Science

Viewing the Solar Eclipse in West Michigan

By • Aug 16, 2017
Wikimedia Commons

Coming this Monday, August 21st North America's eyes will turn to the skies taking in the solar eclipse. Here in West Michigan, if the weather cooperates, you'll witness an 85 percent solar eclipse. For more on when and how best to view it we turn to Dave DeBruyn, Curator Emeritus at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium who also considers himself a coronafile.

Grants available to support urban forestry projects

By Associated Press • Aug 15, 2017
Pine trees at the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan.
Joseph O'Brien | Wikimedia | CC BY 3.0 / USDA Forest Service

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking applications for grants supporting tree plantings and other activities that boost urban and community forest growth. Officials say up to $90,000 in federal funds is available for projects around the state. Applicants can seek up to $20,000, depending on the project type. All grants require a one-to-one match of funds. They can be cash contributions or services. 

Experts: Michigan apple harvest may be early this year

By • Aug 14, 2017

Michigan State University extension experts say they think this year's Michigan apple harvest is ahead of schedule.  The MSU extension says data collected from around the state suggest the apple harvest will be significantly early for certain varieties in some parts of the state. 

The data show that predicted peak harvest dates will fall anywhere from a few days to an entire week ahead of normal. For example, MacIntosh apples are ten to 11 days ahead of normal in parts of Michigan and a few days ahead of 2016.

GRFD: Drone would assist firefighters in a number of ways

By Daniel Boothe • Aug 14, 2017

The Grand Rapids Fire Department is hoping to launch an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program, but they will need the City Commission’s approval first. The Grand Rapids Fire Department first approached the City Commission in January about the possibility of purchasing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, better known as a drone to assist in 1st response efforts.

National Academy of Sciences elects VARI researcher

By • May 15, 2017
varisu2cepigeneticsdreamteam.vai.org

The National Academy of Sciences has elected its third Van Andel Research Institute scientist.

Van Andel Research Institute cancer scientist Stephen Baylin has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Doctor Baylin is a co-leader focused on VARI’s Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team carrying out four clinical trials developing new therapies for various form of leukemia and colorectal cancer.

Earth Day March for Science

By • Mar 29, 2017

Earth Day is less than a month away and we talk about a GVSU Earth Day event, “March for Science.” Kelly Darcy and Dr. Liz Arnold talk about it.

Vatican Observatory director celebrates astronaut Roger B. Chaffee's birthday

By • Feb 15, 2017
Wikimedia Commons

Today we celebrate the birthday of Grand Rapids native son and  NASA astronaut Roger B. Chaffee. This year also marks the 50 year anniversary of his death. Chaffee was killed January 27, 1967 , along with Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Edward White, when a fire broke out during a launch pad test of the Apollo 1 command module.  We talk with Brother Guy Consolmagno, Director of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy about the legacy of Chaffee and the place where science and religion meet.

Michigan State getting up to $122.5M for cyclotron lab

By Associated Press • Dec 1, 2016
MSU logo
msu.edu / Michigan State University

Michigan State University is getting up to $122.5 million in funding over five years for the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. 

The East Lansing school on Thursday announced an agreement with the National Science Foundation that allows for continuing funding. The school says the agreement will support research in nuclear and accelerator science and continue operation of the cyclotron laboratory.

VARI receives federal grant for identifying cancer causing genetic code errors

By • Nov 18, 2016
vai.org / Van Andel Institute

The National Cancer Institute is making a multi-million dollar investment in a cancer experimentation collaboration between Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Research Institute and Cedars-Sinai.

The Geek Group

By • Oct 31, 2016
The Geek Group

We get an update from the Geek Group. Executive Director Lis Bokt is our guest.

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