Auburn scientists investigating what makes bedbugs tick


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BedbugsAUBURN UNIVERSITY – The first thing that Zach DeVries does when he opens the door to a new hotel room is to put his luggage in the bathtub.

“I’m not being paranoid,” DeVries says. “I’m being cautious.”

It is a caution born of insight that DeVries has acquired over the past couple of years as an Auburn University master’s-level entomology graduate student whose research is aimed at discovering basic biological information to add to the relatively shallow body of scientific knowledge about bedbugs.

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Auburn University to host Alabama County Government Institute June 6-7


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AUBURN UNIVERSITY – The Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University will host the 43rd annual Alabama County Government Institute June 6-7 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The institute will begin with registration at 8 a.m. Thursday and will conclude by noon on Friday.

County commissioners and other county officials will gather for talks and discussions based on the theme “Staying Ahead of the Game: Innovations for Increasing County Revenue.” They will explore ways a county can enhance its revenue environment, be positioned for economic development and growth and effectively build for the future. The goal is to provide timely fiscal solutions for those engaged in all levels of Alabama government.

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Recent Auburn graduate selected as prestigious Marcus L. Urann Fellow


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Paul BergenAUBURN UNIVERSITY – Paul Bergen, a 2012 graduate of Auburn University, has been selected as a Marcus L. Urann Fellow, an award presented by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi to select members entering the first year of graduate or professional school. As a part of the fellowship, Bergen will receive a $15,000 stipend.

Bergen is one of six recipients nationally and one of 190 students to receive an institutional nomination for the fellowship. Only one student per university may be nominated.

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Auburn veterinary professor: education, awareness key to preventing dog bites


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AUBURN UNIVERSITY – Education and awareness can be the key in preventing a bite from man’s best friend, says Auburn University veterinary professor James Wright, who has some common sense suggestions for keeping everyone, including your animal, safe.

The American Veterinary Medical Association observed the third week of May as National Dog Bite Prevention Week to focus on educating people about preventing dog bites. It reports that small children, the elderly and Postal Service carriers – in that order – are the most frequent victims of dog bites.

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Sculptural bike racks designed by Auburn students and faculty installed at museum


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Three sculptural bicycle racks were installed at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art during May’s National Bike MonthAUBURN UNIVERSITY - Three sculptural bicycle racks were installed at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art during May’s National Bike Month, giving museum visitors a place to park their rides.

The museum’s assistant director, Andy Tennant, said the museum needed an innovative place for students and visitors to secure their bicycles. The museum collaborated with Auburn industrial and graphic design students and faculty to design a bicycle rack that maintains the artistic integrity of a museum, but also incorporates the necessary functions of a bicycle rack.

“Museum goers will have an experience with art from the moment they arrive when viewing ‘Cyclers,’” Tennant said.

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State Legislature approves $1 million for Auburn University’s expanding focus on cyber security


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AUBURN UNIVERSITY - Auburn University is expanding its research, education, workforce development and economic development in the growing cyber security field. As one of the strategic initiatives supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research, cyber continues to be a focus for Auburn University.

Government officials report that cyber espionage ranks among the top threats to the U.S.

“Cyber concerns range from disabling the electrical grid to hacking into financial institutions to stealing intellectual property,” said retired Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess.

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