MONDAY, JULY 22 – SUNDAY, JULY 28
RESEARCH
COLD-TOLERANT BUMBLE BEES FOCUS OF UA RESEARCH EFFORT – Researchers at UA will lead a genetic investigation into whether the environment influences cold tolerance in bumble bees. Watch for the news release. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA communications, at 205-348-4328 or adam.jones@ua.edu.
UA TO BEGIN OPIOID TREATMENT RESEARCH IN FOUR COUNTIES – The Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded UA a $200,000 grant to assess opioid related morbidity and mortality and develop comprehensive care models in Franklin, Marion, Winston and Walker counties, where treatment, prevention and community support options are lacking severely, according to researchers. The one-year grant will see UA researchers across multiple disciplines work with field professionals, establish telehealth infrastructure and identify gaps in education and treatment. Researchers hope to later secure a $1 million follow-up grant so they and county representatives can implement recommendations. For more information, contact David Miller, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
BEST BETS
WATCH OUT FOR THESE SUMMER BUGS – Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation, and bugs play a tremendous part in the circle of life here. That’s according to Dr. John Abbott, chief curator and director of museum research and collections for UA Museums. Abbott said most of Alabama’s more than 20,000 arthropod species – invertebrates with segmented bodies and jointed limbs such as insects and spiders – don’t cause problems for people. But, some can, and summer is the most likely time for humans and arthropods to clash. Watch for an upcoming news release. Abbott is available for media interviews after 11 a.m. July 24-25. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
RISE PROGRAM HOSTS ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – UA’s RISE Program will host its annual commencement ceremony July 25. RISE graduates will be recognized for their accomplishments as they embark on a new journey at various local elementary schools this fall. The media are invited to attend the ceremony’s dress rehearsal July 25 at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-8325 or bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
STUDENT INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING CAMP — UA’s College of Engineering is hosting the Student Introduction to Engineering, or SITE, camps through July 26. The weeklong camps will introduce rising high school juniors and seniors to the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students will engage in team exercises, tour an industrial plant and participate in a design competition. SITE Camps are open to the media. To better determine a precise date and location for interviews, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
EVENTS
RACE ROACHES, SPIT CRICKETS, EAT INSECTS AT BAMA BUG FEST – Humans and bugs — arthropods — have long had a love-hate relationship. Many children are fascinated with bugs, but the interest frequently fades and is often replaced with indifference, annoyance or even disgust. UA’s natural history museum, in partnership with the Tuscaloosa Public Library, is hoping to reignite people’s childlike wonder with bugs at the first “Bama Bug Fest,” a free event at the Warner Transportation Museum July 27 from 4-8 p.m. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FIELD TO THIN – The second round of Democratic presidential debates is scheduled July 30-31, and the result of the verbal fray will thin the record-breaking number of Democratic presidential candidates significantly before the next debate, said Dr. Regina Wagner, UA assistant professor of political science. Wagner said multiple reasons are behind the large field, including Democrats’ energization at the prospect of defeating President Trump. It’s also a battle of ideologies, with candidates vying to prove whose liberal viewpoint and accompanying strategy is the best formula. Wagner is available only for email or Skype interviews between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. July 23; 10-11a.m. July 24; and between 10-2 p.m. July 25. To arrange a Skype interview, first email her at rlwagner1@ua.edu. Her Skype name is regwag2003. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
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