K-Staters in the news — October 2015
The top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file with all of this month's news stories.
Friday, Oct. 30, 2015
$4.2M grant to be used to study climate change
10/29/15 The San Francisco Gate
Also participating are researchers from Ball State University, Drexel University, Kansas State University, the National University of Mongolia, Rutgers University, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the University of Nevada Reno and Wayne State College.
*Baby Fever: Men Get It Too!
10/29/15 Parents
Husband and wife researcher team Gary and Sandra Brase from Kansas State University ventured to explain the incessant need to procreate after they themselves welcomed a second child. Their study looked at three possible theories.
Times are changing for women in agriculture
10/29/15 Kansas City Star
Although some women hope to return to the family business with college degrees, many are finding successful careers stretching beyond traditional farming roles, said Don Boggs, associate dean at the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015
Inner-City Farmers May Have Toxic Soil on Their Hands
10/27/15 The Smithsonian
“The risk due to food grown in contaminated soil is very, very small,” says Ganga Hettiarachchi, an associate professor of soil and environmental chemistry at Kansas State University. For six years, she tested soil samples and food harvested from gardens in seven American cities, looking for the presence of contaminants. In many sites she found varying amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil.
* Kansas State University Researchers Studying Ways To Combat Deadly Swine Virus
10/29/15 Farms.com
Kansas State University is flexing its research muscle in swine nutrition and grain science in hopes of taking out a deadly virus that is said to have a 100 percent mortality rate in piglets less than 7 days old.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
*TechAccel Honored with National Award for Most Promising Technology Based Economic Development Initiative
10/27/15 Bloomberg
TechAccel was founded in 2014 by Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., Kansas State Universityand Bicknell Family Holding Company.
AEP Names Joel Gebbie to Lead Cook Nuclear Plant
10/27/15 Reuters
Lies has a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University.
K-State researchers working to stop deadly swine virus
10/27/15 The Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University researchers are studying swine nutrition and grain science in an attempt to stop a virus blamed for the death of 8 million pigs in 2014.
Food Recovery Challenge reduces waste and helps feed the hungry
10-23-15 Health Happenings
Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of several organizations, specifically Kansas State University and the grocery chain Dillons, 2013 marked the beginning of an effort to reduce food waste and serve those in need in south central Kansas.
Monday, Oct. 26, 2015
*Business plan competition at K-State expands to high schools statewide
10/25/15 Topeka Capital Journal
High school students across Kansas with ideas for a business will be able to compete for prizes while honing their plan in a competition through Kansas State University this spring.
PG&E and the American Institute of Architects announce winners of Zero Net Energy Design Competition
10/24/15 Yahoo! Finance
Winners for student entries: Citation Award to “Breeze Block” by students from across the nation at Cornell University in New York, N.Y.; Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.; and Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore.
College course on voter registration is proposed in Kansas State University
10/25/15 Kansas City Star/Wichita Eagle
Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State University, told the league on Saturday that research shows that the highest concentrations of suspended voters are in inner-city neighborhoods and college towns, with large numbers of suspended voters living on or near the campuses of the University of Kansas and Kansas State University.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
Check It Out: High-tech mattress monitors at-risk kids
10/23/15 Fox News segment
7 ways to get your home and garden ready for winter
10/22/15 The Wichita Eagle
Leaves have already started falling, and soon they will become a carpet on lawns. You want to be sure that a thick covering of leaves doesn’t sit on the grass for an extended period because the plants need the sun to make carbohydrates through the winter, Ward Upham of K-State says in this week’s Horticulture 2015 newsletter.
Study: Distribution of small, medium mammals expected to shift northward in warming climate
10/21/15 Alaska Dispatch News
The study used DNA to map out population responses to climate changes over the past thousands of years. Tissue samples taken from museum specimens and from the field show patterns of genetic mutations that reveal such evolution, said lead author Andrew Hope, formerly with the USGS and now a research assistant professor at Kansas State University.
Kansas State University Salina and Westar Energy Build One of the Largest Enclosed Flight Facilities for UAS in the Nation
10/22/15 Aviation Pros
Kansas State University Salina and industry partner Westar Energy are advancing unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, education, training and research with the creation of a new flight facility.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015
America’s Top Superstitions — And Where They Come From
10/21/15 Yahoo News
Superstitions are also learned and spread around societies, Donald A. Saucier, PhD, a professor of psychological sciences at Kansas State University, tells Yahoo Health. “If we knock on wood, and then something bad doesn’t happen, we may think that we stopped a bad event by knocking on wood,” he says. “As we learn these associations, we may discuss them with others, and over time, may embed them in our culture.”
*KState Polytechnic opens drone training facility
10/21/15 KSN
Kansas State Polytechnic unveiled an outdoor netted facility for training and research for unmanned aerial systems on Wednesday.
The Hypoallergenic Dog Myth
10/21/15 The Dog Channel
"I am aware of no hypoallergenic status that can be attributed to any dog, no matter what the breed,” says Ralph Richardson, DVM, of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015
*Kansas State to honor Marlin Fitzwater with honorary degree
10/20/15 The Washington Times
A former presidential press secretary is receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Kansas State University.
Building off known genomes to advance systems and ecosystems biology
10/20/15 Phys.org
From Jesse Poland of Kansas State University is a proposal to sequence intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), a perennial distantly related to wheat and with a biomass yield equivalent to switchgrass.
When Gluten Fails, Bread Fails
10/20/15 Real Clear Science
"Starch does have an effect on gluten network strength," said Fadi Aramouni, professor of food science at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015
Don't be fooled by omega-3 enriched beef
10/20/15 MSN Health and Fitness
In response to this dilemma, as well as the American taste for red meat, food companies are teaming up with scientists to produce beef enriched with omega-3s. By feeding cattle flaxseed or marine algae, researchers at Kansas State University have found they can raise the omega-3 fatty acid levels in ground beef, which traditionally contains just 30 milligrams. Nutritionists and dieticians are skeptical that higher levels of omega-3s actually make red meat healthier.
Graduateprograms.com announces Fall 2015 Graduate Program Rankings
10/20/15 Bloomberg Business
Political Science: Kansas State University
*Kansas State to honor Marlin Fitzwater with honorary degree
10/20/15 The Washington Times
A former presidential press secretary is receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Kansas State University.
Monday, Oct. 19, 2015
*K-State to honor Abilene native, former presidential press secretary
10/16/15 Salina Post
A Kansas State University alumnus and one of the longest-serving presidential press secretaries in history is receiving an honorary doctorate from Kansas State University, according to a media release from the school.
Website names Manhattan No. 1 US college city
10/17/15 WIBW-TV
One website took a look at the best college towns in the country, and the Little Apple made it's way to the top of the list. Citi 10 says that it doesn't take a master's degree to know that the best college town appeal to more than just students.
Peak of leaf color creeping later into fall, Kansas observers say
10/17/15 Wichita Eagle
Jason Griffin, director of K-State’s John C. Pair Horticultural Center in Haysville, remembers predicting beautiful fall color last year. He’s doing the same this year. Warm sunny days and cool nights trigger the color, and Wichita has been getting lots of that lately.
Friday, Oct. 16, 2015
Kansas poised to be a leader in emerging field of drones
10/15/15 Kansas City Star
"Momentum is just going to drive us in that direction," said Joel Anderson, the development director at Kansas State University's research office. "We just need to get behind it — market and communicate it effectively so the rest of the world understand the true value that they get out of the state of Kansas."
Cargill executive: Climate change real; need to prepare
10/15/15 Wichita Eagle
“Climate change is not a particularly popular subject in much of the heartland,” Cargill executive director Greg Page said during a lecture Monday at Kansas State University. “But at Cargill, we have come to believe that it is important to have serious conversations about what we can do now to accommodate a range of climate scenarios, and for agriculture to take part in those conversations and in making reasonable preparations.”
Kansas State plans ceremony for new drone flight facility
10/15/15 KCTV5
Kansas State University has partnered with Westar Energy to build one of the largest enclosed flight facilities for unmanned aircraft systems in the nation.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015
*K-State Salina to publicly unveil drone complex next week
10/14/15 The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State University-Salina said it will host a grand opening next week of an enclosed drone facility it is calling the UAS Pavilion.
K-State Salina is now the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus
10/14/15 Kansas City Star
Kansas State University-Salina has officially changed its name to the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.
USDA announces $3 million in funding for critical agriculture production research
10/14/15 High Plains Journal
Fiscal Year 2014 grants in High Plains Journal’s coverage area include:
- Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, $149.988;
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
*The Beef That’s (Almost) as Healthy as Salmon
10/13/15 MSN.com
Sure, there’s salmon, nuts, and seeds, but consumers run into problems with allergies and taste preferences. As a solution, researchers at Kansas State University have looked into the potential of enhancing beef with omega-3 fatty acids.
Table Talk: Emphasis is on 'healthy' at sustainable diet conference
10/13/15 Montreal Gazette
The world will need 30 times more meat to feed a population expected to increase from its current 6 billion to 8 billion by 2025, said John Flores, agricultural researcher at Kansas State University.
Research from marketing professor Doug Walker looks at parents' influence on children's play of violent video games
10/14/15 Health Canal
According to a new study from Doug Walker, Kansas State University assistant professor of marketing, parents who are more anxious and emotional can affect the amount of violent video games their children play.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015
*Research beefing up steaks, hamburgers with health omega-3s
10/12/15 Fox News
People have long been told they can decrease their risk of heart disease by eating more omega-3 fatty acids, the kind salmon get from algae. It inspired researchers at Kansas State University: Could the steaks and hamburgers from cattle fattened on algae pass on those healthy fats?
*The beef that's (almost) as healthy as salmon
10/12/15 Men's Fitness
Sure, there's salmon, nuts, and seeds, but consumers run into problems with allergies and taste preferences. As a solution, researchers at Kansas State University have looked into the potential of enhancing beef with omega-3 fatty acids.
*Black widow spiders: Good sanitation will keep them away
10/13/15 Country Life
Holly Schwarting is an entomology research assistant at Kansas State University. She says black widows are fairly reclusive. They prefer to set up housekeeping in woodpiles, old machinery, and other stuff that hasn't been disturbed for a long period of time.
Monday, Oct. 12, 2015
*Kansas State announces $1B fundraising campaign
10/10/15 Washington Times
Kansas State University has announced a $1 billion fundraising campaign.
Cheerios gluten-free misstep prompts quick actions by General Mills
10/10/15 Minneapolis Star Tribune
“In one way, I was surprised about [the recall], and in another way I wasn’t,” said Jon Faubion, a grain science professor at Kansas State University. General Mills “is really committed to this and it has put a lot of time and money into it. But I’m not surprised just given the huge challenge.”
*Research Beefing Up Steaks, Hamburgers With Healthy Omega-3s
New York Times 10/9/15
People have long been told they can decrease their risk of heart disease by eating more omega-3 fatty acids, the kind salmon get from algae. It inspired researchers at Kansas State University: Could the steaks and hamburgers from cattle fattened on algae pass on those healthy fats?
Friday, Oct. 9, 2015
*KSU child development center receives five-year accreditation
10/8/15 The Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University wheat scientists have completed the first study of a chromosome in a tertiary gene pool and have called it a breakthrough in exploring wheat wild relatives for future crop improvement.
Research beefing up steaks, hamburgers with healthy omega-3s
10/8/15 Tucson.com
It inspired researchers at Kansas State University: Could the steaks and hamburgers from cattle fattened on algae pass on those healthy fats?
Genetics: Wheat Quality Can Be Improved Through New Method
10/8/15 Science World Report
Wheat scientists at Kansas State University have developed a new method of improving wheat varieties and quality, according to a new study.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015
Researchers uncover new genetic markers for wheat improvement
10/6/15 Phys.org
Kansas State University wheat scientists have completed the first study of a chromosome in a tertiary gene pool and have called it a breakthrough in exploring wheat wild relatives for future crop improvement.
Surface Delays Frost from Forming
10/6/15 Discovery News
Scientists are sympathetic, especially Amy Betz, a professor in mechanical engineering at Kansas State University.
Kansas cropland values down this year amid low grain prices
10/6/15 Yahoo! News
Kansas State University agricultural economist Mykel Taylor researched property valuation records of actual sales transactions and found that they tended to be higher than those reported on government surveys, although general trends are the same.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015
Are those gloves clean? What to know about the hands handling your food
10/06/15 Today.com
Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist at Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, agreed with the gist of Singer's post.
Kansas cropland values are slipping, but pasture values up nearly 7 percent
10/06/15 Farms.com
Kansas farmland values, which climbed and at times soared since 2006, started to level off in 2014 and have dipped so far this year, pulled down by lower grain prices, according to Kansas State University agricultural economist Mykel Taylor.
5 get-moving motivations
10/06/15 Quad Cities Online
But that might be counterproductive, according to Emily Mailey, Ph.D., assistant professor, department of kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.
Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
Give me more of the good fat
10/01/15 High Plains Journal
Many people know that omega-3 fatty acids have considerable health benefits, including aiding in heart health. Heart disease accounts for roughly 600,000 deaths every year in the United States, according to Sean Fox, agricultural economist at Kansas State University.
China slowdown may squeeze Midwest soybean farmers
10/01/15 Harvest Public Media
But Jay O’Neil, an economist with the International Grains Program at Kansas State University, says he doesn’t think soybean exports are all that threatened by the Chinese economic downturn.
SPARK Week planned to showcase undergraduate research at K-State
10/01/15 The Manhattan Mercury
Undergraduate research at Kansas State University will be in the spotlight during SPARK Week, Oct. 5-9.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
The 105 smartest public colleges in America
9-/30/15 Business Insider
Smarts Rank 81 Kansas State University (2) Average SAT 1145
5 frugal habits of the world's richest people
9/30/15 Fortune
Take the advice of oil mogul T. Boone Pickens and carry around only the cash that you need for what you intend to buy. According to Brad Klontz, a CFP professional and associate professor of personal financial planning at Kansas State University, the rich are often “money vigilant.” They avoid credit debt, and “are more anxious about making sure they have enough money and are managing it well.”
*James Dean: How Celebrities Become Icons
9/30/15 Discovery News
Because of that connection between audience and actor, not just on an emotional but pscyhological level, the sudden death of a celebrity can lead consumers with no real-life connection to the deceased individual to feel a strong sense of grief. Unlike the death of a family member, in which that sorrow is kept within a specific group, the death of a celebrity is a common experience, shared even by an entire country, and strangers can seek solace by commiserating with one another. This effect has been seen in social media postings following contemporary celebrity death, Kansas State University researchers found.
