Emily J. Fusco, environmental conservation, writes in The Conversation about her research on how nonnative invasive grasses are changing, and in some cases intensifying the dangers from wildfires. Fusco says research suggests there are eight species of grass that are increasing fires in different ecosystems across the country. (KESQ [Palm Springs] 12/6/19; Midland Daily News, The Register Citizen [Connecticut], The National Interest, The Conversation, 12/3/19)
News from the Media
Invasive Grasses Fueling Wildfires Across US: Fusco Reports On Her Research
December 4, 2019
Homeowners Associations Can Promote Environmentally Friendly Lawns
December 3, 2019
Susannah B. Lerman, environmental conservation, is mentioned in a story about how housing associations can promote environmentally friendly lawns. She has conducted research that shows lawns that are mowed less frequently support larger bee populations. (Scientific American, 12/3/19)
Saving the Striped Bass in Massachuestts
November 29, 2019
Andy Danylchuk, environmental conservation, is quoted in an article about proposed options to preserve the striped bass population in Massachusetts. Danylchuk says more research is needed on the issue of post-release death rates for fish caught and released by recreational anglers. (Vineyard Gazette, 11/27/29)
Bill to Protect Massachusetts Pollinators Advances, UMass comments
November 25, 2019
Legislation designed to restrict the use of a popular pesticide that is harming the state’s bee population is moving forward after a successful Statehouse hearing. Joan Milam, UMass environmental conservation, says chemicals are not the only threat the bill addresses, noting that it also looks at land conservation and forage space for native pollinators. (MetroWest Daily News, 11/22/19)
UMass Amherst Food Scientist Receives Nils Foss Award in Denmark
November 19, 2019
University of Massachusetts Amherst Distinguished Professor David Julian McClements was honored Monday in Hillerød, Denmark, with the 2019 Nils Foss Excellence Prize for his pioneering work in food design and nanotechnology.
The annual award was established to recognize a globally respected scientist for innovative research that leads to “remarkable improvements” in the quality, safety, nutrition and sustainability of food. (News Medical Life Sciences, 11/18/19; News Office release)
Small Businesses Put Food Safety First
November 18, 2019
Amanda Kinchla, University of Massachusetts associate extension professor, led a USDA pilot program in New York entitled, "Food Safety First!" for small business entrepreneurs about how to prevent food safety problems. (Lancaster Farming 11/7/19)
Researchers Dicovering New Ways to Improve Food Using Nanoparticles
November 14, 2019
D. Julian McClements, Distinguished Professor in food science, comments that researchers have found new ways to improve food using nanoparticles. “There has been a revolution in the design of food-grade microparticle and nanoparticle delivery systems,” he says. (Chemical & Engineering News, 11/13/19)
Climate Change May Make Massachusetts More Hospitable to Pests
November 12, 2019
Stephen M. Rich, microbiology and director of the Laboratory of Medical Zoology, comments in a news story about climate change and how it has an impact on pests, including ticks. (Daily Hampshire Gazette, 11/10/19)
Plants Get Creative to Fend off Foraging Insects
November 12, 2019
Jennifer Van Wyk, post-doctoral research associate, biology, is lead author of an article reporting that some plants may trap pollen in their fuzzy leaves as a way of luring pollen-loving insects that then defend the plant against other predators. (Inside Science, 11/7/19)
UMass Study: Invasive Grassess Contributing to Wildfires Across U.S.
November 6, 2019
There is widespread news coverage of a first national-scale analysis where ecologists at the UMass Amherst, (lead author, post-doctoral student, Emily Fusco, along with colleagues at the University of Colorado-Boulder), report that across the United States, invasive grasses can double the number of fires. ( SierraClub 11/18/19; KTSA (San Antoino) 11/6/19; NOVA, Voice of America, New York Times, The Boston Globe; Jackson Hole News and Guide, KSBY-TV 6 [Calif.], 11/4/19; News Office release)
