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Talking Points

Lord's study may explain why wolves are forever wild, but dogs can be tamed

Dogs and wolves are genetically so similar, it’s been difficult for biologists to understand why wolves remain fiercely wild, while dogs can gladly become “man’s best friend.” Now, doctoral research by evolutionary biologist Kathryn Lord suggests the different behaviors are related to the animals’ earliest sensory experiences and the critical period of socialization. Details appear in the current issue of Ethology.
 
Until now, little was known about sensory development in wolf pups, and assumptions were usually extrapolated from what is known for dogs, Lord explains.

Anderson named dean of the College of Engineering

Tim Anderson, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida, has been named dean of the College of Engineering. His appointment is effective March 1.
 
Provost James V. Staros, who made the announcement, said, “I am delighted to welcome Professor Anderson to our campus. An elected fellow of both the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Engineering Education, he is an international leader in both engineering research and education.”
 
A member of the University of Florida faculty since 1978, Anderson also directs the Florida

Senior awarded Language Intensive Focus Track scholarship to continue Arabic studies in Jordan

Clara Wool, a senior in Commonwealth Honors College majoring in Environmental Design and Middle Eastern Studies, has been named an inaugural Language Intensive Focus Track (LIFT) scholar by the Council on International Educational Exchange, allowing her to extend her studies of Arabic in Amman, Jordan through the spring semester.
 
Last summer, Wool attended an intensive language institute in Jordan with a Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.

Jordaan, researchers conclude fishways haven't helped fish

Despite modern designs intended to allow migratory fish to pass, hydropower dams on major Northeast U.S. waterways, including the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers, have failed to let economically important species such as salmon, shad and river herring reach their spawning grounds, say a team of economists and fish ecologists including Adrian Jordaan of the Environmental Conservation Department. 
 
This raises serious questions about the impact of new dams now being planned and constructed on major waterways worldwide, say the researchers in the current issue of Conservation Letters. The

Campus, WMECo partner to reduce energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions

In partnership with Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), the campus recently completed an energy efficiency project expected to save more than $220,000 in energy costs per year and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 metric tons in 2013 and beyond.
 
To achieve this, WMECo and Physical Plant staff use a technique called “continuous commissioning” to identify low-cost operational and maintenance improvements in buildings where the original operating parameters may have changed or slipped over the years.

Campus announces flu precautions

With students heading back to Amherst for the start of classes next week, the campus is taking preventive measures to manage further outbreaks of the flu.

Dr. Alan Calhoun, director of University Health Services, in an e-mail message sent to students Monday said, “Before returning to campus, please get a flu vaccination since it can take up to two weeks for it to build up your body’s defenses. See your local healthcare provider, go to a community clinic or stop by one of the many retailers offering flu vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control website includes a vaccine finder tool at

Shabazz named faculty advisor to chancellor for diversity and excellence

Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy has appointed Amilcar Shabazz, professor of Afro-American Studies, to serve as his faculty advisor for diversity and excellence.
 
“Professor Shabazz has written and consulted extensively on issues of race and diversity,” said Subbaswamy. “We will benefit greatly from his scholarship and leadership experience on this campus and in his previous appointments, and I look forward to having his invaluable perspective on our work in this critical area.”
 
In his new role, Shabazz will serve on the Campus Leadership Council and be the chancellor’s representative to all

Chancellor looking forward to preparations for upcoming football season

Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said today he is looking forward with enthusiasm to preparations for the upcoming FBS football season.

“As the college football post-season concludes, the University of Massachusetts community is looking forward to preparing for a second season of competition in the Football Bowl Subdivision,” Subbaswamy said. “Having successfully concluded our transitional first season, the Minutemen look forward to their first bowl-eligible season at the FBS level next fall.

Institute for Global Health hosts Russian delegations

David Buchanan, director of the Institute for Global Health and professor of Community Health Education, hosted three delegations of public health students and faculty from Russia for a week each during fall semester. The visits were part of a three-year collaboration between the Institute for Global Health and Novgorod State University’s Institute of Medicine.
 
“The delegations came from Novgorod, which is the ancient capital and birthplace of Russia, founded more than 1,150 years ago,” said Buchanan.

Carbone, Puleo receive CDC funds to assess Springfield project

Elena T. Carbone, associate professor of Nutrition, and Elaine Puleo, associate dean for Research in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, have received a two-year, $189,476 grant to assess the impact of new policies implemented as part of “Live Well Springfield,” a project to expand healthy eating and physical activity in that city.
 
The grant is part of a $1,993,443 Community Transformation award from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to a coalition of community groups led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
 
The goals of the project include bringing

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