News Bureau Feed2008-05-08T16:00:27-06:00MU News Bureautag:munews.missouri.edu,2007-04-24:/index.xml2008-05-08T14:00:00-06:002008-05-08T15:51:26-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-08:/news-releases/2008/0508-Fitness-Week.phpRunning is a popular way to lose weight and gain health benefits. It also is a vigorous exercise and isn't for everyone, according to a University of Missouri Extension state fitness specialist. 2008-05-08T12:00:00-06:002008-05-08T12:40:14-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-08:/news-releases/2008/0508-shiu-mold-research.phpWhen most people discover mold on their bread, they immediately throw it out. Others see a world of possibilities in the tiny fungus. A University of Missouri scientist, along with a collaborative research team, has examined a new mechanism in the reproductive cycle of a certain species of mold. This mechanism protects the organism from genetic abnormalities by "silencing" unmatched genes during meiosis (sexual reproduction). The finding could have implications for higher organisms and may lead to precise "targeting" of unwanted genes, such as those from the HIV virus.2008-05-07T01:00:00-06:002008-05-07T14:39:08-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-07:/news-releases/2008/0507-telehealth-intervention-wakefield.phpTelehealth, using telecommunication technology to deliver health care, is increasingly being used to improve the delivery and availability of health care services to patients. A University of Missouri researcher found that patients who received a telehealth intervention from care providers had significantly delayed hospital readmission rates when compared to patients who received traditional care.2008-05-07T01:00:00-06:002008-05-07T11:52:11-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-07:/news-releases/2008/0507-preliminary-enrollment-korschgen.phpAs of May 1, the number of freshmen who have been admitted and paid an initial enrollment deposit to the University of Missouri has increased by more than 26 percent from the same time last year. MU officials attribute the increase to a successful recruiting drive, the academic reputation of the university, improvement in campus facilities and grounds, and increased recognition of Mizzou with the recent success of the athletics program.2008-05-06T13:00:00-06:002008-05-06T13:54:24-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-06:/news-releases/2008/0506-hinton-osteoporosis.phpWomen in their 20s and 30s will have big problems as they age if they don't start thinking about bone health now, according to a University of Missouri nutritional scientist who studies osteoporosis. Bone mass in women peaks at age 30 and is stable until age 50 when a rapid loss begins to occur. Men stay relatively steady over time and do not experience a significant bone loss until age 70.2008-05-05T09:00:00-06:002008-05-05T09:46:24-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-05:/news-releases/2008/0505-worthington-appointment.phpDeputy Chancellor Mike Middleton has appointed Roger L. Worthington as Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Missouri. Worthington will coordinate the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative, support MU's commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action, and serve as a consultant on matters of diversity initiatives being sponsored and funded by the university. Priorities of the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative include efforts to increase the diversity of faculty, staff and students and to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. 2008-05-02T01:00:00-06:002008-05-02T16:55:30-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-02:/news-releases/2008/0502-Bukstein-Gift.phpA donation of $1.1 million to the University of Missouri will benefit patients with cancer by advancing research efforts focused on improving the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease. Michael and Sharon Bukstein recently made the donation to the MU School of Medicine, which establishes the Michael J. and Sharon R. Bukstein Chair in Cancer Research.2008-05-01T01:00:00-06:002008-05-01T15:43:25-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-05-01:/news-releases/2008/0501-marketing-trust.phpIn the global economy, corporate collaboration is becoming a necessity, making trust critical to the success of joint business ventures. A University of Missouri study examined the effects of trust at three distinct organizational levels and found that business executives should strive to build and maintain trust to improve performance. Building that trust may include consideration of staffing, special compensation and adjusted management processes.2008-04-30T13:00:00-06:002008-04-30T14:51:01-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-30:/news-releases/2008/0430-fancher-picnic-safety.phpAnts and bad weather aren't the only things that can ruin a picnic. When food gets too hot or too cold, the chances of contamination and food-borne illness increase. Taking a few preventative measures when dining outdoors can reduce the risk of food poisoning greatly.2008-04-30T01:00:00-06:002008-04-30T09:39:53-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-30:/news-releases/2008/0430-Stress-Reduction.phpMany people experience the feeling of being overwhelmed. Common sources of stress include losing a set of keys, being late to important meetings, and tackling stacks of paperwork. Many people believe the last thing they have time to think about is how to reduce stress and improve mental health, but doing three simple things can make a difference. Exercising, positive thinking and deep breathing are the three tried-and-true methods to de-stress, according to Laurie Mintz, associate professor of educational, school and counseling psychology in the University of Missouri College of Education. 2008-04-29T12:00:00-06:002008-04-29T12:38:50-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-29:/news-releases/2008/0429-evan-allergy.phpSneezing, itching and watery eyes are all signs that spring allergens are in the air. This time of year is particularly difficult for people who suffer from asthma and allergies, according to a University of Missouri respiratory therapist. May is designated as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." 2008-04-29T12:00:00-06:002008-04-29T12:08:09-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-29:/news-releases/2008/0429-hu-silver-nanoparticles.phpToo much of a good thing could be harmful to the environment. For years, scientists have known about silver's ability to kill harmful bacteria and, recently, have used this knowledge to create consumer products containing silver nanoparticles. Now, a University of Missouri researcher has found that silver nanoparticles also may destroy benign bacteria that are used to remove ammonia from wastewater treatment systems. The study was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. 2008-04-24T08:00:00-06:002008-04-24T09:05:56-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-24:/news-releases/2008/0424-deacy-trial-practice.phpThe prosecution cross-examines the accused. The defense makes a case for its client during closing arguments. It appears to be a real trial, but the room is full of University of Missouri law students and nobody has broken the law. Although it's not the real justice system, students learn important skills by participating in the MU trial practice program. Now, a $100,000 gift from MU law school alumnus Thomas Deacy will enhance the existing trial practice program. 2008-04-23T14:00:00-06:002008-04-23T14:46:40-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-23:/news-releases/2008/0423-rouder-working-memory.phpA mind is a terrible thing to waste, but humans may have even less to work with than previously thought. University of Missouri researchers found that the average person can keep just three or four things in their "working memory" or conscious mind at one time. This finding may lead to better ways to assess and help people with attention-deficit and focus difficulties, improve classroom performance and enhance test scores. 2008-04-23T01:00:00-06:002008-04-23T11:37:49-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-23:/news-releases/2008/0423-autism-brainwaves.phpPlaying a video game called 'Space Race' that requires nothing more than brainpower to make rockets on a computer screen move forward is more than just fun and games. A University of Missouri researcher is using video games to see if the brainwaves of children with autism can be 'retrained' to improve focus and concentration.2008-04-23T01:00:00-06:002008-04-23T09:04:16-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-23:/news-releases/2008/0423-science-journalism.phpJournalists constantly face the challenge of communicating technical health and science information in a way that informs and excites the general public. As scientific advancements become more complicated, the need for skilled writers increases. A recent gift to the University of Missouri School of Journalism will give students the opportunity to gain experience and explore career options in science, health and technology journalism. 2008-04-21T15:00:00-06:002008-04-21T15:39:47-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-21:/news-releases/2008/0421-Ken-lay-chair.phpMichael O'Brien, dean of the University of Missouri's College of Arts and Science, has announced that Joseph Haslag has been appointed as the first Kenneth L. Lay Chair in Economics. Haslag has been a member of MU's faculty since 2000.2008-04-21T12:00:00-06:002008-04-21T17:02:27-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-21:/news-releases/2008/0421-vice-chancellor.phpThe co-chairs of the University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Research search committee, Carolyn Herrington, dean of the College of Education, and Gerald Hazelbauer, chair and director of the Division of Biochemistry in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the School of Medicine, have announced the finalists for the vice chancellor for research position.2008-04-21T12:00:00-06:002008-04-21T12:58:19-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-21:/news-releases/2008/0421-hurricane-katrina.phpMore than 1,800 people perished in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005-the largest hurricane death toll in the United States since 1928. For the most vulnerable-the urban poor with little money, no transportation and limited resources-Katrina threatened to take everything. According to a University of Missouri researcher, some of those people survived the hurricane because of quick action from key women who, through pre-existing social networks, were able to mobilize for successful evacuation.2008-04-18T11:00:00-06:002008-04-18T11:31:05-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-18:/news-releases/2008/0419-flagship-scholars.phpUniversity of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton has announced plans for a new program that will make college an attainable goal for more Missouri students. The University of Missouri Flagship Scholars program ultimately will provide a full-ride, four-year scholarship to a student in each Missouri county. Students who demonstrate outstanding service and leadership and are the first in their family to attend college will receive priority consideration. 2008-04-17T14:00:00-06:002008-04-17T15:48:25-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-17:/news-releases/2008/0417-Child-predators.phpA child's innocence and vulnerability presents a target for a sexual predator's abusive behavior. University of Missouri researchers are beginning to understand the communication process by which predators lure victims into a web of entrapment. This information could better equip parents and community members to prevent, or at least interrupt, the escalation of child sexual abuse.2008-04-17T13:00:00-06:002008-04-17T13:33:10-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-17:/news-releases/2008/0417-sharma-cataracts.phpIt is the No. 1 line-item cost of Medicare reimbursement and affects more than 20 million people in the United States. Cataracts, which can have devastating effects on the eye, affect 42 percent of the population between the ages of 70 and 80, and 68 percent of the population over the age of 80, according to the National Eye Institute. Now, a University of Missouri professor has identified an important step in how cataracts form. This discovery, published in a recent edition of The Journal of Biological Chemistry, could lead to a better treatment or cure for cataracts in the future.2008-04-16T13:00:00-06:002008-04-16T14:03:11-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-16:/news-releases/2008/0416-ward-nwf-award.phpWhether it's by using fluorescent light bulbs or buying all-natural cleaning supplies, organizations everywhere are becoming increasingly eco-friendly and striving to reduce their impact on the environment. University of Missouri officials recently earned recognition for their efforts as MU was named a recipient of the Energy Efficiency award following the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) national competition, Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming. 2008-04-14T09:00:00-06:002008-04-14T09:43:30-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-14:/news-releases/2008/0414-vet-school-open-house.phpSeeing more than 16,000 patients annually in a 150,000 square-foot facility, students of the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital have medical experience in emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, neurology, orthopedic surgery and cardiovascular medicine. On Saturday, April 19, the veterinary faculty, staff and students will host the 2008 open house to give the public and aspiring veterinarians the opportunity to see one of the state's most advanced veterinary facilities that has been in existence for more than 50 years. 2008-04-11T15:00:00-06:002008-04-11T15:45:42-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-11:/news-releases/2008/0411-teacher-of-the-year.phpRichard Meadows, teaching associate professor of veterinary medicine and surgery at the University of Missouri, was nominated for the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education's "Teacher of the Year" award. Every year a nominee is chosen from each of the state's 15 public four-year universities. This year's recipients were presented with awards by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt at a recent luncheon.2008-04-10T11:00:00-06:002008-04-10T12:27:42-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-10:/news-releases/2008/0410-good-injured-men-alcohol.phpMen with serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, must deal with a range of emotions. If these men have strong traditional masculine ideas and abuse alcohol, it becomes even more difficult to help them heal and come to terms with their emotions and situations. A University of Missouri psychology researcher studied these challenging factors to find better ways to understand and treat men who fit this mold, such as the injured soldiers coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan.2008-04-10T11:00:00-06:002008-04-10T11:07:53-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-10:/news-releases/2008/0410-ball-smart-moves.phpInactivity is taking over as children spend more hours in front of television or computer screens and fewer hours in gym classes or playing outside. With many schools decreasing the amount of time spent in recess or physical education classes, a University of Missouri fitness expert created a program called SMART MOVES to introduce fun, new ways of working physical activity into a regular school day.2008-04-09T01:00:00-06:002008-04-09T13:18:36-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-09:/news-releases/2008/0409-baseball-psychology.php"Hope springs eternal" in the heart of every baseball fan and nothing trumps the feeling of emerging from the turnstile to absorb the comforting vision of fresh grass, manicured infield dirt and crisp white foul lines. The starting lineup, read with pent-up energy over the public address system and the greasy, tempting aroma of ballpark fare are traditions of the game captured in two momentous words: "Play ball!" What makes it possible to play baseball, however, may look more like psychology than the national pastime. According to one University of Missouri researcher, psychology is the mediator between the physics of the sport and the human limitations of the player.2008-04-08T11:00:00-06:002008-04-08T11:31:57-06:00tag:munews.missouri.edu,2008-04-08:/news-releases/2008/0408-phillips-positive-experiences.phpDepression is prevalent among people living with chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Although most people with MS live normal lives, they must manage symptoms and treatments that cause increased emotional and psychological stress on a daily basis. Now, researchers from two universities have found that people with MS who increase positive experiences decrease their symptoms of depression and improve the overall quality of their lives.