AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts microbiologist Derek Lovley has made a discovery which opens a window to understanding how life began on Earth. Lovley has determined that certain kinds of microorganisms, which live several miles below ground, can use iron to metabolize their food. The findings are reported in the Sept. 3 issue of the journal Nature, and will be featured in an upcoming segment of the television show "Discover Magazine," on the Discovery Channel.

AMHERST, Mass. - Scientists at the University of Massachusetts and the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) have discovered that a critical chemical reaction previously thought to support microbial life deep below the Earth’s surface, and possibly on Mars, is in fact highly unlikely. The findings are reported in the August 14 issue of the journal Science.

AMHERST, Mass. - The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the University of Massachusetts have become linked by an agreement that enables FAO to use the University''s department of food science as a center of excellence. The agreement allows for a number of cooperative activities in the future between FAO and UMass in the areas of food science, quality, safety, and nutrition.

HADLEY, Mass. - Charlie, George, and Albert, the world''s first cloned, transgenic calves, which made headlines last January, have moooo-ved from their Franklin, Texas, birthplace, to the Hadley Farm at the University of Massachusetts. Reporters and photographers are invited to a press opportunity at the Hadley Farm, 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 31. James Robl, professor of veterinary and animal sciences, with adjunct professor Steve Stice, also of Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), will be on hand to provide an update on the calves, produced through research conducted at the University through a cooperative agreement with ACT.