University Operating Status

The university remains open. For changes to schedules, including remote instruction and operations due to expected weather conditions, check rutgers.edu/status and https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/operating-status for updates.

Topic

Research, Publications, and Reports

Chen et al. Examine Alcohol, Cannabis, and HIV Risk

This review highlights substantial heterogeneity in how alcohol and cannabis co-use is conceptualized and mea-sured. Few studies examined simultaneous use specifically or disentangle co-use from broader polysubstance patterns

Lindenfeld Investigates LFO Impacts on Health Outcomes

This article describes what is known in the literature around LFOs, presents a framework outlining hypothesized pathways linking LFOs to health outcomes, discusses gaps in research related to public health costs and outcomes, and highlights critical areas for future research.

Heldrich Center: Motivational Texts and Unemployment

“This is a group that’s experiencing real life hardship — this period of unemployment, of having to receive unemployment insurance benefits, not knowing what their future looks like. I would love to see that qualitative component … Maybe it did make a little bit of difference in how they felt about their experience knowing that they had a little more motivation,” Walsh said.

State Planning Commission Adopts NJ State Plan, Needs Assessments

The New Jersey State Planning Commission has adopted an updated State Plan, along with a new Impact Assessment and Infrastructure Needs Assessment, marking the first comprehensive update since 2001. The Plan will guide coordinated state and local decision-making on land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, and climate adaptation.

Zhang et al. Assess Greenspace and CVD Risk Using Nurses

This study demonstrates that disaggregating greenspace is critical for understanding its cardiovascular effects. In a large, nationwide prospective cohort, higher exposure to street-view visible trees was associated with lower cardiovascular disease incidence, while grass and other low-lying greenspace were associated with higher risk.

New Jersey Target Zero Commission Adopts Action Plan

On Monday, December 15, 2025, the New Jersey Target Zero Commission officially adopted the first New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan, reaching a major milestone in the State’s goal to eliminate all roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the state by 2040. The New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan is now publicly accessible via the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Target Zero Webpage.

Report: Economic Challenges for Older New Jersey Residents

According to the NJAAW survey, 53% of respondents reported finances as a top concern, and only 38% felt they had saved enough for retirement. Additionally, survey respondents indicated that housing costs were another top concern, with 42% reporting that house upkeep is a financial struggle.

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