May

Cases of monkeypox, a viral illness, have been reported in Europe and North America, in addition to areas where it normally occurs in Central and Western Africa. Dr. Constantinos Kyriakis, an assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiology in Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, provides information about the illness.

The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 became law on May 16, officially banning the use of certain sleep products deemed hazardous to a child. This was welcome news to Ann Lambert, an associate clinical professor in Auburn’s College of Nursing, who has been a strong advocate for safe sleep practices throughout her more than 35-year career. A pediatric nurse practitioner since 2000, Lambert explains what the law means for preventing infant deaths.

Wild pigs cause significant damage to agricultural crops and the environment each year and can pose risks to native wildlife, livestock and human health and safety. Damage to agriculture nationally likely exceeds $1 billion per year. Professor Mark Smith of Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says control and eradication measures need to be implemented immediately once wild pigs appear on a landowner’s property.

Auburn University finance scholar James Barth says the stock market drop is not a bubble bursting, but is due mainly to the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates as a way to combat inflation. He says investors should determine their individual investment strategy based on age.

Auburn University business ethics scholars Linda and O.C. Ferrell say companies’ profitability has been tied directly to sustainability advancements and that 70% of consumers consider sustainability to be an important factor when making a purchase.

This week, star gazers will be able to view the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, which experts say will be most visible in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 5. Auburn University Associate Professor of Physics Dennis Bodewits discussed the celestial event and how showers of this type are created.