Climate change is shrinking size of many animals, University of Alabama researcher says
Birmingham News – Oct. 19
From sheep in Scotland, to the common toad, to marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands, numerous varieties of animals are shrinking in body size in an apparent response to climate change, according to a new paper co-authored by University of Alabama post-doctoral student Jennifer Sheridan. Working with David Bickford, a scientist in the department of biological sciences at the National University of Singapore, Sheridan combed research literature from all over the world and found scientists are documenting numerous examples of animals and plants getting smaller as an apparent adaptation to a changing climate. The pair’s paper is published in the current edition of the scientific journal Nature Climate Change…According to Sheridan, archeology provides evidence of shrinking creatures in other warm periods…But the current rapid pace of climate change and the different rates of adaptation across species is likely to lead to imbalances, Sheridan said. “Not every species is going to shrink at the same rate,” she said. “That upsets the relationship of predators and prey. That can be detrimental to ecosystems.” Sheridan is continuing her primary research on frog populations in Southeast Asia, but now that she is teaching at the University of Alabama, she hopes to see what, if any, effect climate change is having on frogs in Alabama.
Stilettos stomp out struggle
Crimson White – Oct. 19
Students wearing heels raced through obstacles on Colonial Drive Tuesday in an attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence. The event, called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, cost participants $10 with all proceeds going towards Turning Point of Tuscaloosa, a private, non-profit corporation that provides comprehensive quality services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault…
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 19
On Alabama campuses — sororities fighting domestic violence, aviator to speak, minority health awards
Al.com – Oct. 18
Sororities around Alabama have teamed up with Verizon Wireless to raise awareness of domestic violence. Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Chi Omega chapters will be distributing purple ribbons this week, collecting signatures for an online cause statement at www.hopeweekal.com, and gathering used phones for Verizon’s HopeLine program, which provides cell phones to women fleeing violence. Schools participating include Auburn University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama A&M, Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University and the University of Montevallo.
‘Gumbo Bowl’ to aid Alabama tornado victims
L’Observateur (LaPlace, La.) – Oct. 18
In light of the catastrophic tornados that ripped through Tuscaloosa, Ala., on April 27, 2011, chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto along with former Alabama Football All American and All Pro Miami Dolphins legend Bob Baumhower have joined together to raise money for tornado relief. The chefs have created this charitable event to assist those in communities still suffering and rebuilding from the tragic losses. On Nov. 5, 2011 – the day of the much-publicized grudge match between the highly ranked University of Alabama and Louisiana State University football teams – the chefs will kick off the first-ever LouisiBama Gumbo Bowl at the University of Alabama, next to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Immigration law: Drag on development
Fox 10 (Mobile) – Oct. 18
Alabama’s new illegal immigration law “is well-intentioned but will be costly to the state economy” according to Samuel Addy, Director and Research Economist from the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at The University of Alabama. In a research paper released Tuesday, Addy notes, “Nobody can fault the intent of Alabama’s recent immigration law, which is to deal with the illegal immigration issue. In fact the intent is truly admirable, but the law itself has serious economic costs mainly because it reduces demand in the state economy. Instead of boosting state economic growth, the law is certain to be a drag on economic development even without considering costs associated with enforcement of the law.”
Herman Cain coming to Anniston, too
Anniston Star – Oct. 19
Leading 2012 Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain will be in Anniston on Oct. 28 as part of his campaign through the state…University of Alabama political science professor emeritus Bill Stewart said “there’s no obvious answer” for why a candidate would come to Anniston, but it doesn’t hurt that Calhoun County trends Republican and is home to Republican state Sen. Del Marsh, and that Cain’s status as a black conservative candidate might appeal to certain Republican voters in Alabama. “He certainly has a different appearance than a lot of Republican presidential candidates,” Stewart said. “That might appeal to Alabama voters. Responding to an African-American candidate shows their political conservatism is not based on racial hostility, it’s based on political ideology.”
Quidditch on the Quad to return to UA campus
Al.com – Oct. 18
Back by popular demand, the real-life game of quidditch, modified from the sport in the magical realm of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” novels, will return to the University of Alabama in November. The UA Creative Campus program will host a tournament for the game on Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 on the Quad, and registration is open for students interested in forming teams until Oct. 21.
Alabama Symphonic Band to play Wednesday
Crimson White – Oct. 19
The Alabama Symphonic Band will be playing their first of four concerts of the year this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Moody concert hall; the concert is free and open to the public. The Symphonic Band is a wind ensemble, much like an orchestra with added instruments such as trumpets and the like. Each musician plays more as a soloist within a large group, like a track and field athlete in the Olympics.
UA senior appears on Wheel of Fortune
WAKA-CBS, Montgomery – Oct. 18
And a Prattville woman was on tonight’s wheel of fortune. Elaine Hunt is a senior at the University of Alabama. She started the show by answering the first toss up puzzle. She wasn’t able to make it to the final spin, but she was able to win $10,450.