In the News

  1. February 22, 2021
    • Photo of Melissa Borja

    In an interview about the ongoing rise of attacks and violence against Asian Americans across the country, Melissa Borja, assistant professor of American culture, discussed her analysis of tweets by politicians that found Donald Trump was the main source, by far, of the rhetoric that stigmatized Asia and Asian Americans, often using racist slurs and epithets to refer to COVID-19. 

    National Public Radio
  2. February 19, 2021
    • Margaret Dewar

    The expansion of a Wayne County program that temporarily halts foreclosures for homeowners facing financial difficulties will give businesses and landlords more time to work with tenants to access rental assistance from federal relief funds, says Margaret Dewar, professor emerita of urban planning. 

    Detroit Free Press
  3. February 19, 2021

    Practicing job interview skills using a virtual simulator could significantly increase the odds that young adults with autism find employment, according to research by Matthew Smith, associate professor of social work, and colleagues. Adults with autism who completed the virtual training program ultimately had better interviewing skills and less anxiety than those who only received traditional services. 

    Disability Scoop
  4. February 19, 2021
    • Headshot of Ryan Malosh
    • Emily Toth Martin

    “I think we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. … Having vaccinations ramp up as (COVID-19) case counts come down at the same time is the ideal scenario,” said Ryan Malosh, assistant research scientist in epidemiology. But he and Emily Toth Martin, associate professor of epidemiology, caution the danger is not over. It’s also becoming increasingly clear that herd immunity likely will prove elusive, at least in the immediate future, Martin said.

    MLive
  5. February 18, 2021
    • Photo of Jeffrey McCullough

    Ride-sharing services are believed to decrease drunk-driving crashes and deaths but they also are linked to an increase in binge drinking, said Jeffrey McCullough, associate professor of health management and policy: “It’s not that we should stop ride-hailing services. They do create value. But … we should be thinking about other public health risks related to alcohol consumption as transportation technology changes.”

    WDIV/Detroit
  6. February 18, 2021
    • J. Brian Byrd

    New research shows that reducing sodium intake by any amount can lower blood pressure over the long term. But J. Brian Byrd, assistant professor of internal medicine, says for those looking to lower their blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk, “one of the messages seems to be that changing the diet for a healthier one will be even more powerful than just reducing salt.”

    U.S. News & World Report
  7. February 18, 2021
    • Riana Anderson

    “It should just be: What’s great about this person? How can I learn from them? How can I teach them from my perspective, too, what I know? So it should be mutually beneficial,” said Riana Elyse Anderson, assistant professor of health behavior and health education, on developing authentic cross-racial friendships. 

    HuffPost
  8. February 17, 2021
    • Photo of Barry Rabe

    A recent poll shows that most Republicans said they felt the country was going downhill and most Democrats said it’s going uphill. “It underscores the enormous challenge that Biden faces going forward. There is a significant base that is unalterably opposed and still questions the legitimacy of him holding office,” said Barry Rabe, professor of public policy.

    The Detroit News
  9. February 17, 2021
    • Headshot of Kenneth Langa

    “Folks with dementia are more dependent on those around them to do the safety stuff, to remember to wear a mask, to keep people away through social distancing. There is the cognitive impairment and the fact that they are more socially at risk,” said Kenneth Langa, professor of internal medicine, and health management and policy, commenting on research that found people with dementia are more likely to catch severe COVID-19.

    Smithsonian Magazine
  10. February 17, 2021
    • Headshot of Jan Van den Bulck

    Blue light from TV screens and mobile devices plays a role in keeping people awake, but the emotional response to what’s being viewed also has a big impact, says Jan Van den Bulck, professor of communication and media: “If you check the news right before bed, and it’s something that upsets you, then it’s the fact that you’re upset that’s going to keep you awake and not necessarily the brief exposure to the light.” 

    The New York Times