In a new analysis of the effectiveness of marine protected areas, UMass assistant professor, Brian Cheng, and colleagues in environmental conservation report that reserves not only replenish target fish populations, they also restore ecological functioning. (Nature World News 4/2/19; News Office Release)
News from the Media
Marine Protected Reserves Do More Than Restore Fish
April 1, 2019
Deerfield Selectboard Wants to Hear from UMass About Spraying at Turf Center
March 25, 2019
Mary Dettloff, deputy director for the Office of News and Media Relations at UMass, said they have been working steadily on a response to the questions raised and are nearly finished. She said they plan to reach out to the town to be placed on an upcoming agenda. (Recorder 3/21/19)
Manor house demolished on North Maple Street
March 12, 2019
The Hadley Farm Manor House, came down late last week at the University of Massachusetts-owned property at 111 North Maple St in Hadley. (Daily Hampshire Gazette, 3/12/19)
New Sodium and Potassium Guidelines Issued, Eric Decker on NAS Panel
March 11, 2019
Eric Decker, food science, is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) panel that reviewed guidelines for daily sodium and potassium intake and has issued new guidelines for dietary consumption. The NAS has tied overuse of sodium to chronic disease. (Boston Globe, 3/5/19; WWLP, 3/6/19)
UMass Professor Collaborates with MIT on Fertilizer Options
March 11, 2019
Allan Barker, professor in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, collaborated with a research team at MIT to find alternative fertilizer materials that are more readily available all over the world than currently used products. (Science and Technology Research News, 3/7/19)
Trees Bend in the Wind, UMass Professor Explains
March 7, 2019
In response to a reader’s question about what enables trees to bend in the wind without breaking, Brian Kane, environmental conservation, says trees have evolved to manage wind loads. (Daily Hampshire Gazette 3/7/19)
Gardening and Composting Classes offered, Cape Cod Extension Participates
March 5, 2019
Backyard Horticulture is a class offered by the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, UMass Extension and the Master Gardeners’ Association of Cape Cod, in locations in Barnstable and Harwich. It’s an eight-week program, and it’s for gardeners of all levels. (Brewster Wicked Local 3/4/19)
Waltham Nonprofits Seek Protection for UMass-owned Farmland
March 5, 2019
Nonprofit organizations operating on the grounds of a Waltham farm owned by the University of Massachusetts Amherst face eviction by year’s end because of the age and declining condition of the building housing the groups, a school spokesman said. (Globe 3/1/19)
UMass Researchers Pinpoint a Set of Enzymes Involved in Colon Cancer Growth
February 26, 2019
University of Massachusetts Amherst food science researchers have pinpointed a set of enzymes involved in tumor growth that could be targeted to prevent or treat colon cancer. “We think this is a very interesting discovery,” says Guodong Zhang, assistant professor of food science. “Our research identifies a novel therapeutic target and could help to develop novel strategies to reduce the risks of colon cancer.” (Drug Target Review 2/27/19; Medicine News Line, News Medical Life Sciences, 2/26/19; R & D magazine, News Office Release 2/25/19)
UMass Amherst Scientist Explores Role of Citrus Peel in Decreasing Gut Inflammation
February 25, 2019
UMass Amherst Professor Hang Xiao has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how substances produced in the gut from citrus compounds are involved in decreasing inflammation in the colon. (News Medical Life Sciences, Medical Newser.com 2/23/19, News Office Release)