Articles appear in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
Empowered by the sun
(May 9, 2008) After a nail-biting year waiting for funding, students at the U will once again be able to compete in the North American Solar Challenge with their handsome, high-tech car.
A threat to Minnesota fish
(May 8, 2008) The University is lending a hand to help stop a lethal fish virus that is capable of producing massive fish kills in some of Minnesota anglers' favorite game and eating fish including walleye, muskie, perch, sunfish, crappie, and smallmouth and largemouth bass.
U names 2008 McKnights
(May 6, 2008) The University has named four Distinguished McKnight University Professors and 13 McKnight Land-Grant Professors for 2008. The Distinguished McKnight award rewards mid-career faculty of note like Judith Berman, and the McKnight Land-Grant award supports promising junior faculty such as Katsumi Matsumoto.
Faster wireless Internet planned for Twin Cities and Rochester campuses
(From Brief, May 7, 2008) The Office of Information Technology has been working to upgrade the current wireless network on the UMTC and UMR campuses. The new network will have offer some of the fastest wireless service available and provide users with better security.
UMD graduates its second transformational leadership cohort
(From Brief, May 7, 2008) The U recognizes leadership programs and their role in driving a "culture of excellence."
U joins campaign to encourage saving for retirement
(From Brief, May 14, 2008) The University and more than 20 other Minnesota employers are part of a new statewide initiative that helps employees plan for their future. Financially Fit Minnesota has the support of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.
Iron Man takes physics for a ride
(May 2, 2008) As Iron Man swoops into theaters, the U's James Kakalios ponders the physics of the superhero's suit--and says a U professor is making one of its features a reality.
U student wins medal for bravery
(May 2, 2008) A rare display of courage, heroism, and selfless action earned Nate Lund the Soldier's Medal, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Army. The award was presented Thursday during a special ceremony at the University of Minnesota.
Musical sights
(From eNews, May 1, 2008) A picture may be worth a thousand words. But for students in the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts music classes, they are also worth a thousand notes.
On public opinion and health care
(From eNews, May 1, 2008) According to new University of Minnesota research, presidential candidates must understand public opinion on health care if they expect to woo voters. Americans ranked health care among the most important problems facing the country.
Fresh ideas for your lawn and garden
(From eNews, May 1, 2008) Looking for gardening tips? University of Minnesota Extension's Consumer Horticulture Team has organized a fresh Web resource featuring useful, research-based information in a gardener-friendly format.
Guggenheims galore
(April 30, 2008) Three U faculty are among the 190 artists, scientists, and scholars to win Guggenheim fellowships this year. Past winners include Martha Graham, Linus Pauling, and Ansel Adams.
A new way of doing business
(April 29, 2008) Over the past two years, the University has transformed its facilities management department into an operation that is more customer-focused, cost effective, and accountable.
Book reviews spring 2008
( ) Gayla Marty reviews The Florist's Daughter, The Truth About Garden Remedies, and Earthworms of the Great Lakes in this Spring 2008 edition of Book Reviews.
Not all who wander
(From M, spring 2008) Clyde Reedy is getting very accustomed to telling his story. What makes his story even richer is his experience with the University of Minnesota, both in the early 1940s as a student and in recent decades as a benefactor.
The art and the artist
(April 23, 2008) Arnold Newman photographed many of the icons of 20th-century art, science, and politics, including John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Earlier this year, Newman's son, Eric, a neuroscience professor at the U, approached the Weisman Art Museum to donate 40 of his late father's famous portraits.
One village at a time
(April 22, 2008) U student Katie Nelson established the Nafula Foundation to help Kenyan families achieve self-sustainability
Keeping up with traffic
(April 22, 2008) The U's Department of Civil Engineering recently opened the doors to the new Minnesota Traffic Observatory, a world-class lab featuring innovative technologies to help researchers design roadways that are safer and easier to drive.
Traits for greatness
(From M, spring 2008) Using data gathered from presidential biographers and historians, University psychologist Deniz Ones and her colleagues studied which personality traits have historically been associated with superior presidential performance.
Whole foods beat single nutrients
(From M, spring 2008) It's easy to study the effects of single-nutrient dietary supplements because the composition of pills and the like is known exactly. But an epidemiology professor urges that the focus of health and diet research switch to whole foods.
Connecting alumni, spring 2008
( ) The spring 2008 Connecting Alumni section features blurbs about telling your U story, the power of alumni, the upcoming UMAA annual celebration, and more.
When physics is a social science
(April 18, 2008) A University-sponsored program helps families discover the joy of science together. Through PACES (Parents And Children Experiencing Science), parents model scientific curiosity for their kids.
Westward expansion
(From M, spring 2008 ) The School of Dentistry's outreach program will stretch to west central Minnesota in response to the challenges rural communities face when recruiting health care professionals. The program hopes to bring long-term dental care to underserved regions.
A natural among museums
( From M, spring 2008) A recent $3 million commitment to the U's Bell Museum of Natural history is for a new museum facility to open in 2010. The remarkable gift comes from the James Ford Bell Foundation, which affirms the importance of the Bell Museum as the state's natural history museum.
Rebel with a cause
( From M, spring 2008) UMD alum Jim Swenson became a success with his company, Details, Inc. Today he focuses his entrepreneurial energy on enriching his alma mater with scholarships, and most recently, a new civil engineering building.
Giving hope
( From M, spring 2008) Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the newly opened Hope Lodge is a free living space open to any adult receiving cancer care in the Twin Cities.
Make eating more appealing
(From eNews, April 17, 2008) Many people are trying to adopt a healthier approach to eating. Is it any wonder? Research shows that 6 out of every 10 Americans are overweight and nearly one in three is obese. University Extension has some tips on how to make eating more appealing.
From hunch to hope
(From eNews, April 17, 2008) If you're a clinician or biomedical researcher looking for a cure, you could start your search at the University of Minnesota. The fairly new Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development is bringing together sophisticated technology and some of the best and brightest players in drug discovery from academia and industry.
Why Miss Muffett skedaddled
(April 16, 2008) A U graduate student has helped uncover evidence that babies can quickly learn to recognize spiders. This may later help them develop a protective fear.
E20 and late-model vehicles
(From eNews, April 17, 2008) A 13-month study conducted by U professor Dave Kittelson shows that E20--a blend of fuel containing 80 percent gasoline and 20 percent ethanol--has no negative impact on the drivability and maintenance of late-model cars and trucks.
Ruby red slippers and Yellow Brick Road, with a twist
(April 16, 2008) The University Theatre and Dance explores the universal themes of courage, intelligence, love, and the importance of home in its version of "The Wiz," a 1975 Broadway musical adapted from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Celebrating public engagement
(From Brief, April 16, 2008) The University of Minnesota will host its second annual Public Engagement Day April 22 on the Twin Cities campus. A number of changes have been made since the inaugural event. For example the addition of Public Engagement days at the University's other campuses; upcoming are Duluth, April 16 and Crookston, April 17.
Go, girl!
(April 14, 2008) A new study by the Tucker Center shows that girls are participating in sports more and more but engaging in physical activity outside of organized sports less and less.
Regents approve contracts with food and beverage vendors
(April 11, 2008) On April 11, the Board of Regents approved four long-term contracts with vendors for food and beverage service on University of Minnesota campuses.
Frostbite nips the competition
(April 11, 2008) Though small in size, it packs a wallop in the flavor department. Frostbite, the University's latest fruit release, is an apple for people with adventurous tastes.
University receives $65 million for Cancer Center
(April 10, 2008) The Masons have just given the University of Minnesota the largest gift in its history to support cancer research, treatment, and education. In recognition, the Cancer Center has been renamed the Masonic Cancer Center.
Bonding bill finalized
(April 7, 2008) The University of Minnesota received funding for most of its capital investment projects and the Minnesota Biomedical Research Program.
U inaugurates Rochester chancellor
(April 4, 2008) Stephen Lehmkuhle was formally installed as the first chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Rochester on April 4. He took over the reins of the downtown Rochester campus in fall 2007.
UMM chancellor speaks to Congress
(April 4, 2008) Chancellor Jacquie Johnson was chosen to testify before the U.S. Congress because of her leadership at the Morris campus, which is nearly energy self-sufficient.
Putting back the wild in the child
(April 4, 2008) Too many children are losing their connection to nature, a situation that bodes ill for both. A University-sponsored conference aims to reset the balance.
Happy birthday, Minnesota!
(April 2, 2008) To commemorate the state's 150th birthday, University of Minnesota faculty are leading four discussions this month on issues facing Minnesota's past, present, and future. Topics are the evolution of the suburbs, natural resources, demographic changes, and protecting the public's health.
Doing your part for the environment
(From eNews, April 3, 2008) Recycling offers opportunities for everyone to help reduce climate change, save energy, and conserve natural resources. Here are some tips from the University of Minnesota's Recycling Program.
Filling the need
(From eNews, April 3, 2008) A new dental clinic--a partnership between the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Rice Memorial Hospital--offers students learning opportunities while bringing needed care to patients in west central Minnesota.
Ralph Rapson dies at 93
(April 1, 2008; updated April 3) Ralph Rapson, University of Minnesota's School of Architecture for 30 years, introduced Modernism to the U's program and left a legacy of integrated architecture.
March Madness goes hi-tech
(March 28, 2008) On March 28 and 29, Williams Arena is hosting the first-ever Minnesota Regional FIRST Robotics Competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition attracted more than 50 teams of students from the six-state region.
Every napkin counts
(March 28, 2008) Last fall, University Dining Services collected 78 tons of compost material from its kitchens and restaurants, and the UDS Green Team played a big role--helping the lunch crowd identify its compost-friendly waste.
Got more milk?
(March 28, 2008) University of Minnesota research is helping the state regain its competitive stride in the dairy business. Extension animal scientist Marcia Endres is looking at how changes in dairy cow housing can help increase profits.
Infectious enthusiasm
(March 25, 2008) Working together, legumes and bacteria supply the world with protein. University researchers are studying how this common, but nevertheless amazing, partnership works.
Documenting carbon storage and biodiversity
(March 25, 2008) A University of Minnesota professor's research in Costa Rica's dry tropical forests could help explain large-scale variations in the carbon cycle.
Partnering with Hope and Dreams
(From Brief, March 26, 2008) The U's partnerships with Hope Community and Learning Dreams are two examples of the most common types of U-community partnerships: partnering with an existing organization and partnering with a community to create a new organization.
New financial system continues progress toward July 1 go-live
(From Brief, March 26, 2008) CUFS is going away when the U unveils its new financial system July 1. Enterprise Financial System team members are now testing the new system, which offers more flexibility in gathering data. About 2,800 U employees will be trained to use the system.
Care for a lifetime
(March 20, 2008) A new grant gives the School of Nursing the tools needed to educate a new generation of geriatric nurses--and care for a rapidly aging population.
Pruning 101
(From eNews, March 20, 2008) Late winter, early spring means it's time to rejuvenate those large, overgrown shrubs in your garden. University of Minnesota Extension has some basic pruning tips for the green thumbs.
Secrets of the hive
(From eNews, March 20, 2008) Traditional healers from South America to Eastern Europe and China have valued bee propolis as a remedy for ailments such as skin problems, oral sores, and the common cold. Today, University of Minnesota researchers are looking at it as a possible inexpensive treatment for HIV.
Gecko tech: Evolution produces ideal adhesive
(From eNews, March 20, 2008) A researcher at the U's Bell Museum of Natural History is helping to complete an evolutionary history of the 1,100 species of gecko. The information will be useful to scientists hoping to develop a synthetic gecko adhesive.
Conscious collaborator
(From eNews, March 20, 2008) Some rock bands, like Black Eyed Peas, are known for espousing green causes. Others, for gas-guzzling tour buses and over-the-top consumerism. University of Minnesota student Erick Boustead is helping rock bands keep their shows as green as their words.
In search of the perfect human
(March 17, 2008) Through May 4, the U's Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Science Museum of Minnesota are sponsoring an exhibit, "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race," and a series of public lectures that explore eugenics and the Holocaust.
A feline lifeline?
(From M, spring 2008) Sure, cats rip furniture to shreds and treat people as inferior beings. But a University study shows they may do our hearts good, in more ways than one.
Eco-friendly fronds for Palm Sunday
(March 12, 2008) The University of Minnesota works with communities in Guatemala and Mexico provide church congregations in the United States with eco-friendly fronds for Palm Sunday.
Well done
(March 11, 2008) Long before the hit documentary Super Size Me, the University experimented with the health effects of eating nothing but White Castle hamburgers.
Collaborating to lead
(From Brief, March 12, 2008) A new series of workshops--organized by the Graduate School's Office of Interdisciplinary Initiatives--aims to develop the collaborative leadership skills of those engaged in scholarship, research, creative work, and education and training programs. Mentoring is the theme of the next session on March 25.
Tilting toward turbines
(From M, spring 2008) The University's Morris campus has received bonding authority to add new wind and steam turbines. The campus is on track to energy self-sufficiency by 2010.
Strength through change
(March 10, 2008) In his sixth State of the U address, President Bruininks talked of the challenge of change and how it can motivate action.
A sickle-cell sleuth
(March 7, 2008) He was a political science major--until he discovered medical research. Now, Regents Professor of Medicine Robert Hebbel is a leading authority on sickle-cell and other blood-related diseases.
U professor dies at 65
(March 6, 2008) Stephen Feinstein, who died on March 4, built the U's Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies into a premier educational, research, and outreach institution of international renown.
Extension helps nonprofits make case for public good
(From eNews, March 6, 2008) The University of Minnesota Extension's Public Value Program helps local government and nonprofits evaluate and articulate the public value of their programs.
Calming the storm
(From eNews, March 6, 2008) Three University of Minnesota top talents are launching a new era in epilepsy research and care: Aviva Abosch, Thomas Henry, and Steven Rothman. All are collaborating on translational research that ranges from enhancing the effectiveness of conventional drug therapies to venturing deep within the brain in novel ways.
Understanding the outdoors
(From eNews, March 6, 2008) U professor David Fulton studies why hunting and fishing passions are fading. A drop in these activities could threaten the well-being of America's wildlife because money from hunting and fishing licenses helps fund habitat conservation efforts.
Biomedical boom?
(March 4, 2008) This year the U is again renewing a request for its Minnesota Biomedical Research Program, and more than 100 faculty, staff, students, and other U backers attended a legislative hearing last week to show their support for the plan.
Champions of breakfast
(March 4, 2008) Teens who want to lose weight may be tempted to skip breakfast. It's a temptation they may do well to resist, though, says a new study.
Water works
(From M, spring 2008) The U's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders brings hope to small villages around the world.
Cause for paws
(February 28, 2008) U professor Jaime Modiano is evaluating an experimental gene therapy for bone cancer in dogs that not only kills tumor cells, but also activates the immune system to destroy any remnants lurking in the body.
A welcoming climate
(April 25, 2008) Climate change has many causes besides emissions from vehicles and power plants. Three new faculty are uncovering the often overlooked roles of vegetation.
U comments on central corridor LRT alignment
(February 26, 2007) On February 27, the Metropolitan Council will vote on the route alignment for the Central Corridor light rail transit (CCLRT) line. Kathleen O'Brien, the University's vice president for University Services, released a statement on the alignment.
Recognizing those who change the world, one award at a time
(From Brief, February 27, 2008) For more than 10 years, the U has recognized faculty, staff, and students who have devoted their time and talent to making enduring contributions to the community. This year, nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards are due March 14.
Preparing for an emergency
(February 25, 2008) The University of Minnesota unveiled a new emergency preparedness Web site on Monday with help from its police department. The site (www.umn.edu/prepared) is where members of the U community can conveniently find information about campus health, weather, and safety emergencies.
Street wisdom
(From eNews, February 21, 2008) U alum Matthew Ayres conducted a survey on panhandlers in Minneapolis last year, and he found that the local panhandling ordinance doesn't effectively help the homeless population.
Rates of uninsured Minnesotans stabilize
(From eNews, February 21, 2008) A survey from the U's School of Public Health and Minnesota Department of Health shows that after rising between 2001 and 2004, the percentage of Minnesotans without health insurance was stable between 2004 and 2007.
Building a better Holstein
(From eNews, February 21, 2008 ) Despite controversy, University of Minnesota professor Les Hansen advocates crossbreeding in cows.
Summer fun for youth
(February 20, 2008; updated April 24) The University of Minnesota offers and hosts one of the most comprehensive line-ups of summer camps for youth in Minnesota.
New research takes aim at oral cancer
(February 19, 2008) An interdisciplinary research team at the University of Minnesota is working to change oral cancer statistics by studying the proteins found in saliva.
Cultivating culture
(February 22, 2008) U researchers in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences are learning to work in cooperation with people from different cultures.
Lecture-free biology
(February 19, 2008) In the new freshman biology sequence, students must master text material on their own and think for themselves--with a little help from their friends.
The missing link
(February 15, 2008) As America gains weight, the incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes is growing, too. Understanding the link between obesity and insulin resistance is a goal of U professor David Bernlohr.
New chances to hear Holocaust memorial oratorio
(February 12, 2008) The Holocaust memorial oratorio To Be Certain of the Dawn, composed by U grad Stephen Paulus with text by U professor Michael Dennis Browne, gets new performances and a recording.
Their votes count
(February 8, 2008) Nationwide, the turnout by young people on Super Tuesday was unprecedently high. UMD students added to that number and their enthusiasm for the presidential race runs high.
Converting pristine lands to biofuel farms worsens global warming
(February 7, 2008) Biofuels may be a source of renewable energy, but destroying pristine land to produce them makes global warming worse. A new study documents the damage.
Respect for the voice of children
(From eNews, February 6, 2008) "Children know best what comforts them when they're sick," says Linda Lindeke. The University of Minnesota associate professor is capturing the child's voice for quality improvements at hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Destined to lie, cheat, or steal?
(From eNews,February 6, 2008) New research from the University of Minnesota finds that believing in free will can keep us honest.
Studio arts on memory lane
(February 6, 2008) Artwork from University of Minnesota, Morris, studio art faculty--those who have made contributions to the studio art program over the past 47 years--is on exhibit through Friday, March 14, in the Humanities Fine Arts Gallery on the Morris campus.
Biomedical informatics leaders join forces for research, education
(February 4, 2008) The first Biomedical Informatics and Computational Biology Research Symposium brought together teams from the University of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic, IBM and the Hormel Institute.
Blood donor pool shrinking
(February 5, 2008) Estimates of the number of Americans eligible to donate blood are off by as much as one-third, according to new research from the University of Minnesota.
Doing things better
(February 4, 2008) For the second consecutive year, the U's Quality Fair drew a large crowd. The event highlighted projects from around the University that "innovate, improve, and inspire."
Pastry chefs, born and bread
(February 1, 2008) In their new book, Zoë François and U adjunct professor Jeff Hertzberg show us how to bring such things as boules, rye bread, brioche, bagels, and apricot pastries into our daily lives in less time than the average American spends taking a shower.
Celestial tsunamis
(January 29, 2008) University-designed instruments aboard NASA's twin STEREO spacecraft have picked up huge radio waves that may lead to damage to spacecraft and even astronauts.
A smart look at politics
(January 29, 2008) The Smart Politics blog is a destination for both political junkies and casual observers looking for a more fulsome take on the latest trends and stories.
Slime sublime
(January 25, 2008) University researcher Roger Ruan knows algae can remove pollutants from water and make usable fuel. But can their abilities be scaled up and put to commercial use?
Take food allergies seriously
(From eNews, January 24, 2008) Eating is an enjoyable experience for most of us, but it can be frightening and even life threatening for people with food allergies. University of Minnesota Extension has some tips on how to avoid a harmful reaction for those with food allergies or food intolerance.
Music to soothe the stressed-out patient
(From eNews, January 24, 2008) Listening to music tailored to a hospital patient's personal and cultural preferences can significantly reduce that patient's anxiety, according to University associate professor Linda Chlan.
Maps of the body
(January 22, 2008) The U's Owen H. Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has in its collection hundreds of anatomical atlases dating from the 1400s to the 20th century. The collection reveals not only medical ideas about the body, but also the philosophies of the anatomists and the times they lived in.
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