MSU, state turn focus toward avian flu fears

They investigate, and they diagnose. Placing specimens upon hard, steel laboratory tables, pathologists and veterinary students probe animals piece by piece at MSU's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Pets, livestock and wildlife are brought to the center by state agencies, veterinarians and pet and farm animal owners to determine the cause of death. "We're like the CSI in the animal department," said Mick Fulton, chief of anatomic pathology at the center and an associate professor of avian disease. In the past year, concern about the H5N1 strain of avian influenza — a type of bird flu contracted by more than 160 humans — has prompted the center to scrutinize all incoming birds for the disease. To date, four people have died in Turkey, renewing fear that the disease could mutate and spread quickly throughout the human population.

The Big Ten at a glance

Big Ten Men 1. Wisconsin (4-0 Big Ten, 14-2 overall) Defeated Northwestern 68-52 on Saturday 2.

From the road

Women's basketball reporter Ethan Conley embarked on a five-day road trip to Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Meet Savanna Boutwell

Lips were chewed. Pens were tapped. Voices were hushed. The anxiety in Parlour Room B of the Union could rival the tension of finals week.

Running to represent

Since announcing his candidacy in December, MSU College of Law student John Knowles has learned how much work campaigning for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives involves. "It's been tremendously exhausting," Knowles said. Balancing his campaign and other commitments has 25-year-old Knowles typically working from 8 a.m.

Governor's view on agriculture changed

I was just browsing through the online State News this morning and saw an article written by Josh Jarman titled, "Simon backs bioeconomy" (SN 01/11). I think it is wonderful that such conferences are being held in Michigan and that MSU's leaders are taking part in the discussion about the future of Michigan's agriculture industry and the economy.

MSU home page updated, gains 'modern look'

By Dan Smallwood Special for The State News MSU launched a test version of its redesigned home page on Monday with improved navigation to the university's major resources. The new home page is accessible through a link on the current university home page, located at www.msu.edu, or directly at home2006.msu.edu. Officials plan to gather feedback through surveys before permanently replacing the old site on Feb.

MSU shuts out No. 6 Wolverines

Behind an enthusiastic Munn Ice Arena crowd and timely goals from the players that MSU head coach Rick Comley counts on to score, the No.

Professors' claims in article outlandish

In response to Kristi Jourdan's column, "Scholarly article connecting sex, hunting disgusting; uninformed opinions false" (SN 1/11), I would like to thank her for bringing to light such a ridiculous article. I had a great laugh when I read it — I had never dreamed I would see Ted "Truck Dog" Nugent mentioned in a scholarly article. If I had turned in a paper such as the one Jourdan criticized, I would have failed the assignment, and although I admire the novelty of the claims made within it, I can't say they are anything more than specious and contrived and are easily reasoned against, as was shown. Sigmund Freud, who I am sure Kalof, Fitzgerald and Baralt have all studied, probably wouldn't mind this adaptation of the famous quote attributed to him: Sometimes a bow is just a bow. Alex Nezich chemical engineering junior

18 sexual predator bills go into effect

Registered sex offenders can't live, work or loiter within 1,000 feet of Michigan schools, with few exceptions, after new legislation went into effect this year. Gov.

Scholars justified in research on hunting

Kristi Jourdan's opinion on hunting and sex, "Scholarly article connecting sex, hunting disgusting; uninformed opinions false" (SN 01/11), was at best uninformed and at worst deliberately misleading.

Improvements made to accelerate Amber Alert

Michigan's Amber Alert system, intended to find abducted children faster, will be updated following a grant from AT&T Michigan. The $77,000 grant will be used to update technology so the emergency broadcast alert will be automatically sent over radio or television during an Amber Alert, and eliminate manpower needed in newsrooms to physically put out the alert, said Karole White, president of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. "It can go directly to the television set," White said. In the previous system, local law-enforcement agencies contacted the Michigan State Police after an abduction.

MIDDAY UPDATE: 'The Lion King' marches to Wharton Center in bold fashion

With a flurry of color, music and dancing animals, Disney's "The Lion King" will parade — literally — into Wharton Center Thursday beginning a nearly seven-week engagement. The Wharton Center, which has continental seating, required an alteration for the animals to make their grand entrance into the theater.

WEB EXTRA: CVS obtains beer, wine permit

CVS/pharmacy, 240 M.A.C. Ave., is now permitted to sell beer and wine. The East Lansing City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to grant CVS a beer and wine permit. But CVS must follow conditions — they cannot sell kegs, advertise liquor in the windows, or sell alcohol through the pick-up window.

WEB EXTRA: Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing names new chairperson

Richard Cole will be the new chairperson for the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing, effective March 1. Cole, who is the executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Detroit Medical Center, served as a faculty member in the department from 1985 to 2001. Current chairperson Bonnie Reece will retire this year.

Style versus health

Say you're walking down Grand River Avenue listening to your iPod with those little white earbuds burrowed inside of your delicate ears. Sure, there are warnings of permanent ear damage, but people couldn't possibly use regular earphones, even though they might be more comfortable or convenient. Without the trendy white earphones, how would anyone know you had an iPod? A recent study concluded that prolonged use of small earbud headphones can cause hearing damage. Just like the "coolness" of traipsing around with a bronze tan, taking a long puff of a cigarette or clutching that venti-sized Starbucks coffee, people don't care about ear damage, skin or lung cancer and stunted growth — as long as they look amazingly stylish in the process of acquiring these health complications. When the effects aren't readily apparent and are too far off to think about, people convince themselves it's all OK, for now.

WEB EXTRA: Former packaging instructor dies at 85

James W. Goff expanded the packaging program at Michigan State College upon joining the faculty in 1952. Goff grew the program to include aesthetics and economics in packaging.

WEB EXTRA: Public poker tournament to be held Saturday

A "No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament" will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Dietz Pool & Spa, 954 E.

Police briefs 01/18/06

Globe fashion best aspect of award show

Let's face it: One of the greatest pleasures of the Golden Globes is the fashion. We like to follow stars — such as Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman — to see what fabulous gowns they have donned this time.