Rows of plants known as flowering strips are designed to be pollinator-friendly, but a new study co-authored by Lynn Adler, biology, suggests they have some drawbacks. In the study published in the journal PNAS, Adler and colleagues at North Carolina State University report that they have found that while flowering strips can help boost bumble bee reproduction, they also facilitate higher rates of disease. (MassLive, SciTechDaily, Vegetable Growers News, News Office Release 5/14/20; Futurity.org 5/13/20, Earth.com, Science Daily, PNAS, 5/11/20 )
News from the Media
Bumble Bee Disease, Reproduction Shaped by Flowering Strip Plants
May 11, 2020
CNS dean Tricia Serio Identifies Key Protein in Group of Fatal Diseases
May 11, 2020
Research by Tricia Serio, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, might lead to a cure for a group of fatal diseases, including mad cow disease. (Feedstuffs, BioSpace, 5/8/20; Sound Health and Lasting Wealth, News Office release 5/6/20)
Waltham Land Trust Statement On City's Field Station Purchase
May 7, 2020
Representatives of the Waltham Land Trust have written a letter congratulating the city’s government on the purchase of the 28-acre Waltham Field Station property from UMass Amherst. (Waltham Patch, 5/6/20)
UMass Researchers Seek Link of Strawberries to Colon Health
May 6, 2020
Hang Xiao, food science, has received a grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to expand his research into health benefits of strawberries. Xiao’s earlier studies suggest a strong scientific basis for using strawberries to support colon health and suppress, reduce or prevent, inflammation of the colon. (MassLive, Phys.org, 4/30/30; News Office release)
Grant to UMass Amherst Clean Energy Extension Will Bring Solar Planning to Western Massachusetts Towns
April 29, 2020
A team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Clean Energy Extension recently was awarded a 15-month grant to lead development of community-focused solar siting and financing procedures in three rural western Massachusetts communities, Blandford, Wendell and Westhampton. (News Office 4/24/20)
UMass Tick Testing on the RIse
April 28, 2020
The number of ticks being submitted for testing at the UMass Amherst Laboratory of Medical Zoology is on the rise, says Stephen Rich, microbiology. This is because people are enjoying the outdoors more since many are working and schooling from home. (WWLP – Mass Appeal, 4/27/20; News Office assistance)
MassINC Awards First Prize for Springfield Transit Design to UMass Team
April 28, 2020
UMass Springfield urban design studio (LARP) won first prize in the state's "MassInc Transformational TOD" competition. The winning plan called "In the Loop" proposes a new bike park and bike path network that is accessible to all. (MassInc 4/27/20)
Most Worrisome Invasive Plants That May Arrive Soon in the Northeast
April 22, 2020
University of Massachusetts Amherst ecologists are concerned about a new climate change challenge. Lead by Bethany Bradley, they are offering a new analysis that narrows a large list down to five priority species with the greatest potential impacts of more than 100 new invasive plant species that could expand into the area. (News Office release 4/17/20)
Is it Safe to Spin-dry Leafy Greens in a Washing Machine? UMass Food Scientists Research This Practice
April 22, 2020
It probably comes as a surprise to consumers, but many New England small farms dry their tasty fresh vegetables in your average, ordinary washing machine. But is it safe? Food science researchers at the University of Massachusetts plan to find out. (MassLive 4/22/20; phys.org 4/21/20, News Release)
Waltham City Council: Vote Approves Purchase and Sale of UMass Field Station and Farmland
April 15, 2020
The Waltham city council has agreed to the purchase and sale of the formerly active UMass Field Station and Farm. UMass will use some of the sales proceeds to establish a permanent endowment for scholarships for Waltham students attending UMass Amherst. (Wicked Local Waltham, 4/14/20)
