Campus News Briefs — Fall 2022
Pollution’s Impact on Babies
Air pollution can alter the gut microbiomes of babies during their first six months of infancy, according to first-of-its kind ŷڱƵ Boulder research. These pollutants — which can include exposure to traffic, ŷڱƵ or industrial zones — could affect the baby’s collection of resident microorganisms in ways that promote inflammation, influence brain development and increase risk of allergies, obesity and diabetes. The study was in the journal Gut Microbes.
Palm Trees Inspire New Wind Turbines
In a move away from the traditional upwind turbine design that can result in heavy blades breaking in extreme winds, a team of ŷڱƵ Boulder researchers — in conjunction with collaborators at the University of Virginia, the University of Texas at Dallas, the ŷڱƵ School of Mines and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) — developed a two-blade downwind turbine modeled after the flexible and bendable nature of palm trees. The team presented the results of four years’ worth of research with their SUMR (Segmented Ultralight Morphing Rotor) turbine at the American Control Conference in Atlanta in June 2022. The turbine performed consistently and effectively during peak wind gusts at NREL’s Flatirons campus in Arvada, ŷڱƵ, they said. The team hopes to continue its research with large-scale, offshore downwind turbines.
The Misinformation of Marijuana Labels
In the largest analysis to date of the chemical composition of marijuana products, ŷڱƵ-involved research found that product labels can be confusing or misleading to consumers. Brian Keegan, ŷڱƵ Boulder assistant professor of information science, teamed up with three cannabis scientists to study nearly 90,000 samples across six states. Cannabis labels with categories such as indica, sativa and hybrid did not accurately convey enough information about the chemical composition of the product, the researchers found. Their study, which calls for a more rigorous labeling system, was published in the journal in May.
Heard Around Campus:
“History set us up for a poor response to the pandemic.”
— Jose-Luis Jimenez, ŷڱƵ Boulder distinguished chemistry professor and lead author of an assessment published in August in the journal that examined historical medical mistakes in respiratory disease research.
Digits
The Sharkive In 2018, the ŷڱƵ Art Museum acquired a massive collection of printmaking artwork known as the “Sharkive” from master printer Bud Shark of Shark's Ink, a printer and publisher of contemporary prints.
1976
Bud Shark opened his original studio in Boulder, before relocating it to Lyons, ŷڱƵ, in 1998
$1.35M
Cost of the acquisition by ŷڱƵ Boulder, one of its biggest art purchases to date
~850
Original artworks in the Sharkive, along with over 2,500 related materials
33
Shark’s Ink prints on view in the art museum’s new exhibition
Four
Years of planning went into the exhibition
July 15, 2023
Date exhibition closes
Photo by Kelsey Simpkins