DNA sequence may allow researchers to control fungus

An MSU professor and a team of researchers from across the country have discovered the DNA sequence they say can help control a fungus that cuts crop yields and produces toxins.New farming practices and climate change have made the fungus, known as Fusarium graminearum, a problem for farmers during the last 10 years.Fungicides have been used to combat the problem, but nothing has been proven effective, researchers say."We've tried to find the weak link in the disease process," said Corby Kistler, a researcher from the University of Minnesota's ARS Cereal Disease Lab.

Candidate plans to attract housing

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of articles profiling Lansing's six candidates for mayor. Vietnam veteran Leon Black says his lack of political experience is exactly what Lansing needs in a mayor. One of four of Lansing's six mayoral candidates with virtually no experience holding any public offices, Black says he is planning to bring honesty and integrity to his home city. "I'm not a career politician," said Black a self-proclaimed "strong conservative." "Though, I think that I'm the one - the long shot that I am," he said. After an unsuccessful run against former Mayor David Hollister two years ago, Black, 59, is once again trying to win the top job in the more than a 120,000-person city. Black will be competing against five other candidates for a spot on the November ballot at the primary election on Aug.

Ellen's Race draws to close after 10 years

More than 1,000 people gathered at Pinecrest Elementary School on Sunday for the last time to celebrate life and community during the 10th Ellen's Race 5K Run and Walk. In addition to raising money for three area organizations, the 3.1-mile run and walk served as a memorial to Ellen Osborn, a fourth grader who passed away on Nov.

Telling nature's story

Lansing - Professional storyteller Tim Bogar stood underneath the cool shade provided by an Oak tree near the Grand River on Friday as he wrapped duct tape around his khaki pant legs.After spending several minutes doing this, he recreated his camping trip - catching stable flies with the sticky side of the tape.

Police briefs 07/28/03

'U' initiative funds livestock projects

A team of MSU researchers have been working on a project that could produce better tasting bacon.Ronald Bates, a swine specialist with MSU's animal science department, and eight other colleagues will begin working on a unique swine population in the fall to determine how muscle mass affects the taste and quality of pork.

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Alumnus donates life sciences fellowship A fellowship will be available for students in the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management starting in 2004. The James M.

Ballot might include race admissions

A ballot initiative was proposed Wednesday that would allow Michigan voters the option to prohibit preferential treatment based on race or gender. With the support of several Republican state representatives by his side, the chairman of the Sacramento-based American Civil Rights Coalition, Ward Connerly, announced the campaign for the ballot initiative at the state Capitol. If passed, the initiative would become a constitutional amendment against the U.S.

'U' offers kids a taste of college at science camp

Most children would say they'd rather spend summer days playing outside than learning. But for the more than 250 third and fourth graders who spent two weeks on campus for Kid's College, they say braving the classroom in the summer was worth it. Sitting next to a structure made of wooden dowels pegged into a board with string to hold up action figures, 10-year-old Jessie Marshall-Reeve learned about structures, gravity and architecture.

United Way, unions kick off campaign

With wounds still fresh from a more than $2-million embezzlement scandal, Mike Brown, president of the Capital Area United Way, addressed a crowd of laborers saying the scandal won't shake the 64-year partnership with the labor union. "We have to roll up our sleeves and go back to work," Brown said.

Mayoral candidate hopes to attract youth

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of articles profiling Lansing's six candidates for mayor. Melissa Sue Robinson says after half a decade of being a constituent, she's ready to make her mark on Lansing by running for mayor. "I want to give back to the people that helped me," the 53-year-old said.

Police briefs 07/24/03

E.L. prepares for pest

East Lansing residents and landscapers could soon kiss their ash goodbye. An infestation of the emerald ash borer, an exotic insect which destroyed more than 6 million Detroit-area Ash trees, has recently been discovered infesting more than 50 Ash trees in Meridian Township.In response to the close proximity of the beetle, a public meeting at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, was held Tuesday night to inform a large crowd of concerned residents about the latest news on the ash borer and eradication methods.

Study might link toxins to kids' health

Researchers in MSU's Department of Epidemiology are trying to find out how environmental factors influence a developing fetus later on in life.

Coordinator to leave health group

Life is full of many choices in regards to what one does with his or her health.Charles Torpe, coordinator of the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Education Seminar, or ATODES, has taught this lesson to many MSU students during the last seven years.Sober for 12 years, Torpe said the job was therapy for his everyday life."Things I most need to remember myself are things that I need to help students be aware of," Torpe said.Torpe will be leaving the program to move with his recently graduated girlfriend.

Museum authority changes

After 106 years of reporting to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, the MSU Museum will now be under the wing of the College of Arts and Letters.Officials say departments across campus are figuring out ways to streamline and collaborate in the face of harsh budget constraints - the museum realignment is just another example of that.

Police briefs 07/23/03

News Briefs

Event looks to build ecological awareness "Story Time on the Grand," will be hosted by The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council on Friday at 429 S.

Candidate plays it low key

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles profiling Lansing's six candidates for mayor. Lansing mayoral candidate Gerald Rowley doesn't have large lawn placards for his supporters to display.

Former 'U' star chairs project

Former MSU basketball star Steve Smith and his wife Millie will be lending Sparty a hand in his transition into bronze. The two have been asked to be honorary chairpersons for the $500,000 project, slated to be completed by 2005.