University Of Florida Biologist Prepares For Space Travel Thursday
August 26, 2024
How do plants adapt when they go into space?
That’s the question the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hopes to answer with a novel space-based experiment happening Thursday at 9 a.m. EST when a UF/IFAS horticultural sciences researcher launches with his experiment into suborbital space on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket.
Rob Ferl, the University of Florida Astraeus Space Institute director, will fly in the Blue Origin craft and perform the experiment himself. The experiment builds on prior research that showed a type of plant – Arabidopsis thaliana – can detect that it is in space and then change how its genes are expressed.
“This moment is a milestone not just for the University of Florida and the Astraeus Space Institute but for an entire community of scientists who can now consider experiments in space that might have previously been viewed as impossible,” said UF Interim President Kent Fuchs. “I look forward to cheering Rob on during Thursday’s mission and to watching him make history yet again.”
This experiment will determine which genes turn on and off at various stages of flight. Although much is known about how plants respond to living in spaceflight environments, like the International Space Station, researchers know less about how plants respond molecularly as they travel to space. The experiment will provide new insights into how plants adjust their gene expression as they transition from Earth to space.
One day, plants might be an essential part of space exploration as food and air scrubbers, and understanding how they react to a space environment is the first step toward learning how to effectively grow them there.
“We envision plants will keep us alive in space or on the Moon,” said Ferl, who is also assistant vice president for UF Research. “What does it take to adapt to living in space? We’d like to know.”
Anna-Lisa Paul, co-principal investigator for the experiment, a horticultural sciences research professor and director of UF’s Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, said researchers have only been able to see what this plant’s genes are like before and after space flight, not during.
“It’s something outside the evolutionary environment of any terrestrial species,” she said. “This is something we’re learning that has never been done before.”
The research was funded by a grant from NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and the agency’s Biological and Physical Sciences division.
Ferl will carry the plants in specialized tubes, called Kennedy Space Center Fixation Tubes (KFTs), that have a plunger to release a preservative solution. The tubes will be Velcroed to the legs of his flight suit during the flight. Before and after the flight, they will be moved in custom transit bags designed by the UF Space Plants Lab out of blackout fabric and a golden thermal blanket.
The experiment has a second purpose: to validate that having researchers do their own experiments on flights is a valuable use of research funding, rather than relying on untended experiments or robotics. This is the first NASA-supported researcher-tended suborbital flight.
“There’s something to be said about first-hand experience,” Ferl said. “The experiment is enriched when a human mind and a human brain go with it.”
The study will look at the plant’s transcriptome, the collection of all expressed RNA that contains answers to which genes are turned on and off to change the plant to adapt in a space environment. Ferl will chemically “lock” the genes with a preservative solution to pause the plants at a moment in time during various points in the launch – just before takeoff, at the start of zero gravity, at the end of zero gravity and at landing.
Researchers will then sequence the plants’ expressed genes and compare them to an on-Earth control experiment to figure out exactly which ones were activated or deactivated during the flight.
Jordan Callaham, assistant director for the UF Astraeus Space Institute and research coordinator for the UF Space Plants Lab in the UF/IFAS department of horticultural sciences, said this will help researchers begin to understand how plants would respond on space missions, on the Moon or on Mars. But it will also give them a better idea of the fundamental properties of the chemical pathways within plants and how they respond to all novel environments.
“We’re understanding how biology responds to space on a very basic level,” said Callaham, who will be doing the on-Earth control experiment while Ferl is on the Blue Origin rocket.
Florida Department of Health Reports Data Breach
August 26, 2024
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a significant data breach. The breach, which occurred on June 26, 2024, resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records.
The Department has begun notifying affected individuals and offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. A dedicated toll-free call center has been established for those who believe they may have been impacted but have not received a notification letter.
The compromised data included a variety of personal identifying and protected health information, such as dates of birth, addresses, banking information, credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical histories.
In response to the breach, the DOH has taken immediate steps to enhance security measures and prevent further unauthorized access. The Department is also cooperating with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and mitigate its impact.
Individuals who have been affected by the breach are urged to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud. Regular monitoring of financial accounts and credit reports is recommended, and any suspicious activity should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
For more information, call a dedicated toll free number at (866) 997-1602.
International Paper’s Whitney Fike Named Florida PR’s Communicator Of The Year
August 26, 2024
Whitney Fike was recently honored at the Florida Public Relations Association’s Golden Image Awards and Pinnacle Awards Gala, a three-day communications and marketing conference.
Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager at International Paper, received an inaugural Gold Pinnacle Award for Communicator of the Year. This was awarded to a public relations or communications practitioner who does exceptional work as a solo practitioner or as part of an agency, business, nonprofit or other organization that has some element of its business in the state of Florida.
This year’s award winners demonstrated the best in public relations, marketing, advertising, digital, social, design, events, promotions, educational materials and beyond. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout the United States were invited to submit their projects for consideration during the 2024 awards program.
Other local area winners were:
Brittany Sherwood, president of FPRA Pensacola Chapter received a President’s Award for Professional Development.
Visit Pensacola; Nicole Stacey, vice president | Destination Development and Lindsey Steck Jackson, Marketing and Communications Manager received an Award of Distinction for Visit Pensacola Influencer Marketing Campaign.
University of West Florida Office of Institutional Communications received an Award of Distinction for the 100K Alumni campaign.
Photo for NorthEScambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Labor Day Gas Prices Could Be the Lowest in Three Years
August 26, 2024
Florida gas prices averaged $3.29 per gallon on Sunday. That’s the lowest daily average price in two months.
Escambia County’s average per gallon stands at $3.06.
The state average jumped 8 cents early last week, then reversed course, declining 9 cents by the weekend. One Cantonment station was the cheapest in North Escambia at $2.76 per gallon Sunday night. In Pensacola, the lowest price was $2.76 on Pensacola Boulevard, Airport Boulevard and Nine Mile Road.
“Low oil prices have kept pump prices in check,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Floridians planning to hit the road for Labor Day weekend are likely to find the lowest gas prices for the holiday weekend in three years.”
Florida drivers paid $3.68 per gallon on Labor Day 2023 and $3.52 during the 2022 holiday weekend. The state average was $3.02 per gallon on Labor Day weekend 2021.
Blue Wahoos Swept Out of Tennessee Despite Late Comeback
August 26, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (62-56) mounted a late comeback in Sunday’s finale versus the Tennessee Smokies (74-45), but fell victim to another late home run and lost in walk-off fashion 9-5. The defeat marks the Wahoos’ 11th loss in 13 games and their first time being swept in a six-game series since August 8-13, 2023 in Chattanooga.
Both teams scored early and often to begin Sunday’s game. In the bottom of the first inning, Tennessee struck first against Pensacola righthander Jeff Lindgren (5.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER) when third baseman Jonathon Long drove home right fielder Christian Franklin with a single. The Wahoos answered with three runs in the top of the second when center fielder Shane Sasaki doubled home the tying run before second baseman Johnny Olmstead singled home two more to give Pensacola a 3-1 lead.
The Smokies tacked on another run in the second, then jumped ahead in the third inning when Jonathon Long hit a two-run home run to give the Smokies a 4-3 lead. Neither team scored again until the bottom of the sixth when Tennessee tacked onto its lead when left fielder Parker Chavers singled home catcher Casey Opitz.
Trailing 5-3, the Pensacola offense came to life in the late innings. In the top of the seventh, Johnny Olmstead smacked his second home run of the series to cut the lead to 5-4. In the eighth, third baseman Graham Pauley followed up with a solo home run of his own to tie the game 5-5.
In the ninth, the Wahoos put a man on but could not score against Smokies righthander Zac Leigh (W, 2-2). In the bottom of the ninth, Pensacola lefthander Chandler Jozwiak (L, 3-4) took the mound for his second inning of relief following a scoreless eighth. Tennessee immediately put men aboard via a leadoff bunt single from second baseman Reivaj Garcia and a walk to right fielder Felix Stevens. Following a fielder’s choice and a one-out walk to load the bases, Smokies first baseman Haydn McGeary stepped to the plate and hit a 2-2 pitch for a walk-off, series-ending grand slam. The homer marked the third time in as many games that Tennessee hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning or later.
The 9-5 defeat marks the Wahoos’ eleventh loss in 12 regular season games versus Tennessee. Pensacola has three series and 18 total regular season games remaining this season.
The Wahoos return home on Tuesday to begin a series versus the Mississippi Braves. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT.
Ollie Strawbridge
August 26, 2024
Ollie Strawbridge, 87, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 23, 2024, in Bay Minette, AL. Born on June 30, 1937, in Sulligent, AL, he was the son of the late Thomas and Alice Estelle Millican Strawbridge.
Ollie graduated from Escambia County High School in 1959, where he was a cheerleader and president of Future Farmers of America. After serving in the United States Army and receiving a good conduct medal, he graduated from The University of Alabama in 1967.
Ollie married Rachel McGougan in 1969, and they were married for 55 years. He worked at First National Bank for 46 years, serving as bank president for 16 years. A lifelong Methodist, Ollie was a member of Bethel Methodist Church in Atmore, then First United Methodist Church of Atmore, and finally Point Washington United Methodist after moving to Florida.
A dedicated community member, Ollie served as president of Atmore Jaycees, the Rotary Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He and Rachel returned to Atmore in 2020.
Ollie was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Thomas Priddy Strawbridge, James Edward Strawbridge, Sr., Ronald Strawbridge, Lewis Strawbridge, Mary Wadeema Guyton, and Sylvia JoAnn Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Rachael McGougan Strawbridge; his children, David Strawbridge, Anna-Lisa Daniel, and Laurie Strawbridge; his grandchildren, Ansley Daniel and Mary Alice Daniel; his sister, Sue Roley; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Atmore, with Pastor Michael von Keyserling officiating. A private family graveside service will be held in Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Atmore.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Update: Missing, Endangered Century Woman Located
August 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to help locate Rhonda Renee Jackson, a 52-year-old Century woman who is considered missing and endangered.
Jackson was last seen around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, near Highway 4 and Campbell Road in Century. She was wearing dark-colored patterned clothing and a head wrap. Jackson is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 125 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The ECSO said she may be in need to medical attention.
Authorities believe Jackson may be in need of medical attention. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Tate High School Opens New Agriscience Building
August 25, 2024
A grand opening ceremony was held on Saturday for the new agriscience building at Tate High School, a facility made possible by half-cent sales tax funds.
“It may be the ribbon cutting today, they’ve already been enjoying that building for 10 days. and it will be many more days to come, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said, calling the building a testament to the commitment the community has made to the future of future of agricultural education.
Established in 1917, the J.M. Tate Agricultural School has a rich history of fostering excellence in agricultural education. “Our program has thrived over the years,” said Principal Laura Touchstone, highlighting the school’s numerous state and national accolades.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The agriscience building is packed with technology, from large screen displays and sound systems to precision laser equipment to hydroponics. It features a wood and welding shop, a veterinary classroom and other educational space.
Currently, approximately 1,088 Tate students are enrolled in the agriscience program, which is led by six dedicated teachers, four of whom are Tate alumni. “Our FFA chapter is recognized as a national three-star national gold chapter, placing us among the top 1% of chapters nationwide,” Touchstone said, noting that Tate’s FFA chapter is one of the largest in Florida.
“We are recognized as a national three-star national gold chapter, placing them among the top 1% of chapters nationwide for our work in growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture here in Florida.,” she said.
“Agriculture is more than just a cornerstone of our school it remains the very identity of J.M. Tate High School, Touchstone emphasized. “As we celebrate this new building, we remember that it’s not just a facility, it’s a place for our students will learn grow and carry on the traditions that have defined Tate for more than a century.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mostly Clear Tonight, Lower 70s
August 25, 2024
This week’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the week. Temperatures will remain in the high 80s and low 90s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Youth Football Takes Center Stage at NWE Jamboree (With Gallery)
August 25, 2024
Fans descended upon Northwest Escambia’s Greg Gibson Field for a Saturday jam-packed with youth football excitement
It’s estimated that several thousand fans attended a kickoff jamboree Saturday at Northwest Escambia’s Greg Gibson Filed in Walnut Hill.
The kick-off jamboree stretched over 10.5 hours, featuring a series of 25-minute scrimmage games between local teams. The NWE Chiefs, Cantonment Cowboys, Ensley Chiefs, Perdido Bay Bucs, and Pensacola Seahawks all took to the field, showcasing their skills and kicking off the upcoming season.
Click here for a photo gallery featuring games from Cantonment and NWE U6 and U14 teams.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
