DURHAM, N.H.—A multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students led by the University of New Hampshire designed and built a mini satellite, known as a CubeSat, that will launch into space to gather data in collaboration with NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. The small-but-mighty satellite is set to launch on a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California no earlier than Nov. 10, 2025 at 10:19 a.m. PST. It will head to the outer reaches of the atmosphere to study the solar wind which will help scientists in their quest to improve space weather forecasting and better protect technology in space and on Earth—such as communication networks, power grids and GPS—from potentially damaging large solar flare events. “This is an amazing opportunity...

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire will launch a new Journalism and Media Studies program next year, focused on equipping students with both the practical skills the profession demands, as well as theoretical and analytic training to navigate an evolving media landscape in thoughtful and ethical ways.  “I am thrilled that UNH will be able to offer such a strong and timely journalism curriculum,” said UNH President Elizabeth Chilton. “Interdisciplinary approaches prepare our students to tackle complex, real-world challenges, and the future of journalism relies on the creative, critical thinking that this program will foster.” The new interdisciplinary program—approved last month—will bring together courses from the English and communication departments focusing on basic reporting...

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire unveiled a new high-tech cleanroom during a ribbon cutting at UNH’s John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center. The new ISO7 cleanroom was donated by Airtho and will help strengthen UNH’s role as a leader for emerging research and innovation; contributing to the growth of advanced manufacturing in New Hampshire and the surrounding region. “From advanced manufacturing to microelectronics, New Hampshire is a hub for innovation,” said Gov. Kelly Ayotte. “Thanks to partnerships between UNH and leading companies, we’re giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these fields. I was glad to have the opportunity to tour the new ISO7 cleanroom at the Olson Center today, and I look forward to seeing how this new facility helps our state...

DURHAM, N.H.—With no end in sight for the current government shutdown, new research shines a light on how the congressional standoff could impact investors and the U.S. financial markets. Preliminary research by Daniel Bens, a professor of accounting at the University of New Hampshire reveals that insider trading spiked during the last prolonged shutdown and found much of the gain came from “opportunistic” sales — trades made by company executives or others with access to nonpublic information.  “We didn’t observe much of an impact during the first week of the shutdown, likely because insiders were unsure whether the Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement would be disrupted,” said Bens. “But once it stretched past the first week, and 94% of the SEC’s workers were furloughed,...

DURHAM, N.H.—Fall is in the air and thoughts turn to pumpkins, cider and brightly colored leaves. According to experts at the University of New Hampshire’s Extension, despite drought conditions in the Northeast there should be plenty of leaf peeping opportunities this year, it is just happening a little earlier. “The drought is still pretty widespread but luckily there are still a lot of leaves out there and as long as there is a green canopy we’ll be able to enjoy the colors of the fall foliage,” said Steve Roberge, professor of natural resources and UNH Extension forestry specialist. “The dry conditions are causing the leaves to show off their colors earlier, and in some cases may not be as bright, but I’ve driven all around the state in the last few weeks and there is still a lot of...

DURHAM, N.H.—After years in the making, instrumentation designed and built by researchers, engineers and students from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) blasted off on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket is headed toward the sun as a part of NASA’s latest scientific mission to better understand the impact of space weather, cosmic radiation and their impacts on Earth. The IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) mission will study the sun’s influence on the solar system and how it contributes to harsh space weather that can be harmful to both humans and equipment during space travel – like future expeditions to Mars. It can also cause issues with communications, GPS and other technology on Earth, including power grids. “This is an...

DURHAM, N.H.—Research from the University of New Hampshire reports that in 2024 there were 5.7 million more childless women of prime child-bearing age than expected given prior patterns—a significant jump from 2.1 million in 2016 and 4.7 million in 2022. This shift in fertility patterns has contributed to 11.8 million fewer births than expected in the past 17 years. “Childless rates increased the most among women under 30, where fertility rate declines were also greatest,” said Kenneth Johnson, professor of sociology and senior demographer at UNH’s Carsey School of Public Policy. “In 2024, there were four million more women aged 20–39 than in 2006, but 7 million fewer have given birth—that’s an increase of 45 percent.” Johnson, who authored the brief, analyzed data from the U.S. Census...

DURHAM, N.H.—Research out of the University of New Hampshire shows that communities that were easier for people to lace up and get out for a walk during the COVID-19 pandemic also helped lower the impact of mental health issues, like stress and anxiety. “The unknown of the pandemic was difficult but to be able to get outside and simply go for a walk was a salvation for many people,” said Karen Conway, professor of economics at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. “In my own family, all my adult children moved home during the pandemic and we must have gone on walks three or four times a day. It was a chance to see other people, we could wave across the street and say, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ It was definitely a mental thing more than a physical thing.” In a study recently...