Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Oklahoma fire chiefs converge to learn how OAIRE drone research helps first responders save lives Courtesy of OSU News
Tribune Content Agency Studies have shown that about 90% of U.S. adults consume a form of caffeine every day.
Caffeine consumption Some sources may surprise you
ers program. “At The Innovation Foundation, we believe that driving innovation in cutting-edge drone technology holds the During an emergen- potential to revolutionize life-saving solutions in cy, time is of the utmost emergency response,” said importance. Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of Oklahoma State The Innovation FoundaUniversity researchers tion. “Dr. Jamey Jacob’s are looking to use drone technology to provide first exemplary work at OAIRE responders with assistance underscores our commitment, as we pioneer a in aiding their response future where technology times. Dr. Jamey Jacob, ex- seamlessly integrates into ecutive director of OSU’s real-world applications through hands-on research Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and and development.” This research is also Education, spoke Thurselevating OSU to lead in day about the future of drones in first response at aerospace innovation and the Oklahoma Fire Chief application aligning with Association winter work- the university’s strategic plan to become the preshop in the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. eminent land-grant uniUnder the umbrella versity. OSU has one of the of The Innovation Founbest fire protection prodation at OSU, OAIRE is grams as well as excellent developing new technoldrone programs, Jacob ogy to help fire chiefs said. The drone program statewide through colis focused on engineering laborative programs like the LaunchPad Center for development systems, as well as how to advance Advanced Air Mobility Drones for First Respond- that technology and put
it in the people’s hands. Jacob explained the three general applications of unmanned aircraft systems technology are: observation, delivery and weather, and where they are headed in the future. Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker said opportunities to work with Jacob prompt him and other fire chiefs to begin thinking about how UAS technology will have broad implications on the future of their profession from training and budgets to public safety. One significant focus area for OAIRE centers on seasonal fire weather and general weather patterns, emphasizing the utilization of systems for effective disaster response. The application of drones in observations spans various critical areas, including assessing fuel load and condition characteristics, enhancing situational awareness, collecting data for wildfire modeling, evaluating flood situations, and aiding in search and rescue efforts. See OAIRE on 6
Mayo Clinic News Network
that contain caffeine to enhance the effects of the drink. Knowing about these additives can help you avoid consuming more caffeine than you thought, so be sure to check labels before you buy. You probably know that tea and Some common additives that coffee contain caffeine, but did you contain caffeine include: know it also can be found in other -- Cartinine drinks, food and some medications? -- Choline When it comes to caffeine -- Ginseng consumption, you’re not alone if you -- Glucuronolactone depend on it to help you concentrate -- Guarana or be alert. Studies have shown that -- Inosol about 90% of U.S. adults consume a -- Kola nut form of caffeine every day. -- Malic acid How much caffeine is too -- Maltodextrin much? -- Niacin Caffeine content in bever-- Pantothenic acid ages widely varies. For most adults, -- Taurine consuming up to 400 milligrams of -- Theanine caffeine daily does not have adverse -- Tyrosine side effects. Depending on the type -- Yerba mate of beverage, that can be roughly four Caffeine in powder or liquid cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola form can be particularly dangerous. or two energy shot drinks. The Food and Drug AdministraWhile consuming some caftion has warned that high levels of feine is OK, too much can cause caffeine can cause serious health side effects, including: problems. One teaspoon of powdered -- Fast heartbeat caffeine is the same as drinking 28 -- Headaches cups of coffee, which is significantly -- High blood pressure more than the recommended level. -- Insomnia Kicking a caffeine habit -- Muscle tremors If caffeine becomes more of a Adolescents and young adults hindrance than a help, you may want must be cautious when drinking caf- to consider cutting back. This can be feine, and children should avoid it challenging because an abrupt dealtogether. People who are sensitive crease can cause withdrawal sympto caffeine’s effects or take certain toms like headaches, fatigue and medications should avoid consuming difficulty focusing. too much caffeine. People who are To lessen caffeine withdrawal pregnant, want to become pregnant symptoms, try these tips: or are breastfeeding should talk with -- Be aware of and track how their healthcare team about caffeine much caffeine you consume throughconsumption. out the day. Common caffeine sources -- Cut back gradually so your If you reach for different types body gets used to lower levels of cafof beverages throughout the day, you feine. may be drinking more caffeine than -- Check products you use for you realize. With a cup of coffee or caffeine, such as over-the-counter tea with breakfast, a soda in the afpain relievers. ternoon and a piece of chocolate after -- Shorten the brew time of tea supper, caffeine is part of your daily to cut down on the caffeine content, eating habits. or choose an herbal tea that doesn’t Some of the most common have caffeine. sources of caffeine are: -- Switch to decaffeinated -- Chocolate beverages, which have a similar taste -- Coffee but much less caffeine than their full-- Medication strength counterparts. -- Soda Contact your primary care -- Tea provider for guidance or evaluation Caffeine also can hide under if you’re struggling with persistent or some names that are less recognizsevere caffeine withdrawal symptoms. able. Energy drinks have additives news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy of OSU News Wheat being transplanted on the wheat research farm greenhouses at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on Dec. 18, 2023.
Planning phase begins for much-needed updates at OSU’s Agronomy Research Station Courtesy of OSU News
on the west side of campus along Highway 51, is a historic facility that houses one of the top wheat breeding programs in the world. OSU has The Oklahoma State commercialized 34 wheat University/A&M Board of varieties since 2000 and has the largest footprint Regents has approved a request to draft construc- for variety development in the Great Plains region. tion plans for new facili“When we talk ties at the OSU Agronomy Research Station in Still- about our efforts at OSU to feed and nourish the water, home to the university’s renowned wheat world, it starts at the agronomy farm and is led improvement program. by the wheat improveThe project’s first phase will involve select- ment team,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and ing architectural and construction management dean of OSU Agriculture. “Economically, wheat is firms to assist with the the most important crop in design and construction of new greenhouses and a Oklahoma, and the state’s headhouse at the site. The harvest feeds people all over the United States and cost for this initial phase is expected to be $10 mil- the world.” The OSU Agronomy lion. Research Station supThe current OSU ports all three of OSU agronomy farm, located Agriculture’s mission
areas: research, Extension and teaching. It includes 28 buildings, totaling 134,826 square feet, that are used for classroom instruction, greenhouse trials, research and support services. A master plan study performed in 2018 to identify potential improvements and expansion of the research station yielded several standalone projects or phases to be activated based on funding availability and need. Many of its structures were built 60 years ago and have been deemed in need of at least minor repairs. Several others require major repairs or have been classified in a state of “end of life.” These aging structures threaten to compromise the advancement of OSU’s wheat breeding trials. See Station on 7