Research sheds light on evolution
What happens when you put together a biologist, a theoretical physicist, a philosopher of science and a computer scientist?With the added help of digital organisms from a computer, the answer is a new way of dealing with Darwin's theory of evolution."You can think of (digital organisms) as being like computer viruses, but ones that can mutate and evolve on their own," said Robert Pennock, associate professor of philosophy for Lyman Briggs School.
Student takes on race for City Council seat
Along with three incumbent members, one MSU student will be running for a seat on the East Lansing City Council.
Faculty receive honors
James Tiedje and Michael Thomashow's minds could be tapped by the United States government to consult on science policy issues.That's one of the perks of being elected to the National Academy of Sciences, an elite pool of U.S.
Bernero leans toward joining mayoral race
State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing said he is "seriously thinking about running" for Lansing mayor. "I am moving closer to a decision, I am leaning toward running," he said.While Bernero has not filed an application with the city yet, he is expected to publicly confirm his decision today.
'U' faces funding cuts, tuition hikes
At her first meeting as interim president, Provost Lou Anna Simon addressed MSU's monetary situation as a state budget crisis has forced the university to prepare for massive cutbacks and possible tuition increases. As the legislature makes its final decision on state appropriations for public universities, MSU could face up to a 6.75-percent funding cut. To manage about a $60 million funding cut, the university will continue to trim department budgets, Simon said. "This is certainly a challenge to the university in terms of quality," she said. Simon cited the cancellation of 12 academic programs and 17 moratoriums, including those taken on by the Department of Audiology and Speech Sciences as part of cutbacks which have already occurred at MSU. Restructuring employment will continue to be a part of dealing with a decrease in state funding, Simon said.
Officers pass cycle school finals
MSU police Officer Shaun Mills rides his motorcycle with precision around small orange cones on one of the hardest courses a rider can be tested on.Scoring 98 percent on his final exam, Mills has just graduated Police Motorcycle Operator Training, a program run by MSU's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.As program instructor, Doug Wolfe handed Mills his graduation certificate he made mention of Mills high score and stopping ability."Mr. balanced stop," Wolfe said.
Ceremony officially opens third floor
One woman's generosity and vision has resulted in a 12,000 square-foot expansion of the International Center. Okemos resident and MSU alumna Delia Koo contributed the largest donation to the university by an international alumna and the largest donation ever to the international studies program, according to Charles Webb, MSU vice president for University Development.
State legislators closer to handing down higher ed cuts
Public universities in Michigan might see varying cuts in funding under a budget proposal approved by a higher education subcommittee in the state House on Wednesday.
Listening Ear rebuilds after embezzlement
Even through the scandal of a $13,000 embezzlement, the Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center will continue its work serving the Greater Lansing community.In early April, the Listening Ear suspected their office manager was using the organization's credit card for personal use.
3 City Council spots open for election
The deadline to run for East Lansing City Council is quickly approaching, but only two applicants have applied for the three available positions. City Clerk Sharon Reid said while at least eight people have picked up petitions, only two incumbent council members have turned them in.
Eco members upset over voting policies
Eco officials say they are disappointed a $5 tax for renewable energy will not be added to student tuition bills this fall, even though the referendum was approved by about 3,800 voters. In April, the University Student Appeals Board denied a request by ASMSU to disregard a university rule which requires more than 50 percent of undergraduate students to vote and the majority of those voters to pass a new tax when it's placed on MSU's undergraduate student government's March ballot. The voting numbers were not released until after the board made its decision to deny Eco's request. The number of "no" votes for the tax referendum was less than 1,000. Eco, an environmental student organization, came to ASMSU to have the $5 tax added to the organization's existing $13 tax.
Student speaks to 'U'
Brandon Lupp tries to do things differently. As a host for the last three out of four College of Agriculture and Natural Resources honors college banquets, he held a cooking show for guests and has taken them on a "trip" around the world. "That banquet required six costume changes," Lupp said, explaining the inspiration for that show came from more than 45 study abroad programs that are offered through his college. He even put on a giant chicken costume and rode a tricycle to make himself seem more approachable. But next week the agriculture and natural resources communications senior will trade the chicken suit for a cap and gown as he addresses students, faculty and staff at MSU's May 2 convocation. And again he will be doing things differently by adding twists to his speech. "I was going to pass out rubber bands to 10,000 people but they didn't think that would work," he said about his original speech plan.
Design Day helps area student
The sun glimmered off the fresh green paint of Chris Casey's tailor-made tricycle as he took his first spin. Equipped with a padded seat pulled from an Oldsmobile Achieva, an orange flag and a backpack with a built-in water bottle, Casey's favorite part of the cycle is its green-and-white color scheme. "They're MSU," the 21-year-old man said.
News briefs
Citizen's Police Academy to give public chance to learn The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety is now signing up those interested for its Citizen's Police Academy. The next class is scheduled to begin 7 p.m.
2 E.L. roads might see speed limit increases
A recent study shows speed limits on Grand River Avenue and Saginaw Highway could be increased by 10 miles per hour because motorists on those roads are not driving the legal limit. A study by the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation collected speed surveys on both state-regulated roads to calculate the 85th percentile of speed limits driven on the state-funded roads.
Eco challenges OfficeMax practices
Okemos - A demonstration by four Eco members might be able to sway a corporate office supply chain to change one of its policies.
Hannah Community Center to serve up talent, soup
Community members in East Lansing are bringing residents of all ages together for beatboxing, jugglers, folk music, punk rock, yo-yos and soup. East Lansing teen and senior citizen groups will be sponsoring the first ever "Vegetable Soup Variety Show," featuring talent from area elementary and high school students, senior citizens and MSU faculty. The event will be held 6 p.m.