Over 500 million years ago, weird complex creatures emerged on Earth. Scientists now think they know why

CNN, May 7

“In general, the [magnetic] field is protective. If we had not had a field early in Earth’s history, water would have been stripped from the planet by the solar wind (a stream of energized particles flowing from the sun toward Earth),” says John Tarduno, the William Kenan, Jr. Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. “But in the Ediacaran Period, we had a fascinating period in the development of the deep Earth when processes creating the magnetic field … had become so inefficient after billions of years, that the field almost completely collapsed.”

Eyeglasses collection sets new records

The Sustainability Office’s 10th annual eyewear recycling program broke two records, collecting 3,230 pairs of glasses with 26 departments participating. Read more about this year’s efforts in the latest Go Green blog post.

Simon’s ‘Grad Stage to Grad School’ offer extended to May 12

Rochester seniors: are you interested in continuing your education with an MS degree? Apply to one of Simon’s MS programs—Accountancy, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing Analytics, or the part-time Online MS in Business Analytics & Applied AI—by 11:59 p.m. on May 12, and receive your admission decision before Commencement on May 17. Additional benefits include an application fee waiver (a $90 value), the option to apply without a GMAT/GRE score, and a guaranteed $10,000 scholarship if admitted. Simon’s specialized master’s programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in today’s competitive job market. Set up a time for a brief chat with an admissions team member.

Rochester Amerks discounted tickets

The Rochester Americans are offering all University faculty, staff, retirees, and their families the chance to purchase discounted tickets for the playoff game this Friday, May 10, subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased online under “Rochester Americans” using promo code “UR.”

Global Accessibility Awareness Day webinar

Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day by attending a free live webinar provided by accessibility partner, Deque, on Thursday, May 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. You can also attend a follow-up Q&A session led by Ewa Zennermann, the University’s director of digital accessibility, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Find more information and register.

Applications open for 2024 Del Monte Institute Pilot Program

Apply today for the 2024 Del Monte Pilot Program—up to nine novel basic, clinical, and translational projects in the neurosciences will be supported with a maximum budget of $50,000 per award. Apply by Friday, June 7.

Feast of the Ascension mass with the Catholic Newman Community

The Catholic Newman Community hosts a mass for the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 9, at 12:30 p.m. at the Interfaith Chapel Sanctuary, River Campus.

Attend the Forbes Entrepreneurial Competition

The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s Forbes Entrepreneurial Competition takes place virtually on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. Support Rochester students as they present their business ideas to a panel of judges. Register for updates and join by Zoom.

Wilmot Shared Resources seminar

Wilmot Shared Resources is hosting a metabolomics seminar as part of its “Lunch and Learn” series on Tuesday, May 14, from noon to 1 p.m. in the K-307 Auditorium (3-6408), Medical Center. Learn more and register to attend.

Register for the Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards

Register today for the 15th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, happening Friday, May 31, at noon in Helen Wood Hall Auditorium. Keynote speaker Sacoby Wilson, director of community engagement, environmental justice, and health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, will present “The Power of Community Engagement in the Fight for Environmental, Climate, and Energy Justice: Approaches, Solutions, and Impact.” The event also celebrates the work of the 2024 awardees, including Medical Center staff, faculty, and community partners. Lunch will be provided at Evarts Lounge immediately following the event. RSVPs for lunch must be received by Thursday, May 23.

Undergraduates honored at annual Student Life Awards

Held on April 19, the annual Student Life Awards, also known as the “Rockys,” recognized undergraduate students who, through service to others, investment of talent and time, and pursuit of excellence, have significantly and positively impacted the University or the surrounding community.