U of M || University News Service || U of M Moment

August 31, 2006

Two in a Bed

Snoring, spooning, stealing the sheets and sleeping in the nude -- for the millions of people who share a bed with a partner, University of Minnesota family social science professor Paul Rosenblatt's new book, "Two in a Bed," explores the challenges and benefits of "sleeping together." Rosenblatt says sharing a bed can be a complicated, changing, and often, a challenging experience.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 05:29 PM

August 30, 2006

Biodiesel Fleet

The U of M Parking and Transportation Services continues to be a leader in the use of biobased fuels in its fleet of vehicles. Bill Roberts, associate director of Parking and Transportation Services, says the U recently converted its fuel tanks on the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses from diesel to a 20 percent biodiesel blend.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 01:19 PM

August 29, 2006

High School Jobs and Career Choices

A new study shows that working during high school hastens a "career job" choice in early adulthood. The pace by which young people come to recognize their jobs as careers appears to be far from random says study leader Jeylan Mortimer, a U of M sociology professor.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 12:19 PM

August 28, 2006

Backyard Birding and Avian Influenza

A new DVD containing valuable information on preventing bird diseases, including avian influenza, will be available at the Minnesota State Fair's Poultry Barn and Miracle of Birth Center this year. Dave Halvorson with the U's College of Veterinary Medicine says there are several steps small flock owners can take to protect their birds.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 04:34 PM

August 25, 2006

Laptop Advantage

This fall, students and faculty at the U of M, Crookston will receive custom-built ThinkPad R-60 laptops. Jeff Sperling, Crookston's director of technology support services, says the campus was one of the first in the nation to implement such an innovative technology policy.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 04:28 PM

August 24, 2006

U of M at the 'Great Minnesota Get-Together'

As the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" opens its gates this morning, the U of M is poised to be among the largest attractions. Laura Johnson, who heads up the U's state fair activities, invites fairgoers to visit the university's main building and stage located at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 03:43 PM

August 23, 2006

Center of Organic Livestock Agriculture

The U of M's St. Paul campus will be the international center for organic livestock producers and researchers today through Friday when the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) holds the first-ever international conference on organic livestock. Jim Riddle, the U's organic outreach coordinator, says the conference gives leading organic livestock researchers and producers a unique opportunity to share the latest research findings and production information.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 04:24 PM

August 22, 2006

Obesity and the Brain

New research shows that some brains may be wired to encourage fidgeting and other restless behaviors that consume calories and help control weight. Catherine Kotz, with the VA Medical Center and the U of M, says the study found that the brains of rats bred to be lean are more sensitive to a chemical produced in the brain, orexin A, which stimulates appetite and spontaneous physical activity such as fidgeting and other unconscious movements.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 08:08 PM

August 21, 2006

Understanding Teen Websites

Networking websites like MySpace, Friendster and Facebook continue to make headlines. Yet many parents of teens ask themselves, "just what are those anyway?" Friends are everything to teens, and the Internet is another place to hang out, says Colleen Gengler, family relations educator with the U of M Extension Service.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 09:12 AM

August 18, 2006

Wind to Hydrogen to Nitrogen

A unique project to convert wind energy into hydrogen that can be used for anhydrous ammonia fertilizer is under way at the U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. Greg Cuomo, the department’s head, says the project, the only one like it in the world, aims to provide a renewable alternative that be locally produced.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 02:54 PM

August 17, 2006

Unsafe Food Containers

What’s wrong with the plastic container you’re using to store last night’s leftover lasagna in the refrigerator? If you bought it at the supermarket and it once held products such as margarine, cottage cheese or chip dip, it’s not safe to use a second time says Lou Ann Jopp with the U of M Extension Service.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 04:22 PM

August 16, 2006

UMore Park Open House

On Thursday, Aug. 17 the U of M Outreach, Research and Education Park in Rosemount, UMore, will host its third annual open house. Elizabeth Soucy, the open house coordinator, says the event will feature family-friendly activities ranging from live music to hay wagon rides.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 03:25 PM

August 15, 2006

Yellow Jackets Alert

Above average swarms of yellow jackets are buzzing around Minnesota this summer. Jeff Hahn, an entomologist with the U of M Extension Service, advises homeowners to treat nests that are close to areas of human activity.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 01:54 PM

August 14, 2006

The Elusive 'Good Life'

A new study shows that the ‘good life’ has become more and more elusive for middle class working couples with children. Phyllis Moen, a U of M sociology professor, says that middle class couples who both work struggle to compete in job environments designed for single earners with no family responsibilities.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 05:30 PM

August 11, 2006

Center for Allied Health Programs

The U of M is working to expand access to a wide variety of allied health care education programs – including occupational therapy and medical technologist training – thanks to the new Center for Allied Health Programs. Barbara Brandt, assistant vice president for education in the Academic Health Center, says the center will use cutting-edge technology, draw on expertise from the U of M and work with other colleges and universities across the state to more efficiently provide much-needed health care training.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 11:22 AM

August 10, 2006

Country Roads

Most Americans consider rural highways to be tranquil and safe, certainly much safer than the congested, confusing multi-lane tangles of freeways in urban areas. Lee Munnich, director of the U’s new Center for Excellence in Rural Safety, says Americans are dead wrong about that.

Download fully produced :90 feature |
Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 09:57 AM

August 09, 2006

Deadly Yeast Infections

U of M researchers have discovered how a prevalent fungal pathogen, a yeast known as Candida albicans, that causes 10,000 deaths per year in the United States overcomes the effects of antifungal drugs by duplicating a section of one of its chromosomes. Judith Berman, a professor of genetics, cell biology and development who led the researchers, says the work sets the stage for the development of new and better drugs.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 09:05 AM

August 08, 2006

Back-to-School Supplies

As the mad rush to capitalize on back-to-school sales begins, the University of Minnesota Extension Service reminds parents of K-12 students to save cash register receipts and invoices for school supplies. Doing so could help them qualify for a tax credit or subtraction on their 2006 Minnesota income tax return, says Sara Croymans, Extension family resource management educator.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 05:33 PM

August 07, 2006

Drought Relief Website

As farmers across the state deal with the fall-out of a severe drought, the U of M Extension Service has launched a one-stop online site containing in-depth information on how to address drought issues - www.extension.umn.edu, click on "drought." Bev Durgan, Extension dean, says the site is regularly updated with timely and relevant information on areas ranging from climatology to economics.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 05:29 PM

August 04, 2006

Shoreline Restoration

Margaret Kuchenreuther, an associate professor of biology at the U of M, Morris, is the recipient of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Shoreland Habitat Restoration Program grant. Kuchenreuther says the Shoreland Habitat Restoration Program is an important initiative to help improve the quality of our lakes and rivers.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 11:04 AM

August 03, 2006

Reusing Vegetable Oil

If you follow the nutritional news, you’ve probably heard that vegetable oils are heart-friendly. In general, that’s true – but even good friends can turn on you when things get hot. A. Saari Csallany, professor of food science and nutrition, and research colleagues have found that a toxic compound known as HNE, which has been linked to heart disease and stroke, builds up steadily in reheated oil at frying temperature. Bad news for people who reuse their vegetable oil.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 02:46 PM

August 02, 2006

Rural Health Hero

Gary Davis, head of the department of Behavioral Sciences at the Medical School – Duluth, was named ‘Rural Health Hero’ at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference in Duluth this month. Dr. Davis received the award for his work in serving rural patients with mental health consultations via virtual telemedicine.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 12:11 PM

August 01, 2006

Website Facelift

The U this month unveiled a “facelift” of its Web site. Grant Moos, assistant vice president for University Relations, says the new homepage design will make the site more accessible and relevant for its many visitors.

Download fully produced :90 feature | Download raw audio

Posted by jfalk at 03:31 PM