Locating the origin of pandemic ‘hot spots’

+ another dark side to narcissists, why hurricanes hit some areas harder US Edition - Today's top story: The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it [View in browser]( US Edition | 2 June 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 jumped from animals to humans, but the virus’s exact origins remain one of the most pressing questions in science and society today. Knowing where and how the virus originated gives scientists and public health authorities insight into how to prevent or minimize the spread of the next pandemic. Epidemiologist and medical anthropologist Maureen Miller argues that the primary method for detecting animal-to-human diseases, which relies heavily on checking symptoms of patients in hospitals, isn’t enough. A better approach, she says, is to [actively monitor known “hot spots” where zoonotic disease transmissions]( are most likely to happen. Meanwhile, our colleagues at The Conversation France cover the so-called lab leak theory – the possibility that the coronavirus emerged from a Chinese research lab – and [explain the rationale for more investigations](. In another story from the past week, two Ohio State psychology researchers report the results of a recent study that found that narcissists tend to be more aggressive toward others. At a time when narcissism appears to be on the rise thanks to social media, the study [has an uncomforting conclusion](: “People who think they are superior seem to have no qualms about attacking others whom they regard as inferior,” they write. And this week is the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the National Hurricane Center is predicting another busy year. University of Florida meteorologist Athena Masson explains how local factors, including ocean temperatures, prevailing winds and the shape of the seafloor, can influence why [some regions are more susceptible to damage from hurricanes]( than others. Finally, with World Oceans Day coming up next Tuesday, I’d like to point you to a global series different editions of The Conversation have been working on since last fall, [called Oceans 21](, that covers a number of themes – fisheries, climate change and the blue economy, among others. Our most recent piece covers the [vital role aquatic foods play in nutrition around the world](. Also today: - [Thousands of oil wells in Los Angeles continue to cause health problems]( - [‘Seeing’ through walls with wall-penetrating radar]( - [Why your city might want to restrict left-hand turns]( Please reply to this email if there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate. Martin La Monica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters Sustained surveillance for disease outbreaks at global hot spots may be the key to preventing the next pandemic. MR.Cole_Photographer/Getty Images [The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it]( Maureen Miller, Columbia University A more coordinated effort by scientists, stakeholders and community members will be required to stop the next deadly virus that's already circulating in our midst. People who think they are superior have no qualms about attacking those they regard as inferior. Sigrid Olsson/PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections via Getty Images [Narcissistic people aren’t just full of themselves – new research finds they’re more likely to be aggressive and violent]( Brad Bushman, The Ohio State University; Sophie Kjaervik, The Ohio State University A meta-analysis of 437 studies found that egomaniacs aren't just a bummer – they can be dangerous, too. Preparing for a hurricane on North Carolina’s vulnerable Outer Banks. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images [Some coastal areas are more prone to devastating hurricanes – a meteorologist explains why]( Athena Masson, University of Florida The 2021 hurricane season is forecast to be another busy one. Here's how heat, winds and the shape of the seafloor raise the risk for places like Miami and New Orleans. Other good finds - [Covid-19: why the lab leak theory must be formally investigated]( Virginie Courtier, Université de Paris; Etienne Decroly, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) The lab accident theory of the origins of Covid-19 has gained traction in recent months. We need a proper investigation to find out what really happened. - [Urban oil wells linked to asthma and other health problems in Los Angeles]( Jill Johnston, University of Southern California; Bhavna Shamasunder, Occidental College Photos from the early 1900s show LA's forests of oil derricks. Hundreds of wells are still pumping, and new research finds people living nearby and struggling with breathing problems. - [Sick of dangerous city traffic? Remove left turns]( Vikash V. Gayah, Penn State Left turns are dangerous and slow down traffic. One solution? Get rid of them. New research shows that limiting left turns at busy intersections would improve safety and reduce frustrating backups. - [Fast computers, 5G networks and radar that passes through walls are bringing ‘X-ray vision’ closer to reality]( Aly Fathy, University of Tennessee The murky blobs visible with today's wall-penetrating radar could soon give way to detailed images of people and things on the other side of a wall – and even measure people's breathing and heart rate. - [Think like a virus to understand why the pandemic isn’t over yet – and what the US needs to do to help other countries]( Karen Levy, University of Washington Viruses want to pass on their genetic material. Recognizing this about SARS-CoV-2 provides insight into how the world is still vulnerable to COVID-19. - [Going beyond ‘back to normal’ – 5 research-based tips for emerging from pandemic life]( Bethany Teachman, University of Virginia After more than a year of idealizing life without COVID-19, people are starting to reenter 'normal' life. Clinical psychology provides guidance on how to prepare for your post-pandemic reboot. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s graphic [A bar graph comparing the lung strength and lung capacity of people based on their distance from oil wells.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451