High-tech machine aids disease diagnosis

The search to predict heart attacks could stop at MSU.The computed tomography scanner in the Department of Radiology at the MSU Clinical Center has been running since January to help diagnose diseases before symptoms even occur.MSU is doing three main types of screening - heart, colon and lungs.Scanner section chief Kelly Ludema said the machine itself is fairly common, but it’s the research at MSU that makes it unique.“Part of our research is the prospective studies on patients who are asymptomatic and see how well machines like these do prevent deaths and prevent heart attacks.”The scanners usually cost about $1 million, Ludema said.

Police briefs 06/05/02

Public sex offenders registry challenged

A sex offender registry might not be available in Michigan if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a Connecticut court decision.Last month, the Supreme Court said it would hear an appeal from Connecticut, where a federal judge got rid of the state’s sex offender registry last year.

Lab to study plant safety, U to head regional project

MSU was named the leader of a regional lab developed for the detection and diagnosing of plant pests and diseases Thursday.

Police briefs 06/03/02

Amendment could direct funds for scholarship to health care

A proposed constitutional amendment to dedicate tobacco settlement money to health care puts the future of the Michigan Merit Award Scholarship program in jeopardy. The Citizens for a Healthy Michigan Coalition introduced the Healthy Michigan Amendment in March. The proposed amendment would dedicate 90 percent of funds from the nationwide tobacco lawsuit settlement of 1998 to health care.

Proposed fees may stop online radio

MSU’s WDBM (88.9 FM) may have a problem it can’t fix.The online radio station, The Fix.org, is offline pending a proposed regulation to charge fees for playing music online.Librarian of Congress James H.

Candidate put on primary ballot

Lansing - An Ingham County Circuit Court judge on Friday allowed city council hopeful Kathy Pelleran to be placed on the August primary ballot. Pelleran originally couldn’t be placed on the ballot because she turned in an outdated candidacy form, which she obtained from the city’s Web site. Judge James Giddings ruled Pelleran’s name should be put on the ballot and gave her until 4 p.m.

History professor wins statewide honor

An MSU professor was named a 2001 Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News last week.Darlene Clark Hine, the John A.

Study: State ranks 15 in tax revenues

“Taxes, like death, are inevitable,” is the opening line in Charles Ballard’s tax study on Michigan, titled “Michigan’s Tax Climate: A New Perspective.” But the MSU economics professor’s report shows the climate for taxes might be stormier than some expected. “One thing that surprised at least some people was that there’s been a lot of attention paid to the reductions in taxes in the (Gov.

Police briefs 05/30/02

Anti-drug campaign takes new approach

Thomas Emery believes the advertising campaign linking drug use and terrorism is just another in a long line of ineffective anti-drug efforts.“It’s been drummed in our heads for so long,” the criminal justice senior said.

Derailed train quiets campus

South campus is experiencing fewer trains traveling after the chaos in Potterville on Tuesday.The derailment of a Grand Trunk train in Potterville just after midnight Monday had the tracks crossing Harrison Road quiet because of cancellations on the rails.Amtrak canceled two trains for Tuesday and Wednesday traveling between Chicago and Toronto because of work on the tracks, spokesman Howard Riefs said.The derailment has not affected operation of CSX Corp.

Police briefs 05/29/02

Themed inn comes to E.L.

The wild goose chase for a bed and breakfast in East Lansing came to an end when the Wild Goose Inn opened on May 19.

Bad weather hurts parade attendance

Shortly before Saturday’s Memorial Day parade began a brief shower passed through the area, making the already cool conditions difficult for veterans, families and children to brave the weather and celebrate the holiday.But not everyone thought the weather was a foe in bringing people out to watch the colorful floats and marching music.David Jones, a drum major for the Everett High School Marching Band, said the cold temperatures were not the main problem.“It wasn’t too cold,” the 16-year-old said, “but at the beginning it started to rain.”Jones also said there were fewer people in the crowd this year.Still, an estimated 300 people came to wave and cheer for the bands and local veterans as they marched south along Capitol Avenue.People covered with blankets sat along the sidewalks cheering and clapping.

Dems request advice

Two Democratic legislators proposed Wednesday that an outside credit counselor be brought in to remedy Michigan’s budget shortfall.House Democratic Leader Rep.

Police: Click it for holiday

Police will be watching Michigan residents to ensure they are wearing their seat belts this holiday weekend.“If you don’t want a ticket, wear your seat belts,” MSU police Sgt.

Police briefs 05/23/02

Candidate files complaint for ballot omission

Kathy Pelleran filed the complaint in Ingham County Circuit Court because she was told she cannot have her name put on the ballot because she turned in an out-of-date application she downloaded and printed from the city’s Web site.Pelleran, a Lansing Community College trustee and state director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, said she isn’t trying to blame anyone, she just wants to fix the situation.“It’s not personal,” she said.