December 15, 2008
A new state law loosening restrictions on embryonic stem cell research went into effect today (Dec. 19), and University scientists are busy planning projects that could lead to new treatments for inherited diseases. On Nov. 4 Michigan voters passed Proposal 2 by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. The ballot measure amended the…
December 15, 2008
Blacks with mental disorders often find comfort from their family and friends, but this support may result in them avoiding professional help. Researchers at U-M and Michigan State University investigated the use of professional services and informal support, which is help from family and friends, among African Americans and Caribbean blacks with mood, anxiety or…
December 15, 2008
Faculty salary increases at the University’s Ann Arbor campus for 2008-09 averaged 4.4 percent, according to figures from the University’s Salary Record, released today (Dec. 22). The median faculty salary increase (the 50th percentile) was 3.5 percent, the 25th percentile was 2.4 percent and the 75th percentile was 5.4 percent. Thus, half of all faculty…
December 15, 2008
A new study from researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a tool commonly used by doctors to estimate the risk of a woman’s breast cancer returning after surgery is not very effective at explaining risk to patients. As a result, women with breast cancer may not find these tools helpful when deciding whether…
December 15, 2008
For their research and teaching achievements, two engineering professors received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) at a ceremony Dec. 19 at the White House. Anna Michalak is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences. Max Shtein is…
December 15, 2008
Artificial bone marrow that continuously can make red and white blood cells has been created in a U-M lab. This development could lead to simpler pharmaceutical drug testing, closer study of immune system defects and a continuous supply of blood for transfusions. The substance grows on a 3-D scaffold that mimics the tissues supporting bone…
December 15, 2008
U-M is among the 100 “Best Value Colleges for 2009’’ and one of only two Michigan colleges or universities to make the list, according to a Princeton Review/USA Today study. The publications said U-M “offers a great balance of two very different college worlds — the huge state school with top tier athletics and vibrant…
December 15, 2008
Related story: President Mary Sue Coleman and her husband, Kenneth Coleman, are donating to a new fundraising challenge to allow more U-M students to study abroad. The $25,000 gift, a combination of their personal funds and her salary increase this year, represents yet another commitment by the president to improve the programs and opportunities for…
December 15, 2008
Scientists at U-M have shown that gene therapy can be used successfully to stop the development of periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Using gene transfer to treat life threatening conditions is not new, but the U-M group is the first known to use the gene delivery approach to show potential…
December 15, 2008
Appointed Anna Michalak, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, has been selected to receive the PECASE Award, the highest honor bestowed by the federal government on junior/mid-career faculty. Michalak has introduced new geostatistical tools that allow researchers to quantify answers for environmental problems that are otherwise highly variable and hard to manage. She has…
