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MSU

'Represent the students'

Most students find it hard enough to balance work and school, but social relations sophomore Lauren Spencer hopes to add another responsibility. Spencer will run for one of the two available positions on the MSU Board of Trustees.

MICHIGAN

Religious, scientists debate stem cells

Researchers last week announced a new method that could extract stem cells without harming the embryo — but many aren't convinced the controversy surrounding the practice will end. Advanced Cell Technology, which researches human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine purposes, announced the procedure that parallels an in vitro fertilization procedure that removes and tests a cell for genetic abnormalities. In the study, the embryos were intentionally deconstructed by scientists, but they are expected to survive in actual practice, reported Nature, a weekly international science journal. Pediatrics and human development professor Chia-Cheng Chang said in an e-mail Monday the effects of the procedure when used for stem cell research purposes needs to be thoroughly tested. He said using embryonic stem cells for clinical medicine could still produce adverse effects, such as tumors. "It is possible that the manipulation of the embryo may affect the embryo's normal development," Chang said.

MSU

MSU triathletes complete race

By Andrea Humanic For The State News Three MSU students put their bodies to the test when they competed in the Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon on Sunday in Ludington.

MICHIGAN

Multiple thefts reported across campus in 1-day span

Five burglaries occurred on campus Wednesday within a 10-hour span, totaling more than $800 in losses, MSU police said. Students living in Butterfield, Campbell, Hubbard, Mary Mayo and Williams halls reported stolen property such as wallets and MP3 players, and several said their rooms were left unattended during the incidents. Police and university officials are unsure if all five incidents are linked, but they stressed the importance of exercising caution and vigilance in the residence halls. At about 6:40 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Shoppers flock for football

Football is back in town and for many East Lansing businesses, it's a familiar, yet welcome return. "It does have a huge impact on everybody's business," said Student Book Store manager Brad Ballein.

MSU

Prof predicts cashless vending on campus

Need a snack or drink but have no cash on hand? No worries. An MSU professor predicts vending machines that accept credit and debit cards will become more popular in coming years. Michael Kasavana, National Automatic Merchandising Association-endowed professor in hospitality business, does research with self-service technologies, including cashless vending machines. "By 2009, half of the six million vending machines will be capable of having cashless technology," Kasavana said.

MICHIGAN

Zoo unveils exotic rodents

After a voyage of more than 300 miles, five new Patagonian cavies are on display at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. The cavies, which were quarantined for the past month in the zoo, were first shown to the public last week. The long-legged rodents, a relative of the guinea pig, look similar to a cross between a miniature deer and jackrabbit.

MICHIGAN

Gov. Granholm leads slightly over DeVos

A recent poll of likely Michigan voters gave Gov. Jennifer Granholm a slight lead over the challenger Republican candidate Dick DeVos in the race for Michigan governor. In a poll of 1,200 likely voters conducted Friday to Sunday by Georgia-based Strategic Vision LLC, 48 percent said they would re-elect Granholm.

MSU

Construction Zone

Construction at MSU didn't end with roads this summer, as dust, dirt, orange barrels and equipment still linger around campus buildings.

MICHIGAN

Voters support wiretap verdict

A majority of Michigan voters agree the Bush administration's warrantless surveillance of international e-mails and phone calls is unconstitutional, according to a poll conducted last week by Lansing-based EPIC-MRA. Fifty-six percent of 600 likely voters agreed with last week's ruling by U.S.

MICHIGAN

Trial date pushed back in playground fire case

The scheduled pretrial hearings of the two 17-year-olds charged with burning a Harrison Meadows Park playground structure has been delayed. Alex Charles Ellis and Jace Wickman, both of East Lansing, will appear in court on Oct.

MSU

Innovations: Bird viruses

Name: Richard Fulton, associate professor Department: Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health Location: Diagnostic Center, 4125 Beaumont Road in Lansing Type of research: Bird diseases Basics of the research: The "Asian Bird Flu" is a deadly form of avian influenza virus.

MSU

Freshmen 'get lost' on MSU's campus

Dazed and confused with maps in hand, lost freshmen are a common sight on campus at the start of the school year. On a 5,200-acre campus with 660 buildings, MSU can be a difficult place to navigate. "As long as I can see the stadium, I'm good," pre-nursing freshman, Katie Hughes said. Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, bus drivers often are asked for directions around campus, but if students don't name the building or know which buses run during a certain time of day, the driver's guidance can be more confusing than helpful. "I was advised by a bus driver to take the #37 Sparty East to the Pavilion (for Agriculture and Livestock Education), but it never went there.

MICHIGAN

Word on the Street

The average price of gas is down 35 cents per gallon in the past three weeks, and it hit a new five-month low. Does that change how much you drive? Does it mean anything to you? "No.

MSU

Professor awarded with highest honor

MSU Professor David Hawkins received the Fellow Award in Teaching and the Animal Industry Service Award by the American Society of Animal Science — the highest honor in animal science.