Media Availability: Maple Syrup Experts Comment on Warmer Winter Impacts and Possible Tree Sap Alternatives

DURHAM, N.H. — As maple syrup season seems to arrive and end earlier and earlier each year, producers are learning to adapt to variable weather patterns and seasonal shifts. Experts at the University of New Hampshire are available to talk about the impact climate change and milder winters are having on sap harvesting and what that might mean for the future of the industry. They can lend insight into the impact on sugaring—the need to tap trees earlier—and the possibility of producing syrup from non-maple tree species.

Research Finds Dairy Farmers Receptive to Methane-Reducing Seaweed Feed

DURHAM, N.H. — New England’s dairy industry continues to evolve in response to significant market challenges that include a decreased demand for milk and higher production and land costs. However, there is also ongoing evidence that organic dairy farming can provide environmental benefits — such as reducing methane emissions — which could further differentiate their products as well as help qualify farms for new government initiatives to reduce methane through innovative management practices.

UNH Announces 2024 Commencement Speakers

DURHAM, NH - The University of New Hampshire today announced the speakers for its commencement ceremonies this May.

“We look forward to having these successful individuals share their wisdom on the transition from college into the wider world and the value of a UNH experience,” UNH President James W. Dean, Jr. said. “It is always heartening to gather with students and their families to celebrate their academic achievements and welcome them to the Wildcat alumni association.”

Media Availability: Expert Comments on Structural Collapse of Baltimore Bridge

DURHAM, N.H.—In the aftermath of the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, authorities are trying to figure out what went wrong and how the collision of the heavily traveled structure with a container cargo ship brought it crumbling down into the Patapsco River. Video shows the massive bridge buckling and tumbling into the water in a matter of seconds. Erin Bell, chair and professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of New Hampshire, is an expert on bridge construction and points to the structure of the bridge as a possible weakness.

New Simpler and Cost-Effective Forensics Test Helps Identify Touch DNA

DURHAM, N.H. — Television dramas, like CSI and NCIS, make criminal investigations look easy. In real life, DNA testing can be challenging and requires expensive equipment, special facilities and extensive training to identify DNA from a crime scene and determine which belongs to a potential suspect and which may have been transferred from someone who was never there. Research from the University of New Hampshire has found a less expensive and easier to use test to learn more about forensic touch DNA.

Expert Comment: Princess Kate’s Questionable Photo and Health Rumors Fracture Public Trust in British Monarchy

DURHAM, N.H.—As Princess Catherine continues to recover from a mysterious stomach surgery, a badly edited photo of the future queen released on Mother’s Day has the public questioning any news, or lack of, coming from the royal palace. As speculation and rumors swirl, Nicoletta Gullace, associate professor of history at the University of New Hampshire and an expert on the royal family, is available to comment if these latest issues are just a bump in the road for the royal family or if there is reason for Britons to question their confidence in the palace and the future of the monarchy.

Media Availability: Experts Comment on Coastal Flooding Impact and Resiliency

DURHAM, N.H.—Recent major flooding and historical tide surges along the coastline of the United States have shown the significant and sometimes devastating damage that winter storms and increased sea level can cause in surrounding areas and infrastructure. The University of New Hampshire has several leading experts in coastal flooding and resiliency that can comment on a number of key topics like sea-level rise and more frequent powerful storms and their impact on infrastructure and transportation.

Researchers Evaluate Accuracy of Online Health News Using Easily Accessible AI

DURHAM, N.H. — It can be challenging to gauge the quality of online news — questioning if it is real or if it is fake. When it comes to health news and press releases about medical treatments and procedures the issue can be even more complex, especially if the story is not complete and still doesn’t necessarily fall into the category of fake news.

Media Advisory: Experts Available to Comment on Once-in-a-Lifetime Total Solar Eclipse

DURHAM, N.H.–Grab some eclipse glasses and pick a place on the map to experience a unique opportunity to view a total solar eclipse of the sun that will pass across the United States, from coast to coast, on Monday, April 8, 2024. Solar eclipses often happen over oceans or hard to access areas but this one will offer a number of chances to catch a glimpse, including in several New England states like New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The spring eclipse will be a total solar event meaning that the moon will completely block the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.