Modeled after our Legislative Science Notes, Community Science Notes summarize the research and policy context surrounding locally important issues, including public comment periods and ballot initiatives.
The process and products related to the research, publication, and distribution of Community Science Notes supports several objectives of the Missouri Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN), including:
Community Science Notes should always contain objective and nonpartisan research information. Writers should not make policy recommendations or include information that supports or opposes any policy alternative. All Community Science Note writers should adhere to the Missouri LSEN Code of Conduct.
Urban heat islands are regions that experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas, primarily due to the concentration of buildings, roads and other structures that absorb and re-emit heat. As climate change leads to higher temperatures, urban heat values are likely to increase.
October 2021
Landfill is considered an effective method of waste management, primarily due to its low cost and limited technical requirements. However, landfill use may have unintended environmental and socioeconomic consequences if managed improperly
August 2021
The “Net Metering and Easy Connection Act” (Section 386.890, RSMo) allows customers who own renewable energy generators (e.g., solar panels) to sell electricity that they generate to utility companies.
In order to help you better understand the science behind medical marijuana, we’ve summarized some of the most common findings by scientists related to this topic.
June 2019
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program established in 1965 to provide health insurance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Under Medicaid expansion, adults (age 19-65) with a household income less than 138% of the federal poverty level would be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage.
July 2020
In Missouri, 11.5% of households are considered food insecure because they have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Urban agriculture can provide a source of healthy produce, increase healthy food knowledge, and promote community engagement within food insecure communities.
Published December 2021
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that look like small lobsters and like to feed on animals and plant material. Eight crayfish species are only found in Missouri, with some being currently considered endangered.
May 2021
Childhood depression, anxiety and behavioral/conduct problems have been prevalent since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, children’s mental health challenges have increased over the last year and a half due to difficulty coping with the changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.
September 2021
Black vultures are expanding their geographic range northward in Missouri. While vultures provide an important service in consuming waste material, black vultures can be a nuisance by occasionally attacking livestock and damaging property.
May 2021
Air pollution from motor vehicle emissions (i.e., exhaust) can lead to negative public health and environmental impacts that disproportionately impact children, seniors, urban residents and people with existing lung and heart problems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for allowable levels of certain air pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide, ozone) through the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
December 2021
