News & Announcements
Working to Solve our Most Challenging Environmental Problems
DRI’s research calls on the expertise and methods of scientists from multiple scientific disciplines. More than 600 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and staff work collaboratively within and across three research divisions, focused on understanding and answering critical science questions about global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, the sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, education, and more.
Nevada Receives National Science Foundation Research Award for $20 Million
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has been awarded $20 million over a period of five years for the Harnessing the Data Revolution for Fire Science (HDRFS) project through the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
Farm vehicles heavy as dinosaurs jeopardize future food security
In a new study, scientists analyzed the historical development of farm vehicle weights and tire equipment, and calculated how this has affected the pressure at the ground surface and deeper down in the subsoil.
For Outdoor Workers, Extreme Heat Poses Extreme Danger
In a new study in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, scientists explore the growing threat that extreme heat poses to workforce health in three of the hottest cities in North America – Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
Study Develops Framework for Forecasting Contribution of Snowpack to Flood Risk During Winter Storms
A new study provides the first framework for a snowpack decision support tool that could help water managers prepare for potential flooding during rain-on-snow events, using hourly data from existing snow monitoring stations.
Study Shows Importance of Ensuring Participant and Provider Follow-up After a Genetic Screening Result
In a study published in Frontiers in Genetics, Healthy Nevada Project scientists looked at the impact that notifying a patient of a positive finding for a CDC Tier 1 condition had on the care that the patient received in the months and years that followed.
New study shows robust increases in atmospheric thirst across much of U.S. during past 40 years
A new study showed substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across much of the Western U.S. during the past 40 years, with the largest and most robust increases in an area centered around the Rio Grande and Lower Colorado rivers.
Benjamin Hatchett Receives Board of Regents 2022 Rising Researcher Award
DRI scientist Benjamin Hatchett, Ph.D., has been honored with the 2022 Rising Researcher Award from the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents.
Agencies collaborate to launch wastewater surveillance dashboard
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Southern Nevada Health District, Southern Nevada Water Authority and Desert Research Institute are partnering to detect early increases of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants in Southern Nevada through wastewater surveillance.
Childhood trauma and genetics linked to increased obesity risk
New research from the Healthy Nevada Project® found that participants with specific genetic traits and who experience childhood traumas are more likely to suffer from adult obesity.
NSF-funded Study Finds Eolian Dust Systems Impact Cardio-Pulmonary Health
The study, published in Geology, seeks to characterize dust emission potential from landforms in two end-member eolian systems, where wind is the primary source of sediment transport.
New USDA Grant to Support Climate Resilience Planning in Indian Country
A new USDA grant will fund the “Native Climate” project, which will build relationships and narrow the climate justice gap in Native American communities of the Intermountain West.
DRI scientist Rishi Parashar receives NSF Mid-Career Advancement Award
Meet Rishi Parashar, Ph.D., who recently received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Mid-Career Advancement Award, and learn about his research in this Q&A with “DRI’s Behind the Science” Blog.