University of Minnesota Moment

Be Aware: the Emerald Ash Borer is Coming

While the name emerald ash borer may not sound threatening, the invasive pest has already killed 30 million trees as it moves west across the country. It hasn't yet reached Minnesota, which has a large population of ash trees, but U of M Extension entomologist Jeff Hahn and state departments are partnering for Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week.

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When College and Home Lives Collide

Independent minded college students are wrapping up final exams and returning home for a summer of fun. But the transition from living a parent-free life to the more structured home environment can be a difficult process. University of Minnesota senior psychologist, Scott Slattery, says the first few days can be tough for both students and parents.

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Minnesota in the Eye of this Year's Political Storm

A contentious Senate race, a governor as a possible vice president and a national political convention in town: Minnesota is shaping up to be a hotbed of political activity. Additionally, U of M political scientist Kathryn Pearson says the state will be a key battleground for the presidential race.

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Smart and Thrifty Gardening 101

Mother Nature has finally graced Minnesota with some warmer temperatures this spring, and gardeners are reaching for the trowels and tillers. David Zlesak, University of Minnesota Horticulture Extension educator, has some early season tips to get the most out of your plot.

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Girls, Sports and Exercise

Learning to lead, building friendships and developing self-confidence: those are just some of the lasting benefits for girls involved in sports and exercise as discovered by the University of Minnesota Tucker Center. The center, which researches women and sport, recently updated its groundbreaking report with new findings. Director Mary Jo Kane explains.

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Last Minute Tax Returns and a Lesson in Procrastination

Whether you're delaying sending a check to Uncle Sam on April 15 or even receiving one, spring tax season is a time when procrastination is in full bloom. In fact, 40 percent of Minnesotans had not filed a state return according to a report last week. University of Minnesota interim director of Counseling and Consulting Services Glenn Hirsch, who works closely with students having problems with procrastinating, says denial of the habit must first be dealt with.

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Case of "Nature Deficit Disorder?" Try a "Green Hour"

In lives filled with cartoon characters wearing square pants, video games and shrinking backyards, many American children are suffering from "nature deficit disorder," a condition associated with kids who spend less time outdoors. Marti Erickson, director of the Harris Programs at the University of Minnesota, says connecting kids and the outdoors has a positive impact from head to toe.

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Worms and Warming: A Destructive Combination

While earthworms might be good for grandma's garden, the little wigglers are having a disconcerting impact on Minnesota's forests. Lee Frelich, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Hardwood Ecology, says that these invasive worms, in combination with global warming, are devastating the state's treasured natural assets.

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Eat Right...It's National Nutrition Month

While your New Year's resolution to eat better in 2008 is a distant memory, there is another opportunity get your diet on track. March is National Nutrition Month and University of Minnesota School of Public Health nutritionist Kim Robien says it's a prime time to watch those calories.

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Learning a Second Language: More Important than Ever

It used to be that learning a second language was only something done as an academic requirement. But University of Minnesota professor Elaine Tarone, director of the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, has found that, in today's global economy, the advantages are increasing.

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Food and Fuel: Biofuels Getting Double the Use

At the University of Minnesota, Crookston, researchers are exploring new ways to utilize biofuels processed from Midwestern crops. Paul Aakre, assistant professor of agriculture, is discovering how the organic fuel's byproducts can also be used as animal feed and possibly even to heat homes.

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U of M's I-35W Bridge Collapse Class

When University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment research associate Pat Nunnally and his colleagues decided last fall to create a class on the I-35W Bridge collapse, it quickly became an experiment in teaching with some interesting findings.

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"Support the U Day" Draws a Capitol Crowd

University of Minnesota backers from all campuses rallied at the State Capitol to urge legislators to support the university's 2008 capital request. University president Robert Bruininks spoke about the many needs of a vibrant university. Bruininks also reiterated the importance of higher education to Minnesota's vitality.

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Housing Market Continues to Falter

In today's uncertain economy, the status symbol might not be how many bathrooms you have in your home but whether or not you have the mortgage paid off. Jeff Crump, University of Minnesota associate professor in the Housing Studies program, explains how the housing market got to this point.

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Stick with Chocolate this Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, when you're looking for the perfect box of chocolates for your special someone, you might want to buy in bulk. University of Minnesota food science and nutrition professor, and chocolate expert, Gary Reineccius, says despite negative perceptions, chocolate isn't all that bad for your diet.

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