This research examines why businesses remain in disaster-prone regions despite increasing climate risks. Using satellite imagery and business location data, it shows that firms often stay because local supplier networks, skilled labor pools, and community relationships create valuable economic advantages. Strengthening community resilience may therefore be more effective than encouraging relocation.

Microplastics and nanoplastics pose growing environmental and health concerns, yet their formation pathways remain unclear. This research compiles data from nearly 300 studies to model plastic degradation and identifies key roles of plastic type and weathering process. Lab experiments reveal mechanical wear can directly generate nanoplastics, improving risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Sunny-day flooding is becoming common in coastal North Carolina. Sensors revealed 65 flood days per year, and water-quality tests showed fecal contamination up to 100× above closure standards. A new computer model tracks how contaminated floodwaters move, helping identify hotspots and supporting safer water-quality advisories and flood-defense planning.