OSU researchers link thousands of deaths to the aftermath of wildfires (KGW)

 This year’s wildfire season is expected to be just as bad as we saw in the summer of 2024, which will mean very smoky skies and poor air quality. According to new research from Oregon State University, poor air quality has been leading to more deaths across the country.
 

The National Science Foundation canceled our grant because it focused on women (Ms Magazine)

A piece co-written by OSU's Susan Shaw and Nithya Rajan.
 

A toxic pit could be a gold mine for rare-earth elements (New York Times)

Researchers at Oregon State University estimate the brine from desalination plants alone contains metals valued at about $2.2 trillion. (for a PDF of this article, email [email protected])
 

Teaching (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

Many professors wonder whether it’s possible to teach students to use AI constructively and meaningfully, particularly when it comes to building foundational skills. So a recent white paper caught my eye because it offers both a strategy and a caution. “A New Muse: How Guided AI Use Impacts Creativity in Online Creative Writing Courses,” by J.T. Bushnell and Wayne Harrison, who teach in the School of Writing, Literature & Film at Oregon State University, describes a small experiment they did in 2024.
 

Hydrangeas need proper watering, and avoiding one common garden mistake will help them grow (Irish Star)

However, Heather Stoven from Oregon State University has issued a caution to those tending these plants: the secret to a bounty of hydrangea blossoms lies in ample watering and steering clear of typical gardening tasks.

With the future of federal funding in doubt, an Oregon facility takes its first step in robotics (OPB News)

“When a robot is standing still, it can balance much better than a person does,” Jonathan Hurst, Agility Robotics co-founder and Oregon State University robotics professor, explained.
 

Researchers issue urgent warning after witnessing disturbing behavioral shift in ocean species: 'It's really just horrific' (The Cool Down)

"All the signs are indicating there has been a pretty intensive change in the Arctic," said Josh Stewart, an ecologist in Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute in Newport. 
 

New research forest in Portland means miles of new public trails (Axios)

Oregon State University has acquired a massive tract of land near Forest Park that will become the school's newest research forest and, eventually, the home to dozens of miles of new public trails. (see also OPB, Oregonian)

Electricity-conducting bacteria could help advance environmental cleanup (Discover Magazine)

A novel "electricity-conducting organism” could spark medical and environmental innovations, says researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Antwerp, Delft University of Technology, and the University of Vienna.

How cormorants are helping us understand coastal oceans in Oregon and around the world (Think Out Loud)

But for more than a decade now, researchers at Oregon State University have been using these diving creatures to better understand oceans in Oregon and around the world. By strapping sensors to birds, researchers are able to chart and understand data around underwater terrains, temperatures and more. 
 

Scientists have just discovered a new type of electricity-conducting bacteria (Wired)

The recently discovered species may provide new insights into how cable bacteria evolved and how they can function in diverse environments, Cheng Li, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University and coauthor of the research, explained in a statement.
 

Stronger flood standards coming for new hospitals, schools and apartments (E&E News)

“This is transformative,” said Oregon State University engineering professor Daniel Cox, who led an expert panel that wrote and proposed the new flood standards. “It’s going to change how we mitigate floods in the U.S.”
 

Oregon State University confirms tunnel systems can extend the state's strawberry season (Fresh Fruit Portal)

Oregon State University researchers report that studies conducted at the university have confirmed plastic tunnel systems can significantly extend the growing season and boost the percentage of marketable yields for Oregon strawberries.
 

OSU-Cascades to honor Mark Kralj posthumously with special recognition at Commencement (Source Weekly)

Oregon State University – Cascades will posthumously honor Mark Kralj, a former member of the OSU-Cascades Advocacy and Advisory Board, during its 24th annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 15.

Volcanic eruption in deep ocean ridge is witnessed by scientists for the first time (New York Times)

Before this latest sighting, only two underwater eruptions had been caught in action, and neither was along a mid-ocean ridge, said Bill Chadwick, a volcanologist at Oregon State University who was not on the research team.
 

How to store potatoes, according to food experts (Good Housekeeping)

Rotten or moldy potatoes should be tossed out ASAP, advises community-based educational program Oregon State University (OSU) extension service, as these “may spread spoilage or disease microorganisms to other potatoes.” Potatoes showing excessive greening should also be tossed, according to OSU extension, as they may contain high levels of toxins like solanine.
 

President Trump has taken measures to bring back timber jobs. Will they work? (WBAA)

More logs from public lands will help existing timber mills, says Mindy Crandall, a forest policy professor at Oregon State University. But she says it will take more than just logs to revive the industry. Opening new mills or even reopening a closed one is costly.
 

Oregon wildfire season could be complicated by federal cuts (Axios)

What they're saying: John Bailey, a professor specializing in fire ecology at Oregon State University, said whether federal resources will be available when we need them remains an open question.

Washington Way Multi-Use Path closed, SW 17-26th St: As part of the Washington Way Improvement project, the Washington Way multi-use path on the south side of Washington Way will be closed starting Wednesday, April 30 through Saturday, May 31. The mid-block crossing at Goss Stadium will remain open. SW May Way will be closed to vehicle traffic, with the exception of delivery vehicles. April 30-May 31. Other possible impacts include noise, dust and mud near the work area.

Owens Hall restrooms: The restrooms in Owen Hall will be shut down and closed in the entire building beginning May 16 through May 20, due to removal of lavatories and faucets while the contractor refurbishes the countertops. During this time, please use restrooms in adjacent buildings. 

Dixon: Due to construction and roofing work happening at Dixon Recreation Center, the ADA accessible path that runs along the north and east sides of Dixon will be closed starting on Monday, March 24. This will be a long-term closure which is scheduled to end on Friday, Oct. 10. Bike parking on the east side of Dixon will be closed for the duration of this project. All bikes must be removed from the bike racks before Monday, March 24. Any remaining bikes will be removed by the OSU Department of Public Safety. The east entrance to Dixon Rec Center will be closed.

Use extra caution & avoid construction zones on Washington Way: Infrastructure along SW Washington Way is currently undergoing improvements and the area around SW Washington Way and SW 17th St. is an active construction site. For your safety, please detour around work zones (marked with barriers). We recommend allowing more time to travel around campus as this project continues. For more information about construction work on SW Washington Way and the current closure schedule, click here. If you require accommodations or assistance crossing the SW Washington Way construction zone, please contact [email protected].