Excessive grooming has genetic link

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.

Student group cautions against targeting Muslims

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.

Proposal would double speeding fines in state

Lead-footed drivers beware. A recent proposal that would double fines for speeding in residential areas may give drivers an expensive incentive to slow down. The proposal was introduced last month by state Rep.

Secretary of State tries to shorten office lines with updated system

Students and residents may find the wait a little more bearable at the Secretary of State office with new technology. The Department of State began installing a $7.4 million computer system in branch offices Thursday. All branch offices should have the new windows-based technology installed by May. The offices were originally on a computer system that, in some branches, dated back to 1984, said Elizabeth Boyd, spokeswoman for the Secretary of State. “The technology we’d been using wasn’t even supported by the manufacturer anymore,” she said of the old disk operating system.

Class teaches lessons with The Simpsons

The day is here when students can learn about religion through the animated eyes of Bart, Lisa, Marge and Homer from television’s award-winning cartoon, “The Simpsons.”The two-credit course, “Animated Philosophy and Religion,” offered this winter at Siena Heights University in Adrian, relates philosophical and religious aspects to themes and ethics explored in “The Simpsons.”“We know a lot about the show, which makes it easier to relate themes and ethics to the characters,” said Kimberly Blessing, assistant professor of religious studies.“For example, during one episode, Lisa is thinking about converting to Buddhism.

Campus briefs

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

E.L. looks at $695,875 in cuts

East Lansing will be voting Tuesday to make cuts in the budget. These cuts may stop the East Lansing Planning Commission meetings from being aired on cable television until the next fiscal year. The city is making a total of $695,875 in cuts, which may eliminate overtime for the police department and delay plans for city sidewalks. The cuts were made because statewide sales revenue, which is given to communities in the state, is down, said City Manager Ted Staton. Staton said he thinks every item on the list will get cut.

U takes stand, installs waterless urinals

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.

GM opens half-billion dollar plant in Lansing

Lansing - Eleven years and a half-billion dollars in investments later, General Motors Corp.

Senate decisions resume

Lansing - After a long winter recess, both houses of the legislature met Wednesday. Senators clustered around desks, chatted on phones and moseyed around the Senate chambers in a session meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.

Police satisfaction down for youth

Results from the 2001 Traffic Encounter Citizen Survey show young people are not as satisfied with police officers during traffic encounters as older citizens.

Law denies financial aid to drug users

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.

New faces to appear in RHA

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.

McPherson returns from west African nation

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

Police briefs 01/10/02

Grant helps professor map bacteria evolution

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

Building projects to develop office space in downtowns

City officials hope East Lansing and Lansing will be taking care of some business. Both cities have been working to develop office space. East Lansing’s City Center project is nearing completion and Lansing has just laid the ground work for a new 12-story office complex in its downtown area. The Lansing complex development, slated for 2004, is being developed by the Boji Group of Lansing.

Web site moves manure

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

E.L. eateries excel in city health inspections

East Lansing is filled with individuals trying to make the grade - and the city’s bars and restaurants are no exception. Several East Lansing businesses and restaurants were found to be in “outstanding condition” during liquor license inspections this year. Inspectors found 11 of the 24 establishments to be exceptionally clean and safe, with careful attention to maintenance and cleanliness of buildings and equipment, said Howard Asch East Lansing code enforcement and neighborhood conservation director. “In some of these establishments, the inspectors found absolutely nothing wrong,” Asch stated.

Police briefs 01/09/02