UA dean’s invention helps protect plants from freezing
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 10
…in 2005, Francko began work on FreezePruf, a spray that increases a plant’s tolerance to low temperatures by as much as 10 degrees…In the spring, Frankco and UA, which owns the spray as intellectual property, signed licensing contracts with two companies, one to help them get the spray to commercial growers and another to help them with the consumer market…FreezePruf is already available online at the manufacturer’s Web site liquidfence.com and Frankco said the product is selling very well there and has been received very positively by the lawn and garden community, including winning “Best in Show” at the 2009 Independent Garden Center show in Chicago last month…
Hydrogen storage gets new hope
Environmental-Expert.com – Sept. 10
…Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of Alabama researchers working within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Chemical Hydrogen Storage Center of Excellence describe a significant advance in hydrogen storage science…Los Alamos researchers have been working with University of Alabama colleagues on developing methods for the efficient recycling of ammonia borane. The research team made a breakthrough when it discovered that a specific form of dehydrogenated fuel, called polyborazylene, could be recycled with relative ease using modest energy input. This development is a significant step toward using ammonia borane as a possible energy carrier for transportation purposes. “This research represents a breakthrough in the field of hydrogen storage and has significant practical applications,” said Dr. Gene Peterson, leader of the Chemistry Division at Los Alamos. “The chemistry is new and innovative, and the research team is to be commended on this excellent achievement.”… “The predictive calculations carried out by University of Alabama professor Dave Dixon’s group were crucial in guiding the experimental work of Los Alamos postdoctoral researcher Ben Davis,” Gordon added. “The excellent synergy between these two groups clearly enabled this advance.”…
SGA to launch 348-RIDE Express
Crimson White – Sept. 10
The SGA will launch 348-RIDE Express today, a new late-night transportation service for students. This program is designed to provide infrastructure to support the current 348-RIDE program, which will in turn offer smaller wait times for 348-RIDE on and off campus, according to the SGA officials. 348-RIDE Express will have two CrimsonRide buses that make a continuous loop around campus on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 9:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m…
UA Students Can Rent Textbooks
FOX 6, Birmingham – Sept. 9
Some college students may be closer to getting a break on those very expensive textbooks. Students at the University of Alabama now have an option to rent. This year, students getting books from the University Supply Store can “rent” books for 3 classes.
Ceremony tonight to honor heroes
Crimson White – Sept. 10
A memorial service will be held tonight on the steps of Gorgas Library at 6 p.m. to recognize the sacrifices of American heroes. The ceremony is being sponsored by Capstone Conservatives, and is the first known memorial of Sept. 11 to take place on campus. UA President Robert Witt, Chief Alan J. Martin of the Tuscaloosa Fire Department and Col. Duane A. Lamb of the U.S. Air Force will all speak at the memorial, which will also include patriotic music…Remembering fallen heroes is essential, said Army ROTC Lt. Col. Jim Shaver. “It’s very important that we remember those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, in whatever mode they were participating in,” Shaver said…
Target: Traffic ‘hot spots’
Huntsville Times – Sept. 10
Citing a fatal car-truck crash in Limestone County on Interstate 65 as an example, Alabama State Troopers announced a statewide plan to control aggressive drivers of cars and 18-wheelers. Col. Chris Murphy, director of the state Department of Public Safety, said the yearlong program, with the help of the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety and a federal grant, will target “hot spots” across the state
Alabama Triathletes field No. 1 team
Crimson White – Sept. 10
…Although the Alabama Triathletes have only been an established club for five years, the team is already making a big impact on intercollegiate triathlon competition. For the past four years they have been the overall team champion and had the overall female and male champions in the Southeast Collegiate Triathlon Conference…
Women Painters on display in Ferg
Crimson White – Sept. 10
Tuscaloosa and University Women Painters are holding their annual art show’s opening reception tonight from 6 to 8 in the Ferguson Center Art Gallery. The art show will feature 12 different female artists and their work. The gallery will last until Sept. 28….