Dipangkar Dutta, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, uses a plasma lightbulb for a demonstration on conducting electricity during the university’s recent Science Night at the Museums. Sponsored by MSU Museums and Galleries, the free event included museum tours and scientific demos for visitors of all ages. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
Reichert, U.S. research team achieve first precision gene editing in potential bioenergy source
A Mississippi State professor of biological sciences is part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists throughout the U.S. advancing efforts to produce alternative forms of “greener” bioenergy by modifying plant gene function. Nancy Reichert is part of the research team that for the first time has successfully demonstrated precision gene editing in miscanthus -- a crop that shows great potential as a sustainable bioenergy source. The research is now published in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts. They edited the genomes of three miscanthus species using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology -- a far more targeted and efficient method than those used in the past.
Demarais and Strickland lead cooperative effort to create chronic wasting disease video series
Mississippi State scientists have teamed with state and federal agencies and other universities to shed light on chronic wasting disease, a complicated infection that has spread through U.S. and Canadian deer populations for 60 years, through a series of animated videos. “We were inspired by the videos that scientists developed to explain how the COVID-19 viruses work,” said Bronson Strickland, St. John Family Professor of Wildlife Management and Extension wildlife specialist in the MSU Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Those videos, which use animation and narration to convey complex scientific concepts, got a lot of views and seemed like an ideal format for our message.”
Nominations open until Wednesday for University Academic Advising Awards
Guidelines and nomination forms for the 2023 University Academic Advising Awards are now available. The deadline for nominations for these awards -- Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Awards, Wes Ammon Outstanding New Staff Advisor Award and Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award -- is 5 p.m. on Wednesday [March 1]. Nominations are to be submitted in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to lstricklin@provost.mssate.edu.
MSU Online Teaching Award nominations window open through March 8
The nomination window for the 2023 Mississippi State University Online Teaching Award is open through 5 p.m. March 8. The award, now in its fifth year, acknowledges and rewards an online instructor who employs best practices to engage, inspire and support students in an online environment. The nominee shall be a faculty member, instructor or lecturer of a Campus 5 course taught in the current academic year. The winner receives a $500 award along with registration to attend an online education-related conference similar to OLC, UPCEA or USDLA. Visit www.online.msstate.edu/faculty/online-teaching-award for nomination forms and submission requirements.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
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