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Mara Deutch

Recent Articles

MICHIGAN

CATA invests in energy-efficient buses

After 10 years of working toward improving the environment, the Capitol Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, furthered its goal by purchasing three diesel, hybrid electric buses. The buses, which are the first of their kind to be used in the state of Michigan, will create less emissions than other CATA buses and provide a smoother ride for customers, said Sandy Draggoo, executive director and CEO of CATA. CATA plans to begin building the buses into their regular routes as soon as Aug.

MSU

Research: Physical activity may promote better grades

Middle school students might perform better in classes if they engage in physical activity during the day, according to MSU research. The researchers found that grades were 10 percent higher for students who were taking physical education classes, said Jim Pivarnik, a professor of kinesiology, epidemiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation, who helped conduct the study. The researchers used a western Michigan middle school where some students took physical education during the first semester and the rest of the students took it during second semester, said Dawn Coe, an assistant professor of movement science at Grand Valley State University, who was also involved in the study. "We did physical fitness tests, such as an aerobic test, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility, and we also looked at their grades for both semesters and a standardized test," she said. Some said middle school physical education programs are important, but the reason to have them shouldn't be because it supports academics alone. "There are many benefits to be derived from a well-orchestrated middle school physical education program that extend far beyond boosting academic performance in other content areas," said Robert Benham, an assistant professor of kinesiology.

MICHIGAN

A move for goodwill

Lansing — Joseph and Demetria Burton can often be found at community activities or volunteering at local organizations, but now they have decided to do more than participate.