Fingernails, ties rate high as bacteria habitats

What do fancy fake nails, shiny rings and elegant, patterned ties have in common? All are accessories — that double as inconspicuous hideaways for germs. Bacteria accumulates on ties and gets trapped underneath rings and long nails, making it easier for germs to spread, said Chris Farnum, medical director of infection control at Ingham Regional Medical Center. "There was a study published last year … an editorial talking about the vast number of organisms (found on) ties," Farnum said.

Dr. D explores how dirty areas get clean, life span of foods

Dr. D, I read your article the other week about toilet seats. It kinda freaked me out about germs and made me think about my own apartment, which brings me to my question.

Group's first black leader from MSU

Patricia Edwards first attended the National Reading Conference in 1983. In 2006, she organized the conference that took place in Los Angeles.

Are we too clean?

Incessant hand washing, fear of public restrooms, refusal to share food — living in a vacuum, all these worries would become obsolete. In reality, the world is teeming with microorganisms with the potential to spread infectious disease.

City Council posts videos of meetings online

The East Lansing City Council made an earth-shattering decision at a meeting — chances are, you weren't there to see how it went down. Well, now you have a second chance.

Supporters for Bush's Iraq war have mysteriously disappeared

Looking through the archives of The State News, I made an interesting discovery. It seems the pro-Iraq war letters, defending Bush's magnificent leadership, have all dried up.

Police briefs 01/29/07

Partnership necessary for manure management

In response to "Managing manure" (SN 1/23), the statement that there is no single solution to MSU's manure management problem is on target.

Israeli use of cluster bombs unjust

In a genuinely surprising move, the Bush administration will inform Congress that Israel may have violated United States' arms agreements last summer during the conflict in southern Lebanon. This is remarkable for two reasons. First, Israel's use of cluster bombs against civilian targets in its fight against Hezbollah is problematic.

Monday musings

The Austin Toros, an NBA Developmental League team, almost lost a late lead last week when their mascot, Da Bull, was assessed a technical foul for hanging on the rim while the ball was in play.

State cuts health care program

Under the florescent lights of the International Center, she sits at a compact table working on a Sudoku puzzle.

Scrappy comeback shows MSU is for real

Columbus, Ohio — They say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. We really should consider expanding that saying to include the RPI. Because if MSU's oh-so-close 66-64 loss to No.

Within their grasp

Columbus, Ohio — Moral victories don't exist. Not in this program. Not when a statue of Earvin "Magic" Johnson graces the entrance to your home arena. Not when two national championship banners hang in the rafters above the floor you practice on every day. And not when "State" is stitched across your chest. So when Maurice Joseph's buzzer-beating 3-point attempt drifted a few inches left of center, preserving No.

Not quite yourself?

A routine trip to Lansing's Sparrow Hospital cost MSU police Chief Jim Dunlap more than a couple hours off work.

Religion is fair focus for debate on Opinion Page

I can't speak for Alex Kincade, "Writer should keep views about atheism to himself" (SN 1/23), but plenty of people actually enjoy reading others' opinions on theology and don't mind hearing about atheists' books.

MSU accelerated nursing degree program helps create new jobs

MSU and William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak have teamed up to create an accelerated nursing degree program for college graduates. Linda Kruso, a Beaumont spokeswoman, said experts project a national nursing shortage in the future.

Centennial artwork causes community concern

A sculpture in East Lansing will cost the city the same price as a new car or a year at MSU for an in-state student.

How to defend Oden

Columbus, Ohio — Trying to stop Greg Oden is like playing a game of Russian roulette — you pick your poison and hope you live to tell about it. After Saturday's game, MSU junior center Drew Naymick had no problem reciting the catalog of moves the all-world Ohio State freshman uses on the low post — the head fake, the drop step, the off-arm hook — "it's legal," Naymick said — all performed with textbook precision. "That's what makes him a great player," Naymick said. Oden's expansive repertoire — not to mention his brute force — has opened him up for dozens of uncontested highlight-reel dunks already this season.

Students unsure of liaison's progress

In the four months and 18 days that Rachelle Woodbury has been East Lansing's community-student liaison, the MSU employee has met with dozens of people and has begun developing a new Web site — but that's about it. Woodbury's position was created by MSU President Lou Anna K.

Project analyzes Internet security

With every keystroke, computer hackers try to work their way into your computer. But not if Robert LaRose and Nora Rifon, two MSU professors, can help it. Last year, the duo conducted a national survey of 557 home Internet users.