News

2016 Appalachian Laboratory Open House
March 25, 2016
The Frostburg-based lab invites the public to learn about science with hands-on experiments for the whole family, meet the scientists working in your community, and enjoy aerial drone demonstrations to learn how scientists at AL are using this technology to enhance their research efforts.

Scientists track down origin of bats killed by wind turbines using chemical fingerprints
March 16, 2016
Wind energy is a growing alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. However, one impact of large-scale wind energy development has been widespread mortality of bats. A new study from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science tracks down the origin of bats killed by wind turbines in the Appalachian region in hopes of better understanding the risks to affected populations.

Prairie dog expert John Hoogland shares 40 years of experience fighting cold in the field
January 21, 2016
Dr. John Hoogland is an expert on staying warm in cold weather. For 40 years, he has spent upwards of 12 hours a day sitting in a tower to observe the intimate lives of prairies dogs. From dawn to dusk, during frigid months in late winter and early spring, in the remotest reaches and highest altitudes of the American West.

Pollution control policies effective in improving downwind air quality
December 9, 2015
Emissions controls on coal-fired power plants are making a difference in reducing exposure of mercury to people, especially in the western Maryland community. A study of air quality from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that levels of mercury in the air from power plant emissions dropped more than half over a 10-year period, coinciding with stricter pollution controls.

Hungry planet requires more efficient use of nitrogen
November 23, 2015
The global population is expected to increase by two to three billion people by 2050, a projection raising serious concerns about sustainable development, biodiversity and food security. Given the world’s growing food demands, nitrogen fertilizer use is likely to increase. Using too much fertilizer, however, will lead to increased pollution of waterways and the air.

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