Today's News: Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Research
Professor hopes new glove will help firefighters in the dark
Firefighters may have a new way to see in the dark, thanks to an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. It could let them see through smoke too. Lucy Dunne has put a sensor in a firefighter glove and has been busy testing it in the lab.
WCCO-TV
To Watch: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/02/12/professor-hopes-new-glove-will-help-firefighters-in-the-dark/
U of M health expert: New SARS-like virus carries similar risks
Ten years ago, the world was in the midst of a deadly pandemic. The viral respiratory illness SARS had spread to dozens of nations worldwide. Now health experts are looking at a new SARS-like virus, the World Health Organization refers to as novel coronavirus. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, adds insight on the virus.
KSTP-TV
To Watch: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S2928295.shtml?cat=1
At Snapshot Serengeti, citizen scientists classify Africa's animals
After Ali Swanson, an ecology researcher from the University of Minnesota, set up 225 cameras over 400 square miles of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, she was hit by the curse of Big Data: how do you make sense of the head-spinning contents of more than a million photographs? Quite simply, Swanson desperately needed help sifting through snapshots taken from her cameras that were triggered by sensors that measure heat and motion. Thus, citizen scientists are helping Swanson out.
The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/02/11/at-snapshot-serengeti-classifying-africa-s-animals.html
Business and Politics
Endowment falls short
The University of Minnesota's endowment, part of which funds scholarships, followed a national trend in falling short of its growth goal last year. The general goal for college endowments is to make about 5 percent in returns above the inflation rate, enough money to contribute to the school's programs, like financial aid or faculty research. But few schools met that last year.
Minnesota Daily
http://www.mndaily.com/2013/02/12/endowment-falls-short
Fixing long lines at the polls may be harder than you think
Minutes after he was re-elected in November, President Obama vowed to fix the long lines that many voters faced at the polls. He mentioned the problem again in his inaugural address. And now, the president is expected to raise it once more in the State of the Union address on Tuesday - this time with some possible solutions. Doug Chapin, an election expert with the University of Minnesota, discusses the difficulties of fixing lengthy poll lines.
NPR
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2013/02/12/171513524/fixing-long-lines-at-the-polls-may-be-harder-than-you-think
University of Minnesota to build $95.9 million cogeneration plant
The University of Minnesota has voted to approve designs for a combined heat and power plant. The University's board of Regents announced approval on the 8th of February and expects the $95.9 million project to be completed by 2016. Mike Berthelsen, associate vice president for University Facilities Management, comments.
Cogeneration & On-Site Power Production
http://www.cospp.com/articles/2013/02/University-of-Minnesota-to-build-959m-cogeneration-plant.html
U center creates databases to prevent food fraud
A deal at the grocery store might seem too good to be true, and experts from the University of Minnesota say it probably is. The University's National Center for Food Protection and Defense is launching two new databases that government organizations will use to prevent Economically Motivated Adulteration, also known as food fraud.
Minnesota Daily
http://www.mndaily.com/2013/02/12/u-center-creates-databases-prevent-food-fraud
Get ready for round 2 of the same-sex marriage debate
After one of the most divisive, costly campaigns Minnesota has ever seen, it appears the second round of the same-sex marriage debate is on. During Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. Mark Dayton said he wants Minnesota to be a state where no one is told it’s illegal to marry the person they love. Kathryn Pearson, a University of Minnesota political science professor, comments.
WCCO-TV
To Watch: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/02/07/get-ready-for-round-2-of-the-same-sex-marriage-debate/
Ongoing questions in Menendez saga
Questions continue to dog New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez about his relationship with his friend and campaign donor, Dr. Salomon Melgen. University of Minnesota Law Professor Richard Painter, an expert on Congressional ethics, offers his expertise on the situation.
WNYC
http://www.wnyc.org/articles/new-jersey-news/2013/feb/11/menendez-saga-raises-question/
People and Lifestyle
A hard look at a self-designed degree
Choosing a major is one of the most difficult decisions a college student has to make; it will likely affect their college experience, as well as future job prospects and career satisfaction. For some students, though, not being limited to the specific majors offered at their schools makes the choice much clearer. Self-designed degrees are offered at dozens of colleges across the country. Karolyn Redoute, a senior advisor at University of Minnesota's College of Continuing Education, adds insight.
Online Degrees
http://www.onlinedegrees.org/innovators-wanted-a-hard-look-at-the-self-designed-degree/
Surge in immersion programs spreads
Across Minnesota, language immersion programs are growing -- and growing up. Demand to prepare students for a global job market and competition to attract students have doubled the number of immersion programs since 2006. Once limited to elementary schools, they're reflecting a national trend and spreading to middle schools and a handful of high schools. Tara Fortune, an immersion expert at the University of Minnesota's Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition who advises schools across the state, nation and world, comments.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/190781561.html?refer=y
Updates and Events
U of M tests year-round classes this fall
The University of Minnesota is testing out a program that eliminates summer break for college students. Classes would go year-round. It's a programs that's been tried before with success; the College of Design will use two of its programs as the pilot for year-round classes.
WCCO-TV
To Watch: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/02/11/u-of-m-tests-year-round-classes-this-fall/
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/190488631.html
Athletes have an advising advantage
Academic advising practices are looked at in several colleges/schools/programs on campus, including the McNamara Center for Student-Athletes.
Minnesota Daily
http://www.mndaily.com/2013/02/12/athletes-have-advising-advantage
The next step in pharmacy benefit management
Pharmacy benefit management is expanding beyond the focus on higher co-payments and moving employees to generic prescription drugs. Several new-to-market vendors are bringing fresh perspectives and solutions to the business. Linda Strand, professor at the University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy, comments.
Human Resources Executive Online
http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/view/story.jhtml?id=534354974
Chinese Dance Theater performs at U of M, Crookston
The Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM) Chinese Dance Theater celebrated the culture of China with a dance performance at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Saturday in Kiehle Auditorium.
Crookston Times
http://www.crookstontimes.com/article/20130211/NEWS/130219963