Latest news with #AugsburgUniversity
DW
4 days ago
- Science
- DW
Plastic in plants: What it means for your food – DW – 08/13/2025
Plastic in soil can get into plant cells, slowing photosynthesis. That may mean smaller harvests. Scientists are racing to pin down how big the risk is. Microplastics are believed to disrupt photosynthesis — the biological process central to life on earth that provides the basis for global food chains as well as the oxygen we breathe. The tiny shreds of plastics — often originating from the disintegration of larger plastic items — have found their way into the most remote corners of the planet and even human organs. Now there is growing concern that these particles, once inside plant cells, can interfere with photosynthesis — the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy in the form of sugars. This may impede plant growth, with potentially serious consequences for food production and climate change. Microplastics can reduce photosynthesis by up to 12%, according to an assessment led by a team of mostly China-based researchers. The study, published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed terrestrial crops, marine algae and freshwater algae. Seafood yields could plunge 7%, and staple crops could see a loss of up to 13.5%, according to the study. The scientists behind the paper warned this could leave hundreds of millions of people without reliable access to food. But cutting microplastic levels by just 13% could prevent nearly a third of photosynthesis loss, they found. Still, Peter Fiener, a soil and water expert, warned that there isn't enough data to reliably project the paper's findings on a global scale when it comes to photosynthesis loss and the resulting impact on food production. Microplastics are usually absorbed through soil when a plant sucks up water and other nutrients through its roots, Fiener told DW, adding if the particles are small enough they can pass into its cells. To understand the impact microplastics are having on food production around the world you would "need to have a global map of the plastic contamination of our soils and we just don't have such a map," said Fiener, who is a professor at Augsburg University in Germany. One of the biggest problems is the lack of data for the Global South, said Victoria Fulfer, a microplastics scientist at 5 Gyres, a US nonprofit tackling plastic pollution. "The other issue is that microplastics are made up of hundreds of different polymers and thousands of chemical additives and so we obviously haven't been able to test as scientists the impact that all of these have on plants," said Fulfer. While research into the impact of microplastics on plant growth is a very new field, it's "definitely something that we need to be concerned about and need to be focusing on," Fulfer told DW. Microplastics absorbed by plants often come from tarps used to cover crops in agriculture and the spreading of fertilizers, said Fulfer. "But also microplastics are in our air and in our water." Agricultural mulch films are often used to cover crops and boost growth. While they're meant to be biodegradable, many still contain chemical additives and microplastics. As they break down, these substances seep into the soil, said Winnie Courtene-Jones, marine biologist and plastic pollution expert at Bangor University in Wales. Other sources include tiny fragments from car tires and fibers from clothing, which end up in sewage sludge later used as fertilizers. "So we're adding them directly to these ecosystems where the plants and the crops are growing and once they're at that small level of microplastics and nanoplastics, it's very difficult to get rid of them," said microplastics scientist Fulfer. Microplastics are usually defined as plastic pieces measuring between 1-5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even smaller. Once in the soil, they can disrupt water movement and nutrient breakdown, affecting the growth of plants and other small organisms, said Courtene-Jones. Microplastics have been found throughout the human body and linked to a range of potential health problems, including strokes and heart attacks. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Plastics emit greenhouse gases through their production, transportation and also disposal. But Fulfer noted they may also impede climate change mitigation if they are reducing photosynthesis at scale. "So we're going to be taking up less carbon, emitting less oxygen because of these microplastics, particularly in those blue carbon ecosystems, which are our mangroves and our seagrass beds and our marshes — these are really important for climate change," said Fulfer. According to some estimates, mangroves and coastal wetlands store up to three to five times more carbon than an equivalent area of tropical forest. In separate research published last year Courtene-Jones and colleagues documented reductions in photosynthetic efficiency in coastal plant species due to the combined impact of flooding and microplastics in their soil. "I think there's the potential for microplastics to really exacerbate some of the responses that we're seeing to an already stressed system due to climate change," Courtene-Jones told DW. She added that microplastics affect soil stability, which might result in greater levels of coastal erosion especially as climate change leads to heavier rainfall over shorter time periods. While the full impact on food production remains unclear, microplastics in soil and crops will continue to accumulate without action, said expert, Peter Fiener. Recycling helps, he added, but cutting plastic production is even more critical. In the past two decades, global output of new or virgin plastic has surged. It's projected to increase two or even threefold by 2050, potentially tripling associated global emissions. About 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and just 9% are recycled. This week, representatives from more than 170 countries are in Geneva, Switzerland, negotiating a binding treaty to curb plastic production and pollution. When it comes to preventing microplastics from harming plants "the biggest thing is just turning off that tap and having better regulation on the amount of plastic that we're producing," said Victoria Fulfer of 5 Gyres. Reducing plastic production was a sticking point in last year's stalled UN plastic treaty talks in Busan, South Korea, and remains a flashpoint in the Geneva negotiations.
DW
6 days ago
- Science
- DW
Microplastics in crops may threaten food production – DW – 08/13/2025
Research suggests tiny particles of plastic could hamper plant growth, with potentially serious consequences for global food supply and climate change. Cutting plastic production would help. Microplastics are believed to disrupt photosynthesis — the biological process central to life on earth that provides the basis for global food chains as well as the oxygen we breathe. The tiny shreds of plastics — often originating from the disintegration of larger plastic items — have found their way into the most remote corners of the planet and even human organs. Now there is growing concern that these particles, once inside plant cells, can interfere with photosynthesis — the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy in the form of sugars. This may impede plant growth, with potentially serious consequences for food production and Microplastics can reduce photosynthesis by up to 12%, according to an assessment led by a team of mostly China-based researchers. The study, published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed terrestrial crops, marine algae and freshwater algae. Seafood yields could plunge 7%, and staple crops could see a loss of up to 13.5%, according to the study. The scientists behind the paper warned this could leave hundreds of millions of people without reliable access to food. But cutting microplastic levels by just 13% could prevent nearly a third of photosynthesis loss, they found. Still, Peter Fiener, a soil and water expert, warned that there isn't enough data to reliably project the paper's findings on a global scale when it comes to photosynthesis loss and the resulting impact on food production. Microplastics are usually absorbed through soil when a plant sucks up water and other nutrients through its roots, Fiener told DW, adding if the particles are small enough they can pass into its cells. To understand the impact microplastics are having on food production around the world you would "need to have a global map of the plastic contamination of our soils and we just don't have such a map," said Fiener, who is a professor at Augsburg University in Germany. One of the biggest problems is the lack of data for the Global South, said Victoria Fulfer, a microplastics scientist at 5 Gyres, a US nonprofit tackling plastic pollution. "The other issue is that microplastics are made up of hundreds of different polymers and thousands of chemical additives and so we obviously haven't been able to test as scientists the impact that all of these have on plants," said Fulfer. While research into the impact of microplastics on plant growth is a very new field, it's "definitely something that we need to be concerned about and need to be focusing on," Fulfer told DW. Microplastics absorbed by plants often come from tarps used to cover crops in agriculture and the spreading of fertilizers, said Fulfer. "But also microplastics are in our air and in our water." Agricultural mulch films are often used to cover crops and boost growth. While they're meant to be biodegradable, many still contain chemical additives and microplastics. As they break down, these substances seep into the soil, said Winnie Courtene-Jones, marine biologist and plastic pollution expert at Bangor University in Wales. Other sources include tiny fragments from car tires and fibers from clothing, which end up in sewage sludge later used as fertilizers. "So we're adding them directly to these ecosystems where the plants and the crops are growing and once they're at that small level of microplastics and nanoplastics, it's very difficult to get rid of them," said microplastics scientist Fulfer. Microplastics are usually defined as plastic pieces measuring between 1-5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even smaller. Once in the soil, they can disrupt water movement and nutrient breakdown, affecting the growth of plants and other small organisms, said Courtene-Jones. Microplastics have been found throughout the human body and linked to a range of potential health problems, including strokes and heart attacks. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Plastics emit greenhouse gases through their production, transportation and also disposal. But Fulfer noted they may also impede climate change mitigation if they are reducing photosynthesis at scale. "So we're going to be taking up less carbon, emitting less oxygen because of these microplastics, particularly in those blue carbon ecosystems, which are our mangroves and our seagrass beds and our marshes — these are really important for climate change," said Fulfer. According to some estimates, mangroves and coastal wetlands store up to three to five times more carbon than an equivalent area of tropical forest. In separate research published last year Courtene-Jones and colleagues documented reductions in photosynthetic efficiency in coastal plant species due to the combined impact of flooding and microplastics in their soil. "I think there's the potential for microplastics to really exacerbate some of the responses that we're seeing to an already stressed system due to climate change," Courtene-Jones told DW. She added that microplastics affect soil stability, which might result in greater levels of coastal erosion especially as climate change leads to heavier rainfall over shorter time periods. While the full impact on food production remains unclear, microplastics in soil and crops will continue to accumulate without action, said expert, Peter Fiener. Recycling helps, he added, but cutting plastic production is even more critical. In the past two decades, global output of new or virgin plastic has surged. It's projected to increase two or even threefold by 2050, potentially tripling associated global emissions. About 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and just 9% are recycled. This week, representatives from more than 170 countries are in Geneva, Switzerland, negotiating a binding treaty to curb plastic production and pollution. When it comes to preventing microplastics from harming plants "the biggest thing is just turning off that tap and having better regulation on the amount of plastic that we're producing," said Victoria Fulfer of 5 Gyres. Reducing plastic production was a sticking point in last year's stalled UN plastic treaty talks in Busan, South Korea, and remains a flashpoint in the Geneva negotiations.
CBS News
21-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Augsburg University golf coach preparing to play U.S. Senior Open
On the range, Augsburg University golf coach Eric Rolland is getting ready for another golf tournament. But this time, it's a major. Rolland is set to play in the U.S. Senior Open next week. "I don't even know how to process it. Just super excited," said Rolland, who is an accomplished playing pro in the Twin Cities. Because of a recent birthday, Rolland became eligible to play in senior events. Next week's tournament is at The Broadmoor East Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which was not something previously on his radar. "I really hadn't given it much thought, having just turned 50," said Rolland. "I really didn't dream about it much. But I knew since I was a little kid, I always dreamed about playing professional golf. So many of the guys in the event that I'll see next week are guys that I watched and had that dream. So, I guess it ties together. But I hadn't really dreamed about playing in senior majors." Nowadays, almost every good amateur player bombs it. The PGA Tour Champions can be a throwback in style. "I grew up in an era where my grandfather taught me, and we had wooden clubs. So, it was, 'Swing nice and slow and smooth and try to hit it solid and hit it in the fairway.' My grandfather always said, 'Boneheads hit it in the trees,'" said Rolland. Rolland's biggest golf moment came two years ago when he played in the PGA Tour's 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Next week could be comparable. "The first tee at the 3M felt like an out-of-body dream. I wasn't even nervous. It was up another level. I don't know how it'll feel, but I'll soak it up and enjoy it," said Rolland.
Business Journals
01-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Powering Minneapolis icons: Cordia's energy innovations at U.S. Bank Stadium and Augsburg University
In a city known for its dynamic seasons, iconic skylines, and deep community roots, infrastructure is the invisible thread keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. At Cordia, we take great pride in being a part of that critical foundation — delivering reliable, efficient energy services to the institutions that make Minneapolis thrive. Two recent milestones underscore our continued investment in the city's future: our long-standing relationship with U.S. Bank Stadium and a renewed partnership with Augsburg University. A legacy of support for U.S. Bank Stadium U.S. Bank Stadium isn't just a premier sports and entertainment venue —it's a symbol of Minneapolis' forward-looking spirit. Since opening its doors in 2016 on the former site of the Metrodome, the stadium has hosted the Super Bowl, Final Four, and countless concerts, becoming a national showcase of what a modern facility can be. What many may not know is that Cordia has supported this site for decades, going back to the original Metrodome. When plans began to emerge for a new stadium, we saw it as an opportunity not just to continue our service, but to innovate and expand our infrastructure to meet the future needs of the facility. As part of a multi-year planning and engineering process, Cordia executed an agreement to provide U.S. Bank Stadium with both steam and chilled water service from our downtown energy system. To ensure peak reliability and performance, we installed a new, dedicated 24-inch chilled water line that feeds directly into the stadium. This line, along with dedicated booster pumps and a complete reconfiguration of the piping within our main plant, represented a significant investment in custom engineering and construction. The result is a highly efficient, resilient energy delivery system that supports everything from climate control for fans to optimal field conditions for athletes. It's a behind-the-scenes solution with very visible results. Renewing a community bond with Augsburg University Our work with Augsburg University is another proud chapter in Cordia's Minneapolis story. In late 2023, we renewed our energy partnership with the university — a relationship that has sustained for more than two decades. But this wasn't just a renewal; it was a reinvestment in the university's campus and the surrounding community. As part of this renewed agreement, Cordia purchased the university's existing steam line, assuming responsibility for its operation and long-term reliability. We recognized immediately that parts of the infrastructure were aging and required thoughtful, coordinated upgrades. But the situation also presented a unique challenge. Adjacent to Augsburg's campus is M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, a critical facility with round-the-clock operations and emergency care. We routed a new path for the replacement steam line — primarily to minimize piping in the public street for cost reasons — and coordinated construction carefully to avoid disruptions. This wasn't your typical infrastructure project. With an active emergency room entrance just feet from our construction zone, coordination and communication were paramount. Our teams collaborated daily with hospital and university staff, managing traffic, minimizing disruption, and adjusting schedules in real time to meet the needs of patients, students, and faculty alike. The result was a seamless installation that improved energy reliability without impacting access to essential services. Investing in Minneapolis' resilient future These two projects — at U.S. Bank Stadium and Augsburg University — are powerful examples of how Cordia's infrastructure investments aren't just about pipes and pumps; they're about partnerships. Our goal is to be more than an energy provider — we aim to be a trusted collaborator, designing systems that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges. Energy infrastructure in urban environments requires precision, patience, and a deep commitment to the community. Whether we're installing a 24-inch chilled water line beneath downtown streets or coordinating construction next to a hospital emergency entrance, our work is always guided by a focus on safety, sustainability, and service. Minneapolis continues to grow and evolve, and Cordia is proud to be growing with it. From powering iconic stadiums to supporting world-class education and healthcare institutions, we're honored to play a role in building a resilient, efficient, and connected city. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: deliver energy solutions that empower communities — and do it with care, excellence, and partnership. Cordia is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Cordia serves over 700 customers with heating, cooling, and electricity throughout the U.S. Cordia is committed to driving change toward a more resilient, sustainable energy future and empowering people and communities to reach their full potential. Learn more at Jacob Graff is a distinguished leader in the thermal and distributed energy infrastructure sector, currently serving as the regional president of the North and West for Cordia. With a wealth of expertise in orchestrating sales and operations of multiple thermal district energy systems, Graff is renowned for his strategic vision and operational prowess.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How women's flag football is rapidly growing on college campuses across the US
Augustana University and Concordia University, St. Paul players compete during a women's college flag football game, April 7, 2025, in St. Paul. Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Flag football's popularity is surging among women and girls across the United States, with Augustana University and six other NCAA schools launching club teams this spring through a $140,000 support from the Minnesota Vikings . The sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has further boosted participation, leading to expansion at high school and collegiate levels, with over 42,000 girls playing nationwide in sanctioned programs during the 2023-24 school year. At Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kiley Coyne, an assistant director of admission for the music department and women's tackle football player, took on coaching duties for the new team. "I remember saying, 'I just need 10.' If we can have an offense and a defense, let's go," Coyne said. "Now we have 23 people who've gone out for it." The NFL has been actively supporting the sport's growth, recognizing its accessibility for female athletes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo "I think one of the beauties of flag football is how accessible it is," said Stephanie Kwok, the league's vice president of flag football. "It's adding to the opportunities for girls to play sports." The collegiate league includes five institutions in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin, with teams gathering for multiple games at the same site on three Saturdays this month. Brooklyn Sturm, a freshman at Augustana, found a new athletic pursuit in flag football after playing volleyball, basketball, and softball in high school. "I thought I needed to focus on academics, but when I got here it felt like a part of me was missing," said Sturm. "If we had this opportunity in high school, I probably would've taken it." The sport's growth extends beyond collegiate levels, with 14 states now sanctioning girls' flag football and approximately half a million girls ages 6 to 17 participating in organized play. More than 100 higher-education institutions now offer women's flag football as a varsity or club sport, with the NAIA beginning sanctioned competition in 2021. At Augsburg University in Minneapolis, the program has attracted women new to organized sports. "Why am I doing this? It's for those women who've never worn a uniform, who've never been part of the school spirit of being part of a team," said Melissa Lee, an associate athletic director and team coach at Augsburg University. "What's their token answer? We played powderpuff at homecoming our junior and senior year," said Lee, who recruited 24 women at the school of about 2,400 undergrads. "That was all it took for me. I said, 'You're on the team.'" Flag football rules differ significantly from tackle football, featuring smaller fields and 5-on-5 play. Teams have four downs to cross midfield and another four to score, with special rules for rushing the passer and running plays near the goal line. Plans for next season include expanding to 7-on-7 play and potentially doubling the league's size. "I just love taking new opportunities," Sturm said, recalling her family's reaction. "Now that they know I'm getting back into it, they're like, 'This is you. This is what you're supposed to do.'" The NCAA has recommended women's flag football be designated an emerging sport, with at least 20 more teams expected to start in 2026. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
