Ally Hirschlag

Can we fix our ocean noise problem?

Researchers are uncovering just how large the impact of man-made noise is on ocean life. But there are some surprisingly simple ways we could tackle this overlooked form of pollution I In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, a…

The Healing Power of Nature Bathing

After you've taken a long walk out in nature, enjoying a clear, mild day with a cool breeze keeping you refreshed, you might notice feeling calmer and more centered than you did before. That's not a coincidence — nature can be genuinely therapeutic…

Do Masks Help with Allergies?

As COVID cases climb again, many businesses and cities are reinstating mask mandates. That might be frustrating, especially after having to wear them on and off for over two years now, but if you suffer from seasonal allergies, it might be a blessing…

Protecting Nature's Rights in the Court Room

Property developers recently threatened Lake Mary Jane in Orange County, Florida with plans to develop the lake and 1,900 acres of wetlands and forest into residential and commercial buildings. Attorney Steven Meyers in turn filed a lawsuit against…

How to Exercise Outside with Allergies

It's that time of year when pollen counts are rising and allergy sufferers are feeling the effects. That's especially true if you like to work up a sweat outdoors. When you breathe deeply, as people often do when they exercise, pollen may be more…

Allergies May Come With Heightened Risk of Heart Problems

Allergy symptoms can certainly be frustrating at times. Whether you deal with itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, scratchy throat or all of the above, getting through allergy season can be a real slog. But there might be more to…

How Rain Can Make Your Allergies Worse

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you might think a rainy day will provide respite from uncomfortable and annoying allergy symptoms. While this might be true initially, ultimately it does the opposite. Here's what we mean by that: When rain…

How Humidity Affects Allergies

If you experience seasonal allergies, you might think staying indoors on days when allergy counts are high is a safe bet. While that may be true to some extent, there are allergens indoors as well that can be kicked up by how you control the climate…

Sudden Temperature Changes Can Trigger Your Allergies

It's that time of year when people are often taking vacations to warmer climates. And while sitting by the pool in a bathing suit certainly feels good, you might also be dealing with watery eyes, or an inclination to sneeze more. Sudden allergy flare…

Sounds of a healthy ocean can bring degraded marine ecosystems back to life

Just as big cities draw more people, a bustling part of the seas seems to draw more life. Biologists hope to repopulate stressed regions. A healthy marine ecosystem is an orchestra of sounds — the rhythmic humming of fish calling to each other, crabs…

As Omicron Surges, Flu Cases Are Rising

Cases of the omicron variant are growing rapidly across much of the United States, so it’s understandable that the virus is top of mind for most people. But, alongside this COVID-19 surge, cases of the flu have been steadily increasing as well. The…

Lithium batteries' big unanswered question

As the world looks to electrify vehicles and store renewable power, one giant challenge looms: what will happen to all the old lithium batteries? A As the quiet whirr of electric vehicles gradually replaces the revs and noxious fumes of internal…

Flu Cases Are Rising Among Young People

As the Northern Hemisphere settles into winter, flu cases are starting to climb. The CDC issued an advisory the week of Thanksgiving that, while cases remain low, they are starting to see an uptick in cases, specifically of Influenza A (H3N2),…

Why the Flu Could Be More Common this Year

The 2020/21 flu season was an incredibly mild one in the United States and across the globe, according to the CDC. For some perspective, during the past three flu seasons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportions of respiratory specimens that…

A Flu Strain May Have Gone Extinct Due to COVID-19

The 2020/21 flu season was milder due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, like lockdowns, and as a result a fairly common strain of the flu may have gone extinct. There are four strains of the flu that are known to circulate in the Northern Hemisphere:…

Portable Generator Dos and Don'ts

A portable generator can be a lifesaver both during and after a severe weather event that knocks out power to your home. When used properly, it can be a simple way to keep things running while you wait for the power grid to come back on. However,…

The far-reaching benefits of tiger sharks for climate

Worldwide, shark populations are on the decline. Boosting their numbers could have a cascade effect to help sink carbon and make the oceans more resilient to climate change. O On the westernmost tip of Australia in the aptly named Shark Bay, at least…

A Wildfire Hit Your Home. Now What?

Evacuating your home because of a wildfire is harrowing enough — imagine returning to find your property was impacted. When you realize a place that you value and considered safe was in fact not invincible, it can be a tough pill to swallow. “Be…

How Coastal Communities Prepare For Intensifying Hurricanes

Before Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Zhureida del Valle didn’t do that much to prepare for hurricanes. Even though she’d seen a number of devastating hurricanes throughout her life there, she typically would only shop for supplies after a…

How to Be Irresponsible Responsibly

In a world that’s overflowing with wellness buzzwords, we often forget that one of the best ways to boost our well-being is simply to have fun. Especially this summer, there’s no better time to add some good times to your life, so we’re bringing you…