Lindsey Smith

Study shows Asian carp eggs could survive in tougher conditions than previously thought

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:54:15 +0000

Wildlife managers could have a harder time controlling spawning Asian carp, if they escape into the Lake Michigan from Chicago-area shipping canals. That's according to a report released by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Elizabeth Murphy is a hydrologist with the USGS. She co-authored the study.

Murphy says new data shows fertilized Asian carp eggs can incubate in waterways that are only 16 miles long. That’s a lot less than the 62 miles scientists thought the drifting eggs needed.

Ford Airport proposes new system to prevent bacterial slime in nearby creek

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:07:40 +0000

The main airport in Grand Rapids is proposing to build a new system to prevent the buildup of a bacterial film in a nearby river. The system would be the first of its kind at airports in Michigan.

In the winter, airplanes across the state are sprayed down with a fluid to prevent the buildup of snow and ice.

At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, roughly a third of that de-icing fluid makes its way into a small creek nearby. Bacteria in the creek can easily break down the fluid but they create a smelly film in the process.

The state considers the bio-slime a nuisance, not a human health risk. But it does deplete the oxygen, choking out aquatic life.

Clinton supporters rally in Grand Rapids: 'Never too early' to start the 2016 election

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:38:38 +0000

The next presidential election is more than three years away. But supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gathered in Grand Rapids Monday night to encourage her to run.

Clinton headlined a big black tie dinner the Economic Club of Grand Rapids puts on every year. It was closed to the press.

West Michigan’s big three getting lots of attention at office furniture show in Chicago

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:19:33 +0000

Grand Rapids-based Steelcase, Holland based-Haworth and Zeeland-based Herman Miller are showing off new lines of chairs, collaborative office spaces, and home offices at the annual show for the office furniture industry show known as NeoCon.

Together, West Michigan’s ‘big three’ sell nearly $6 billion in office furniture a year; making up more than half of all sales in the country. Designers and suppliers from across the state are also involved in this year’s show - MLive.com/The Grand Rapids Press lists them all here.

Industry analyst Mike Dunlap has been going to NeoCon for 34 years. He sees new technologies like smart phones and tablets creeping even further into what would traditionally be considered furniture.

“All of the major manufactures now are beginning to change their thinking to putting technology into the furniture as opposed to putting it on it,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap says Haworth is getting lots of attention for its new product called Bluescape, which he calls “an Ipad on steroids.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4aaRXl38SKk

West Michigan’s largest planetarium to undergo major technology upgrades

Lindsey Smith — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:07:14 +0000

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is getting a major upgrade.

The planetarium is popular; pulling in about 60,000 visitors a year. But it uses technology that's almost two decades old. GRPM spokeswoman Kate Moore says the upgrade will make a huge difference.

“Right now our shows, not only are they out of date technology wise, but some of the information is not shown in the best way that’s possible. They’re not at maximum capabilities to what, especially students, but also the general public is used to seeing these days,” Moore said.