In the News

• Utah Public Radio Monday, Jul. 20, 2026

  Emmy-winning documentary features USU research beneath Greenland's ice

  "The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice" follows the story of Camp Century, a Cold War military base built beneath the Greenland ice sheet. Before the base was abandoned, researchers drilled 1.3 kilometers through the ice and continued drilling into the sediment below.

  Tammy Rittenour is a professor at Utah State University and director of the USU Luminescence Laboratory. She and her lab are featured in the documentary, though their role in it is a bit different than others.

  “What I worked on wasn’t actually the ice. It was the sediments underneath the ice, which is what makes it unique," Rittenour said.

• Utah Public Radio Friday, Jul. 17, 2026

  New study reveals additional health risks from Great Salt Lake dust

  New research shows two additional routes that toxic metals in dust blown off of the Great Salt Lake could move into soils, plants, and human bodies.

  "No, it's definitely not just an inconvenience," said Janice Brahney, associate professor of environmental biogeochemistry.

  Brahney supervised new research led by Molly Blakowski at Utah State University this spring.

  “The Great Salt Lake is a terminal basin with multiple millions of people that live in the catchment, lots of industry, lots of activity in the catchment," she said, "so everything that we do, everything that we create, all the toxins we produce, all the different compounds, they all flow into the Great Salt Lake."

• The Washington Post Thursday, Jul. 02, 2026

  These glaciers are becoming critical climate havens

  If you have ever hiked in the high peaks of Colorado, the Wasatch Range in Utah or the Tetons in Wyoming, you’ve almost certainly seen a rock glacier, perhaps without even knowing it.

  Rock glaciers are slow-moving masses of rock debris and ice that flow downhill the same way that glaciers do, but they are covered by a thick layer of rock and boulders that can easily be mistaken for stable ground.

  There are at least 1,500 active rock glaciers across the western U.S., and they’re important. That’s because while the icy white glaciers people typically picture have been shrinking and even disappearing, our new study shows that rock glaciers and their frozen water are remaining mostly stable despite rising temperatures.

• Fox 13 News Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2026

  USU mows its 'Quad' into an American flag design ahead of July 4th holiday

  LOGAN, Utah — This week, Utah State University is continuing an annual tradition of turning "The Quad" into a giant American flag.

  USU's landscaping crew mowed the flag design into the four sections of grass adjacent to the iconic Old Main building. They also used white paint to accentuate the 50 stars, with the 13 stripes cut into contrasting dark and light green.

• The Herald Journal Monday, Jun. 29, 2026

  USU Pres signs hunger initiative as extension launches Food Systems Alliance

  As food insecurity continues to rise across Utah, Utah State University Extension’s Create Better Health Hub recently hosted leaders from across Utah’s agriculture, food manufacturing, government, higher education and community sectors to launch the USU Extension Food Systems Alliance. The new collaboration brings stakeholders together to strengthen food systems, reduce waste and increase community access to nutritious food.

  As part of the event, USU President Brad Mortensen signed the Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) Commitment, joining university leaders nationwide in pledging support for efforts that address hunger, poverty and food insecurity through research, education, partnerships and action. PUSH institutions work collectively toward achieving zero hunger across campuses, communities and nations.

• Fox 13 News Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

  Utah State University researchers look for creative ways to save water

  OGDEN, Utah — Utah State University researchers are looking for ways for gardeners to save on their water bills as the Summer gets hotter and drier.

  Ogden's Utah State University Extension assistant professor of horticulture, Andrea Pettit, heard from the community for solutions to keep their gardens this summer.

  "We hear so many people asking about water conservation and we're trying to help find solutions for it,” said Pettit.

  That was when some colleagues, like assistant professor of agriculture and natural resources Maggi Mathews, saw if they could use the wool sheared from sheep by a Weber County 4-H group could be put to good use.

• ETV News Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

  USU Eastern welders strike gold at National SkillsUSA competition

  ATLANTA, GA — Utah State University Eastern’s welding program once again proved itself among the nation’s best, earning top honors at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta.

  Associate Professor of Welding Austin Welch praised the accomplishments of the students following the event.

  “I am very pleased to inform you that our welding students swept their respective contests at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference last week in Atlanta,” Welch said.

  Leah Cannon earned a gold medal in the Welding competition, giving USU Eastern its fourth consecutive national championship in the event. Cannon competed against more than 30 contestants in the postsecondary division.

• The Herald Journal Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

  USU, CAPSA host conference on ending domestic violence

  One in three women in Utah experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. This makes Utah one of the top 20 states in the nation for domestic violence.

  To combat this statistic, the fifth annual Northern Utah Conference to End Violence: A Call for Collaborative Leadership was held on June 9.

  Hosted by Utah State University in collaboration with Cache Valley’s Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse (CAPSA), this event “aimed to explore solutions to prevent domestic and sexual violence,” according to a USU press release.

• Utah Public Radio Friday, Jun. 05, 2026

  Could cave bacteria help cure cancer? A USU discovery suggests they might

  Utah State University scientists recently unveiled a new type of CRISPR biotechnology with the ability to selectively target and shred the DNA of cancerous cells.

  “The immune system of cave bacteria holds the cure for cancer," said Ryan Jackson, an associate professor of biochemistry at USU.

  “Did I know that we were going to discover this?" Jackson continued. "Absolutely not, but I did know when I started working here at Utah State that bacterial immune systems could hold new biotech.”

  He’s referring to a new breakthrough in biotechnology that he and his team discovered. It’s called Cas12a2 and it’s a type of CRISPR nuclease. But first off, what is CRISPR anyway?

• Deseret News Monday, Jun. 01, 2026

  Odd spring likely to produce 'fruit famine' in Utah, expert says

  Utah’s odd spring, featuring June-like warmth in March followed by cold snaps in April and May, is likely to produce what one expert calls a “fruit famine” across the state.

  Late-season frosts like the ones reported across the state multiple times over the past few weeks create a high risk for fruit crop loss, said Ben Scow, a horticulturist for Utah State University Extension. Temperatures dropped low enough to kill blossoms and newly setting fruit, he explains.

  Thus, he expects there will be a widespread crop loss for many growers and homeowners this year.

  “This is unfortunate because we grow some amazing fruit across the state,” he said in a statement Friday. “This year we’re just going to have very, very little.”

• The Herald Journal Friday, May. 29, 2026

  Utah State to host first annual brain health fair

  Those looking to sharpen their cognitive skills this summer can start at Utah State University’s upcoming Brain Health Fair.

  Dedicated to connecting the community with resources on brain health, this event will be taking place on Saturday, June 13, in the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence.

  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. attendees can find themselves completely immersed in all things brain health related. A densely packed schedule has activities from cooking demonstrations to yoga to an open house with various booths.

• KSL Wednesday, May. 20, 2026

  USU researchers working with beaver to preserve water

  The work of a Utah State University team — as well as one of nature’s engineers — is preventing farmland from drying up in Utah and across the west.

  By observing, studying and working with beaver, Utah State Riverscapes professor Joe Wheaton is teaching students how to provide solutions to local farmers.

• The Herald Journal Friday, May. 15, 2026

  USU biochemists show CRISPR can selectively destroy cancer cells

  Among the challenges in treating disease, including cancer, is wiping out malignancies, infection, contaminants or other pathologies without destroying healthy tissue.

  "This is a holy grail of medicine and other sciences," Utah State University biochemist Ryan Jackson said.

  Jackson, with USU doctoral candidate Kadin Crosby and colleagues from other institutions, reported a breakthrough discovery about CRISPR-Cas12a2 in the May 6 online issue of the journal Nature.

• The Herald Journal Friday, May. 15, 2026

  Utah State names new provost Chris Corcoran

  Utah State University has found a new provost, and it didn’t have to look very far.

  Friday morning it was announced on Utah State Today that Chris D. Corcoran would be taking over that role. USU President Brad L. Mortensen named Corcoran as the next provost and executive vice president. Corcoran will begin his new job at the university on July 1.

  “Throughout the search process, Chris stood out for his innovative thinking and clear vision for advancing student success, academic excellence and research in ways that align with Utah State’s statewide and land-grant mission,” Mortensen said in a story posted on Utah State Today. “The feedback I received consistently highlighted his ability to bring people together, think strategically about the future and lead through challenges while remaining student-centered and mission focused. Chris cares deeply about students, faculty and the role this university plays across Utah, and I’m excited to work alongside him as we continue advancing Utah State’s mission as a research and land-grant university.”

• ABC 4 News Wednesday, May. 13, 2026

  USU brings independence to refugee group through chicken coop project

  Refugee communities in Utah are being supplied with farm-fresh eggs and poultry thanks to a collaborative effort between Utah State University and Utah Refugee Goats.

  According to Utah Refugee Goats (URG), their goat and poultry farm supplies refugee communities with reliable, affordable and culturally familiar sources of meat. Thanks to Utah State University (USU) agriculture students, it’s getting some ‘egg’stra attention.

  Over the last 10 weeks, Brad Borges, a Ph.D candidate for career and technical education, has been taking a hands-on approach with his students to construct a new chicken coop with the support of a mobile construction lab and a $20,000 grant.

• KSL Friday, May. 01, 2026

  Electric charging roads being developed at Utah State University

  Researchers at Utah State University are on the verge of an electric idea. They’re rolling out cutting-edge technology, where the road charges your electric car or truck as you drive.

  The future of electric cars: no plug, no cords, no waiting hours to charge, because the road does it for you. It’s not just a pipe dream of tomorrow. It’s being developed at the ASPIRE Engineering Research Center at Utah State University.

  “Here at this facility, is focused on this wireless charging, both in terms of a stationary wireless and then also what’s called dynamic wireless,” said James Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer of ASPIRE Research Center.

• Deseret News Monday, Apr. 27, 2026

  Bobby Wagner's jersey will be retired by Utah State

  One of the greatest players in Utah State football history will have his jersey retired soon.

  On Monday, Utah State announced that it will be retiring linebacker Bobby Wagner’s number in a ceremony to be held in 2026 or 2027, depending on Wagner’s schedule.

  “Bobby exemplifies what it means to be an Aggie, and this honor is long overdue,” said Utah State athletic director Cameron Walker in a statement. “We are excited to recognize his achievements in a Utah State uniform and all he has accomplished in the NFL and in his community. Retiring his number and displaying it on the side of our press box for current and future Aggies to see is a well-deserved honor to celebrate an amazing football career and a remarkable person.”

• The Washington Post Monday, Apr. 27, 2026

  Why this state is betting on cloud-seeding drones to solve its water problem

  Scientists have been shooting particles into clouds since the 1940s, praying it will bring more rain and snow.

  While researchers agree that “cloud seeding” can work in a laboratory setting, many have doubted how much precipitation it can generate in the real world. But that hasn’t stopped Western states from blasting silver iodide into the sky for decades, hoping it will relieve harsh droughts.

• The Salt Lake Tribune Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

  New USU building expands college access in Monument Valley

  A new Utah State University building in Monument Valley is expected to expand access to higher education in one of the most remote parts of Utah, replacing a deteriorating facility and bringing new programs closer to home for local students.

  University, state and tribal leaders gathered April 22 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Monument Valley education building, a project years in the making aimed at improving opportunities in the region and across the Navajo Nation.

• Deseret News Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026

  New program designed to support dementia caregivers in Utah

  Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia requires immense time and effort, and the emotional toll can be high. Approximately 110,000 Utahns provide informal care for loved ones with dementia, according to Utah State University Extension. The constant demands of caring for such a loved one can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration and burnout.

  While memory care is an around-the-clock commitment, experts at Alzheimer’s.gov urge caregivers to prioritize their own well-being by taking breaks, eating a balanced diet or connecting with mental health professionals.

• The New York Times Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026

  Another Giant Leap Reminds Us How Small We Are

  In the beginning, Artemis II was about science. The mission, which ended on Friday with a clean splash into the Pacific Ocean, carried four astronauts who gathered data, took photographs and tested life support systems as they orbited the moon.

  But for the astronauts themselves, and millions of people who checked in on them from hundreds of thousands of miles away, the mission also elicited meditations on more profound matters.

• KSL Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

  Public could be exposed to toxic GSL dust through food consumption

  SALT LAKE CITY — The threat of toxic dust from the drying Great Salt Lake has been well-discussed and well-publicized.

  But new research from scientists at the University of Utah and Utah State University suggests the dust may pose broader health risks than previously understood.

  The study, published in the journal Atmospheric Environment, found that the public could potentially be exposed to toxic metals in the dust through food consumption.

  Specifically, the study showed leafy vegetables exposed to Great Salt Lake dust contained elevated levels of multiple toxic elements, including arsenic and uranium, even after thorough washing.

• The Herald Journal Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

  Aggie revenge tour capped off with another MW championship

  LAS VEGAS — It was a redemption tour of sorts when Utah State started the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

  The Aggie men’s basketball team would face three teams that had beaten them near the end of the regular season. Despite that, USU had won the regular season and the top seed for the tournement. But they came to Sin City with a bad taste in their mouth.

  On Saturday afternoon the Aggies capped off three wins in three days — all by double digits — and got to cut down a net for the second straight week. USU broke a tight game open late against second-seeded San Diego State to win the tournament, 73-62.

• KSL News Radio Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

  Researchers helping families of babies with hearing loss navigate next steps

  SALT LAKE CITY — About 95% of infants are tested for hearing loss, but only 25 % of those who test positive come back for a follow-up visit.

  Utah State University senior researcher Alyson Ward said there are many reasons not to make those appointments, from misinformation to a lack of transportation. She said for decades parents have been told their infant didn’t pass a test because there is likely fluid in their ears, but she says that is not true.

  The current protocol has health providers wait for at least a day after the baby is born to perform a hearing test, which is plenty of time for any fluid to drain.