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MSU

Encouraging abilities

Craig Trudell
May 18, 2007

When power lifter Mary Stack isn't bench pressing 260 pounds, she's pushing her motorized wheelchair. While 4-foot-9 Stack is able to walk, she uses a wheelchair because of a disorder that affects her balance. Stack is an athlete, coach and volunteer for the 32nd Michigan Victory Games, which are being held on campus this weekend. The Michigan Disability Sports Alliance, or MiDSA, hosts the games, which provide recreational and competitive sports opportunities for athletes with disabilities. A 2001 inductee into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, Stack said she never would have been in sports if she hadn't started as an athlete in the games at 16. While Stack, 33, wants to continue to compete, she also enjoys watching from the sidelines as a coach and volunteer. "To see the expressions on the kids' faces when they complete a course, beat somebody in track or do something they didn't think they could do - it's really cool." About 80 athletes ranging from ages 7 to 70 will compete this year, said Stella Husch, director of the games. "A lot of times, individuals with disabilities don't have the opportunities to prove themselves or to negate stereotypes.

MSU

Museums observe "heritage"

Jon Schultz
May 18, 2007

From Hong Kong to New Zealand and all the way back to East Lansing, museums spanning the globe will celebrate the 30th annual International Museum Day, or IMD, today. "(IMD is) one of those things that I think can call attention to museums in general and some of those gems in the community that help us learn about ourselves, our neighbors and our global community," said Lora Helou, communications manager for MSU Museum. The International Council of Museums encourages its 23,000 individual and institutional members from 145 countries to hold special events commemorating the day, according to their Web site. This year's theme, "Museums and Universal Heritage," strives to raise awareness of museums' role to encourage responsibility for global heritage. The MSU and Kresge Art museums will host a joint reception honoring more than 1,000 volunteers from 4-6 p.m.

MSU

MSU student awarded funds to study culture worldwide

Jennifer Orlando
May 18, 2007

If you speak with Nick Micinski, you'll notice he's a soft-spoken guy. But he'll be the first one to tell you the world isn't as perfect as it could be. "I knew I couldn't ignore the problems of the world after seeing it firsthand," said the political theory and constitutional democracy and international relations senior, referring to a study abroad trip he took to Egypt last fall. Micinski will have an opportunity to make an impact around the world when he embarks on a 74-day globe-trotting journey. Thanks to a strong interview in front of the selection committee of the Michigan chapter of the Circumnavigators Club, Micinski became the recipient of its foundation grant - an award given to a student who will travel the world and, after the culmination of trip, report his or her findings back to the club. He was awarded $8,500 to fund the trip and was chosen as the sole winner among 25 applicants that included students from MSU, Wayne State University and University of Michigan.

MSU

Researchers design improved Cyclotron magnet prototype

Lauren Talley
May 18, 2007

To non-nuclear physics majors, what happens in the MSU's National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory is about as mysterious as nuclear physics itself. "Mostly, what we do here is basic science, how the universe works and how things are put together," said Geoffrey Koch, lab communications manager at the Cyclotron. Researchers at the Cyclotron recently designed a superconducting magnet prototype that can withstand high radiation environments, which will ultimately propel rare isotope science into the future. "It's important because it allows this next generation accelerator to move forward, and having been a part of that is really exciting," said Jonathan Delauter, a Cyclotron research and development physicist. Delauter worked on the magnet for his master's thesis - Radiation Resistant Superferric Magnets for Fragment Separators.

MSU

MSU joins state to aid economy

Colleen Maxwell
May 18, 2007

MSU unveiled another attempt to revitalize Michigan's economy with the creation of MSU Technologies on Wednesday. The vision for MSU Technologies is to translate research results from universities into a common marketplace, said Lisa Kuuttila, the CEO. "MSU Technologies will be playing an important role in the transformation in Michigan's economy," she said. Kuuttila said MSU-Tech will aim to help the economy in three ways: • There will be technology from the university that could increase the value for established companies already in the state. "New materials will be useful to existing companies looking to become more efficient, reduce costs or improve manufacturing," she said. • MSU-Tech could lead to the development of new companies. "Some may grow and stand alone or be acquired by an existing company," she said.

MSU

Orange everywhere

Colleen Maxwell
May 17, 2007

Those big orange construction signs all around campus — they're not lying. But, for one reason or another, most people want to test the waters for themselves, ignoring the bold lettering and bright colors of the massive signs, University Engineer Bob Nestle said. "They'll drive right past them, go down to the barricade and have to turn right back around," he said.

MSU

MSU racing team in gear to compete

Jennifer Orlando
May 17, 2007

Members of the MSU Formula Racing Team meticulously search for any small glitch in the car, carefully weighing and balancing the frame and tuning the suspension. Everything must be perfect for the next trial run. Brandon Goad patiently waits in the driver's seat as a swarm of his team members crowd Racecar 9 with tools in hand. The mechanical engineering senior's green and white helmet gleams in the bright sun, while he anxiously sits, waiting to take another spin through the makeshift track of orange cones located in a section of the Commuter Lot. Goad, one of the lead racers selected to drive for the team, and the other 21 student members traveled Wednesday to the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers' international competition held in Romeo. The team aims to top last year's finish of ninth place. "I don't think we have a good chance, I know we are going to win," said Nathan Crosty, a computer science senior and data acquisition team leader. There will be 130 teams representing colleges from all corners of the world vying for the No.

MICHIGAN

Fish virus threatens lakes

Brian McVicar
May 17, 2007

It is only a matter of time before a virus that may have caused fish to internally bleed to death in parts of Lake Erie and Lake Huron spreads to Lake Michigan. Officials at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, are currently working to stop viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. Although the virus does not affect people, if it remains untreated, there could be significant consequences for the environment and the economy, said Kelley Smith, chief of the state's DNR Fisheries Division. "The testing does take time and it does cost money," Smith said.

MSU

Bee loss affects Mich. crops

Kristi Jourdan
May 17, 2007

A quarter of the nation's 2.4 million honeybee colonies have been wiped out, and researchers are baffled in trying to figure out why they are vanishing. One MSU researcher said the availability of food could be jeopardized if the honeybee population continues to mysteriously decrease throughout the nation. Bee expert Zachary Huang received a $64,000 grant to begin researching why honeybees are disappearing, but nothing can be done until the weather warms up. "We cannot do anything unless we know what causes it," he said.

MICHIGAN

Habitat breaks new ground

Lauren Talley
May 16, 2007

Lansing — Habitat for Humanity Lansing officials celebrated their new home Tuesday — happy they are no longer renting a cramped space to hold its operation. In 2005, Habitat purchased a building at 1941 Benjamin Drive, which, at the time, was only a shell and now, two years and almost 50,000 volunteer hours later, the organization has a place to call home. "Our goal is to build decent, affordable housing and now we finally have our own home that's up to those standards," said Heather LaFave, the organization's family-support manager. Volunteers and staff conducted tours of the new facility. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and Rep.

MICHIGAN

Budget crisis stalls funding

Brian McVicar
May 16, 2007

End Violent Encounters of Lansing is feeling the effects of the state's budget crisis and may not be able to maintain its services. The organization relies on state and federal grants to keep its services for domestic violence victims up and running, said Susan Shoultz, executive director of the Lansing-based organization.

MSU

Professor known for animal research

Lauren Talley
May 16, 2007

To Ronald Nelson, work was more than a job — it was the importance of family. Nelson, 88, died Friday from what his daughter said could have been a heart failure. "He ran the department in a rather unique manner," said John Shelle, Nelson's colleague in the animal science department.

MICHIGAN

Residents open homes to celebrate E.L. centennial

Jennifer Orlando
May 15, 2007

"Perfect." That is how East Lansing resident Roy Saper viewed the quality and design of the home located on 812 Applegate Lane that he fell in love with more than 30 years ago. Now, Saper and five other residents will showcase their homes at the East Lansing Home Tour, an event continuing to the city's centennial celebration. People will view six private homes — each of which depict a style that represents their respective decade. Angela Mabin, a member of the East Lansing Centennial Commission's planning committee, anticipates 300 people will attend the tour, and is excited to feature a "broad range of housing in East Lansing from a historical viewpoint." "We thought we'd give area residents the opportunity to see some of the fine housing East Lansing offers," Mabin said.

MICHIGAN

Officials caution against summer fire accelerators

Rachael Zylstra
May 15, 2007

S'more roasting, hot dog grilling and burger flipping — it's the start of summer in East Lansing. But before you fire up a grill or stack wood in a fire pit, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings and what you're using to start barbecues or bonfires. East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said to use caution and common sense when burning any sort of outdoor fire during late spring and the summer months. "With grilling, make sure you have an adequate container that isn't rusted out," Pratt said.

MICHIGAN

E.L. may fund sobering center

Sarah K. Norris
May 15, 2007

East Lansing officials could provide funding in the establishment of a regional sobering center. The Lansing City Rescue Mission has taken the lead in the early stages of founding the center.