Agarwood Incense

Agarwood, the world’s most valuable incense, is produced by the aquilaria tree, found in tropical rainforests, and has been used for centuries as incense and in traditional medicine. Robert Blanchette, a U of M professor of plant pathology, together with the Rainforest Project Foundation, will help farmers in Southeast Asia cultivate aquilaria trees on a sustainable basis. He says the tree has become very rare due to indiscriminate harvesting.

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Calories and Aging

Research on aging among mice or rats has long shown that caloric restriction, meaning the reduction of calories they take in, leads to the rodents living longer more healthy lives, delaying age-related diseases such as cancer. Huber Warner, associate dean for research at the U’s College of Biological Sciences, says researchers have now turned their attention to caloric restriction among monkeys, which could lead to interesting conclusions for humans.

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Affordable Housing

In an era of escalating real estate values, a strong commitment to affordable housing enables metropolitan areas to strengthen their communities and revitalize urban centers. Ann Forsyth, director of the U of M’s Metropolitan Design Center, says there are four main ways to create affordable housing options.

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Stress and Smoking

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Medicine are taking a close look at the biological and behavioral mechanisms of stress that lead people to smoke. Dr. Mustafa al’Absi, an associate professor of behavioral medicine, says his research will help develop successful intervention and cessation programs, thus decreasing the relapse numbers among smokers wanting to kick their nicotine addiction.

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Potholes

If you’ve driven on any one of Minnesota’s roads or highways these past few weeks, you’ve probably gone out of your way to a avoid a pothole. Some experts are calling this the worst pothole season in years. Mihai Marasteanu, a U of M civil engineering professor, says this past winter’s abundance of freeze-thaw cycles are to blame for the pothole outbreak.

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Bed Bugs

Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite. That old adage might be coming back in style. Stephen Kells, assistant professor of Entomology at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, says bed bugs or “nest parasites� are increasing in number and researchers expect a seasonal increase this summer with warmer temperatures and higher humidity.

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Reduce Spending On Prom

Prom is coming up, and it can be a very costly event for both students and parents. There are, however, ways to save when it comes to spending on prom. Becky Hagen Jokela, professor with the University of Minnesota extension, explains.

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Studying Abroad

An international educational experience adds value and excitement to many U of M students’ undergraduate years. Brian Atwood, dean of the university’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, says studying abroad provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a globalized economy, while also gaining understanding of the dangers of a post-9/11 world.

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Earth Surface Transformation

News reports abound that the world’s climate is changing and that forests and many animal species are disappearing at an alarming rate. Steven Manson, a U of M professor of geography, is taking a closer look at the phenomenon. Data he is gathering not only document but also suggest reasons for the transformation of our environment.

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Teen Sports and Weight Control

Teens who participate in weight-related sports, such as wrestling, gymnastics, or ballet, are at a much higher risk of engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota. Marla Eisenberg, assistant professor of pediatrics, explains.

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Colorectal Cancer

Colon and/or rectum cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country, which will result in more than 52,000 deaths this year. The death rate has declined, however, over the last 15 years, due, at least in part, to increased awareness and cancer screening. Dr. Robert Madoff, a University of Minnesota cancer surgeon, explains that screenings are the best prevention.

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Teen's Attitudes About Money and Spending

The teenage years are a time of constant change, and one of the most important challenges facing teenagers is adopting values that will define their decisions and behavior, especially when it comes to money. Janene Gilman, University of Minnesota Extension educator, explains.

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Standardized Tests Dead On

Standardized test scores for graduate and professional schools are more accurate than prior academic experience in predicting student success, according to researchers at the U of M. Nathan Kuncel, University of Minnesota psychology professor, explains.

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Humidity in Your Home

A common condition found in Minnesota homes during the winter - excessive condensation on windows and other surfaces - indicates that indoor humidity levels are too high. Marilou Cheple, University of Minnesota professor and extension educator, explains why this can be a problem.

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NCAA Basketball

It’s March Madness time with the NCAA basketball playoffs beginning March 13. Everyone has their guess on who’s going to win, but let’s say you’re in an office pool, and you need advice on whom to pick. Brad Carlin, a biostatistician at the University of Minnesota, gives some insight on likely winners.

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Hibernation In Humans

Mammals such as the gopher are known to spend the winter in hibernation. Matthew Andrews, a molecular biologist at the U of M Duluth, is part of growing group of researchers who are investigating whether it’s possible to put living organs or whole patients into a similar state as seen in mammals during hibernation. Their findings could benefit transplant recipients, trauma survivors and surgical patients.

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Living Snow Fences

Recent snowfalls reminded drivers how dangerous it can be to drive on highways in blowing and drifting snow. Some of these dangers can be minimized, however, through living snow fences. Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension professor, explains.

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Altered Protein Affects BMI

U of M researchers have discovered a variant of a common blood protein in people of American Indian and Mexican ancestry that is linked to elevated body mass index (BMI), obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Gary Nelsestuen, professor of biochemistry at the U, explains.

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Kids and Lying

Adults are known to tell a white lie every once in a while. But what about children? Marti Erickson, director of the Harris Programs at the University of Minnesota, says it’s perfectly normal for children at the preschool age to tell lies as they are just developing the ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality. It does become reason for concern as kids reach school age.

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Snow On Your Roof

Everyone knows about shoveling your driveway when it snows, but most people don’t know that it might be necessary to clear your roof too - in particular if it is an agricultural building. Larry Jacobson, University of Minnesota extension professor, explains.

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High Blood Pressure

February is National Heart Month, an annual campaign to alert people to the risks of heart disease. One risk factor is high blood pressure. But what does it mean to have high blood pressure? Jim Neaton, a biostatistician at the University of Minnesota, explains.

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Teens' Physical Activity Declining

As teenagers get older, they are spending more time in front of the computer and television and less time participating in physical activities, according to new research at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Melissa Nelson, assistant professor of epidemiology and community health, tells us more.

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/urelate/radio/teens-activity-raw.mp3

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