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What's Happening |
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HUNGRY PLANET: WHAT THE WORLD EATS
The grocery lists and dining tables of people around the globe are featured in this provocative exhibit based on the national best selling book by Peter Menzel and Faith D’Alusio. Hungry Planet combines mesmerizing photos with hands-on displays that explore issues of food in the 21st century — what people eat and where it comes from, as well as how different cultures approach the growing and processing of food. For more information on the Hungry Planet exhibit click here.
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CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE: FOOD SAFETY AND FOOD DEFENSE
What's really in the food on your plate and where did it come from? Examine food's role in public safety with Koel Ghosh, a research fellow at the Food Industry Center in the University's Department of Applied Economics who studies food safety, food health and food defense. From accidental contamination to deliberate food terrorism, we'll look at ways food impacts our health and safety.
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TRACKING THE SPREAD OF INSECT PESTS WITH DNA BARCODING
Bell Museum curator of vascular plants George Weiblen and colleagues have found a faster way to study the spread and diet of insect pests. Using a technique called DNA barcoding, which involves the identification of species from a short DNA sequence, Weiblen and an international team of researchers studied populations of moth and butterfly species across Papua New Guinea. DNA barcodes showed that migratory patterns and caterpillar diets are very dynamic. In one case, a tiny moth that is distributed from Taiwan to Australia, has recently crossed thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean. Weiblen says that DNA barcoding can play an important role in studying the arrival of invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer, a species recently introduced from Asia. "We need to understand the genetic history of invasion in order to combat the pests that threaten trees and crops," Weiblen says. "DNA barcoding can pinpoint the geographic source of an invading species and measure the distances over which pest species can travel." View the full press release. |
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FROM HYBRID CORN TO HONEYCRISP: University Agricultural Success Stories
For more than 100 years, the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station has improved food and food production in Minnesota and around the world. University agronomists and horticulturalists are testing new plant varieties for hardiness, disease resistance and other qualities. And University livestock researchers lead the world in the discovery of reproductive technologies and improvements in food-animal health and nutrition. Since 1978, David Hansen has documented experiment station success stories through his vivid and award-winning photography.
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SCIENCE DISCOVERY DAY CAMPS
From a baby animal's first steps to the science of decomposing bodies, the Bell Museum's Science Discovery Day Camps engage kids in science with cool subjects and unforgettable experiences. Campers meet University scientists and take field trips to kid-friendly learning centers like animal hospitals, bee labs and The Raptor Center. These week-long, competitively priced camps are conveniently located with flexible pick-up and drop-off times for working parents. Camps begin June 14 and start at $230 a week per child.
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MEAT AND DAIRY
Learn about the world of meat and dairy production with Department of Animal Science professors Noah Litherland and Ryan Cox. They'll discuss the history, ethics and production of animal products around the world.
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SUSTAINABLE FARMING PANEL
Why is sustainability important for land and for people? What is being done in Minnesota to help reduce environmental degradation? Why should we care? Join Jim Riddle, organic farmer and an organic agriculture coordinator for the University plus other local farmers as they share their stories of farming using organic and sustainable practices. They'll tell us about the challenges and opportunities ahead..
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TOUR THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S DAIRY BARNS
Follow milk's journey from cow to carton on a tour you won't forget. Meet the cows and calves of the University's dairy herd on a tour with members of the University's Animal Science Graduate Student Club. Visit the milking parlor, explore state of the art equipment, learn what dairy cows are fed and how they're cared for. Tours also will be offered Saturday, March 27; and Saturday, April 24.
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MY LIFE IN NATURAL HISTORY
The life and times of one of Minnesota's most legendary naturalists
is the subject of "My Life in Natural History by Walter J.
Breckenridge," just published by the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History. The 178-page book also features 44 pages
of color plates of his paintings—many of which became limited edition
prints. Known for his paintings of birds and wildlife settings, Breckenridge also is widely recognized for pioneering
the craft of wildlife filmmaking—many done in passionate response to human pressures facing animals
and their ecosystems. His scientific work and environmental
advocacy led to the establishment of parks, wetlands and wildlife areas including Nerstrand Woods State Park,
the Springbrook Nature Center and the university's Cedar Creek Natural History Area.
The book is available for $29.95 plus tax and shipping. Call 612-626-9660 to order your copy. |
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H1N1INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Click here for H1N1 policy and procedures for children enrollment in Bell Museum programs. |