Molly Callahan - News @ Northeastern

Did Ben & Jerry’s make the right call about the West Bank?

This week, Ben & Jerry’s—famous for its unique ice cream flavors as well as its outspokenness on social issues—waded into its most contentious debate yet, announcing that it would stop selling ice cream in “occupied Palestinian territory” in the West Bank. The decision was controversial, but it’s unlikely the company had any choice whether to take a stand, says Yakov Bart, associate professor of marketing at Northeastern.

by Molly Callahan July 22, 2021

When Airbnbs increase in a neighborhood, so does crime. Here’s why.

A proliferation of Airbnbs, or similar short-term rentals, in a neighborhood contributes to higher rates of crime in the area, according to a new study by two Northeastern researchers who theorize that the highly transient housing frays the crime-deterring social fabric of the community.

by Molly Callahan July 16, 2021

The Bootleg fire threatens homes and critical infrastructure—threats that will only grow more dire as the effects of climate change and urbanization play out, say two Northeastern professors who study climate science and resilience.

Can the destructive Bootleg fire teach us to prevent wildfires before they start?

As the Bootleg fire in southern Oregon continues its destructive growth practically unabated, it threatens homes and critical infrastructure—threats that will only grow more dire as climate change dries out large swaths of the country and people increasingly move out of urban centers and into woodland areas, say two Northeastern professors who study climate science and resilience.

by Molly Callahan July 15, 2021

Katie Lotterhos, associate professor of marine and environmental sciences, recently received two prestigious awards: a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, and a Fulbright scholarship.

What would make oysters better? This scientist is figuring it out.

Katie Lotterhos is helping breed better oysters. Not just ones that taste better (although, that’s part of it), but importantly, ones that will be better suited to stave off disease and survive in warmer, saltier, more acidic waters. For her work, Lotterhos recently received two prestigious awards: a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, and a Fulbright scholarship.

by Molly Callahan July 13, 2021

General view of buildings nearby Devon House on the Thames River waterfront. NCH at Northeastern in London will move to a new, larger location in historic St. Katharine Docks in Central London for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. Photo by Susannah Ireland for Northeastern University

Northeastern in London will relocate to bigger, modern campus for 2021-22 academic year

Northeastern University in London is expanding. The campus, known formally as NCH at Northeastern in London, has outgrown its location in Bedford Square and will move to a new, larger location in historic St. Katharine Docks in Central London for the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

by Molly Callahan July 11, 2021

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Northeastern University photography continues to win national awards

When Johnson & Johnson announced its development of a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, newsrooms across the U.S. had to act quickly to get the word out. At Northeastern, Matthew Modoono, head of photography, devised a striking image to accompany the news. It’s one of five images for which Northeastern—and Modoono in particular—was recognized at the flagship competition of the University Photographers’ Association of America.

by Molly Callahan July 2, 2021

Brody Lomax, 5, of Boston cools off while playing in the splash pad at Carter Playground during the heat wave. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Wondering how to stay cool in a heatwave? Here’s what the experts say.

Dueling heatwaves on the East and West coasts of the United States have left millions of people baking in record-setting temperatures—and exposed to the potential harms of heat-related illnesses. Northeastern health experts recommend staying hydrated, staying in the shade, and staying alert for the warning signs of more serious illness.

by Molly Callahan June 29, 2021

Free Britney sings protest Britney Spears' conservatorship.

Britney Spears’s ‘abusive arrangement’ removes her control over her own body–but she’s not the only one

Britney Spears described her conservatorship as an “abusive” arrangement that has stripped even her ability to decide to have children or marry in the future. It was a shocking revelation, but one that describes a situation in which many people find themselves—even without conservatorships in place, says Margo Lindauer, associate clinical professor and director of the Domestic Violence Institute at Northeastern.

by Molly Callahan June 24, 2021

Who is at fault when a driverless car behaves unpredictably? Woodrow Hartzog, professor of law and computer science at Northeastern, offers a framework for tracing back where things went wrong. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Who is at fault when autonomous systems behave in unpredictable ways?

As autonomous systems become more ubiquitous in daily life, instances of these systems behaving in unintended ways are also becoming more frequent—or are inherently flawed when behaving as expected. Two Northeastern legal scholars explore the failure points in these complex systems.

by Molly Callahan June 24, 2021

now hiring sign on a Sonic Restaurant sign

Here’s why the US labor shortage may not be such a bad thing

The latest jobs reports in the United States present a puzzling fact: Millions of people remain unemployed even as many employers complain of worker shortage. So, what’s going on? Would-be employees are in prime position to bargain for better wages and working conditions, say Northeastern economics scholars.

by Molly Callahan June 22, 2021

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