STATE UNIVERSITIES
Central Michigan University scientists rebuild reef to save fish
Approximately 450 tons of rocks were recently lowered into Grand Traverse Bay near Elk Rapids to rebuild a reef essential to the survival of native fish. Scientists from Central Michigan University, The Nature Conservancy and Michigan Department of Natural Resources worked together. It is known as the only place in Lake Michigan where lake herring, lake whitefish and lake trout all spawn.
Wayne State University goes smoke- and tobacco-free
Wayne State University in August was scheduled to join hundreds of institutions across the country that have adopted smoke- and tobacco-free policies for indoor and outdoor spaces. The new policy applies to employees, students, contractors and visitors. Tobacco cessation resources are being provided for those who seek them.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
UC Berkeley emeritus professor questions brain training services
A growing stream of websites hype computer-based cognitive programs and brain games for aging baby boomers and their parents. But the research on such training is underwhelming, says Dr. John Swartzberg, of UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. “If you want to exercise your brain, study Spanish, take up Ikebana flower arranging, or learn a new game like chess or bridge. You may strengthen those neural connections in your brain,” he says.
Northwestern receives $11.7M grant to improve cancer treatment
Northwestern University has received a five-year, $11.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to use nanotechnology to develop next-generation cancer treatments. The new Northwestern University Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence will use nucleic-acid-based nanoconstructs called spherical nucleic acids to gain access to intracellular environments, discover new aspects of cancer biology and create effective treatment options.
UW responds to proposed fetal tissue research restrictions
Following an amendment announced Sept. 4 by two Wisconsin state representatives to their bill restricting research using fetal tissue, University of Wisconsin Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Marsha Mailick responded that fetal cells and tissues are tools that aid in basic scientific discoveries, such as understanding how cancer cells migrate or learning how the human immune system responds to drug therapies. She said these tools are often the only option.
