Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have found a way to shut down the extra chromosome that causes the developmental problems and intellectual disabilities in people with Down syndrome.

The result was accomplished only with human cells grown in laboratory dishes. The UMass team found a way to suppress the expression of that extra chromosome, raising the possibility that eventually, a similar shutdown could be engineered in people.

[via Boston.com]

One out of every then MLB General Managers is a UMass graduate. That’s three out of thirty GMs. That has to be one of the more incredible accomplishments for the University of Massachusetts of late.

A quick reminder; last year’s lacrosse squad was undefeated and ranked #1 in the nation, but was ultimately defeated in the opening round of the NCAA tourney.

On Sunday, at a snowy Garber, the UMass Minutemen put together a solid performance and came away with a win against Army.

Next up; the Tar Heels of UNC. The game will take place in Atlanta, actually. With another  win — it would be a huge way to open the season for UMass. The knock on the team last year was in regards to the “easier” schedule which the team enjoyed in 2012. A win against a perennially good team like the Tar Heels can’t hurt.

I call the last two wins big only due to the margin of victory. The Minutemen should have won those games. Next up are two truly big games for the Minutemen — a Valentine’s Day night showdown at VCU and a home game against rival Temple on Saturday evening.

A huge shoutout to the students that packed the Mullins Center despite Saturday night’s snow. It’s clear that the team appreciates it. And this time they responded.

After making it all the way to #1 in the national in 2012, UMass is receiving high praise to start 2013. First the squad was ranked #9 by Inside Lacrosse’s coaches poll.

UMass men’s lacrosse received two additional preseason top-25 rankings today. The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) and Nike/Inside Lacrosse Media polls ranked the Minutemen 12th and 13th respectively

“I went up there this weekend and UMass. blew my mind,” Harris told the Washington Post. “Last year they had a rough year in their first year [in the Football Bowl Subdivision.] They need people, and I want to be part of what they’re building. I saw other people committing, and I figured I’d better hurry up.”

[via ESPN]

Boston College makes the trip down 95 to Gillette to open the 2014 season on August 30th.

So you are saying there’s a chance…

Football at the University of Massachusetts is steering the ship. As it is at 9 out of 10 major universities.

UMass Nation should be thankful that the administration finally pulled the trigger on the FBS move. Time was running out. In what it is now an endless conference carousel, the university can be a much more attractive package as it pertains to future super conferences.

We are seeing this already.

The Big East (once again) is having issues. Of course, this is stemming from the football side of the house, where the almighty dollar rules.The once power conference will be seeking football teams for 2014 and beyond.

Whether the Big East ends up pursuing UMass is yet to be determined. That fact is; UMass is a viable option for the Big East. There aren’t a ton of options for the fallen conference. Basketball, lacrosse and now football are all chips which the university can use to position itself as the top-tier, public, research university it should be.

It’s baby steps, but be thankful that UMass is taking the leap in the correct direction.

On that run, one official (on the near side) called it a touchdown and the other official (on the far side) did not. Inexplicably, the officials went with the call from the more distant referee.

Although UMass played tough and took a 13-0 lead into half, there was no doubt in my mind that those 7 points would be sorely missed.

The defense, once again, played well. Good enough to win, for sure. At times the offense finally looked decent again. However, it was the truly anemic run game that likely cost the team the game. The offensive line gave the team of running backs no chance. Luckily, the o-line — although not great — was not nearly as bad when Wegzyn dropped back to pass.

This team is only several key plays away from having 4 wins (Miami, Ohio, Akron and Buffalo). Although it doesn’t mean anything to most — to those of us watching every move Molnar and company make — that’s rather impressive.

**********

It’s a short, short week coming up. Central Michigan has to spend the Thanksgiving break traveling east to Foxboro. It ever there was  chance to take it to a team, the Minutemen have that chance this week. One tough thing, though. Central Michigan is playing for a .500 record and bowl eligibility.

UMass hosts the Chippewas Friday at 3pm.

I’m seeing a lot of predictions of a 2 and 3 touchdown loss… from UMass fans.

Now, this could EASILY happen. I know this. But, this is one of the games I was hoping could be close from the day the schedule was released. Now that we have seen this team for several weeks, I hope today’s showing can be more along the lines of the Ohio and Miami games (at the very least). Moreover, the team is coming off a win. Building on that first win would be a huge step forward for the program.

That Ohio game sticks out in my mind (along with flashes at Michigan and Miami). It’s haunting. The Minutemen looked good. About as good as a transitional team can look against very good competition. The team had some confidence those last three weeks in September. After hitting some low points since — and consequently losing all the confidence that had built up — I hope that the team comes out strong today coming off that first win.

It’s a great day for football — basically perfect weather for November. Lastly, congrats to all the bands participating in the annual UMass Band Day tradition.