A study headed by David Julian McClements, food science, looks at how oil-filled hydrogel particles can be used to significantly reduce the level of fat in food products such as sauces. Using this method doesn’t affect the taste or texture of the food, the study says.
News from the Media
Microbiologist Funded by Private Philanthropy
August 16, 2013
When UMass Amherst microbiologist James Holden launches new studies next month of the microbes living deep in the cracks and thermal vents around an undersea volcano, for the first time in his 25-year career his deep-sea research will not be funded by a government source. Instead, Holden will be funded by philanthropists committed to supporting oceanographic research.
Craker Quoted on Medicinal Marijuana Use
August 12, 2013
Lyle Craker, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, is quoted in an article examining the recent endorsement of medicinal marijuana use by CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta. For years, Craker has been repeatedly denied permission from the Drug Enforcement Agency to establish a research farm to grow marijuana for medical researchers.
Spotted Wing Drosophila Damages Fruit Crops
August 11, 2013
Sonia Schloemann, UMass Extension, comments in a story about the spotted wing drosophila, an Asian fruit fly that damages fruit crops such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and other fruits. She says this insect could be a “game changer” because it damages fruit close to harvest time and reproduces rapidly.
On-Farm Bacterial Testing
August 10, 2013
Extension Assistant Professor Amanda Kinchla and Assistant Professor Sam Nugen, food science, write a column in which they discuss on-farm bacterial testing as a method of dealing with contamination of fresh food.
A Campaign to Grow UMass Farming Site
April 3, 2014
As the demand for locally produced food continues to grow, a proposal gaining traction in the Legislature would provide $20 million to help rejuvenate the University of Massachusetts agriculture extension site in Waltham, which has lacked funding for decades. State legislators are in the beginning stages of considering a $1.7 billion environmental bond bill that includes earmarking funds to revitalize the UMass site, which spans 58 acres over two plots along Beaver Street. The project is dubbed the UMass Center for Urban Sustainability.
4-H Group Readies for Fall Events
August 1, 2013
The 4-H Pepperell Trailblazers is a horse project club with members ranging in age from 5-18. The club is part of the UMass Extension Animal Science Program.
Cape Cod Camp Pairs Military Kids and Horses
July 23, 2013
The Cape Cod chapter of the nonprofit Operation Military Kids (OMK), a UMass 4-H project, coordinated by Kerry Bickford of Marstons Mills, discusses benefits of their summer camp that matches up children of military personnel with horses.
Reducing Pollution using Horses
June 2, 2013
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture has partnered with Blue Star Equiculture, a non-profit horse farm in Palmer that rescues homeless horses, in an effort to help farmers reduce pollution. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded the farm a nearly $200,000 dollar grant to install fences, walking trails and storm water management systems that will help prevent untreated, dirty water from entering the water system.
Gardening locally
April 15, 2013
John Gerber, Stockbridge School, writes a column where he outlines what he believes are some of the key arguments for growing a large garden and relying on local agriculture.