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It’s October 25.
Scare Fair is three days away.
Here’s what else is in focus.
Focal point: Bacteria can help reduce ocean plastic
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans. Despite plastic being an ecological menace, we keep going back to it because it’s durable, versatile, and low cost.
But what if there was a way to have our plastic and oceans, too?
Rochester’s Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor in the Department of Biology, and a team of eco-scientists from other institutions are developing bioplastics that are specifically engineered to degrade in ocean environments. And they recently received an NSF Phase 2 grant, of which $1 million goes to Meyer’s lab.
The materials Meyer and company are using to create their ocean-degradable plastic are based on the biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which bacteria have been making for billions of years. That’s significant because in those billions of years, marine microbes have evolved to break down PHB.
Eco-friendly plastics are vital to the future of oceanography, as researchers are increasingly reliant on expendable plastic instruments.
“While these expendable ocean sensors are revolutionizing ocean research, they inherently pose a threat to the same environments that they are studying,” Meyer says.
There’s more to know about this work—like what happens in Phase 2. Check out the rest of the story.
Zooming in
Giving you a closer look at some news that might be of interest.
On zombie wasps. Don’t panic. It’s not what you think. Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy, a research assistant professor of biology at Rochester, and a team of undergraduate students are studying the relationship between the parasitic insect Xenos peckii and a species of paper wasp. After the parasite infects a wasp, it can manipulate the wasp’s behavior and even its genes to increase its lifespan. (That sway anyone on the whole zombie thing?) Uy and her team aim to learn more about the mechanisms behind social behavior, physiology, and aging. Find out how.
On ancient methane. If there are any geologists looking for a band name, you’ve found it. But the ancient methane we’re talking about here is sitting at the bottom of the ocean, trapped in scary quantities of naturally occurring ice-like deposits. As ocean temperatures have risen, climate scientists have had nightmares about the methane escaping into the atmosphere and significantly exacerbating climate change. Well, everyone can rest easier. According to new research from scientists including John Kessler, a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, methane that’s released is not reaching the atmosphere. Check out the work.
News Flash
It’s common for our faculty members to have their perspectives or work published in national media. Here’s an example from the Lazarus Project in Scientific American:
“First Known Map of Night Sky Found Hidden in Medieval Parchment”
Quick View
Here’s a glance at some other noteworthy School of Arts & Sciences stories you might have missed.
Geology. New research on a two-billon-year old crater will allow researchers to better simulate impact events on Earth and other planets.
Politics. Hein Goemans, a professor of political science, tackles several pressing questions on the war in Ukraine.
Teaching. Pablo Sierra Silva, an assistant professor of history, is a recipient of the Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
Research. Ralf Haefner, an assistant professor of brain and cognitive sciences, is among six Rochester researchers receiving NSF CAREER awards.
Poetry. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown gave a reading to open the 60th anniversary season of the Plutzik Reading Series.
Remembered. Ronald Jones, professor emeritus in economics, was a world-class scholar and leading figure in international economics.
In the Spotlight
Our faculty members are regularly recognized for their professional contributions to research, scholarship, education, and community engagement. We’re recognizing that recognition here.
Cary Adams, associate professor of studio art and environmental humanities, received NEA grant support for social practice and acoustic ecology art installations.
Gerald Gamm, a professor of political science and history, won the 2022 Best Journal Article Award from the State Politics and Policy Section of the APSA.
Leila Nadir, an associate professor of environmental humanities, was awarded a MacDowell Fellowship for her forthcoming memoir.
Lynda Powell, a professor emeritus of political science, received the 2022 Barbara Sinclair Legacy Award for legislative politics research.
Mizin Shin, an assistant professor of art, received a Civitella Ranieri fellowship.
You can read more about their accomplishments in this spotlight on faculty awards.
On the Horizon
Looking for something to do? Consider attending one of the upcoming events below. For all other School of Arts & Sciences events, check the University Calendar.
10/25…Art and Art History—The Thrill of Finding Your Imperfect Match
10/25…Modern Languages and Cultures—Language Fair
10/29…Music: Spooktacular Brass Choir Concert
11/4…GIDS—Careers in Data Science: Tony (Zhuoyou) Wang ʼ18 (MS)
11/4…Chemistry—Organic Chemistry Seminar: Steven Townsend
11/7…Biology—Donut Talk: Rebecca Safran
11/9…English—Plutzik Reading: Laura Marris
11/19…Religion and Classics—Conlon Memorial Lecture: David Givens
11/21…Humanities Center—Rhythms of Trade and Siren Songs
12/1…International Theatre Program: The Crucible
Final Note
The Global Celebration Committee is looking at ways to showcase the University’s global diversity, and wants your input and creative ideas on how to demonstrate Rochester’s reach in meaningful, valuable, and inspiring ways.
The committee will be accepting submissions through October 31.
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