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USA Today
2 hours ago
- Science
- USA Today
Dangerous dams: Where are the six most at risk of failing in the US?
The number of dams at risk of overtopping is increasing, "threatening their structural integrity and downstream communities," according to a new study. The number of dams in the United States at risk of overtopping is increasing, "threatening their structural integrity and downstream communities," according to a new study from Florida researchers. About 250,000 people in three states live downstream of those dams, the researchers found. Published July 21, the study analyzed five decades of water-level data across 33 strategically selected dam sites to quantify how overtopping probability has evolved since 1973. "We identified six dams having the greatest overtopping probability, with several being located near large population centers, posing potential risks to the downstream communities," warned the study, published in the peer-reviewed British journal Nature Communications. "All six dams are classified as large and high-hazard potential." Where are the most at-risk dams located? The six dams with the highest probability of overtopping and the closest downstream cities were all located in Texas, Kansas and California: According to Florida State University scientists, this geographic distribution shows that certain regions are particularly vulnerable to changing weather patterns, such as more-frequent extreme rainfall. Aging infrastructure a concern Many U.S. dams were built nearly a century ago. Aging construction and changing hazards add to the risk for this crucial infrastructure. "In its 2025 infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. dams a D+ rating, underscoring the urgency of reassessment and modernization," according to a statement from Florida State University. 'Decades ago, dam builders used the best available technology knowledge, but things have been changing, so aging infrastructure is something that is a concern,' said study co-author Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf, an assistant professor in the Florida A&M/Florida State University College of Engineering. 'In this study, we showed where hazards from overtopping are greatest, both because of risk of occurrence and possible consequences. It is a guide to where infrastructure spending could have the greatest impact,' he said. 31 of 33 dams studied were 'high-hazard' Of the 33 dams studied, 31 dams were classified as 'high hazard' by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), meaning their failure could result in loss of life. 'We have to plan upfront for this potential risk,' Ahmadisharaf said. 'This information can help dam managers to consider whether they need to revisit their emergency action plans and strategy for operating dams.' What is 'overtopping?' In the study, "we defined dam overtopping as water levels rising uncontrollably above the dam crest, which may or may not lead to catastrophic failure." Overtopping occurs when stored water exceeds the capacity of a reservoir and spills over the top. This does not necessarily result in immediate damage or failure, but it weakens the dam structure and can increase the risk of catastrophic failure if it continues. Overtopping because of inadequate spillway design, debris blockage of spillways or settlement of the dam crest accounts for about 34% of all dam failures in the United States, according to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. Dams have an important role in mitigating flood damages by regulating flow and storing excess water during periods of heavy precipitation. "However, they also pose a substantial risk of catastrophic failure when they become subject to hydrologic extreme events, such as floods that are exacerbated by climate change," the study reports. 'Uniquely severe' risk "Dam failures are uniquely severe compared to other infrastructure failures due to their potentially extensive damages to the economy, society, and ecosystem," the study said. "For example, in 2017, the spillway failure of Oroville Dam in California, the tallest dam in the United States, led to over 180,000 evacuations while the 2020 failure of Edenville and Sanford Dams in Michigan forced about 11,000 residents to evacuate, damaged over 3,000 homes, and incurred substantial recovery costs," the study said. "In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused flooding in North Carolina, where Lake Lure Dam partially overtopped, leading to evacuations in Rutherford County and over 25 swift water rescues." Study co-author Eunsaem Cho, a former FSU postdoctoral researcher who is now a research associate at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, said, 'this study represents the first step toward a comprehensive assessment of dam overtopping probabilities in the U.S. Understanding this potential risk is crucial for protecting communities and prioritizing dam rehabilitation before catastrophic failures occur.'
New York Post
a day ago
- Science
- New York Post
Roman Emperor Caligula had an unexpected interest in medicinal plants, historians find
Caligula, the ancient Roman emperor infamous for his insanity and cruelty, may have had a soft spot for plants, according to recently published research. A new study co-authored by Trevor Luke, a professor of classics at Florida State University, centers on an overlooked anecdote by the Roman historian Suetonius involving Caligula and an ailing senator. Advertisement The account indicates that the unnamed Roman senator traveled to the Greek town of Antikyra to be treated with the medicinal plant hellebore, which is now considered poisonous. Though the treatments were not necessarily expensive, reaching Antikyra – and staying there – was. When the senator asked Caligula if he could stay longer, the much-hated leader had him executed — claiming it was 'necessary, for one whom hellebore had not benefited in all that time.' 5 A new study centers on an overlooked anecdote by the Roman historian Suetonius involving Caligula and an ailing senator. Alfredo Dagli Orti/Shutterstock The story indicates that Caligula had some knowledge of medicinal plants – a prospect that intrigued Luke, who spoke with Fox News Digital about his research. Advertisement When asked if he was surprised by Caligula's interest in plants, Luke replied, 'Yes and no.' 'I knew Caligula had a reputation for being a prolific poisoner, and such a murderer might be expected to possess a detailed knowledge of the properties of toxic plants,' Luke said. 'That said, murder by poisoning was a common theme in ancient literature about bad rulers and their families,' the historian added. 5 The story indicates that Caligula had some knowledge of medicinal plants – a prospect that intrigued Luke. Ivan – Advertisement Luke said that, as he dug into more ancient sources and archaeological studies, he noticed mounting evidence of Caligula's interest in medicinal plants – which he wasn't expecting. Alexander the Great, Attalus III of Pergamon and Mithradates VI Eupator are other ancient leaders who took an interest in plants, Luke said — with Caligula possibly consulting pharmacological a text attributed to Mithradates. Study co-author Andrew Koh noted that Antikyra was similar to the modern-day Mayo Clinic, drawing faraway people to the port by offering treatments for relentless illnesses. 5 Luke said that, as he dug into more ancient sources and archaeological studies, he noticed mounting evidence of Caligula's interest in medicinal plants. Getty Images Advertisement 'In other words, Antikyra may be the first known destination in Greece for Roman medical tourists,' Luke said. 'When we think of a brand-name destination for innovative and effective medical treatments, the name Mayo Clinic immediately springs to mind, just as the name Antikyra did in the minds of ancient inhabitants of the Roman Empire for similar reasons.' He notes that Antikyra healers added a locally grown plant called sesamoides to their hellebore recipes, making them the safest and most effective purgative treatments at the time. So, was the Roman emperor a 'plant nerd' in the modern sense? 5 Alexander the Great, Attalus III of Pergamon and Mithradates VI Eupator are other ancient leaders who took an interest in plants. Estelle R – Luke told Fox News Digital that he doesn't mind that label, but added that Caligula's interest in the healing and harming power of plants wasn't just a hobby. 'At the same time, any concern he had regarding assassination by poison was justifiable in the circumstances,' Luke said, pointing to the suspicious deaths of several family members, including his father-in-law Germanicus and brother-in-law Lepidus. The classicist added, '[Caligula's] family members took up the study of poisons and their antidotes … It seems to me that the motive of self-defense behind Caligula's study of plants is different from just being a nerd.' Advertisement 5 Antikyra healers added sesamoides to their hellebore recipes, making them the safest and most effective purgative treatments at the time. Getty Images Above all, Luke suggested that modern readers should read ancient sources like Suetonius with a critical eye, noting that his stories about Caligula were 'skillfully organized … in such a way that they shocked readers.' 'Shock does not lead to a clear perception of the facts,' Luke said. 'When I pursue the facts behind some of the most outrageous stories about Caligula, I often find Suetonius has deftly distorted what likely happened.'
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Ancient Roman emperor Caligula had an unexpected interest in medicinal plants, historians find
Caligula, the ancient Roman emperor infamous for his insanity and cruelty, may have had a soft spot for plants, according to recently published research. A new study co-authored by Trevor Luke, a professor of classics at Florida State University, centers on an overlooked anecdote by the Roman historian Suetonius involving Caligula and an ailing senator. The account indicates that the unnamed Roman senator traveled to the Greek town of Antikyra to be treated with the medicinal plant hellebore, which is now considered poisonous. Though the treatments were not necessarily expensive, reaching Antikyra – and staying there – was. When the senator asked Caligula if he could stay longer, the much-hated leader had him executed — claiming it was "necessary, for one whom hellebore had not benefited in all that time." The story indicates that Caligula had some knowledge of medicinal plants – a prospect that intrigued Luke, who spoke with Fox News Digital about his research. When asked if he was surprised by Caligula's interest in plants, Luke replied, "Yes and no." "I knew Caligula had a reputation for being a prolific poisoner, and such a murderer might be expected to possess a detailed knowledge of the properties of toxic plants," Luke said. "Antikyra may be the first known destination in Greece for Roman medical tourists." "That said, murder by poisoning was a common theme in ancient literature about bad rulers and their families," the historian added. Luke said that, as he dug into more ancient sources and archaeological studies, he noticed mounting evidence of Caligula's interest in medicinal plants – which he wasn't expecting. Alexander the Great, Attalus III of Pergamon and Mithradates VI Eupator are other ancient leaders who took an interest in plants, Luke said — with Caligula possibly consulting pharmacological a text attributed to Mithradates. Study co-author Andrew Koh noted that Antikyra was similar to the modern-day Mayo Clinic, drawing faraway people to the port by offering treatments for relentless illnesses. "In other words, Antikyra may be the first known destination in Greece for Roman medical tourists," Luke said. "When we think of a brand-name destination for innovative and effective medical treatments, the name Mayo Clinic immediately springs to mind, just as the name Antikyra did in the minds of ancient inhabitants of the Roman Empire for similar reasons." He notes that Antikyra healers added a locally grown plant called sesamoides to their hellebore recipes, making them the safest and most effective purgative treatments at the time. So, was the Roman emperor a "plant nerd" in the modern sense? Luke told Fox News Digital that he doesn't mind that label, but added that Caligula's interest in the healing and harming power of plants wasn't just a hobby. "At the same time, any concern he had regarding assassination by poison was justifiable in the circumstances," Luke said, pointing to the suspicious deaths of several family members, including his father-in-law Germanicus and brother-in-law Lepidus. The classicist added, "[Caligula's] family members took up the study of poisons and their antidotes … It seems to me that the motive of self-defense behind Caligula's study of plants is different from just being a nerd." Above all, Luke suggested that modern readers should read ancient sources like Suetonius with a critical eye, noting that his stories about Caligula were "skillfully organized … in such a way that they shocked readers." "Shock does not lead to a clear perception of the facts," Luke said. "When I pursue the facts behind some of the most outrageous stories about Caligula, I often find Suetonius has deftly distorted what likely happened."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Meteorologist: Warming air due to climate change increasing the intensities of severe storms
Climate change is impacting the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes and severe flooding. 'Natural disasters means destructive events caused by natural forces that result in significant loss of property, life and disturbance to the ecosystem,' said Vasu Misra, professor of meteorology in the Earth Ocean Atmospheric Science Department at Florida State University. Misra said the recent floods in Texas, the wildfires in California last year and avalanches on a very small scale are all considered natural disasters. Natural disasters tracked by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration include : Hurricanes Tropical Cyclones Tornadoes Floods Droughts Wildfires Winter storms Earthquakes Tsunamis Volcanic Eruptions Misra said changing the landscape could also cause natural disasters. 'But it's a bit of a misnomer in the sense,' said Misra. 'Although it says by natural forces, it could also be influenced or exacerbated by human actions. It could be from climate change. It could be from constructing structures that change the landscape in such a way that it could cause unanticipated issues. 'One example that comes to my mind is the tremendous amount of coastal development that has occurred, not only in this country, but across the world, which causes a tremendous amount of destruction when a tropical cyclone comes through.' Also, rising sea levels are exacerbating the impact of storm surges during hurricanes leading to more coastal flooding and damage, according to NOAA. How climate change likely intensified Hurricane Helene Misra said in a warming climate rain events can become more severe. 'Regardless of whether the rain comes from a hurricane or a severe thunderstorm, a simple physical principle states that warmer air has a greater capacity to hold water vapor," she said. "So if your grocery bag becomes larger, then you're capable of storing more things in your grocery bag than if it was smaller.' Misra said the air in a warming climate will have a lot more moisture-holding capacity. 'If the atmospheric column becomes warmer, then the likelihood of rain events becoming more severe is far more likely,' said Misra. 'If Hurricane Helene had made its way through Augusta 30 or 40 years ago, there's a good chance that it may not have rained as hard simply because the air column 30 years ago wasn't as warm as it is now. So the moisture-holding capacity has certainly increased in this warming climate.' Misra said some of the rain events we've encountered would've been moderate or mild in a colder climate of the past. 'It doesn't mean that every rain event that occurs in this warming climate is likely to become more intense than ever before,' said Misra. 'Thunderstorms also depend upon a sustained source of moisture. So even if the air column is extremely warm, if it doesn't have a sustained source of moisture it's unlikely to become a severe rain event. ... There are many factors that contribute to becoming an extreme event.' NOAA hurricane season prediction: Above normal hurricane activity is predicted this season. See why and how you can prepare. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners. Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@ or on X: @EricaVanBuren32. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Climate change is affecting the intensity and frequency of natural Solve the daily Crossword
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
The Risk Manager's Advantage: Samuel Dixon Combines Academic Preparation With Real-World Solutions Aimed at Long-Term Retirement Success
Retirement planning has changed. Tax laws are complex. Life expectancy is longer. The old models may no longer hold up for today's high-net-worth individuals. What they need is not another traditional plan, but a method containing academic rigor and tested in real life. Samuel Dixon offers exactly that. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oxford Advisory Group, Dixon has taken his academic background in risk management, plus his experience, and shaped them into a real-world Retirement Navigation Map process. Through his work with retirees, business owners, and corporate executives, he has helped redefine what retirement planning looks like for those with more to protect and more to lose. Samuel Dixon holds a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from the College of Business at Florida State University. He holds his Series 65 and is licensed for insurance in Florida and South Carolina. He's also a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and contributes articles that are featured in financial publications such as Kiplinger Financial, Newsmax, and The Street. His advice is often cited in articles with titles like 'The Dos and Don'ts to Help Safeguard Your Retirement Future' and '3 Moves Millennials Must Make to Retire Early.' And perhaps most importantly, he's also a teacher. He routinely leads educational sessions on taxes in retirement, social security timing, and income reliability. At Oxford Advisory Group, Dixon focuses on retirement planning, IRA legacy strategies, and investment planning according to each client's goals and financial complexity. Oxford Advisory Group is one of the few firms in the country with a trademarked process for retirement planning: the Oxford Retirement Navigation Map®. This is a structured and personalized approach designed to answer the questions most retirees face: How can I make my money last? What's the best way to draw income without a big tax bill? How do I protect my assets from market dips and medical costs? Dixon's background in risk management is his daily lens. That edge helps him look at retirement through a different frame: Evaluating Risks like market downturns, inflation, and long-term care. like market downturns, inflation, and long-term care. Building Layered Income Streams so clients aren't relying on one source. so clients aren't relying on one source. Planning for Tax Shifts in retirement, when income sources change. in retirement, when income sources change. Legacy Structuring to ensure that wealth isn't lost to probate or avoidable taxes. Clients appreciate that this is not guesswork. It's planning based on numbers, law, and experience. He has a passion for keeping things practical. He focuses on consistent, long-term strategies that are according to the client's goals. Oxford Advisory Group offers a vast range of financial services for the needs of individuals at every stage of their financial journey. It helps business owners and entrepreneurs structure their finances for long-term growth, guides corporate executives through complex compensation planning, and delivers strategic support. Their focused planning encompasses estate planning, investment strategy, tax preparation, and personal financial advice, all designed to better protect assets, minimize tax burdens, and align financial decisions with life goals. The goal is to help clients retire with intention. While Dixon is all about strategy, he's also a vibrant part of the community with his steady presence and ethical standards. He teaches youth at his church, coaches his son Clark's sports teams, and often spends weekends boating with his wife and four children on Lake Butler. He understands that clients aren't just file folders. They're families. With multiple locations across Florida and South Carolina, and recognition from media outlets like ABC 10 and FOX 13, Oxford Advisory Group looks like it is a go-to firm for retirement planning in the Southeast. The firm made the Inc. 5000 list, awarded in 2024, based on growth from 2021–2023*, signaling success in both reach and results. Oxford is also a proud sponsor of university athletics at Florida State, UCF, and USF, highlighting its community roots and broad impact. Retirement isn't a finish line… it is a new phase. Samuel Dixon has built his career on helping clients enter that phase focused on better providing confidence, preparation, and structure. His combination of academic discipline and practical strategy has been shared with thousands of families. With the Oxford Retirement Navigation Map®, he aims to give clients a clear plan in a world that too often offers guesswork. *Inc. 5000 was not compensated for consideration of this award; Oxford did pay for the use of marketing materials. **FSU Athletics, USF Athletics, and UCF Athletics are not current clients of Oxford, Oxford has a paid sponsorship with Florida State Athletics, University of Central Florida Athletics, and the University of South Florida Athletics Oxford Wealth Group, LLC ('Oxford Wealth') is a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Form ADV Part 2A for Oxford Wealth Group can be found by visiting the SEC site and searching by Oxford Wealth Group. We are a financial services firm that utilizes insurance and investment products. Oxford Advisory Group and Oxford Wealth Group, LLC are affiliated yet separate companies. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
