Shutdown and science from campuses on the campaign trail and Daily Kos

I concluded Food news from campuses on the campaign trail by writing "That reminds me; I have some shutdown stories to share.  Stay tuned."  Here they are, from Overnight News Digest: Science Saturday (ACA and shutdown on campus) and Overnight News Digest: Science Saturday (2013 Nobel Prizes).  I'm giving Wayne State University the featured position, as they are the home town institution.

Wayne State University experts available to comment about federal government shutdown
October 1, 2013

The nation is in the midst of a partial government shutdown as a dispute over the Affordable Care Act continues on Capitol Hill. Congress and the Senate appear to be far apart in passing a spending bill that would end the shutdown.

Experts say most Americans will not feel the effects of a short-term shutdown, as most essential government operations will continue to function. However, a longer-term shutdown may negatively affect the economy and government services.

Follow over the jump for the damage already inflicted on science.

Before I continue with the news from campuses on the campaign trail, here are links to diaries on Daily Kos about the effects of the shutdown on science.

Shutdown kills scientific research
by AbbeFaria

The ENTIRE US Antarctic research program could be another casualty of the shutdown
by Hopeful Skeptic

What "essential" means to NASA
by jamess

Over the next 3 days, the US will see a hurricane, a tornado outbreak, and a blizzard.
by weatherdude

Green diary rescue: 150th coal plant to close, the shutdown and food safety
by Meteor Blades

The math that saw the US shutdown coming
by redbaron

More on the topic from The Record via NorthJersey.com: Stink bug season arrives in New Jersey, but census stifled by government shutdown.
BY  SCOTT FALLON
Saturday, October 5, 2013

They're just looking for a place to crash this winter. All that's required is a little heat and a tiny space to hang their antennas. They're not even asking for one lousy meal.

Yes, it's October, which means stink bugs are looking to get out of the field and into your home, where their unpleasant odor may occasionally waft through your house.

A large number of stink bugs were reported this summer infesting farms in South Jersey, according to a Rutgers scientist. Whether there will be an overwhelming home invasion of the little critters this autumn in North Jersey is still being determined. A warmer-than-usual spring this year may have contributed to the high numbers expected in coming months.

Due to the federal government shutdown this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Great Stink Bug Count of 2013 is on hiatus. The survey's participants, who record how many stink bugs are camping on the homes' exteriors, have no place to send their results because the USDA website has been dark since Tuesday.

Finally, how the shutdown is inconveniencing tourism.  This is a bigger deal that it seems, as tourism is big business and Americans do not want their entertainment messed with.

North Carolina State University: Slow Burn: Fall Foliage Taking Its Time
Release Date: 10.03.13

It may take a bit longer for North Carolina’s fall foliage to reach full color this year, thanks to ideal growing conditions for hardwood trees. Photo of Linn Cove Viaduct courtesy of Grandfather Mountain.

No, it’s not another sign of the federal government shutdown. North Carolina’s hardwood trees are taking their time to change colors this fall because of a low-stress growing season that included plenty of moisture and mild temperatures, a North Carolina State University expert says.

“Growing conditions have been good, so trees have postponed shutting down the food factories in their leaves,” says Dr. Robert Bardon, forestry and environmental resources professor. “I expect the fall colors will arrive a little bit later than usual.”

While the federal closures mean that leaf peepers won’t be able to check National Park Service websites or use the visitor centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bardon says it’s still possible to map out a spectacular fall foliage tour.

That reminds me.  I have climate news to post.  Stay tuned.