, and use hard-coded credentials. The report includes information about the study, developer feedback, lessons learned and next steps.
Wildland Fire Science
As fires continue to rage in the U.S. West, disaster professionals are grappling with ways to respond to and understand the crisis. To that end, the U.S. Geological Survey has launched a new website that aggregates its extensive fire research, data, and tools. The site was created to help fire agencies and landowners make sound decisions about land management before fires start and issues to consider as they burn. Information on fire ecosystems, post-fire restoration, debris flow, remote sensing, and more are included.
Global Climate Risk Index 2018
This report, now in its 13th edition, analyses previous data from extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and heatwaves to see the extent to which countries are affected by climate-related events. Unsurprisingly, the report finds less developed countries are more at risk and could face increasing vulnerability. The report, which uses data from 1997 through 2016, found Haiti, Fiji, and Zimbabwe were among the most affected countries in 2016 and Honduras, Haiti, and Myanmar were the most affected overall.
Healthcare Information for All Library and Information Services
Access to reliable information on healthcare topics is essential any time, but especially during disaster. This project leverages the Healthcare Information for All membership of researchers, policymakers, health professionals, to focus on providing support that helps libraries meet global health information needs, including topics such as population health, disaster preparedness, emergencies, and disease outbreaks. The scope of the recent project includes technical and financial support for libraries, developing librarian professional skills, and increasing health literacy.
National Academies of Science Planet Earth Posters
If you need a last minute holiday gift idea or just like cool retro science, check out these 1958 throwback prints from the International Geophysical Year files. The six vintage designs each feature a geophysical emphasis, including oceans, the sun and earth, and weather and climate, and can be downloaded and printed for free.