Varroa mites are the most significant problem facing bee colonies in Massachusetts, says Hannah Whitehead, honeybee extension educator at UMass Amherst. (MetroWest Daily News, 12/26/19; Worcester Telegram, 12/25/19)
News from the Media
Massachusetts Bees Threatened by Parasites, UMass Extension Reports
January 2, 2020
Falmouth American Elm Trees Removed and Replaced
December 23, 2019
Nicholas Brazee, Extension plant pathologist, worked with the town of Falmouth to assess the health of an American elm tree. The tree was found to be 64 percent internally decayed and will be removed. (The Falmouth Enterprise, 12/20/19)
‘Alarming’ Rate of Cold-Stranded Sea Turtles in Cape Cod Bay, UMass Investigates
Lucas Griffin, postdoctoral researcher in environmental conservation, is quoted in an article about the increase in stranding of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles on Cape Cod. Griffin explains that warming sea water has led the turtles to migrate further north in the summer but the animals are not prepared for the cold winter that follows. (New York Times, 12/19/19; News Office release)
Massachusetts A Top Market For Food And Beverage Products Using Scientific Innovations
December 12, 2019
Eric Decker, food science, is quoted in an article about how Massachusetts is becoming one of the top markets for food and beverage products created using scientific innovations. (Boston Business Journal, 12/6/19)
Invasive Grasses Fueling Wildfires Across US: Fusco Reports On Her Research
December 4, 2019
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)
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)
