Urban transportation has changed dramatically in recent years with the spread of electric bicycles and scooters. But those gadgets come with some hazards: New York City and San Francisco, which have a high density of electric vehicles, have had to handle more than 660 fires involving lithium-ion batteries since 2019. A team of energy researchers from Clemson University and Hunan University explain how these pervasive batteries work, when dangers can arise and steps people can take to mitigate problems. They also provide a snapshot of research to make batteries safer, including different materials and improved management systems.

One of the economic arguments behind policies to advance green technology industries, such as wind energy or battery manufacturing, is that they will create jobs – and some people who now work in fossil fuels have transferable skills. But University of Pittsburgh researchers Morgan R. Frank and Junghyun Lim found in a paper published yesterday that the location of projected green jobs does not map well with where fossil fuel workers are now. “Without careful planning and targeted policies, we estimate that only about 2% of fossil fuel workers involved in extraction are likely to transition to green jobs this decade,” they write.

Any story with “flesh-eating bacteria” in the headline is sure to get a lot of attention, which may explain why an article on the subject was one of the most-read science stories in the past week. In it, University of Indiana infectious disease expert Bill Sullivan explains what people should know about ​​necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection of open wounds people typically get from seawater. Although it is on the rise, it remains relatively rare and can be prevented by washing wounds that occur from swimming, fishing or preparing seafood, he writes.

Also in this week’s science news:

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Martin LaMonica

Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters
In June 2023, a fire started at this e-bike shop in New York City and spread to upper floors of the building. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing public safety concern − here’s how to reduce the risk

Apparao Rao, Clemson University ; Bingan Lu, Hunan University; Mihir Parekh, Clemson University ; Morteza Sabet, Clemson University

Lithium-ion batteries power many electric cars, bikes and scooters. When they are damaged or overheated, they can ignite or explode. Four engineers explain how to handle these devices safely.
Renewable energy jobs often aren’t close to fossil fuel workers’ homes. Prapass Pulsub/Moment via Getty Images

Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition

Morgan R. Frank, University of Pittsburgh; Junghyun Lim, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities.
Vibrio vulnificus infections are spreading across the U.S. because of climate change. CDC/Janice Haney Carr

Flesh-eating bacteria infections are on the rise in the US − a microbiologist explains how to protect yourself

Bill Sullivan, Indiana University

Warmer ocean waters are fueling the spread of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Infections can lead to a rare but fatal condition called necrotizing fasciitis.

Art and science entwined: This course explores the long, interrelated history of two ways of seeing the world

Katherine Reinhart, Binghamton University, State University of New York

Art and science may seem like opposites, but throughout history the disciplines have fed off each other − and still do today.

Wildland firefighters face a huge pay cut without action by Congress – here’s how physically demanding this lifesaving job is

Brent C. Ruby, University of Montana

Wildland firefighters need the endurance of a cyclist in the Tour de France, and the work takes a toll on their bodies. A physiologist explains what’s at stake.

Earthquakes and other natural hazards are a risk everywhere – here’s how people are preparing in the US and around the world

John van de Lindt, Colorado State University

One way to prevent the destruction wrought by a devastating earthquake – like the one that hit Morocco in September 2023 – is to construct resilient homes and buildings.

What are APIs? A computer scientist explains the data sockets that make digital life possible

Tam Nguyen, University of Dayton

How do all the different pieces of digital technology you use every day – weather apps, online banking, games and so on – talk to each other? Via application programming interfaces, or APIs.