Story Archive

Research Brief

Minnesota’s invasive tansy spread impacted by land use

A genomic study by U of M researchers sheds light on how common tansy has spread through the state.

Research Brief

Scientists identify conservation areas to prevent extinction for thousands of species

A coalition of conservationists and researchers have shown how we can prevent the most likely and imminent species extinctions by saving a tiny percentage of the planet’s surface.

Research Brief

Breakthrough on tar spot pathogen enables field research

University of Minnesota researchers developed and reported processes for the first time to infect corn plants in the field with the corn tar spot pathogen, a relatively new disease threatening corn production across the United States.

News Release

University of Minnesota publishes Climate Resilience Plan

The University of Minnesota recently published its first Twin Cities campus Climate Resilience Plan — the only one of its kind in the Big Ten.

Research Brief

Lichen partnerships challenged by changes in the Northwoods

Biologists at the University of Minnesota have found that lichen symbioses are more complex than previously understood.

Beating the buckthorn blues

Mike Schuster and fellow researchers have opened up new avenues for controlling the invasive shrub.

On the water front: invasive lake species

Researchers like Gretchen Hansen are out to foil the spread of spiny water fleas and zebra mussels.

Grounding the flying fish: stopping invasive carp

Peter Sorensen and his team showed that a strategically placed wall of vibrating bubbles can shield Minnesota from these ruinous fish.

Taking a stand for trees: rebuffing the emerald ash borer

In Robert Blanchette’s lab, treatments to kill the emerald ash borer are in development.

News Release

U of M System ranks fifth in US in sustainability impact

THE Impact Rankings compare universities across the globe for their efforts with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, the U of M System placed in the top 10% worldwide.

Feature

Ready, set, go!

From a revolutionary new paper-drying technique to a new take on cancer therapy, the “3-minute thesis” competition offers a glimpse into outstanding graduate student research.

Feature

The chicken and the egg

Myah Walker spent years working in commercial egg production and now serves with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

News Release

New tool provides highly localized climate projections for Minnesota communities

A new interactive online tool, MN CliMAT, provides highly localized climate projections across Minnesota — down to the 2.5-mile scale.

Feature

Wild times

Alumnus Olivia LeDee and the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center are helping fish and wildlife adapt to the changing climate.

Expert Alert

Warm winter complications for Minnesota fish

The 2024 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener is approaching fast. While anglers are excited to kick off the summer fishing season, the unseasonably warm winter may have had an impact on fish in waterways across the state.

Research Brief

Scientists use ‘leaf glow’ to understand changing climate

Remotely-detected glow reveals northern ecosystem changes.

Expert Alert

How will warmer winters impact our roads?

Manik Barman discusses how warmer winter weather will affect Minnesota road conditions.

News Release

UMN offers first-of-its-kind, graduate-level certificate in sustainability leadership

An innovative certificate in Sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership — the University's first graduate-level program in this specialty — will address a growing need for professionals with the skills to navigate today’s climate, environmental and social justice challenges.

Research Brief

Extremely slow evolution in ‘living fossils’ could inform human health

The remarkably slow evolution of gars, freshwater fish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers as well as North and Central America, could provide new insights for modern human health.

Research Brief

A crown rust fungus could help manage two highly invasive plants in Minnesota

Though some crown rust fungi are known to cause widespread damage to oat and barley crops, new research from the University of Minnesota suggests a close relative of these major pathogens could actually be a valuable asset in managing two highly invasive wetland plants in Minnesota.