Education (Colleges & Universities)
Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
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Astrophysicists strike black gold with treasure trove of gravitational wave detections
GLASGOW, Scotland, May 26 -- The University of Glasgow posted the following news:* * *
Astrophysicists strike black gold with treasure trove of gravitational wave detections
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Researchers from the University of Glasgow's Institute for Gravitational Research are celebrating the publication of a vast new treasure trove of gravitational wave detections, hailed as a milestone marking the coming of age of gravitational astronomy.
The Gravitational Wave Transient Catalogue-5.0, or GWTC-5, is released online for the first time today (Tuesday 26 May), with corresponding scientific papers submitted ... Show Full Article GLASGOW, Scotland, May 26 -- The University of Glasgow posted the following news: * * * Astrophysicists strike black gold with treasure trove of gravitational wave detections * Researchers from the University of Glasgow's Institute for Gravitational Research are celebrating the publication of a vast new treasure trove of gravitational wave detections, hailed as a milestone marking the coming of age of gravitational astronomy. The Gravitational Wave Transient Catalogue-5.0, or GWTC-5, is released online for the first time today (Tuesday 26 May), with corresponding scientific papers submittedto Astrophysical Journal and Astrophysical Journal Letters.
This latest update details a total of 161 new signals from colliding black holes detected between April 2024 and the end of January 2025 by the gravitational wave detectors LIGO in the United States, Virgo in Italy, and KAGRA in Japan, known as the LVK collaboration. The publication beings the total number of gravitational wave signals detected to date to 390.
The most significant findings detailed in this collection include evidence for the existence of second-generation black holes, the most precise sky localisation ever achieved for a gravitational wave source, and the first measurement of three vibrational modes of a black hole.
Astrophysicists at the University of Glasgow have played key roles in gravitational wave research since the 1970s. They led on the development of the delicate mirror suspensions at the heart of the US National Science Foundation Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (NSF LIGO) detectors which make the detections possible.
Since the historic first direct detection in September 2015, they have worked closely with colleagues across the international LVK collaboration to improve the performance of the detectors and the data analysis of the detections, which are becoming more frequent as the detectors become more sensitive.
During observing runs, the collaboration's detectors have picked up between three and four signals each week, with more frequent detections expected in future observing runs.
The collaboration alternates periods of data collection called observing runswith phases devoted to detector upgrades and commissioning. That's also why the gravitational wave event catalogue, including validated data and the physical parameters of the sources, is updated and shared with the wider scientific community approximately every six months.
Dr Daniel Williams, a research fellow at the Institute for Gravitational Research, is co-chair of the LSC's Compact Binary Science Working Group. He said: "This bumper update has once again broadened and deepened our knowledge of the Universe, and given us many more glimpses of its most elusive objects: colliding black holes.
"Just ten years ago we made the first detection of gravitational waves from one of these events, and it's a real testament to the work of hundreds of scientists around the world that we're now detecting and analysing hundreds of them.
"At Glasgow we've been at the forefront of developing new technology to make the detectors more sensitive, allowing us to see more of these signals, more clearly, and from collisions much further away than we could a decade ago. We also lead the development of critical analyses that allow us to extract so much information from each signal: decoding the properties of black holes colliding billions of light years away from Earth, all from a measurement which shifts our detectors by a fraction of the size of an atomic nucleus."
In addition to the new perspectives opened by this extraordinary number of observations, the new catalogue also includes several detections that are themselves exceptional and sets new records in gravitational-wave astronomy observations: the best sky localisation ever achieved for a gravitational wave source, the clearest gravitational wave signal ever recorded, and evidence for the existence of second-generation black holes.
A signal detected by the two LIGO detectors in the United States and Virgo in Italy on June 15, 2024 -and therefore called GW240615 -set the record for the most precise sky localisation among all gravitational wave events observed to date. The source was identified within an area of just 6 square degrees, a relatively small portion of the celestial sphere.
The gravitational wave event observed with this record localisation was the merger of two black holes, with masses of about 26 and 30 solar masses, which violently collided more than 3 billion light-years from Earth.
Alex Papadopoulos, a postgraduate researcher at the Institute for Gravitational Research, said: "The updated GWTC-5.0 catalogue gives us a much larger collection of gravitational-wave signals to help answer one of the biggest questions in cosmology: how fast is the Universe expanding?
"The rate of this expansion is described by a value called the Hubble constant. Gravitational waves allow us to measure this by estimating how far away merging objects are, either directly from the signal itself or by identifying the galaxy where the merger took place.
"One of the major improvements in GWTC-5.0 compared to previous catalogues is the inclusion of observations from the Virgo detector, which returned after not participating in the previous observing run. With this additional detector, we can pinpoint the location of gravitational-wave signals on the sky much more accurately, making it easier to identify the host galaxy of each merger. Our expanded library of detections also meant we could use 236 signals, almost double the previous number, in our analyses. Each event contributes a small amount of information, so together these additional signals significantly improve our results.
"Together, these improvements help us measure the Hubble constant more precisely than ever before using gravitational waves, bringing us closer to understanding one of modern physics' most important open questions.
"In Glasgow, we developed and tested software that allows this analysis to run more than a thousand times faster than before, even with the growing number of gravitational-wave signals in the catalogue. This speed-up meant we could test many more possible scenarios and check that our results were as robust and reliable as possible, with the coordination of this effort led by our Institute for Gravitational Research."
Detecting gravitational waves does not simply mean capturing a signal, but extracting it from the noise that disturbs the detectors. This requires highly sophisticated data analyses, which is why the 'strength' or 'clarity' of a signal is expressed through the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The catalogue published today includes the 'clearest' gravitational wave signal ever detected, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 76.9.
This signal, GW250114, reached Earth on January 14, 2025 and was generated by the merger of two black holes with nearly identical masses (32 and 34 times the mass of the Sun, respectively), occurring more than one billion light-years from Earth. Its 'clarity' made it possible to achieve some outstanding scientific results, among them the most accurate test of general relativity ever performed and confirmation of Stephen Hawking's black hole area theorem.
Dr John Veitch, an academic at the University of Glasgow who analyses black hole signals, said: "With the loudness of GW250114 we are able to compare the warped space-time before and after the black holes merged, and found that the total area of the event horizons (the surface of 'no-return') increased in accordance with Hawking's laws of black hole mechanics.
"After the merger the final black hole rings like a bell, giving off gravitational waves instead of sound. Analysing these waves confirmed that although energy is given off in gravitational waves during the merger, the total entropy of the black holes increases in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics. This shows that even for black holes the laws of thermodynamics still apply, but unlike normal objects the more energy they hold, the colder they become."
In October and November 2024, just one month apart, two additional very special black hole mergers were detected: GW241011 and GW241110, occurring approximately 700 million and 2.4 billion light-years from Earth, respectively.
Certain characteristics of these mergers - in particular the spin of the black holes (that is, the orientation and speed of their rotations) - indicate the objects involved could be 'second-generation' black holes, meaning black holes that are themselves the result of previous coalescences. These objects likely formed in very dense and crowded cosmic environments, such as stellar clusters, where black holes are more likely to collide and merge repeatedly.
The growing number of observed events has also enabled researchers to study and increasingly clearly identify the properties of different populations of black holes, and one of the articles accompanying the catalogue deals precisely with this specific aspect.
Storm Colloms, a postgraduate researcher at the Institute for Gravitational Research, said: "I've been part of the team understanding the processes that create merging black holes and neutron stars with the latest set of observations. We studied 267 sources, including 104 new observations. This set of hundreds of observations allows us to confidently measure the masses, spins and distances of binary black holes, and probe the correlations between these properties. In particular, we find that black holes with different mass ranges have different spins, indicating that there are distinct formation pathways that create unique groups of systems.
"This trend was hinted at by previously published observations, GW241011 and GW241110, pairs of black holes with clearly measured high spins and unequal masses. These two observations showed characteristic signs that the larger black hole in each pair was formed not directly from a massive star, but from a previous merger of two black holes. The signatures of black holes formed from previous mergers persist in the population as a whole, indicating that GW241011 and GW241110 are not one-of-a-kind, but trace an underlying trend. Now, we have growing evidence that there are ways that the Universe creates merging black holes in addition to those that come from massive binary stars.
"The latest measurements of the population of gravitational wave sources continues to bring us closer to painting a clear picture of the origins of binary black holes and neutron stars. With upcoming observing runs and more sensitive detectors, we will get more precise measurements of individual sources and increase the number of sources in our catalogues, allowing us to probe more and more detailed astrophysics of compact object formation."
Dr Williams added: "We're now detecting so many of these signals that we're not just learning about individual collisions; it's the astronomical equivalent of uncovering an ancient civilisation. Today's new results are like finding a previously undiscovered hoard, revealing not just individual lives, but the structure of an entire lost world."
The University of Glasgow's research is supported by funding from UKRI's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as are other gravitational research groups across the UK including the Universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Kings College London, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Strathclyde, University College London, Queen Mary University, and the University of the West of Scotland.
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Original text here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_1267010_en.html
AI Model Links Tumor Mutations to Treatment Response
LA JOLLA, California, May 26 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news:* * *
AI Model Links Tumor Mutations to Treatment Response
Key Takeaways
* Cancer tumors often contain many mutations, but doctors still have limited tools for interpreting them to select treatments
* A new AI tool discovered by UC San Diego improved prediction of how multiple cancers may respond to treatment
* Approach could help make tumor DNA testing more clinically actionable
Researchers at University of California San Diego have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) model ... Show Full Article LA JOLLA, California, May 26 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news: * * * AI Model Links Tumor Mutations to Treatment Response Key Takeaways * Cancer tumors often contain many mutations, but doctors still have limited tools for interpreting them to select treatments * A new AI tool discovered by UC San Diego improved prediction of how multiple cancers may respond to treatment * Approach could help make tumor DNA testing more clinically actionable Researchers at University of California San Diego have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) modelthat can translate a tumor's complex genetic profile into predictions about how that cancer may respond to treatment. The model, called MutationProjector, was trained on genomic data from more than 30,000 tumors across 10 solid cancer types and offers a new framework for connecting cancer mutations to the biological pathways that drive treatment response. The model is described in a new study, published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, in which researchers validated the approach by testing it across multiple independent patient cohorts.
"Genetic sequencing is already routine in cancer care, but we still struggle to fully interpret the many mutations found in a patient's tumor," said Trey Ideker, PhD, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and director of the Big Data Institute at the University of Oxford. Ideker also holds a second appointment at UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and is a member of UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
"Our goal with MutationProjector was to build a general-purpose model that can learn from tens of thousands of tumor genomes and turn those mutation patterns into more precise predictions about treatment response."
Following a cancer diagnosis, one of the next steps is often genetic testing, which helps doctors classify the tumor and decide which treatments to pursue. Genetic testing is relatively low cost, fast and has a strong track record in cases where validated genetic biomarkers are available. However, those cases remain limited, because this type of treatment stratification is currently based on only a small number of known biomarkers. Today, only about 8% of cases are successfully matched to an FDA-approved therapy on the basis of genetics.
Unlike existing approaches that rely on a small number of biomarkers, MutationProjector analyzes the broader combination of genetic alterations present in a tumor. The model then uses this information to generate a compact representation of the tumor's biological state, helping researchers interpret which molecular pathways may be disrupted and, by extension, which treatments may be most effective.
Across several independent cohorts of cancer patients, including those with bladder cancer, lung cancer and melanoma, MutationProjector matched or exceeded existing methods for predicting response to common immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. The model also identified both known and unexpected biomarkers associated with treatment outcomes, which could help improve current approaches to genetic testing and patient stratification.
"Many cancer mutations are individually rare, which makes them difficult to study one at a time," said JungHo Kong, PhD, first author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "By pretraining on a large collection of tumors and integrating molecular network knowledge, MutationProjector can detect patterns that would be easy to miss with conventional biomarker approaches. That gives us a way to move from long lists of mutations toward a more functional understanding of the tumor."
The researchers emphasize that the model was designed not only to make predictions, but also to provide insight into why those predictions are made, which could help when refining biomarkers and treatment strategies. This interpretability is especially important in precision oncology, where clinicians need to understand how tumor genotypes relate to treatment decisions. The team also hopes to expand the model to additional cancer types and data sources, including international cancer genome datasets and other forms of clinical information, such as imaging, transcriptomics, and electronic health records.
"Our results suggest that tumor genome foundation models may help extend the clinical value of sequencing beyond a handful of well-known genes," Ideker said. "This could support a more comprehensive and biologically grounded approach to precision oncology."
Read the full study.
Additional coauthors on the study include: Ingoo Lee, Dean Boecher, Akshat Singhal, Marcus R. Kelly, Dexter Pratt, Tannavee Kumar, Timothy J. Sears, David Laub, Sarah Wright, Patrick Wall, Hannah Carter and Zhen Wang at UC San Diego, and Jimin Moon, Chang Ho Ahn and Chan-Young Ock at Lunit Incorporated.
"Our results suggest that tumor genome foundation models may help extend the clinical value of sequencing beyond a handful of well-known genes. This could support a more comprehensive and biologically grounded approach to precision oncology."
This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (T32CA121938, U54CA274502, R01ES014811, P41 GM103504) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) contract number 140D042590013.
Disclosures: Ideker is a co-founder, member of the advisory board, and has an equity interest in Data4Cure and Serinus Biosciences. He is also a consultant for and has an equity interest in Ideaya Biosciences and Eikon Therapeutics.
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Original text here: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/ai-model-links-tumor-mutations-to-treatment-response
After the Fires: Protecting LA's Trees While Learning Lessons for the Future
DAVIS, California, May 26 -- The University of California Davis posted the following news:* * *
After the Fires: Protecting LA's Trees While Learning Lessons for the Future
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Southern California is emerging from yet another round of wildfires just as the wildfire season gets underway. It's been less than 18 months since catastrophic wildfires hit the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
The lessons from those twin 2025 fires are still being learned as researchers from University of California, Davis, and other institutions in the state and the country are working to understand ... Show Full Article DAVIS, California, May 26 -- The University of California Davis posted the following news: * * * After the Fires: Protecting LA's Trees While Learning Lessons for the Future * Southern California is emerging from yet another round of wildfires just as the wildfire season gets underway. It's been less than 18 months since catastrophic wildfires hit the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The lessons from those twin 2025 fires are still being learned as researchers from University of California, Davis, and other institutions in the state and the country are working to understandthe effect on air quality, human health and the environment.
"Each year, the first widespread red flag days bring back memories and yet renew our commitment to fast-track our science," said Alessandro Ossola, an agronomist and associate professor who runs the Urban Science Lab in the UC Davis.
The 2025 fires, which were fed by bone-dry conditions and Santa Ana winds, burned for 24 days, scorching 37,000 acres, destroying over 16,000 structures and killing 31 people.
Weeks later, as fire officials, first responders, utilities and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked to clear debris and restore power and water to the area, Ossola and others went to the area.
"It was bigger and broader than anything we'd ever imagined," said Michael Kleeman, a UC Davis civil and environmental engineering professor who measured air quality on five occasions in Altadena and Pacific Palisades from March to September. "It wasn't just California that responded to this, and maybe that's appropriate. It's a national emergency when you start having fires like this."
Ossola, from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, is working to understand tree mortality and recovery and lessons that can be applied to rebuilding.
"As a scientist, it's kind of heartbreaking and exciting and all the above in a single ball of emotions that I don't even know how to untangle some days," he said. "We have so much work to do in this space across California and other states. That's why we're here -to try to measure and document as fast as we can to figure out what to do next."
The bounty of trees and the aftermath
After the fires, Ossola used public data and cataloged 220 different types of trees in public areas of both communities. Residents say the abundant trees represent the character, heritage and culture of the area, but they also provide shade, produce oxygen, help reduce smog and have other benefits.
During survey trips in March 2025, experts from UC Davis, UCLA, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, the University of Florida and the U.S. Forest Service selected "hot spots" of tree richness and mapped 30 quadrants in Altadena and 15 in the Palisades on which to focus.
The team used lidar, which is light detection and ranging equipment, to scan and create 3D images of these scarred landscapes. A year later, using a mixture of lidar surveys and tree inspections, they returned to those same areas to measure what had survived, was removed or was dying.
"We are creating a 3D model and then we can compare this with data collected in previous years and also from federal agencies so we can see the trees from the ground, from the streets and also from the top," said Ossola.
Early estimates show that Altadena lost 30% of its trees in public areas. Some of those losses came from the fire itself, during cleanup when trees were removed regardless of health and over time without proper watering or care as people relocated elsewhere.
"It's difficult to see what the area is going to look like 20 years from now," Ossola said. "We need to learn from our data what went right and what went wrong so we can adapt."
While data is being analyzed and a dozen research papers and reports are planned, key lessons are emerging:
* Stucco and brick homes with terracotta roof tiles fared better than those with wood frames, something to consider when rebuilding.
* It often takes up to a year to know when a tree is too damaged to survive, and trained arborists should be involved in removal decisions.
* The damage to trees was directional, ignited by flames from houses, cars and other structures. In other words, the fire rarely moved from trees to buildings.
Why LA residents are protecting their trees
Early on, the researchers connected with Altadena Green, a grassroots organization established after the fire to help protect trees amid the large-scale cleanup efforts.
They provided residents with tree health assessments and helped convince the Army Corps of Engineers to grant hazardous tree removal waivers for residents who didn't want trees removed during debris removal. The grant-funded work continues.
"There were so many people who the only thing left on their property were their trees, and they loved them, and they have a history," Altadena Green Director and co-founder Stephanie Landregan said. "There were so many trees that were still viable."
Residents around the area posted signs on their trees with directions not to remove them. Others left phone numbers tacked to the trees saying they were protected.
Jeff Henderson was one of those people. He spent his days tending to and watering his yard, plants and trees even after the house he shared with his wife for 35 years was destroyed. A handful of marriage ceremonies took place on the stone patio, overlooked by shaded oaks, flowers and other plants, and he contacted Altadena Green for advice on restoring the space.
"Everything was gone," he said. "It was totally black. There wasn't anything growing anywhere."
Over time, the deep purple sweet pea shrubs returned, the lilac-petaled society garlic flourished, and crepe myrtle trees began coming back. Pale pink petals on a volunteer periwinkle started growing out of the patio.
"We're trying to keep it as much as we can," he told Landregan and others on a site visit in March.
How tree research could shape fire safety policy
The Hendersons hope to rebuild the house soon, and Jeff wondered what to do with the oaks, some limbs with new leaves and others barren.
"We see regrowth, which means that it's moving water, it's moving nutrients and it's trying to survive," said Chris Shogren, a Cooperative Extension environmental horticulture advisor, pointing to a dead limb that could be removed without harm. "You have to wait at least one full growing season before making any decisions. By then, you'll have a clearer picture of how the tree is responding, what's dead and what's alive, and what kind of management plan it needs to survive."
On one oak, Ossola used a tree resistograph that measures internal tree health for such issues as rot, decay and empty spaces using a tiny drill. " Good news is that that oak seems to be doing just fine, and there is no rotten wood inside the trunk," he said after analyzing the results.
Natalia Bugarin, an Altadena native, who graduated from UC Davis in 2025 as a sustainable environmental design major. She took an urban forestry class before leaving Davis. Bugarin said it helped her understand the processes that led to the fires, and she has been reflecting on rebuilding.
"It's not just designing your gardens to be more drought tolerant or heat tolerant, but it's everything," she said. "It's how people interact with their gardens or even the neighborhood and community. It's how people feel."
Ossola said the research will help pinpoint areas of tree loss to help inform future policy decisions around fire safety, resilience and replanting. "In the next couple of years, we can support policy," he said. "As soon as the buildings are built back, we will help communities prioritize planting and bring new life to the landscape."
Hatch Project funding through the Agricultural Experiment Station, Wildfire Research Rapid Funding from UCLA and U.S. Forest Service supported the tree casualty research.
Why Scientists Are Testing Air Quality in Los Angeles After the Fires
Not long after the fires, Michael Kleeman, a UC Davis civil and environmental engineering professor, outfitted an electric pickup truck with air quality monitoring gear.
He drove to Los Angeles and monitored the air around the fire sites five times during the cleanup phase from March to September measuring air particles, volatile organic chemicals, black carbon and other pollutants.
"It's really unique to have such a huge population exposed to both the active fire and the cleanup activities," he said.
The results, published recently in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, showed the need for caution in the aftermath of urban fires: Measurements and model calculations showed roughly 3 million people in 100 ZIP codes in the western central part of Los Angeles were exposed to metals contained in particles from the debris removal emissions.
What's more, the smallest airborne particles contained hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, at concentrations that warranted caution.
"We aren't well equipped to filter out nanoparticles. When inhaled, they can cross cell membranes and circulate in our body. Inhaling hexavalent chromium nanoparticles is especially concerning," Kleeman said.
The good news is that the hexavalent chromium had decayed into much less toxic trivalent chromium within a few months of the fire. Knowing what is left behind in the aftermath of a fire can help people avoid toxins, a lesson for future fires.
"Our measurements and model predictions warrant caution in the aftermath of urban fires, " he said.
Kleeman and other UC Davis experts in the School of Medicine, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Lung Center, Air Quality Research Center and College of Engineering are members of the LA Fire Health Study, a 10-year project evaluating pollutant exposure over time and the health effects of wildfire emissions.
Participating scientists are from around the country, including Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Texas at Austin, Yale University, UCLA, UC Irvine and Stanford.
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Original text here: https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/after-fires-protecting-las-trees-while-learning-lessons-future
Bridging real human movement with digital technology
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 26 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news:* * *
Bridging real human movement with digital technology
"Avatar," the highest-grossing film of all time, took viewers to a new world, Pandora, and it advanced filmmaking to its own new world: developing the field of virtual production.
Leveraging a wide range of technologies such as performance capture, LED virtual environments, and advanced 3D imaging technologies, virtual production is changing the landscape of modern cinema. While millions of people have seen "Avatar," only a fraction ... Show Full Article CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 26 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news: * * * Bridging real human movement with digital technology "Avatar," the highest-grossing film of all time, took viewers to a new world, Pandora, and it advanced filmmaking to its own new world: developing the field of virtual production. Leveraging a wide range of technologies such as performance capture, LED virtual environments, and advanced 3D imaging technologies, virtual production is changing the landscape of modern cinema. While millions of people have seen "Avatar," only a fractionof that number understand the magic behind the scenes. Exposing filmmaking students to this magic is what MIT Media Lab alumnus Daniel Pillis SM '24 is all about.
"Motion capture, like that in 'Avatar,' bridges real human movement with digital technology," says Pillis. "In this digital age, and as artificial intelligence becomes more involved in film studios, technology that enables the authenticity of human expression and performance is becoming increasingly important."
That is what Pillis, now an assistant professor at Emerson College, teaches his students in his filmmaking courses. To bring the lesson to life, each semester the class travels across the river to MIT, where Emerson undergraduate and graduate students use the capabilities of the MIT.nano Immersion Lab to create their own virtual productions.
Donning full-body motion-capture suits that pair to the 28-camera OptiTrack system in the Immersion Lab, the students become their own avatars -generating virtual characters that dance, fight, or play the guitar like The Beatles. They see their animation data immediately on a computer screen and can change or add to their character's movements in real time. Later, they take their data back to Emerson to build into short films for their final projects.
"It has been truly gratifying to support this course and to see the curiosity and ingenuity students have brought to the stage," says Talis Reks, who manages the MIT.nano Immersion Lab. "This class highlights the range of what our lab can offer, extending well beyond research and into art and the performing arts."
The MIT.nano Immersion Lab -there's really nothing else like it
Pillis first learned about the MIT.nano Immersion Lab during his time as a graduate student in Professor Hiroshi Ishii's Tangible Media group at the MIT Media Lab. Working with colleague Georine Pierre SM '24, the two collaborated on a Haitian folklore dance project, creating a motion capture-driven simulation of Haitian folkloric dance traditions, specifically the sacred Yanvalou dance. They built a living archive using the capabilities of the Immersion Lab that let participants dance with an interactive AI-driven ancestral avatar animation.
When he became faculty at Emerson, Pillis knew the Immersion Lab was a perfect fit to elevate his students' experiences. "The level of high-end film production that the Immersion Lab supports is out of reach for so many students who would benefit from this technology in their practice," explains Pillis. "The facility is unique, well-equipped, and even accessible to those outside of MIT -there really is nothing else like it in the Boston area."
With the type of mechanical character animation the Immersion Lab technology allows, the final projects end up light-years beyond what these students thought they could achieve, continues Pillis. And they're having fun. "They really get into it," says Reks. "These students are not necessarily trained as actors, but the moment they see themselves as virtual characters, the realistic, granular movement enabled by motion capture, they get fully into performing."
Rewarding professionalism
In the past two years, over 60 Emerson College students have used the Immersion Lab for Pillis' class. Emerson undergraduate student Nick Forsch received an EVVY Award nomination for his project. The Emerson version of an Emmy, EVVYs are awarded to students whose projects are judged and selected by a panel of industry experts looking for creativity, quality, and professionalism.
"Being able to use the MIT.nano Immersion Lab really elevated my project," says Forsch who created "Enter," a short film about a human transported into a digital world to meet an artificial intelligence. "I was excited to submit it for an EVVY, knowing the technology behind my work was on a professional level."
Another undergraduate student, Evan Costa, recently created a virtual recreation of The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show," capturing a version of each musician's performance and reconstructing a simulation of 1950s television. Costa will be joining the MIT Learning Engineering and Practice Group, led by principal research scientist John Liu in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this summer to continue exploring virtual production as an intern.
"Having the opportunity to gather motion-capture data within the Immersion Lab gave me more than advanced technology for my project; it provided insight into an often-unseen world of creativity," says Costa. "Modern storytelling exists across a wide range of mediums, from film to video games, and witnessing the inner workings of this process has deepened my passion for virtual production."
In the coming academic year, Pillis and Reks plan to leverage advanced Immersion Lab technologies to teach facial animation, hand and finger tracking, multi-modal data capture, and further advances in interactive generative motion capture as they gear up for the next set of productions.
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Original text here: https://news.mit.edu/2026/bridging-real-human-movement-digital-technology-0526
A Penn Vet expert (and cat lover) offers advice on aging cats and cognition
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 26 -- The University of Pennsylvania posted the following news:* * *
A Penn Vet expert (and cat lover) offers advice on aging cats and cognition
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Changes in behavior in aging cats may be a message that you and your cat's veterinarian should heed. Behavioral shifts in older cats could be displaying signs of aging feline brain changes, including possible early cognitive decline, according to Carlo Siracusa, professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare and director of Penn Vet's Small Animal Behavior Service in the Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced ... Show Full Article PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 26 -- The University of Pennsylvania posted the following news: * * * A Penn Vet expert (and cat lover) offers advice on aging cats and cognition * Changes in behavior in aging cats may be a message that you and your cat's veterinarian should heed. Behavioral shifts in older cats could be displaying signs of aging feline brain changes, including possible early cognitive decline, according to Carlo Siracusa, professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare and director of Penn Vet's Small Animal Behavior Service in the Department of Clinical Sciences & AdvancedMedicine.
Other common clues to cognitive aging in cats follow the pattern Siracusa and his colleagues call VISHDAAL. Besides increased vocalization, especially at night, and changes in interaction (being more clingy or more reserved), other related behaviors include sleep/wake disruptions, house soiling, disorientation (staring, wandering), anxiety, altered activity (such as pacing or becoming withdrawn), and learning or memory slips.
"These are not 'just old age.' They're red flags to share with your vet," says Siracusa, a cat lover who studies and publishes research into feline aging and cognition. It's an area he and his fellow researchers believe merits more awareness by both owners and clinicians.
Siracusa encourages veterinarians to use available owner questionnaires-the Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Chart or newer E-CAT -to track cats' cognitive changes over time and discuss the results with owners. He recommended that the screening begins while the cat is still relatively young, so there is a good basis for comparison.
This story is by Rita Giordano. Read more at Penn Vet News.
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Original text here: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/penn-vet-expert-and-cat-lover-offers-advice-aging-cats-and-cognition
Brandel Named Dean of School of Health and Medical Sciences
SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey, May 26 -- Seton Hall University posted the following news:* * *
Brandel Named Dean of School of Health and Medical Sciences
Jayne M. Brandel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a prominent scholar in the field of speech-language pathology, has been named Dean of the School of Health and Medical Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.
Brandel arrives at the University with a track record of success as a higher education administrator, clinician and researcher with more than $1.8 million in grant funding over the past decade.
"Seton Hall's sterling reputation in the health and medical sciences ... Show Full Article SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey, May 26 -- Seton Hall University posted the following news: * * * Brandel Named Dean of School of Health and Medical Sciences Jayne M. Brandel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a prominent scholar in the field of speech-language pathology, has been named Dean of the School of Health and Medical Sciences, effective July 1, 2026. Brandel arrives at the University with a track record of success as a higher education administrator, clinician and researcher with more than $1.8 million in grant funding over the past decade. "Seton Hall's sterling reputation in the health and medical sciencesspeaks for itself," Brandel said. "I am thrilled to lead the School at a time when the need for well-trained healthcare practitioners is growing. We will meet this need with graduates whose comprehensive knowledge and expansive training place them among the nation's best."
Before coming to Seton Hall, Brandel had been at West Virginia University since 2016. There, she served as the inaugural Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs in the School of Medicine - Health Professions and Chair of the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
As associate dean, she established a General Curriculum Committee to review new and revised courses and program proposals. This committee also developed guidance for improving the speed and efficiency with which curricular changes were approved.
As chair, she led two accredited programs: the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S. SLP) and the Doctor of Audiology (AuD). In this role, she hired 14 faculty members, increased graduate student enrollment from 73 to 139 and redesigned the undergraduate and graduate curriculums.
As a speech-language pathology researcher, she has garnered more than $1.8 million in grant funding since 2016 from the West Virginia Department of Education.
Prior to working at WVU, Brandel was chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Kansas, including a bachelor's in Speech-Language Hearing as well as a master's and doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology.
"The health sciences are constantly evolving to better meet the needs of patients," said Erik Lillquist, J.D., Interim Provost and Executive Vice President at Seton Hall. "With Dean Brandel leading the School, I am confident our students will be exceptionally prepared to meet and exceed the demands of today's fast-moving healthcare fields."
At Seton Hall, Brandel will help ensure that the School continues to deliver high-quality healthcare training while identifying new opportunities for programmatic expansion, academic research and community partnerships.
In addition, she will develop and advance a strategy to expand scholarly activities of all kinds, with interprofessional collaborations across the University and with external stakeholders.
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Original text here: https://www.shu.edu/health/news/brandel-named-dean-of-shms.html
A measurement e-scooter, developed at the University of Helsinki, yields street-level data on urban spaces
HELSINKI, Finland, May 26 -- The University of Helsinki issued the following news release:* * *
A measurement e-scooter, developed at the University of Helsinki, yields street-level data on urban spaces
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People walking the streets of Helsinki this spring might have spotted a new kind of vehicle. An electric scooter travelling on walkways at the cautious speed of 10 kilometres per hour and carrying a heavy load of technology - sensors, measuring equipment and cameras - has been circling in the districts of Kallio, Kumpula and Vallila.
On its way around town, the vehicle has been collecting ... Show Full Article HELSINKI, Finland, May 26 -- The University of Helsinki issued the following news release: * * * A measurement e-scooter, developed at the University of Helsinki, yields street-level data on urban spaces * People walking the streets of Helsinki this spring might have spotted a new kind of vehicle. An electric scooter travelling on walkways at the cautious speed of 10 kilometres per hour and carrying a heavy load of technology - sensors, measuring equipment and cameras - has been circling in the districts of Kallio, Kumpula and Vallila. On its way around town, the vehicle has been collectingdata, such as the temperature, air humidity, wind direction and force, and the amount of sunlight. In addition, it has monitored air quality by measuring concentrations of fine particles, nitrogen oxides and ozone. And all this at the pinpoint accuracy of individual street corners.
The measurement results are combined with location and camera data, the latter of which record, for example, the condition of streets and traffic flow - anything that the researchers wish to analyse from the images. Citizens need not worry about privacy: faces and licence plates are automatically blurred.
"The small scooter, in fact, symbolises a major breakthrough," says Professor of Aerosol Physics from the University of Helsinki, who heads the project.
"This is the first step towards understanding the urban environment in a new way, on a continuous basis, on the move and on the street level."
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Original text here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/technology/measurement-e-scooter-developed-university-helsinki-yields-street-level-data-urban-spaces
Barrett named chair of Clemson's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
CLEMSON, South Carolina, May 26 -- Clemson University posted the following news:* * *
Barrett named chair of Clemson's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
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College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
Kyle Barrett has been appointed chair of the Clemson University Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. He brings a collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to Clemson's land-grant mission to one of the University's most outward-facing academic departments.
Barrett has served as interim chair since 2024. He is a professor of wildlife ecology ... Show Full Article CLEMSON, South Carolina, May 26 -- Clemson University posted the following news: * * * Barrett named chair of Clemson's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation * College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Kyle Barrett has been appointed chair of the Clemson University Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. He brings a collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to Clemson's land-grant mission to one of the University's most outward-facing academic departments. Barrett has served as interim chair since 2024. He is a professor of wildlife ecologywhose research, teaching and service have helped strengthen Clemson's reputation in conservation science and natural resource stewardship. He joined the Clemson faculty in 2012.
His research focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation biology and how environmental change affects species and ecosystems. His work has included collaborative projects addressing habitat management, biodiversity and resilience in changing landscapes. He also studies how stressors such as urbanization and climate change affect wildlife populations.
"Dr. Barrett has the vision and leadership to build on the department's strengths and take it even further," said Matt Holt, dean of Clemson's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. "He understands that our greatest impact happens when teaching, research and outreach are connected to the needs of our state and the success of our students."
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation prepares students for careers in forestry, wildlife biology, conservation, environmental science and natural resource management. It also advances research that supports South Carolina's forests, water, wildlife and working lands.
As chair, Barrett will help guide the department's strategic priorities. Those priorities include student recruitment and retention, faculty support, research growth and partnerships that expand Clemson's impact across South Carolina and beyond.
"I'm honored to serve in this role," Barrett said. "Our department has a talented community of faculty, staff, students and alumni who care deeply about making a difference."
The department plays a critical role in Clemson's land-grant mission through classroom instruction, research innovation and Extension partnerships. Its work supports forest health, private landowners, outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation and sustainable resource management.
"Forestry and environmental conservation touch every community in our state," said Kyle Barrett. "I'm excited to build on the department's strengths and expand the ways we serve South Carolina."
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Original text here: https://news.clemson.edu/barrett-named-chair-of-clemsons-department-of-forestry-and-environmental-conservation/
A cleaner coat: S&T students launch paint sustainability startup 'MicroHues'
ROLLA, Missouri, May 26 -- Missouri University of Science and Technology posted the following news:* * *
A cleaner coat: S&T students launch paint sustainability startup 'MicroHues'
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Adrianna Sasser and Karly Butts didn't expect a class project at Missouri S&T to turn into a business. Now, the two are developing sustainable paints through their startup, MicroHues.
"MicroHues: Sustainable Micro Algae Water-based Paints" is paint that turns microalgae and cyanobacteria into bright, natural pigments that could replace acrylic paints in a more sustainable way.
Sasser is a biological sciences ... Show Full Article ROLLA, Missouri, May 26 -- Missouri University of Science and Technology posted the following news: * * * A cleaner coat: S&T students launch paint sustainability startup 'MicroHues' * Adrianna Sasser and Karly Butts didn't expect a class project at Missouri S&T to turn into a business. Now, the two are developing sustainable paints through their startup, MicroHues. "MicroHues: Sustainable Micro Algae Water-based Paints" is paint that turns microalgae and cyanobacteria into bright, natural pigments that could replace acrylic paints in a more sustainable way. Sasser is a biological sciencesalumna who graduated in May, while Butts is a biological sciences senior.
"We're both artists. Art and science go hand in hand," says Sasser. "I work with algae, and she works in freshwater ecology. Blending our expertise from those two areas works. We want to help decrease pollution in waterways, and I really want to grow algae. So, we asked: how can we do that?"
Not only did the pair win first place in S&T's Startup Challenge in December 2025 with a $4,000 prize and receive additional funding through the university's Business Accelerator Program pitch competition, they also won a cash prize from Venture Well in March to continue to develop their paints.
A blank canvas
When Sasser and Butts were classmates in a biology and innovation design course, they never expected a homework assignment to become a startup. In the class, students develop a project from concept to potential business through market research, interviews and feasibility analysis.
"We figured, why not? We're doing all this work. Why not take it somewhere?" Sasser says. "When the class first started, she wasn't sure if we were supposed to make a real business, but then making the first prototype was actually her idea."
As artists, the project is personal to them. Butts has always loved art. She says her grandmother was a great artist, and they painted together. Her grandmother passed away in January.
"She loved colors, and she loved people and the earth," Butts says. "I believe in this so much because of the ideas my grandma instilled in me. I know she would have loved something like this."
About halfway through the semester, the classmates committed to creating MicroHues and began building a network of artists, industry contacts and experts.
As they conducted interviews and customer research, they found interest from artists working in various media, including watercolor, acrylic and gouache painting.
Many people expressed concerns about the environmental impact of traditional paints, reinforcing the demand for a sustainable alternative -especially as studies estimate that paint accounts for around 35% of primary microplastics entering the ocean.
"The reception to our idea was just overwhelmingly positive," Sasser says. "We built this great network very quickly."
Painting a greener future
Both Sasser and Butts have backgrounds in art and science, which helped inspire the idea for MicroHues.
Sasser works with algae, while Butts studies freshwater ecology, so together they wanted to find a way to reduce pollution in waterways using their scientific expertise. Their interest in biodegradable materials and naturally derived pigments led them to explore whether pigments already used in food-safe dyes and vitamins could also serve as sustainable alternatives in paint products.
"We just got more and more excited the more we worked with it," Sasser says. "We started making a prototype, then it actually worked."
Sustainability is very important to Sasser and Butts, along with safety.
"Those are our biggest priorities, because we'd like to see more companies create a circular manufacturing process where waste inputs from one company are used by another, instead of ending up in the environment and leaving that responsibility to consumers," Sasser says.
Building a business
After they won first place in S&T's Startup Challenge with $4,000, Sasser and Butts knew it was a good idea to keep pushing the idea forward. They also received $1,000 through S&T's Business Accelerator Program pitch competition. Recently, they won $5,000 from Venture Well, a national grant program.
Through Venture Well, the two also went to an entrepreneurial workshop in Boston in April.
"We were trying to think outside the box with every aspect of our business as much as possible. It was awesome being kind of steeped in that environment with all the other teams doing the same," Sasser says.
Sasser attended a leadership conference in Boston about 10 years ago as a high school student, where she heard from science entrepreneurs. She found it meaningful to return to Boston years later in a similar setting.
"I had kind of given up on entrepreneurship when I started S&T, so I can't applaud that class enough for giving meaning to my daily life on campus," Sasser says. "Just having that real-life application in a class was incredible and very inspiring."
Dr. Julie Semon, associate professor of biological sciences, teaches the biological design and innovation class where MicroHues was born.
"The hands-on, real-life experiences with my students caused me to think differently about taking their learning outside of the classroom," Semon says.
Butts says thanks to Semon, the idea was able to branch outside of the classroom into a real business.
"Dr. Semon was our first big supporter. She's amazing," Butts says. "Even now, she supports us."
The two turned in another grant application to Venture Well for the second round of funds for $20,000, so they hope to receive that as well as taking on early investors to start a pilot production of their paint sets. They are currently in the research and development (R&D) process.
"We'll continue to be in R&D for a while, but we're not going to let that get in the way of trying to get pilot sets out for artists to test and give us feedback," Sasser says. "That way, we can make sure we're developing this with them, since they are going to be the ones that are going to be using this paint."
Making new connections
In May, Sasser and Butts were invited guest speakers at the monthly Rolla LOOP meeting. Sasser spoke on behalf of both founders.
The Rolla LOOP is a monthly gathering for entrepreneurs and community members to connect and collaborate. It's supported by S&T's Kummer College, and led by Dr. Rachel Kohman, assistant dean of entrepreneurship education at S&T, and Rachel Jung, S&T alumna and director of project management at Brewer Science.
Sasser spoke about MicroHues' early success and the company's environmental goals. Kohman said Sasser also made new connections during the event that could help support future business development.
"There was a LOOP guest who has connections with a bioreactor, and another LOOP attendee has connections with licensing and regulatory professionals that can assist them," Kohman says.
The next brushstroke
Even as Sasser starts her career at the Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Butts pursues veterinary school, they believe the company has strong long-term potential as they continue to work on it.
They want to start small with plans for steady growth, and hope to eventually make an impact and see MicroHues recognized as a household name in sustainable paint.
"Doing this is obviously going to be very hard, but it's something that I believe in and that I want to see succeed," Butts says. "I'm willing to do both, especially because of how microplastics affect animals and their environment. That is something I believe in."
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Original text here: https://news.mst.edu/2026/05/a-cleaner-coat-st-students-launch-paint-sustainability-startup-microhues/
$6.92M Investment Powers 30+ U of G Research Projects to Strengthen Ontario's Agri-Food Resilience
GUELPH, Ontario, May 26 -- The University of Guelph posted the following news release:* * *
$6.92M Investment Powers 30+ U of G Research Projects to Strengthen Ontario's Agri-Food Resilience
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More than 30 University of Guelph research projects are moving forward, applying the University's leading expertise to power agri-food innovation and grow economic resilience in Ontario.
The $6.92-million public investment is delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph that drives innovation and independence ... Show Full Article GUELPH, Ontario, May 26 -- The University of Guelph posted the following news release: * * * $6.92M Investment Powers 30+ U of G Research Projects to Strengthen Ontario's Agri-Food Resilience * More than 30 University of Guelph research projects are moving forward, applying the University's leading expertise to power agri-food innovation and grow economic resilience in Ontario. The $6.92-million public investment is delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph that drives innovation and independencein Ontario's agri-food sector.
The Alliance's strong, integrated platform moves made-in-Ontario innovations from the lab to the farm while training future leaders. Its enduring success reflects a shared commitment to a competitive, profitable and resilient agri-food sector, and is upheld by sustained research excellence at U of G, Canada's premier University for agriculture and forestry, and veterinary sciences.
Canada's top-ranked university for agricultural, veterinary sciences
In worldwide educational rankings released by QS earlier this year, U of G rose to fourth place (from sixth) in veterinary sciences and to 14th (from 30th) in agriculture and forestry - underscoring sustained excellence in research and student employability.
"As Canada's top-ranked university for agriculture and forestry, and veterinary sciences, the University of Guelph is proud to work alongside the province and industry partners to help strengthen Ontario's agri-food sector through research, innovation and talent development," says Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph. "Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the University continues to leverage provincial investment with additional institutional support to return practical, sector-relevant solutions that support resilience, productivity and long-term growth across Ontario's agri-food economy."
The investment is aimed at strengthening protection and risk resilience, fostering productivity and growth, and advancing environmental stewardship as part of the government's $47.5M investment over seven years.
"Today's investment will help Ontario farmers remain leaders in food production, delivering safe and high-quality local food to our communities and to markets around the world," said Trevor Jones, minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, we are ensuring farmers have access to the solutions and technologies to build a stronger, more competitive and resilient agri-food sector."
Unique spaces enabling research
Many of the awarded projects will leverage a network of agri-food research centres, which are owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and managed by U of G through the Alliance.
"ARIO is pleased to provide the research infrastructure where research projects can move from concept to real-world application," says Nevin McDougall, chair of the board for ARIO. "By supporting the facilities, partnerships and environment needed for innovation, we're helping ensure Ontario's agri-food sector remains resilient, competitive, and positioned for long-term growth."
The Alliance is committed to working with the province's agri-food sector to test new technologies, solve challenges and bring innovation to growers, processors and communities.
"Continued innovation and applied research are essential to ensuring Ontario's greenhouse vegetable sector remains globally competitive while sustainably producing fresh, local food," says Richard Lee, executive director of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. "OGVG is pleased to support several projects funded through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and deeply values the collaboration between the University of Guelph, government and industry in driving research that delivers practical solutions for growers and enhances the long-term resiliency of the sector."
Projects supported by the Alliance this year include:
* Developing prevention strategies and finding the best disinfection methods for Ontario greenhouse pepper growers dealing with severe crop losses from an unknown wilt disorder while studying how different growing materials and waste buildup may affect the issue - Dr. Thomas Graham, School of Environmental Sciences, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC)
* Partnering with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to develop restoration programs that study how food availability and temperature affect the growth and survival of young Lake Whitefish - Dr. Joey Bernhardt, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science
* Creating advanced satellite and machine-learning methods to map flooding and potential wetlands on agricultural lands - Dr. Ben DeVries College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics
* Fostering economic growth by assessing the scope and nature of interprovincial trade barriers, estimating their economic cost to Ontario's agri-food sector, and evaluating the extent to which interprovincial agreements can help reduce these barriers and boost agri-food exports to other provinces - Dr. Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, OAC
* Helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pig farming - Dr. Terri O'Sullivan and Dr. Anne Deckert, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
The full list of awarded projects is available on the Alliance website.
Applications for funding open in June
The Ontario Agri-food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through an annual, competitive process. This investment will help achieve the government's Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with our industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations.
Applications for Alliance Project Operating Funding (Tier 1) open in June.
The impact of Alliance projects reflects years of sustained effort by exceptional faculty, staff and students, and a shared commitment to research excellence, student experience and real-world impact.
"Now more than ever, it is critical that Ontario continues to leverage homegrown research to deliver real-world solutions that drive our agri-food sector," says Nolan Quinn, minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through this investment, our government is ensuring that researchers from across the province, including at the University of Guelph, can continue making groundbreaking discoveries that keep Ontario on the cutting-edge of farming and agri-food innovation."
The Alliance - reflecting collaboration among industry, academia and government - strengthens Ontario's agri-food sector today while building preparedness and prosperity for the future.
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Original text here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2026/05/6-92m-investment-powers-30-u-of-g-research-projects-to-strengthen-ontarios-agri-food-resilience/
Autistic Australians three times more likely to be homeless
BEDFORD PARK, Australia, May 26 -- Flinders University posted the following news:* * *
Autistic Australians three times more likely to be homeless
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Autistic Australians face a homelessness risk nearly three times higher than the general population, according to new Flinders University research that reveals how everyday systems are failing to recognise and support autistic needs before housing is lost.
The study, led by researchers from Flinders University's new Autism Research Initiative (ARI ) shows homelessness among autistic people is rarely about personal failure, but instead stems ... Show Full Article BEDFORD PARK, Australia, May 26 -- Flinders University posted the following news: * * * Autistic Australians three times more likely to be homeless * Autistic Australians face a homelessness risk nearly three times higher than the general population, according to new Flinders University research that reveals how everyday systems are failing to recognise and support autistic needs before housing is lost. The study, led by researchers from Flinders University's new Autism Research Initiative (ARI ) shows homelessness among autistic people is rarely about personal failure, but instead stemsfrom services, workplaces and housing systems that are difficult to navigate without tailored support.
The research coincides with the formal launch of ARI, which will serve as a global hub for autism research, promoting worldwide collaboration between academia, healthcare systems, industry, funders and autistic organisations.
Backed by an anonymous donation, ARI will drive life-changing research and develop more evidence-based approaches that will improve outcomes for autism.
Lead researcher and Clinical Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Osborn, says many autistic people are doing everything possible to stay housed, but are undermined by systems not designed for how they communicate or cope with stress.
"Autistic people are often trying extremely hard to do the right thing, but services are not built for their communication styles, sensory needs or responses to pressure," says Dr Osborn from the Col
lege of Human Sciences and Culture.
The research draws on in-depth discussions with autistic adults who had experienced homelessness or were at serious risk, capturing lived experiences often missing from policy and service design.
Participants describe how misunderstandings with employers, landlords and service providers can quickly escalate from job loss to housing instability and isolation.
Senior author Professor Robyn Young, Chair of Flinders' Autism Research Initiative and an international expert in autism, says employment is a critical pressure point.
"Losing a job often triggers a rapid chain reaction, because employment is closely tied to housing, income and access to support," says Professor Young.
Communication differences emerged as one of the strongest predictors of homelessness risk, particularly where autistic people struggle with phone calls, paperwork, interviews or advocating for their needs.
"When communication breaks down, people may be seen as uncooperative rather than overwhelmed, which can lead to eviction or disengagement from services," says Dr Osborn.
The study also identifies sensory sensitivities as a hidden driver of housing instability, with noisy, crowded or chaotic environments making it difficult to remain in jobs, rentals or temporary accommodation.
"If someone feels physically distressed just entering a service, they are far less likely to keep seeking help before a crisis hits," says Dr Osborn.
Rigid routines and difficulty coping with sudden change further increase vulnerability, particularly in an unstable rental market.
Strong family support is shown to be the most powerful protective factor, often preventing homelessness altogether.
"Families are filling major system gaps by providing housing, advocacy and practical support, and without that safety net many people fall through the cracks," says Professor Young.
Access to autism informed services, early diagnosis and appropriate support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme are also shown to significantly reduce homelessness risk.
The researchers say homelessness services rarely screen for neurodivergence, meaning autistic needs are often overlooked during crisis responses.
"Recognising autism early allows services to respond with understanding rather than exclusion," says Dr Osborn.
The study calls for targeted training across housing, employment and homelessness services, as well as more flexible, sensory aware and communication inclusive support models.
Preventing homelessness among autistic Australians, the researchers say, requires system change, not just emergency responses.
"Homelessness is not inevitable for autistic people, but it becomes far more likely when support arrives too late," says Professor Young.
The paper, ' Why Am I Homeless? The contribution of autistic characteristic, system-related and environmental factors the risk of homelessness', by Elizabeth Osborn and Robyn Young, was published in Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness (Taylor & Francis). DOI: 10.1080/10530789.2026.2662020. And read more, Funding boost for autism research initiative
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Original text here: https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2026/05/26/autistic-australians-three-times-more-likely-to-be-homeless/