Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss How Exercise Behaviors Changed During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 14, 2021 sarah Jonas BEHAVIOR, Cognitive Function, covid, COVID-19, Depression, Exercise, Fitness, GYMS, Health, Kinesiology, lockdowns, Loneliness, Mental Health, mood, New Jersey, NJ, Pandemic, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Stress, Well-being

New Brunswick, N.J. (April 14, 2021) – Rutgers expert Brandon L. Alderman, who focuses on the science of exercise and

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Can Discuss Dearth of Snow, Windy Weather and Record Heat in March in N.J.

April 13, 2021 sarah Jonas Climate, Climatology, CoCoRaHS, February 2021, heat, Meteorology, New Jersey, New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, NJ, Northeast, Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, Rutgers, Rutgers NJ Weather Network, Rutgers University, Rutgers University Global Snow Lab, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SNOW, Snowfall, Weather, Wind, Winter

New Brunswick, N.J. (April 13, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick climatologist David A. Robinson is available for interviews on the dearth of

Research Results

Corals Carefully Organize Proteins to Form Rock-Hard Skeletons

April 8, 2021 sarah Jonas Biomineralization, biominerals, Bones, Calcium Carbonate, Charles Darwin, Climate Change, Coral, Coral Bleaching, Coral Reefs, Environment, Erosion, Evolution, fish, Fishing, Habitat, indo-pacific, Invasive Species, Marine Debris, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, Ocean Acidification, Oceans, organic, proteins, Research, Resilience, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, shorelines, stony corals, Storms, theory of evolution, Tropical Cyclones

Charles Darwin, the British naturalist who championed the theory of evolution, noted that corals form far-reaching structures, largely made of limestone, that surround tropical islands. He didn’t know how they performed this feat. Now, Rutgers scientists have shown that coral structures consist of a biomineral containing a highly organized organic mix of proteins that resembles what is in our bones. Their study, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, shows for the first time that several proteins are organized spatially – a process that’s critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Viral ‘Pandemics’ in Oceans

April 6, 2021 sarah Jonas Algae, Atmosphere, Biology, Carbon, Carbon Cycle, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Sequestration, Climate Change, COVID-19, Earth, Ecosystems, Environment, Infections, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, Oceans, Pandemic, Phytoplankton, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Viral Infections, Virus, Viruses

New Brunswick, N.J. (April 6, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick microbial oceanographer Kay D. Bidle is available for interviews on the persistent

Research Results

Overfishing of Atlantic Cod Likely Did Not Cause Genetic Changes

April 5, 2021 sarah Jonas Arctic, Atlantic cod, Atlantic Ocean, Canada, Climate, Climate Change, Conservation, DNA, Dna Sequencing, Ecosystems, Environment, Evolution, fish, Fish Stocks, Fisheries, Fishing, genetic sequencing, Genetics, Genome, Greenland, Gulf Of Maine, Massachusetts, New England, New Jersey, NJ, North Carolina, Norway, Ocean, Ocean Conservation, Oceans, Overfishing, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick

Overfishing likely did not cause the Atlantic cod, an iconic species, to evolve genetically and mature earlier, according to a study led by Rutgers University and the University of Oslo – the first of its kind – with major implications for ocean conservation.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss How to Build a Native Plant Garden

March 18, 2021 sarah Jonas Backyards, Ecology, Environment, Fertilizers, Gardens, Irrigation, Landscapes, Native Plants, Nature, New Jersey, NJ, plants, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Wildlife

New Brunswick, N.J. (March 18, 2021) – With spring on the horizon, Rutgers master gardener coordinator Angela Monaghan is available

Research Results

How to Make All Headphones Intelligent

March 11, 2021 sarah Jonas accelerometers, Electronics, Engineering, Heart Rate Monitors, Inventions, microphones, Monitors, New Jersey, NJ, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers School of Engineering, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Sensors, Tech, Technology, wearable devices, WINLAB, Wireless Information Network Laboratory

How do you turn “dumb” headphones into smart ones? Rutgers engineers have invented a cheap and easy way by transforming headphones into sensors that can be plugged into smartphones, identify their users, monitor their heart rates and perform other services. Their invention, called HeadFi, is based on a small plug-in headphone adapter that turns a regular headphone into a sensing device. Unlike smart headphones, regular headphones lack sensors. HeadFi would allow users to avoid having to buy a new pair of smart headphones with embedded sensors to enjoy sensing features.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Can Discuss Near-Record February Snow, North American Snow Cover

March 9, 2021 sarah Jonas Climate, Climate Change, Climatology, CoCoRaHS, February, Meteorology, New Jersey, New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, NJ, North America, Northern Hemisphere, Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers NJ Weather Network, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SNOW, Snow Cover, Snowfall, snowstorms, Texas, Weather, winter storms

New Brunswick, N.J. (March 9, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick climatologist David A. Robinson is available for interviews on the seventh snowiest

Expert Pitch

Higher Pollen Levels Correlated With Increased Coronavirus Infection Rates

March 9, 2021 sarah Jonas Airborne, Allergies, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Environment, Health, Immunity, lockdown, Masks, New Jersey, NJ, Pollen, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SARS-CoV-2, Science, Viruses

New Brunswick, N.J. (March 9, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick allergy specialist Leonard Bielory is available for interviews on a

Feature

Rutgers University’s Resilient, Innovative Year Confronting COVID-19

March 4, 2021 sarah Jonas Corona, Coronavirus, covid, COVID-19, Emergency Use Authorization, face shields, FDA, Health, Health Care, Johnson & Johnson, Medical, Medicine, Minorities, Minority Populations, nasopharyngeal swabs, National Institutes of Health, New Jersey, NIH, NJ, Pandemic, personal protective equipment, PPE, Public Health, Research, RU, RUCDR Infinite Biologics, Rutgers, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-Camden, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, saliva test, SARS-CoV-2, Science, swabs, U.S. Food And Drug Administration, Underserved Communities, Underserved Populations, University Hospital, Vaccination, Vaccines

The last year, which has been unlike any other in Rutgers’ 254-year history, has centered on keeping the Rutgers community safe, providing top-notch health care, developing the first saliva test for the coronavirus and helping society cope with the biggest global public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Expert Pitch

More than 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Protein 3D Structures Available

March 3, 2021 sarah Jonas Antibodies, Biology, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Crystals, DNA, Drug Discovery, Drugs, genes, Genetics, Health, MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, New Jersey, NJ, Pandemic, Pharmaceuticals, Protease, proteins, RCSB Protein Data Bank, Research, RNA, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SARS-CoV-2, Science, Structural Biology, University of California, San Diego, University of California, San Diego-San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Francisco, Vaccines, Viral, Viruses

New Brunswick, N.J. (March 3, 2021) – The 3D structures of more than 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus proteins are freely available

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Wildlife Experts Can Discuss Coyotes in New Jersey

March 2, 2021 sarah Jonas Animals, BEHAVIOR, Conservation, Ecology, Environment, Habitats, New Jersey, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, NJ, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Species, Suburban, Urban, Wildlife

New Brunswick, N.J. (March 2, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick wildlife experts Kathleen Kerwin and Chris Crosby are available for interviews

Research Results

Microplastic Sizes in Hudson-Raritan Estuary and Coastal Ocean Revealed

March 1, 2021 sarah Jonas aquatic life, Atlantic Ocean, BAYS, Coastal, Ecosystems, Environment, Estuaries, Fresh Water, Hudson River, microplastics, New Jersey, New York, NJ, Ocean, Oceans, Organic Chemicals, Passaic River, Plastic Pollution, Plastics, Pollution, Polyethylene, Polymer, Raritan River, Rivers, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Stormwater, wastewater treatment plants, water

Rutgers scientists for the first time have pinpointed the sizes of microplastics from a highly urbanized estuarine and coastal system with numerous sources of fresh water, including the Hudson River and Raritan River. Their study of tiny pieces of plastic in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary in New Jersey and New York indicates that stormwater could be an important source of the plastic pollution that plagues oceans, bays, rivers and other waters and threatens aquatic and other life.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss James Webb Space Telescope Science

February 22, 2021 sarah Jonas Astronomy, ASTROPHYSICS, Big Bang, Dwarf Galaxies, Earth, Galaxies, Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, Milky Way, New Jersey, NJ, Oxygen, Planets, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Solar system, Space, Stars, Supernovae, Telescopes, Universe

New Brunswick, N.J. (Feb. 22, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Kristen McQuinn is available for interviews on the upcoming launch of the

Research Results

Fishes Contribute Roughly 1.65 Billion Tons of Carbon in Feces and Other Matter Annually

February 17, 2021 sarah Jonas Algae, Atmosphere, California, Carbon, Carbon Cycle, Carbon Dioxide, Climate, Climate Change, Deep Sea, dissolved organic carbon, Earth, Environment, Feces, fish, global carbon cycle, global warming, Greenhouse Gases, Matter, Migration, National Science Foundation, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, Oceans, Organic Carbon, Phytoplankton, plants, Research, Respiration, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Seafood, Sequestration

Scientists have little understanding of the role fishes play in the global carbon cycle linked to climate change, but a Rutgers-led study found that carbon in feces, respiration and other excretions from fishes – roughly 1.65 billion tons annually – make up about 16 percent of the total carbon that sinks below the ocean’s upper layers.

Research Results

Bacteria and Algae Get Rides in Clouds

February 16, 2021 sarah Jonas Algae, Atlantic Ocean, Atmosphere, Bacteria, blue-green algae, Clouds, Cyanobacteria, Diatoms, Earth, Ecosystems, Environment, France, genes, Health, Lakes, microbes, Microorganisms, Mountains, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, Oceans, Rain, red algae, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, soil, Toxins, water

Human health and ecosystems could be affected by microbes including cyanobacteria and algae that hitch rides in clouds and enter soil, lakes, oceans and other environments when it rains, according to a Rutgers co-authored study.

Research Results

Important Climate Change Mystery Solved by Scientists

January 27, 2021 sarah Jonas Carbon Dioxide, Climate, Climate Change, Climate Models, core, Environment, Fossils, Global Cooling, global temperatures, global warming, Greenhouse Gases, Ice Sheets, New Jersey, NJ, Northern Hemisphere, Ocean, Oceans, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Sediments, Temperatures

Scientists have resolved a key climate change mystery, showing that the annual global temperature today is the warmest of the past 10,000 years – contrary to recent research, according to a Rutgers-led study in the journal Nature. The long-standing mystery is called the “Holocene temperature conundrum,” with some skeptics contending that climate model predictions of future warming must be wrong. The scientists say their findings will challenge long-held views on the temperature history in the Holocene era, which began about 12,000 years ago.

Research Results

Nuclear War Could Trigger Big El Niño and Decrease Seafood

January 25, 2021 sarah Jonas Algae, Black Carbon, Climate, Climate Change, earth system model, El Nino, El Nino Southern Oscillation, ENSO, Environment, Farming, Fires, fish, Fisheries, Food, India, Indian Ocean, La Nina, Marine, marine food web, New Jersey, NJ, Nuclear, nuclear war, Nutrients, Nutrition, Ocean, Oceans, Pacific Ocean, Pakistan, Photosynthesis, Phytoplankton, Protein, Research, RU, Russia, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Seafood, soot, sunlight, United States, upper atmosphere, Upwelling, War, Warming, Weather

A nuclear war could trigger an unprecedented El Niño-like warming episode in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, slashing algal populations by 40 percent and likely lowering the fish catch, according to a Rutgers-led study. The research, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, shows that turning to the oceans for food if land-based farming fails after a nuclear war is unlikely to be a successful strategy – at least in the equatorial Pacific.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Legal Expert Available to Discuss Environmental, Climate Change Priorities

January 21, 2021 sarah Jonas biden administration, Biodiversity, Black Carbon, Carbon Footprint, Climate Change, Conservation, Deforestation, Department Of Justice, Environment, Environmental Protection, Environmental Regulations, Fires, Fossil Fuels, Government, hydrofluorocarbons, International, international treaty, International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, Land Management, Law, Methane, Mining, NATO, New Jersey, Ngos, NJ, non-governmental organizations, Ocean, Oceans, Oceans, Coasts, and Coral Reefs Specialist Group, Policy, Pollution, President Biden, Regulations, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Security, soot, Sustainability, United Nations, United States, World Commission on Environmental Law

New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 21, 2021) – Rutgers University Professor Cymie R. Payne, an expert on United States and international environmental

Research Results

Greenland Melting Likely Increased by Bacteria in Sediment

January 14, 2021 sarah Jonas Bacteria, Cities, Climate Change, Climate Models, cloud cover, coastal storms, Cyanobacteria, Drones, Environment, global warming, Greenland, Greenland Ice Sheet, ice, Islands, Melting, microbes, New Jersey, NJ, Oceans, Organic Matter, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Sea-level rise, Sediment, Solar energy, Streams, sunlight

Bacteria are likely triggering greater melting on the Greenland ice sheet, possibly increasing the island’s contribution to sea-level rise, according to Rutgers scientists. That’s because the microbes cause sunlight-absorbing sediment to clump together and accumulate in the meltwater streams, according to a Rutgers-led study – the first of its kind – in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. The findings can be incorporated in climate models, leading to more accurate predictions of melting, scientists say.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Record Year for Bald Eagles in N.J.

January 13, 2021 sarah Jonas Biology, Birds, Coastal, Coasts, Conservation, Ecology, Endangered Species, Environment, Extinction, Mid-Atlantic, Nesting, New Jersey, NJ, North America, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Waterways

New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 13, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick ecologist Michael C. Allen is available for interviews on the record

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss Addressing Climate Change, Environmental Protection in 2021

January 12, 2021 sarah Jonas 2015 Paris Agreement, Adaptation, biden administration, Carbon, Climate, climate adaptation, Climate Change, Climate Crisis, Democracy, Emissions, Environment, EPA, Greenhouse Gas, Joe Biden, Mitigation, New Jersey, NJ, paris agreement, President-elect Joe Biden, Reform, Regulations, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, social cost of carbon, Stimulus, Sustainability, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, White House

New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 12, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick professors Robert E. Kopp and Pamela McElwee are available for interviews on how President-elect Joe

Research Results

Big Differences in How Coral Reef Fish Larvae are Dispersed

January 11, 2021 sarah Jonas Adaptation, Biology, Climate Change, Clownfish, Conservation, Coral, Coral Reefs, Corals, Currents, Dispersal, Ecology, Environment, Evolution, Extinction, genetic, Habitats, Larvae, Monsoons, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, Oceans, Philippines, Reef Fish, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Species, Waves, Winds

How the larvae of colorful clownfish that live among coral reefs in the Philippines are dispersed varies widely, depending on the year and seasons – a Rutgers-led finding that could help scientists improve conservation of species. Right after most coral reef fish hatch, they join a swirling sea of plankton as tiny, transparent larvae. Then currents, winds and waves disperse them, frequently to different reefs.

Research Results

3D-Printed Smart Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Light

January 5, 2021 sarah Jonas 3d printing, Camouflage, Cells, Colors, Communication, Displays, electronic displays, Electronics, Engineering, Hydrogel, Light, Materials, New Jersey, NJ, Octopus, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Shapes, skin, soft robotics, Tech, Technology

Inspired by the color-changing skin of cuttlefish, octopuses and squids, Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape when exposed to light, becomes “artificial muscle” and may lead to new military camouflage, soft robotics and flexible displays. The engineers also developed a 3D-printed stretchy material that can reveal colors when light changes, according to their study in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Research Results

COVID-19 Pandemic had Big Impact on Commercial Fishing in Northeast

December 17, 2020 sarah Jonas Adaptation, Asian, Commercial Fishing, Consumers, COVID-19, Environment, European, Exports, fish, Fish Stocks, Fisheries, Fishermen, Fishing, Food, Mental Health, New Jersey, NJ, Northeast, Ocean, Oceans, Oil Spills, outdoor dining, Pandemic, Restaurants, Retailers, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Scallops, Seafood, Squid, Well-being

With restaurants and supply chains disrupted due to the global coronavirus pandemic, two-fifths of commercial fishermen surveyed from Maine through North Carolina did not go fishing earlier this year, according to a Rutgers study that also documented their resilience and adaptation. Of those who kept fishing, nearly all reported a decline in income compared with previous years, according to the survey of 258 fishers in the Northeast published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Experts Can Discuss Expected Snowstorm in N.J.

December 15, 2020 sarah Jonas New Jersey, New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, New Jersey State Climatologist, NJ, Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers NJ Weather Network, Rutgers University, Rutgers University Global Snow Lab, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SNOW, Snowfall, snowstorms, Storms, Weather, Winter, Winter Weather

New Brunswick, N.J. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick meteorologist Steve Decker and climatologist David A. Robinson are available for interviews

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Can Discuss Colorful Household Plants for Holiday Season and Year-Round

December 14, 2020 sarah Jonas Holiday Season, Holidays, Horticulture, Households, Indoor Air Quality, Indoors, Landscapes, Native Plants, New Jersey, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, NJ, plants, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, N.J. (Dec. 14, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick horticultural expert Bruce Crawford is available for interviews on colorful

Research Results

Planning Ahead Protects Fish and Fisheries

December 11, 2020 sarah Jonas Canada, Climate Change, Conservation, East Carolina University, Environment, fish, Fisheries, Fishing, global warming, Marine Life, marine species, National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey, NJ, NOAA, North America, Ocean, Oceans, offshore wind, Planning, Recreation, Renewable Energy, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Seafood, Shipping, Stanford University, Sustainability, United States, wave energy

Conservation of fish and other marine life migrating from warming ocean waters will be more effective and also protect commercial fisheries if plans are made now to cope with climate change, according to a Rutgers-led study in the journal Science Advances.

Research Results

Best Region For Life on Mars Was Far Below Surface

December 2, 2020 sarah Jonas Atmosphere, Canadian Arctic, Carbon Dioxide, Chemical, Climate, Climate Models, Earth, Energy, Environment, Geothermal, Greenhouse Gases, Helium, Hydrogen, Ice Sheets, life, life on mars, Louisiana State University, Magnetic Field, MARS, Melting, Mercury, Minerals, NASA, New Jersey, NJ, Nuclear Fusion, Planets, Potassium, Radioactive Decay, Red Planet, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Solar system, Spacecraft, SUN, Uranium, Venus, water, Water Vapor, West Antarctic Ice Sheet

The most habitable region for life on Mars would have been up to several miles below its surface, likely due to subsurface melting of thick ice sheets fueled by geothermal heat, a Rutgers-led study concludes. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, may help resolve what’s known as the faint young sun paradox – a lingering key question in Mars science.

Announcement

Four Rutgers Professors Named AAAS Fellows

November 24, 2020 sarah Jonas Aaas, Aerosols, American Association For The Advancement Of Science, BIOCHEMISTRY, Biology, Cancer, Computers, Computing, Data Analysis, GIs, Health, Indoor Air Pollution, Indoor Air Quality, Medicine, Mobile Computing, Molecular Biology, Occupational Health, Organs, Ozone, Pollutants, Pollution, Public Health, RBHS, Research, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Technology

Four Rutgers professors have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), an honor given to AAAS members by their peers. They join 485 other new AAAS fellows as a result of their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. A virtual induction ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2021.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Science and Benefits of Handwashing in COVID-19 Era

November 23, 2020 sarah Jonas Bacteria, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Disease, Germs, Hand Sanitizer, Hand Washing, Hands, Handwashing, Health, Illness, microbes, Microbiology, New Jersey, NJ, Pandemic, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, SARS-CoV-2, Science, soap, water

New Brunswick, N.J. (Nov. 23, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Donald W. Schaffner, a food microbiologist who has also studied handwashing for more

Research Results

Gut Microbiome Manipulation Could Result from Virus Discovery

November 18, 2020 sarah Jonas Bacteria, BIOCHEMISTRY, Biology, Cells, Contamination, Energy, Environment, Enzymes, Evolution, Fuels, genes, Genetics, GUT, gut microbiome, Health, Medicine, microbes, Microbiome, Molecular Biology, New Jersey, NJ, Nutrients, Pollution, Research, RNA, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Synthetic Biology, Virus, Waksman Institute of Microbiology

Scientists have discovered how a common virus in the human gut infects and takes over bacterial cells – a finding that could be used to control the composition of the gut microbiome, which is important for human health. The Rutgers co-authored research, which could aid efforts to engineer beneficial bacteria that produce medicines and fuels and clean up pollutants, is published in the journal Nature.

Research Results

Genetic Code Evolution and Darwin’s Evolution Theory Should Consider DNA an ‘Energy Code’

November 16, 2020 sarah Jonas Biology, DNA, Earth, Energy, Evolution, genes, Genetic Code, Genetics, Genome, Health, Human Genome, life, Medicine, Natural Selection, New Jersey, NJ, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Species, Therapeutics

Darwin’s theory of evolution should be expanded to include consideration of a DNA stability “energy code” – so-called “molecular Darwinism” – to further account for the long-term survival of species’ characteristics on Earth, according to Rutgers scientists. The iconic genetic code can be viewed as an “energy code” that evolved by following the laws of thermodynamics (flow of energy), causing its evolution to culminate in a nearly singular code for all living species, according to the Rutgers co-authored study in the journal Quarterly Review of Biophysics.

Research Results

Atmospheric Rivers Help Create Massive Holes in Antarctic Sea Ice

November 11, 2020 sarah Jonas Algae, Antarctica, Atmosphere, atmospheric rivers, Climate Change, Coastal Communities, coastal storms, Ecology, Environment, Flooding, heat, marine food web, New Jersey, NJ, Ocean, ocean circulation, Oceans, Phytoplankton, Polar, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Sea Ice, Sea-level rise, South America, Southern Ocean, Spring, Water Vapor, Winter

Warm, moist rivers of air in Antarctica play a key role in creating massive holes in sea ice in the Weddell Sea and may influence ocean conditions around the vast continent as well as climate change, according to Rutgers co-authored research. Scientists studied the role of long, intense plumes of warm, moist air – known as atmospheric rivers – in creating enormous openings in sea ice. They focused on the Weddell Sea region of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, where these sea ice holes (called polynyas) infrequently develop during the winter.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Record November Heat in New Jersey

November 10, 2020 sarah Jonas Climate, Climatology, Environment, New Brunswick, New Jersey, New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, Rutgers, Rutgers NJ Weather Network, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Weather

New Brunswick, N.J. (Nov. 10, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick climatologist David A. Robinson is available for interviews on the recent record heat

Research Results

Marine Fisheries Will Not Offset Farm Losses after Nuclear War

November 9, 2020 sarah Jonas Agriculture, Climate, Climate Change, Cooling, Farming, Fish Stocks, fisheries management, Fishing, Food, Food Prices, Food Security, India, Infrastructure, LAND, marine fisheries, New Jersey, NJ, nuclear war, nuclear winter, Nutrients, Overfishing, Pakistan, Protein, RU, Russia, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Trade, United States

After a nuclear war, wild-catch marine fisheries will not offset the loss of food grown on land, especially if widespread overfishing continues, according to a Rutgers co-authored study. But effective pre-war fisheries management would greatly boost the oceans’ potential contribution of protein and nutrients during a global food emergency, according to the study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study for the first time explored the effects of nuclear war on wild-catch marine fisheries.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Stress Reduction Benefits of Exercise and Being Outdoors Following Election

November 6, 2020 sarah Jonas 2020 Election, Anxiety, BEHAVIOR, COVID-19, Election, Environment, Exercise, Gardening, Green Space, Health, mood, Nature, New Jersey, NJ, Pandemic, Parks, Physical Activity, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, self-care, Stress, Stress Management, Walking

New Brunswick, N.J. (Nov. 6, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Brandon L. Alderman is available for interviews on how

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Record Snow Cover in October 2020

November 5, 2020 sarah Jonas Climate, Climate Change, Climatology, Environment, Eurasia, New Jersey, New Jersey State Climatologist, NJ, North America, Northern Hemisphere, Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, SNOW, Snow Cover, Weather

Media contact: Todd Bates, [email protected], 848-932-0550. New Brunswick, N.J. (Nov. 5, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick climatologist David A. Robinson

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss Paris Climate Agreement Following 2020 Election

November 4, 2020 sarah Jonas 2015 Paris Agreement, 2015 Paris Climate Conference, 2020 Election, Carbon Dioxide, carbon dioxide emissions, Climate, Climate Change, Climate Science, Environment, global warming, Greenhouse Gases, Joe Biden, New Jersey, NJ, paris accord, paris agreement, Paris Climate Accord, Paris Climate Agreement, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Trump Administration, United Nations, United States

New Brunswick, N.J. (Nov. 4, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick professors Robert E. Kopp and Pamela McElwee are available for interviews on the Paris climate

Announcement

Francine Conway Brings Experience, Expertise to Role of Rutgers-New Brunswick Provost

October 30, 2020 sarah Jonas Provost, Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Francine Conway, a child psychologist and the first Black dean of Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s Graduate School of Applied Psychology who helped expand student enrollment and double federal grant revenue, has been named provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Habitats, Living on Moon’s Surface

October 27, 2020 sarah Jonas Engineering, extreme environments, Habitats, ice, moon, New Jersey, NJ, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers School of Engineering, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Space, water

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 27, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Haym Benaroya is available for interviews on placing habitats for long-term living

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss N.J.’s Vulnerability Eight Years after Sandy

October 27, 2020 sarah Jonas Climate Change, coastal storms, Environment, Flooding, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricanes, Planning, Resilience, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Superstorm Sandy, Tropical Storm Fay, Tropical Storm Isaias, Weather

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 27, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick experts are available to discuss the busy 2020 Atlantic hurricane season

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Risk Perception in COVID-19 Era

October 26, 2020 sarah Jonas Agriculture, air, Anxiety, Cloning, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Environment, Exercise, fear, flu, Food, Food Safety, GMO, Gulf War Syndrome, Hazardous Waste, Health, Influenza, Lyme Disease, meat, nanotechnology, National Academy Of Sciences, New Jersey, NJ, Poultry, power lines, Psychology, Public Health, risk, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Safety, Science, Seafood, Technology, Vaccines, water

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 26, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor William Hallman is available for interviews on the science of

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Coronavirus Risk from Surfaces, Groceries, Food, Airborne Exposures

October 26, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosols, Airborne, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Droplets, Environment, face coverings, Food, Food Science, Groceries, Hand Sanitizers, Handwashing, Health, Indoors, Masks, New Jersey, NJ, Packaging, Pandemic, risk, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Sanitizers, SARS-CoV-2, Science, Virus

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 26, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Donald W. Schaffner is available for interviews on the likelihood of getting infected by

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Vietnam’s Vulnerability to Floods

October 23, 2020 sarah Jonas Adaptation, Climate, Climate Change, Environment, Flood, Flooding, Floods, Hurricanes, Meteorology, New Jersey, NJ, Rain, Rainfall, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Vietnam, Vulnerability, Weather

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 23, 2020) – Rutgers Professor Pamela McElwee, an expert on Vietnam environmental issues, is available for interviews on the

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Bat Researcher Can Discuss Iconic Halloween Animals

October 20, 2020 sarah Jonas Animals, bats, Ecology, Ecosystems, Environment, Forests, Halloween, Landscapes, New Jersey, NJ, Research, Rutgers, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Snakes, Wildlife

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 20, 2020) – Evan Drake, a bat researcher and doctoral student at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, is

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Astronomer Receives Packard Fellowship for Innovative Young Scientists

October 15, 2020 sarah Jonas American Astronomical Society, Astronomy, ASTROPHYSICS, dust, Galaxies, Gas, New Jersey, NJ, Nobel Prize, Physics, Planets, Research, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, Stars, Universe, University of Wisconsin-Madison

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 15, 2020) – Blakesley Burkhart’s childhood days spent volunteering at a science museum and watching the

Research Results

Most Nations Failing to Protect Nature in COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Plans

October 9, 2020 sarah Jonas Agriculture, Australia, Biodiversity, Brazil, China, Climate Change, Conservation, COVID-19, Economy, Ecosystems, Enforcement, Environment, European Union, Extinction, Farming, fiscal policy, Forests, Fossil Fuels, India, Infrastructure, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, natural areas, Nature, New Jersey, New Zealand, NJ, Overfishing, Pakistan, Pandemic, Regulations, Resilience, RU, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Science, species loss, Subsidies, United Nations, United States, wildlife markets

The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to reset the global economy and reverse decades of ecosystem and species losses, but most countries are failing to invest in nature-related economic reforms or investments, according to a Rutgers-led paper.

Expert Pitch

Rutgers Expert Can Discuss How to Avoid Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

October 7, 2020 sarah Jonas Accidents, Animals, Deer, Drivers, Driving, Ecology, Environment, Highways, New Jersey, NJ, Roads, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, VEHICLES, Wildlife

New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 7, 2020) – With deer breeding season underway, Kathleen Kerwin, a wildlife expert at Rutgers University–New

Research Results

Plant-Based Spray Could be Used in N95 Masks and Energy Devices

October 7, 2020 sarah Jonas 3D, Binghamton University, Cell Phone, Cellulose, Coronavirus, covid, COVID-19, Electricity, Energy, energy harvesting, Engineering, Forests, GOLD, gold nanoparticles, LED, Lungs, N95 masks, Nanoparticles, Nanowires, New Jersey, NJ, Optical, Organs, personal protective equipment, Physics, plants, Plastics, PPE, Rutgers, Rutgers University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Sensors, spray technology

Engineers have invented a way to spray extremely thin wires made of a plant-based material that could be used in N95 mask filters, devices that harvest energy for electricity, and potentially the creation of human organs. The method involves spraying methylcellulose, a renewable plastic material derived from plant cellulose, on 3D-printed and other objects ranging from electronics to plants, according to a Rutgers-led study in the journal Materials Horizons.

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