Episodes

S5E8: How are ticks threatening Maine’s moose?

The moose has become so synonymous with Maine that it serves as the state animal. Residents and tourists alike scout the forests and mountains to catch at least a glimpse of this majestic mammal, and their odds aren’t too slim. Maine has the highest wild moose population in the lower 48 states, with 60,000–80,000 roaming […]

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S5E7: What career opportunities exist in the outdoor recreation industry?

Maine is known as Vacationland to lovers of outdoor recreation from around the world. An industry grew out of Mainers’ and tourists’ passion for hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing and other outside pastimes, and it generates $3 billion in economic activity for the state. The Outdoor Leadership program at UMaine was created to take advantage of […]

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S5E6: How can research lead to student success?

Improving student retention and success is a key priority at the University of Maine and University of Maine System. To support this goal, the Harold Alfond Foundation earmarked $20 million of its transformative $240 million gift to the System for new efforts to keep students enrolled and support their academic growth. One of these new […]

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S5E5: What opportunities exist in sports management?

Sports have significant value for many people for various reasons. It serves as entertainment for some, a passion for others and a $1.3 trillion international industry for entrepreneurs.  College students studying business will find many career opportunities in sports management upon graduation. The Maine Business School at UMaine capitalized on the demand for college graduates […]

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S5E4: What can mud reveal about the history of oceans?

Oceans serve as the dominant feature of the Earth. They sustain life, which began in their salty waters, and influence weather and climate.  Despite the significance of Earth’s oceans, much of their history remains a mystery. Katherine Allen, and assistant professor from the School of Earth and Climate Sciences at the University of Maine, looks […]

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S5E3: Can physics help combat COVID-19?

Numerous medical professionals, biologists and other experts have been combating COVID-19 and the havoc it has wrought since the pandemic began. Physicists have also joined the fray, including one from the University of Maine. The invention of a new microscope allows Sam Hess, a professor of physics at UMaine, to obtain new insight into the […]

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S5E2: How can we address mental health needs in rural Maine?

Many people nationwide are experiencing a decline in their mental health. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are rising, more so in rural areas. Ten out of 16 Maine counties have a shortage of mental health professionals. Only about half of the state population receives the services they need.  At UMaine, a major effort […]

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S5E1: How do we protect our forests from invasive species?

The invasive browntail moth exploded in Maine this summer. It damages and kills trees and causes rashes and respiratory problems in humans. The moth, however, is only one of many invasive species that plague Maine forests. University of Maine entomologist Angela Mech helps combat these unwanted visitors from the front lines, and she and her […]

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Season 5 coming soon

The Maine Question podcast from the University of Maine returns with season five kicking off September 23, 2021. Researchers, innovators and problem-solvers from UMaine will once again discuss their latest scientific inquiries and creative activities. We’ll also learn what drives their work and how it affects the Pine Tree State and beyond. Transcript Researchers, explorers, […]

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S4E10: Are you ready to garden?

Springtime in Maine can mean turning on the heat in the morning and the air conditioner in the afternoon. Spring also is when people flock to vegetable gardens, patios, flower beds and orchards. Gardening, which has been particularly popular during the pandemic, has a number of benefits — from reducing stress to increasing property values. […]

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