MSU

Mild weather is coming

As the weather takes a milder turn in the next couple weeks, Michigan residents can expect a break from the harsh conditions many come to expect from the early part of the year. But this kind of weather isn’t unusual for this time of year, said Walt Felver, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.Temperatures are still around average for the month. “We often have a mild period in January,” Felver said.

MSU

Scientists seek longer strawberry season

Chris Boyer

January 14, 2002

MSU researchers are trying to fill fields and grocery stores with strawberries - even when the red fruit is out of season. Researchers are investigating the possibility of cross-breeding wild strawberries with conventional short-day breeds to produce a new variety of strawberry that can produce fruit throughout the growing season. Instead of the usual short growing season consisting solely of the beginning of summer, these strawberries would produce fruit from spring through fall. The primary trait researchers are hoping to adapt into the strawberries is a resistance to a particular fungus that causes a condition called black root rot.

MSU

Campus briefs

Trustees discuss advising, student trends MSU’s Board of Trustees met Thursday and Friday to discuss new projects to be implemented at the university. University officials have money from the state for a new medical scanner.

MSU

Excessive grooming has genetic link

Erica Berg

January 11, 2002

Spending an hour primping in front of the mirror may not be in vain. Recent research said primpers might be using a survival gene. The gene, Hoxb8, is found in all mammals and is responsible for grooming, hygiene patterns and controlling body parts. Mario Capecchi, professor of genetics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, said when mutated in mice, the gene caused them to excessively groom themselves, creating bald spots and skin wounds. “In terms of genetics, humans and mice are almost identical,” Capecchi said.

MSU

Student group cautions against targeting Muslims

Camille Spencer

January 11, 2002

Although some Muslim groups on campuses experienced prejudice after President Bush seized the assets of a group he says is connected to terrorist activities, MSU’s Muslim Students’ Association has not been targeted.In November, Bush confiscated assets of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, one of the largest Islamic charities in America.

MSU

Campus briefs

ASMSU to offer free bluebooks to studentsASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, provides free bluebooks for all students on a continuous basis.

MSU

U takes stand, installs waterless urinals

Chris Boyer

January 11, 2002

Visitors to the men’s bathroom in Bessey Hall might find themselves scratching their heads and wondering what to do - the urinals that men have grown accustomed to are gone.In place of the usual porcelain receptacles are three unassuming bowls with no connections or handles anywhere near them.

MSU

Law denies financial aid to drug users

Ed Ronco

January 10, 2002

MSU’s Office of Financial Aid has not been impacted by a federal law that denies assistance to students who have had prior drug convictions, but the law has been faced with opposition.“Various institutions are being affected in various ways,” said Rick Shipman, executive director of the Office of Financial Aid.

MSU

New faces to appear in RHA

Casey Mcnenly

January 10, 2002

The Residence Halls Association will see five new faces at its meeting Wednesday.The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered Straight Ally Students is now represented by a member from each of its five caucuses across campus.The change marks the first time the caucuses will join the alliance representative in voting on RHA matters, therefore giving six votes to groups who represent the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered community on MSU’s campus.

MSU

McPherson returns from west African nation

Ed Ronco  and  Megan Frye

January 10, 2002

One of the strongest advocates of MSU’s study abroad programs returned Monday from his own overseas adventure. MSU President M.

MSU

Grant helps professor map bacteria evolution

Aaron Johnson

January 9, 2002

George Garrity, an MSU professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, received a $188,000 grant from the U.S.

MSU

Web site moves manure

Chris Boyer

January 9, 2002

Once again, it’s been proven that people really can buy just about anything on the Internet.

MSU

Graduate students seek first contract

Chad Previch

January 9, 2002

The University of Michigan might have more in common with MSU after all.The two schools, along with Wayne State University, have found their graduate employees vying for contracts simultaneously.

MSU

Move to limit tuition lacks support

Megan Frye

January 9, 2002

Hopes for an amendment to the state constitution that would place limits on tuition rates vanished when the proposal may not receive enough support from the state Legislature. The measure, introduced by Republican Lt.

MSU

Cable station gives video archive to U

Megan Frye

January 8, 2002

An agreement made between MSU and Michigan Government Television in December will make it easier for students and faculty to follow the state government. The complete archives of MGTV, a cable network started in 1996, are available for viewing on videotapes at University Archives & Historical Collections between 8 a.m.

MSU

Hubbard, Akers cafeterias see new hours

Casey Mcnenly

January 8, 2002

Students returning to Akers and Hubbard halls will take part in an experimental food service project this semester.MSU food service officials consolidated the two cafeterias Monday, meaning 2,200 students will see more options and extended hours for spring semester.“It is an improvement and realignment of food services,” said Bruce Haskell, food service coordinator.

MSU

States face future shortages in blood supply

Waiting until another tragedy like the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to donate blood could cause a severe shortage in blood supply around the country. Jim Rummel, a spokesman for the Great Lakes region of the American Red Cross, said California, Arizona, New York and Chicago all experienced shortages in the last few weeks, but not Michigan - yet. “We personally aren’t having a problem yet in the Great Lakes region,” Rummel said.

MSU

Distance learning a possibility for DCL

Chad Previch

January 8, 2002

Johnnie Cochran could be among the professors who teach classes for MSU-Detroit College of Law, depending on what the American Bar Association decides. Distance education laboratories, which bring two locations together through television cameras, have become a hot topic in the world of law education as the association looks into modifying its guidelines this summer. The association, which accredits law schools, has guidelines placed on classes that use the technology, such as limiting the number of credit hours that can be taken. The association has proposals for changes to its guidelines on its Web site. John Sebert, the consultant on legal education to the association, said he will not predict what the summer meetings will bring.

MSU

Spring semester brings buying rush to book stores, Web site

Alison Barker  and  Jeanne Chan

January 7, 2002

Lines at some bookstores may look extra long as students prepare for spring semester, but Shawn Bourdo said it’s never as bad as it looks.

MSU

Campus briefs

Writer chosen as speaker for MLK celebrationJulianne Malveaux, a writer and syndicated columnist who has been on television shows such as “Politically Incorrect,” will be the featured speaker for the Martin Luther King Jr.