Research

ocean coast wave

Townsend leading research as part of NOAA Ocean Acidification Program

Research led by University of Maine Professor of Oceanography David Townsend is part of NOAA’s newly announced Ocean Acidification Program. Townsend is working in collaboration with UMaine School of Marine Sciences researchers Larry Mayer, Aaron Strong and Damian Brady; Joe Salisbury of the University of New Hampshire; and colleagues from Friends of Casco Bay, Northeast […]

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New checklist features 270 species of native bees in Maine

The first checklist of bees in Maine, compiled using wild blueberry research records from the 1800s to present, as well as private and public collections, and citizen science observations, has documented a total of 278 species — all but eight of which are native, according to a scientific team led by University of Maine bee […]

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American beech dominating, abundance of maples declining due to climate-associated changes in northeastern forests

The composition of hardwood forests in the northeastern United States is changing significantly. In the past 30 years in forestlands in four states, climate-associated changes have increased the abundance of American beech compared to three other hardwood species commonly associated with the regional forests, according to University of Maine-led research team. The significant shift to […]

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Noblet: Consumer education key for growth of aquaculture in U.S.

Over the last several decades, aquaculture has been expanding throughout the world. Still, many Americans know very little about the industry and its progress has been sluggish. But, the tide could be changing as new research from the University of Maine indicates the industry is poised for growth through strategic outreach and consumer education. Aquaculture, […]

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The human costs of financial crises: linking market sentiment to human capital loss

Global financial crises and the severe economic hardships they impose on millions of people worldwide can sometimes lead to violent and fatal outcomes, according to a new study from the University of Maine. The research, which links periods of economic turmoil to increased rates of suicide and murder-suicide, illuminates the often overlooked and understudied loss […]

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Nayak, Beal aim to bolster seaweed, blue mussel production

Aquaculture companies in Maine are at the forefront of efforts to culture high-quality seafood products. While the industry has grown in the last five years, those seeking to further expand face serious challenges. Two awards from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will support research projects designed to overcome the challenges and increase aquaculture production. […]

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Goody finds flu ravages muscles of zebrafish with muscular dystrophy

This time of year, doctors often recommend flu shots for people who are young, old, pregnant or immunocompromised. Michelle Goody suggests adding people with muscular dystrophy to the list. After the University of Maine research assistant professor injected the flu virus into the bloodstream of zebrafish with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), damage to their muscles […]

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The Atlantic sturgeon’s sojourn

Atlantic sturgeon that summer in Maine’s Penobscot River estuary can be found in the fall and winter in waters as far away as Nova Scotia and New York City, according to a seven-year University of Maine study of the fish that is one of the planet’s living fossils. Results of the study are helping identify […]

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