Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of Surrey: Simple Checklist Helps You Choose the Best Way to Green Your Space
GUILFORD, England, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- The University of Surrey issued the following news release:
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Simple checklist helps you choose the best way to green your space
A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone from keen gardeners to local councils plan their next greening project with confidence.
Researchers from Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) in collaboration with their project partners, have developed a five-point scoring framework that rates 80 types of greening, from front gardens and shrubs to
... Show Full Article
GUILFORD, England, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- The University of Surrey issued the following news release:
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Simple checklist helps you choose the best way to green your space
A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone from keen gardeners to local councils plan their next greening project with confidence.
Researchers from Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) in collaboration with their project partners, have developed a five-point scoring framework that rates 80 types of greening, from front gardens and shrubs tostreet trees and green walls. The framework helps users compare what each option costs, how much space it needs, the level of gardening expertise required, the upkeep involved, and the likely economic returns from their wide range of environmental benefits.
Published in Sustainable Horizons, the study is part of the UK Research and Innovation-funded GP4Streets project, which aims to create an online tool that will let residents and local authorities explore greening options and download DIY guidance for their chosen setup.
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"Your weekend gardening project - like adding shrubs, hedges or container plants - really does matter. This research turns complex evidence into an easy-to-follow checklist that shows what it takes to start greening your home or street. We wanted to make sure people have the right information to make choices that suit their budget, space and time."
- Professor Prashant Kumar, Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, Professor and Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE)
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The researchers analysed 80 types of green infrastructure across 112 towns and cities in England and Wales. Using Google Street View and aerial images, they recorded how different types of greenery - from simple lawns to mixed plantings of trees, hedges and potted plants - are used around homes and along streets.
Each greening setup was scored across five practical measures: cost (how much it takes to get started), maintenance (money needed to keep it going), expertise (the gardening skill level required), space (how much room is needed), and cost-benefit (the overall return for effort and investment).
The study found that while local councils tend to focus on larger schemes such as tree planting and grass verges, household greening offers a wider variety and greater potential. Mixed gardens - such as a small front garden with a tree, a few shrubs and a green wall - gave the greatest economic benefits for their size.
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"This study provides a single, evidence-based framework that connects cost, maintenance, space and benefits for dozens of greening options. It helps residents, councils and planners see what's practical and what gives the best value. These scores will form the foundation of the GP4Streets tool, helping people design greener, more comfortable neighbourhoods."
- Dr Akash Biswal, Research Fellow at GCARE
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The researchers also found that simple gardens with lawns or hedges require little time or money to maintain, while more layered setups - such as trees or green walls - need more care and cost more over time. Smaller options, like container gardens or hanging plants, can thrive in limited space and still contribute meaningfully to cleaner air and cooler streets.
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"Urban greening is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve city life. Most people don't realise how much a few plants or a small patch of greenery can help reduce heat and improve air quality. By giving households and councils a clear guide, we hope to make small-scale greening easier and more rewarding for everyone."
- Professor Kumar added
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The study builds on GCARE's work on urban greening, including projects such as RECLAIM Network Plus and GREENIN Micro Network Plus. The GP4Streets (DIY Greening Prescription for Climate Adaptation in Urban Streets) project is supported by UK Research and Innovation under the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change initiative (Grant No. UKRI1281) and delivered in partnership with the Universities of Bath, Sheffield, University of the West of England Bristol, and Imperial College London.
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Reference:
Biswal, A., Sun, H., Bray, I., Cranshaw, O., Kjeldsen, T.R., Pain, C.C., Roberts, T., Sinnett, D., Wild, T., Wenk, J., Kumar, P. (2026). Household driven and council managed street greening: scoring cost, expertise, space, and cost-benefits of green infrastructure combinations. Sustainable Horizons, 17, 100165.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.horiz.2025.100165
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Original text here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/simple-checklist-helps-you-choose-best-way-green-your-space
University of Montreal: Electric Vehicles Could Strain Quebec's Power Grid
MONTREAL, Quebec, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- The University of Montreal issued the following news:
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Electric vehicles could strain Quebec's power grid
Because they weigh more, over the next 15 years EVs may cause demand for electricity in the province to exceed projections, a new study warns.
By Martin LaSalle
Electrification of vehicles is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but in Quebec the increasing weight of the battery-powered vehicles could cause electricity demand to rise well beyond projections.
That's the conclusion of an analysis by Universite de Montreal researchers
... Show Full Article
MONTREAL, Quebec, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- The University of Montreal issued the following news:
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Electric vehicles could strain Quebec's power grid
Because they weigh more, over the next 15 years EVs may cause demand for electricity in the province to exceed projections, a new study warns.
By Martin LaSalle
Electrification of vehicles is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but in Quebec the increasing weight of the battery-powered vehicles could cause electricity demand to rise well beyond projections.
That's the conclusion of an analysis by Universite de Montreal researchersFrederik Lavictoire and Simon Brassard, supervised by Normand Mousseau, a professor in the Department of Physics.
Their results are published in the journal Sustainable Futures.
Cars are getting heavier
Between 2011 and 2021, the average weight of vehicles sold in Quebec increased by 11 kg per year for over 10 years, from 1,566 kg to nearly 1,700 kg.
New vehicles weigh an average of 135 kg more than the existing fleet average, while vehicles that are being retired are 104 kg lighter. A vehicle purchased today weighs an average of 110 kg more than the one it replaces.
With 60,000 vehicles being added to Quebec's fleet each year, the cost of maintaining the road network--and the electrical grid--is likely to be steep, the UdeM researchers say.
Small SUVs, which accounted for 12.6 per cent of the fleet in 2011, have surged in popularity to reach 28.3 per cent in 2021. They have been the leading category since 2020.
Meanwhile, compact vehicles declined from 28.5 per cent to 25.4 per cent of vehicles on the road, and sedans and minivans fell from 19.7 per cent to 14.6 per cent.
With their heavy batteries, EVs in Quebec now weigh about 23 per cent more than gas-powered vehicles, or an extra 344 kg.
Heavier vehicles also take a toll in terms of premature wear and tear on the roads and more serious injuries in accidents. And as they continue to get heavier, they also put a strain on Quebec's power grid.
Between 2021 and 2040 the UdeM researchers project that the amount of electricity used by EVs in the province will increase from 0.24 terawatt hours (TWh) to 29.03 TWh.
Harsh winters increase demand
EVs accounted for about 13.6 per cent of Quebec's total electricity demand in 2019. By 2030, when the government aims to have two million EVs on the roads, EV consumption would reach 7.68 TWh.
That's roughly consistent with Hydro-Quebec's projection of 7.8 TWh for 2032.
However, Mousseau is concerned about the grid's capacity in the province's harsh winter months, when cold spells can be protracted and extreme.
EVs use more power in winter than in summer because cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, increase tire friction and increase air density.
In January, when the average temperature is -10.3 C, monthly EV consumption will rise to 3.1 TWh once Quebec's vehicle fleet is fully electrified, compared with 1.9 TWh in August, the UdeM researchers project.
At -20 C, the required capacity is almost double that on a summer day.
"In winter, we need to control electricity usage because adding capacity to meet peak demand costs $150 to $200 per kilowatt," Mousseau said.
"With a fully electrified fleet in 2040, EVs would require an average additional capacity of 5,261 megawatts when the temperature is -20 C. That's 12.1 per cent of the total peak demand recorded in 2022.
"If the increasing weight of the EV fleet adds another gigawatt to peak demand, it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more to generate that electricity."
Three possible scenarios
The researchers modeled three scenarios for the period 2021-2040.
In the first, they allow the trend toward heavier vehicles to continue without intervention. In this case, the average mass would increase to 2,114 kg by 2040. The fleet's annual electricity consumption would increase to 29.03 TWh and the additional required capacity on a cold winter day would be 5,261 megawatts.
In the second scenario, the increase in weight is limited to the weight of the EV battery: on average in Quebec, about 344 kg.
In the third scenario, the average vehicle weight is frozen at the 2021 level of 1,566 kg. This would reduce EV electricity demand by 17.6 per cent in 2040, from 29.03 to 23.91 TWh. The required capacity on a -20 C day would drop from 5,261 to 4,332 megawatts.
The saving of almost 6 TWh is equivalent to three per cent of Hydro-Quebec's current total production. It would avoid the need to build costly infrastructure that would be needed only for a few hours a year, during winter peaks.
In scenario 1, by 2035, EVs will require additional capacity of 3,232 megawatts when the temperature is -20 C. That is 40.4 per cent of all the additional power projected in Hydro-Quebec's action plan by 2035.
"Electrification of the vehicle fleet will entail system costs that will have to be borne," said Mousseau. "We believe that reducing the average weight of vehicles is one solution that should be explored."
Regulations could make batteries lighter
How can the weight of EVs be reduced? The researchers suggest several possibilities.
One is to reduce the weight of the battery, a significant technological challenge but one they believe is achievable with technological progress.
"Between 2017-2018 and 2021-2022, batteries were improved to increase range, but unfortunately this improvement also increased the weight of the vehicles," Mousseau said.
The simplest solution would be to amend the existing Act to increase the number of zero-emission motor vehicles in Quebec, he suggestd.
"Manufacturers could be required to comply with a specific average weight, or to offset the additional weight by paying a fine or tax."
This approach, which has proven effective in stimulating the production of EVs, could also be used to control their weight, Mousseau said.
"For example, Tesla has benefited from the credit transfers allowed by the Act, demonstrating that it is possible to have manufacturers, not consumers, bear the cost of design choices."
'Strong global pressure'
Although the Quebec government recently backtracked on banning the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, Mousseau is confident about the future of electrification.
"There is strong global pressure: the electrification of road vehicles will happen," he said.
By postponing electrification, "Quebec is temporarily burying its head in the sand, but it cannot indefinitely block access to more efficient and less expensive electric vehicles, such as those made in China."
Mousseau also pointed to an important economic issue:
"For 20 years, we have watched other countries develop green technologies. What will we be producing 20 years from now, if we keep letting others take the lead?
"If we don't put our foot on the accelerator, there'll be significant economic risks."
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About this study
"Impact of the car fleet evolution on electricity demand in Quebec," by Frederik Lavictoire, Simon Brassard, Amaury Philippe, Martin Trepanier and Normand Mousseau, is published in the December 2025 issue of Sustainable Futures.
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Martin LaSalle, Writer, Phone: 514-343-6111, ext. 8879, martin.lasalle@umontreal.ca
Originally from Joliette, Martin LaSalle is the senior writer at UdeMNouvelles. With over 30 years of experience in journalism and communications, he has worked for the Journal de Montreal and contributed to PasseportSante as a science journalist. He holds a degree in communications from Universite Laval, a graduate diploma in management from HEC Montreal, and is currently studying higher education at UdeM.
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Original text here: https://nouvelles.umontreal.ca/en/article/2025/10/30/electric-vehicles-could-strain-quebec-s-power-grid
Rutgers: New Jersey Voters Say Finding Quality, Affordable Child Care Is Difficult and a Major Barrier for Working Parents
NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- Rutgers University issued the following news:
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New Jersey Voters Say Finding Quality, Affordable Child Care Is Difficult and a Major Barrier for Working Parents
Majority of voters think the issue has a large impact on the state's economy, according to Rutgers-Eagleton poll
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A sizeable majority of voters, regardless of political party identification, say that finding quality, affordable child care is difficult in New Jersey and a significant barrier to parents' employment with effects on the state's businesses and economy, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton
... Show Full Article
NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- Rutgers University issued the following news:
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New Jersey Voters Say Finding Quality, Affordable Child Care Is Difficult and a Major Barrier for Working Parents
Majority of voters think the issue has a large impact on the state's economy, according to Rutgers-Eagleton poll
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A sizeable majority of voters, regardless of political party identification, say that finding quality, affordable child care is difficult in New Jersey and a significant barrier to parents' employment with effects on the state's businesses and economy, according to a Rutgers-EagletonPoll in collaboration with Start Strong NJ.
"When voters talk about affordability in this election, child care is part of that story," said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. "While it's not always discussed explicitly, child care is inextricably intertwined with economic well-being and opportunity for many voters."
"These survey results won't surprise hardworking parents in New Jersey who struggle to balance economically supporting their families and giving their children the strong start they need in life," said Atiya Weiss, executive director of the Burke Foundation in Princeton, N.J., which helps fund Start Strong NJ. "The findings should convince policymakers that child care is essential infrastructure, just like roads, schools, broadband, power lines, and many other things we invest in as a society for the well-being of communities and the state's economic health."
Nearly 7 in 10 likely voters say it is "very" (34%) or "somewhat" (34%) difficult to find quality and affordable child care in New Jersey. A majority of voters, regardless of partisanship, gender, race and ethnicity, age, income, and education, feel it is at least somewhat difficult to find care. Nonparents and parents alike agree, though parents are more likely to say it is difficult (77%) than nonparents (65%).
Slightly more than 6 in 10 voters say finding quality, affordable child care in the state poses a "major barrier" for parents who want to work (61%). Twenty percent say this is a "minor barrier" and 5% say it is "not a barrier at all."
A plurality of voters, regardless of partisanship, gender, race and ethnicity, age, income, and education, say finding quality, affordable care is a "major barrier" for working parents. There is no statistically significant difference between parents and nonparents.
Seven in 10 voters think the lack of quality, affordable child care in New Jersey has a "great deal" of (31%) or "some" (39%) impact on the state's businesses and economy. Ten percent say it impacts the economy "only a little" and 6% say "not at all."
Again, a majority of voters regardless of partisanship, gender, race and ethnicity, age, income and education, say the lack of quality, affordable care has at least some impact on the state's economy. There is no statistically significant difference between parents and non-parents.
Among those for whom the questions were applicable, 51% say they or someone they know has had difficulty finding quality child care in the past five years and 63% say they or someone they know has had difficulty affording quality child care in the past five years.
There is a sizeable 15-point-or-more gap between knowing and not knowing someone who has had difficulty finding child care across all demographic groups, with the exception of Republicans and voters ages 65 and older. In the case of Republicans, 42% know someone who has had difficulty and 34% don't. Thirty-nine percent of those 65 and older know someone who has had difficulty and 30% don't.
A majority of voters regardless of partisanship, gender, race and ethnicity, age, income, and education, say they or someone they know has had difficulty affording care. Parents (73%) are more likely than nonparents (58%) to say they or someone they know has had difficulty affording care.
"What's striking about these findings is how broad the consensus is - for once, this isn't a partisan issue, it's a practical one," Koning said. "Voters recognize that when child care isn't accessible or affordable, it limits opportunity for parents and affects the state's economic health - themes that have defined much of this campaign."
Results are from a statewide poll of 795 voters contacted via live calling and texting from Oct. 3 to Oct. 17. The likely voter sample has a margin of error of +/- 4.7 percentage points. The registered voter sample has a margin of error of +/- 4.6 percentage points.
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Original text here: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/new-jersey-voters-say-finding-quality-affordable-child-care-difficult-and-major-barrier
Mich. State: Trustees Green-light Engineering and Digital Innovation Center
EAST LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 1 -- Michigan State University issued the following news:
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Trustees green-light Engineering and Digital Innovation Center
By Mark Bullion
During their regularly scheduled October Board of Trustees meeting, trustees approved the university's plan to construct the new Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, or EDI Center. The center will be located at the southwest corner of Red Cedar Road and West Shaw Lane near the College of Engineering Building and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
The EDI Center will serve as an academic and research powerhouse
... Show Full Article
EAST LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 1 -- Michigan State University issued the following news:
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Trustees green-light Engineering and Digital Innovation Center
By Mark Bullion
During their regularly scheduled October Board of Trustees meeting, trustees approved the university's plan to construct the new Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, or EDI Center. The center will be located at the southwest corner of Red Cedar Road and West Shaw Lane near the College of Engineering Building and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
The EDI Center will serve as an academic and research powerhousefor advanced manufacturing, materials science, microelectronics, artificial intelligence and other emerging workforce and research needs. The center will also serve as a catalyst for attracting and retaining top talent in the state and accommodating approximately 65 researchers and their respective teams.
"Fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other new technologies are constantly evolving, and it is our responsibility to ensure we are helping to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected economy," said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. "This investment underscores the university's commitment to advancing research, innovation and talent development that will continue shaping Michigan's future."
In addition, the Board of Trustees, for the fourth consecutive year, approved a $70 million capital outlay request to the state of Michigan that would further support the development of the project. In 2023, the State of Michigan contributed $30 million toward the EDI Center as part of the state's fiscal year 2023-24 budget process.
A recent generous contribution from MSU alums Mary and Michael Lamach will help to kick-start fundraising efforts to build out the center. Trustees also approved the naming of the EDI Center's auditorium and lobby to the Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium and Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium Lobby.
Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum redesign
During Friday's meeting, trustees approved a resolution allowing the university to move forward with a phased redesign of the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum. The garden's history spans over 150 years and has continuously evolved. A land use plan to align the goals of the gardens with strategic university arts collection plan goals was recently created. Pillars of the land use plan include:
* Maintain and activate a world-class plant collection to enable teaching and research across disciplines.
* Facilitate opportunities for transformative learning experiences for campus and the community.
* Support biodiversity and sustainability.
* Foster community building, place awareness and well-being on campus.
* Maintain and strengthen organizational integrity for a sustainable future.
"As the oldest continuously operated university botanical garden in the United States, and one that has garnered numerous accolades, it is a point of pride for the board to support the evolving needs of this campus treasure," said Board Chair Kelly Tebay. "The Beal Botanical Garden is an example of a multifaceted space that supports learning, research and sustainability all in a setting that invites reflection and supports community well-being."
Spartan Ventures
Trustees approved a resolution authorizing an affiliation agreement initiating Spartan Ventures, a new nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation designed to advance, promote and support MSU's Department of Athletics.
The establishment of Spartan Ventures modernizes Athletics and demonstrates the department's commitment to operating on the leading edge of innovation in the evolving landscape of college sports. It will strengthen long-term competitiveness for MSU Athletics, expand opportunities for student-athletes and increase innovation in how the university engages with fans, partners and communities.
Spartan Gateway Development
Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the Spartan Gateway District during Friday's meeting, allowing the university to restart the project's planning process. The board had previously approved planning and construction for the district at Trowbridge and Harrison Roads, which included an Olympic arena.
The new resolution provides an opportunity to explore alternative campus locations with the goal of positioning the district more centrally on campus. The proposed development could include a hotel, conference center, dining, office, parking and other spaces. The resolution also implores the university to use existing athletic facilities to support Olympic sports, in alignment with current athletic and university strategic priorities.
Research presentation
Trustees received a research presentation titled "Securing Planet and People Resilience Through Innovative Plant Resilience Research" from Sue Rhee, director of MSU's Plant Resilience Institute. Rhee's research focuses on working to make plants more climate resilient. Many College of Natural Science plant researchers, including Rhee, are dedicating their careers to making sure our planet has enough food for the nearly 10 billion people it is expected to house by 2050. Faculty are scrutinizing plant processes like photosynthesis, looking for ways to make them resistant to heat, drought and pathogens. They're creating natural fungicides and biostimulants as a stopgap to keep crops growing as new varieties are engineered.
Other agenda items
The board approved several other requests during the meeting, including:
* Adoption of the university's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
* Authorization to plan for the Library North Plaza revitalization.
* Authorization to plan for construction of a new transportation services garage.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is Dec. 12.
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Mark Bullion, Media and Public Information Communications Manager, University Communications and Marketing, Olds Hall, 408 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824, bullionm@msu.edu.
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Original text here: https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/10/trustees-green-light-edi-center
Lehigh University: ACES Symposium on Energy and Water Brings Together Leaders From Education, Industry and Government
BETHLEHEM, Pennsylania, Nov. 1 -- Lehigh University issued the following news on Oct. 31, 2025:
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ACES Symposium on Energy and Water Brings Together Leaders from Education, Industry and Government
The day-long event in Iacocca Hall facilitated dialogue regarding challenges and opportunities for powering the future.
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Three years ago, Lehigh underwent a strategic planning process--the university's first in nearly 15 years.
Throughout the process, ambitious goals were set and much of the focus was on student outcomes and becoming a nationwide leader in interdisciplinary education. Lehigh
... Show Full Article
BETHLEHEM, Pennsylania, Nov. 1 -- Lehigh University issued the following news on Oct. 31, 2025:
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ACES Symposium on Energy and Water Brings Together Leaders from Education, Industry and Government
The day-long event in Iacocca Hall facilitated dialogue regarding challenges and opportunities for powering the future.
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Three years ago, Lehigh underwent a strategic planning process--the university's first in nearly 15 years.
Throughout the process, ambitious goals were set and much of the focus was on student outcomes and becoming a nationwide leader in interdisciplinary education. Lehighalso expressed a desire "to expand and invest in three core, integrated research areas that are addressing immediate and deeply challenging problems that require solutions drawn from a broad range of engineering science, business and liberal arts disciplines," according to President Joseph J. Helble '82.
The Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions (ACES) is one of the three University Research Centers (URCs), addressing the energy needs of AI data centers.
"That center [ACES], and our intentional focus on finding creative ways to address the large-scale opportunity afforded Pennsylvania around data centers and AI through intelligently addressing the infrastructure challenge is what, of course, leads us to gather with you here today," Helble said as Lehigh hosted "Innovating Energy and Water Solutions for Tomorrow's AI Data Centers."
The day-long symposium, held October 24 in Iacocca Hall's Wood Dining Room, brought together more than 130 educators, government and industry leaders, including representatives from PPL, Siemens, Cisco, Amazon Web Services, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and Pennsylvania American Water.
Four keynote speakers were featured in addition to two panel discussions that centered on infrastructure, including water and electric use, in regards to data centers and the growing demand of artificial intelligence.
The event was intentionally held on the Mountaintop Campus because, "This is the place where impactful and large-scale solutions are conceived," Helble said.
Helble, along with Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Nathan Urban, kicked off the day with their initial remarks, as did a video message from Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick.
In his message, McCormick commended Lehigh for launching what he called "a vital community conversation" and the ACES team, led by Director Shalinee Kishore, Iacocca Chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Associate Director Arindam Banerjee, Paul B. Reinhold Professor and department chair of mechanical engineering and mechanics.
Additionally, McCormick discussed the important role as a leader Pennsylvania holds in regard to the country's energy and AI future.
"What you're doing here today matters not just for Lehigh or Pennsylvania, but for the future of our country," McCormick said.
He also mentioned research and development partnerships that will be necessary, and will include not only industry and government, but academia as well.
The Senator wasn't the only speaker to discuss the pivotal part higher education plays moving forward. It was mentioned numerous times throughout the day, including by the event's first keynote speaker, Abby Smith, CEO of Team Pennsylvania.
"Because we have so many different characteristics of our regional economies, a lot of this work has to happen locally...on the ground," Smith said. "And our universities across the board play a really critical role in setting the conversation, providing expertise and being real partners in how we actually look at all kinds of projects."
Much of what the speakers discussed throughout the day centered around the challenges and opportunities related to their specific topics. The buzz, energy and ideas born out of the event were immediately felt on the Mountaintop Campus. The prompts served as launching points for continued conversation as attendees organically participated in their own discussions with each other during breaks and over lunch in the dining room and hallways in Iacocca Hall.
To assist in continuing the conversation, Urban explained to attendees that a report, which may partially be AI-generated, would be created to summarize the topics covered at the symposium. The report, he said, would also identify key areas where they believe collaboration between the groups represented at the event were possible in the short- to medium-term.
The overarching goals following the symposium, in addition to continuing the conversations, is the establishment of a university-industry consortium to begin to gather talent, interest and expertise from different sectors as they identify some of the initial problems and begin to work through them.
Urban helped close the busy day, reinforcing how important that day's conversations were, and how crucial they'll be to continue moving forward.
"This is a transition, the likes of which none of us have really ever experienced before, and getting this right is extremely important," Urban said. "It's important for our regions, it's important for our economy. It's important for economic competitiveness. It's important for sustainability in the environment."
But he also cited the need for universities to adapt.
"If universities are going to play a role in this, we have to change the way we work," Urban said. "We have to be more nimble. We have to be more rapid in our response. We have to be thinking about both long and short term and acting more quickly than we're used to. ...Speaking for Lehigh, this is something that we are aware of, and very much seeking to be responsive to."
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Original text here: https://news.lehigh.edu/aces-symposium-on-energy-and-water-brings-together-leaders-from-education-industry-and-government
FAU: 'Frazzled' Fruit Flies Help Unravel How Neural Circuits Stay Wired
BOCA RATON, Florida, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- Florida Atlantic University, a component of the state university system in Florida, issued the following news:
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'Frazzled' Fruit Flies Help Unravel How Neural Circuits Stay Wired
By Gisele Galoustian
Florida Atlantic University neuroscientists have uncovered a surprising role for a protein named "Frazzled" (known as DCC in mammals) in the nervous system of fruit flies, showing how it helps neurons connect and communicate with lightning speed. The discovery sheds light on the fundamental mechanisms that ensure neurons form reliable connections, or
... Show Full Article
BOCA RATON, Florida, Nov. 1 (TNSjou) -- Florida Atlantic University, a component of the state university system in Florida, issued the following news:
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'Frazzled' Fruit Flies Help Unravel How Neural Circuits Stay Wired
By Gisele Galoustian
Florida Atlantic University neuroscientists have uncovered a surprising role for a protein named "Frazzled" (known as DCC in mammals) in the nervous system of fruit flies, showing how it helps neurons connect and communicate with lightning speed. The discovery sheds light on the fundamental mechanisms that ensure neurons form reliable connections, orsynapses, a process essential for all nervous systems, from insects to humans.
In the study, researchers focused on the Giant Fiber (GF) System of Drosophila, a neural circuit that controls this fruit fly's rapid escape reflex. With this work, the team has not only revealed a key molecular player in fruit fly neural circuits but also demonstrated the power of combining genetics, imaging, physiology and computational modeling to uncover how brains stay wired - and what happens when they don't.
The results, published in the journal eNeuro, reveal that when Frazzled is missing or mutated, the system falters: neurons fail to form proper electrical connections, the fly's neural responses slow down, and communication between the GF neurons and the muscles they control weakens.
These defects are linked to a loss of gap junctions, tiny channels that allow neurons to transmit signals directly and rapidly. In particular, the team found that the loss of a protein called shaking-B(neural+16), which forms these junctions in the presynaptic terminals, underlies much of the misfiring.
To understand Frazzled's precise role, the researchers used a genetic tool known as the UAS-GAL4 system to reintroduce different pieces of the Frazzled protein into mutant flies. Strikingly, just the intracellular portion of Frazzled - the part inside the neuron that can influence gene expression - was enough to restore both the structure of the synapses and the speed of neuronal communication. When this portion was disrupted, such as by deleting a key domain called P3 or mutating a crucial site within it, the rescue failed, indicating that Frazzled's control of gene activity is essential for building gap junctions.
Beyond laboratory experiments, the team also created a computational model of the GF System, simulating how the number of gap junctions affects the neurons' ability to fire reliably. The model confirmed that even small changes in gap junction density can drastically alter the speed and precision of neural signals.
"The combination of experimental and computational work allowed us to see not just that Frazzled matters, but exactly how it shapes the connections that let neurons talk to each other," said Rodney Murphey, Ph.D., senior author and a professor of biological sciences in the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. "Our next steps are to explore whether similar mechanisms control neural circuits in other species, including mammals, and to see how this might influence learning, memory or even repair after injury."
Interestingly, while Frazzled has long been studied as a guidance molecule - helping neurons grow along the correct paths - the study revealed that its intracellular domain also directly regulates synapse formation. Flies lacking Frazzled often showed neurons that grew in random directions, failing to reach their targets. Restoring the intracellular domain corrected many of these guidance errors, demonstrating a dual role for Frazzled in both wiring neurons and fine-tuning their communication.
This work also draws parallels to other organisms. Similar proteins in worms and vertebrates have been shown to influence chemical synapses, suggesting that Frazzled and its relatives may play a broadly conserved role in shaping neural networks. By showing how a single protein controls both the physical and functional aspects of electrical synapses, this study opens a window into the fundamental rules governing nervous system assembly.
"Understanding how neurons form reliable connections is a central question in neuroscience," Murphey said. "Frazzled gives us a clear handle on one piece of that puzzle. Our findings could inform future studies of neural development, neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to repair damaged circuits."
Study co-authors are first author Juan Lopez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Jana Boerner, Ph.D., managing director of the Advanced Cell Imaging Core within the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute; Kelli Robbins, research staff in FAU's Department of Biological Sciences; and Rodrigo Pena, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biological sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
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Study Snapshot: Florida Atlantic University neuroscientists have identified a surprising new role for a protein called "Frazzled" (DCC in humans) in helping fruit fly neurons connect and communicate at lightning speed. Studying the Giant Fiber System, which controls the flies' rapid escape reflex, they found that when Frazzled is missing or mutated, neurons fail to form proper electrical connections, slowing neural responses and weakening muscle control. Using genetic tools, the researchers showed that the intracellular portion of Frazzled alone could restore normal communication, revealing that this part of the protein regulates the genes needed to build gap junctions.
By combining genetics, imaging, physiology and computational modeling, the team demonstrated how even small changes in gap junction density can alter the precision of neural signals. The work shows that Frazzled not only guides neurons to their correct targets but also ensures they form stable, functional synapses once they arrive - a dual role that appears conserved across species. This discovery provides new insight into the molecular rules that keep nervous systems, from flies to humans, reliably wired.
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Original text here: https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/frazzled-fruit-flies-neural-circuits.php
Dolphins Cancer Challenge Presents Another Record-Breaking Check to Sylvester for Cancer Research
MIAMI, Florida, Nov. 1 -- The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine issued the following news:
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Dolphins Cancer Challenge Presents Another Record-Breaking Check to Sylvester for Cancer Research
More than $15 million was raised as part of the DCC's mission to fund groundbreaking research and patient care initiatives at South Florida's only NCI-designated cancer center.
By: Ryan Bermudez
In a demonstration of community commitment and persistence, Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) recently presented a check for more than $15 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of
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MIAMI, Florida, Nov. 1 -- The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine issued the following news:
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Dolphins Cancer Challenge Presents Another Record-Breaking Check to Sylvester for Cancer Research
More than $15 million was raised as part of the DCC's mission to fund groundbreaking research and patient care initiatives at South Florida's only NCI-designated cancer center.
By: Ryan Bermudez
In a demonstration of community commitment and persistence, Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) recently presented a check for more than $15 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part ofUHealth -- University of Miami Health System. This remarkable achievement was the result of DCC XV, the Miami Dolphins annual fundraising event in support of innovative cancer research.
Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., accepted the celebratory check during pregame of the NFL's designated Crucial Catch game at Hard Rock Stadium Oct. 12, where the Miami Dolphins faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was joined on the field by leadership from Sylvester, the Miami Dolphins, DCC and its partners.
Halftime featured an interactive throwing competition between Sylvester doctors and cancer survivors from Sylvester's Believe in You program that contributed to their team's DCC fundraising goal. At the conclusion of the halftime, three cancer survivors from the Believe In You program rang the Living Proof bell, symbolic of the completion of treatment and triumph over cancer.
Celebrating the Perfect Partnership
DCC XV, which took place in February, was the most successful DCC yet. A record-setting number of attendees raised more than $15 million, bringing the total to nearly $100 million in support of Sylvester's cancer research mission.
"We're proud to continue our partnership with Sylvester as we look to support their efforts to drive meaningful impact for cancer research," said Dolphins Cancer Challenge Executive Director Javier Sanchez. "It's always special to celebrate that progress with our fans and this community, and we look forward to continuing our contributions in the fight against cancer as we aim to surpass $100 million raised and reach even greater heights together in the years ahead."
"Our partnership with the Miami Dolphins continues to reach new levels. Each year, we set new records in the funds raised for cancer research and, together, we have changed the face of cancer care and cancer research in South Florida," said Dr. Nimer, also the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "The commitment and drive to support this important work is truly inspiring."
Supporting Cancer Research and Care
As the signature fundraising event of the Miami Dolphins, the DCC supports innovative cancer research at Sylvester, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida and one of the top 50 cancer centers nationwide, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
Founded in 2010, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge has grown to become the largest fundraising event in the NFL. Every dollar raised by participants goes directly to Sylvester's physician-scientists, fueling breakthroughs in cancer care, cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment.
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Original text here: https://news.med.miami.edu/dolphins-cancer-challenge-presents-another-record-breaking-check-to-sylvester-for-cancer-research/
