Monday, January 13, 2025

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MSU

Scientists seek longer strawberry season

MSU researchers are trying to fill fields and grocery stores with strawberries - even when the red fruit is out of season. Researchers are investigating the possibility of cross-breeding wild strawberries with conventional short-day breeds to produce a new variety of strawberry that can produce fruit throughout the growing season. Instead of the usual short growing season consisting solely of the beginning of summer, these strawberries would produce fruit from spring through fall. The primary trait researchers are hoping to adapt into the strawberries is a resistance to a particular fungus that causes a condition called black root rot.

MSU

Campus briefs

Trustees discuss advising, student trends MSU’s Board of Trustees met Thursday and Friday to discuss new projects to be implemented at the university. University officials have money from the state for a new medical scanner.

MSU

Excessive grooming has genetic link

Spending an hour primping in front of the mirror may not be in vain. Recent research said primpers might be using a survival gene. The gene, Hoxb8, is found in all mammals and is responsible for grooming, hygiene patterns and controlling body parts. Mario Capecchi, professor of genetics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, said when mutated in mice, the gene caused them to excessively groom themselves, creating bald spots and skin wounds. “In terms of genetics, humans and mice are almost identical,” Capecchi said.

MSU

Student group cautions against targeting Muslims

Although some Muslim groups on campuses experienced prejudice after President Bush seized the assets of a group he says is connected to terrorist activities, MSU’s Muslim Students’ Association has not been targeted.In November, Bush confiscated assets of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, one of the largest Islamic charities in America.

MSU

Campus briefs

ASMSU to offer free bluebooks to studentsASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, provides free bluebooks for all students on a continuous basis.

MSU

U takes stand, installs waterless urinals

Visitors to the men’s bathroom in Bessey Hall might find themselves scratching their heads and wondering what to do - the urinals that men have grown accustomed to are gone.In place of the usual porcelain receptacles are three unassuming bowls with no connections or handles anywhere near them.

MSU

Law denies financial aid to drug users

MSU’s Office of Financial Aid has not been impacted by a federal law that denies assistance to students who have had prior drug convictions, but the law has been faced with opposition.“Various institutions are being affected in various ways,” said Rick Shipman, executive director of the Office of Financial Aid.

MSU

New faces to appear in RHA

The Residence Halls Association will see five new faces at its meeting Wednesday.The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered Straight Ally Students is now represented by a member from each of its five caucuses across campus.The change marks the first time the caucuses will join the alliance representative in voting on RHA matters, therefore giving six votes to groups who represent the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered community on MSU’s campus.

MSU

Graduate students seek first contract

The University of Michigan might have more in common with MSU after all.The two schools, along with Wayne State University, have found their graduate employees vying for contracts simultaneously.

MSU

Move to limit tuition lacks support

Hopes for an amendment to the state constitution that would place limits on tuition rates vanished when the proposal may not receive enough support from the state Legislature. The measure, introduced by Republican Lt.

MSU

Cable station gives video archive to U

An agreement made between MSU and Michigan Government Television in December will make it easier for students and faculty to follow the state government. The complete archives of MGTV, a cable network started in 1996, are available for viewing on videotapes at University Archives & Historical Collections between 8 a.m.

MSU

Hubbard, Akers cafeterias see new hours

Students returning to Akers and Hubbard halls will take part in an experimental food service project this semester.MSU food service officials consolidated the two cafeterias Monday, meaning 2,200 students will see more options and extended hours for spring semester.“It is an improvement and realignment of food services,” said Bruce Haskell, food service coordinator.

MSU

States face future shortages in blood supply

Waiting until another tragedy like the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to donate blood could cause a severe shortage in blood supply around the country. Jim Rummel, a spokesman for the Great Lakes region of the American Red Cross, said California, Arizona, New York and Chicago all experienced shortages in the last few weeks, but not Michigan - yet. “We personally aren’t having a problem yet in the Great Lakes region,” Rummel said.

MSU

Distance learning a possibility for DCL

Johnnie Cochran could be among the professors who teach classes for MSU-Detroit College of Law, depending on what the American Bar Association decides. Distance education laboratories, which bring two locations together through television cameras, have become a hot topic in the world of law education as the association looks into modifying its guidelines this summer. The association, which accredits law schools, has guidelines placed on classes that use the technology, such as limiting the number of credit hours that can be taken. The association has proposals for changes to its guidelines on its Web site. John Sebert, the consultant on legal education to the association, said he will not predict what the summer meetings will bring.

MSU

Campus briefs

Writer chosen as speaker for MLK celebrationJulianne Malveaux, a writer and syndicated columnist who has been on television shows such as “Politically Incorrect,” will be the featured speaker for the Martin Luther King Jr.