Expert Alert
May 2007

Archive
Subscribe

National Dog Bite Prevention Week
May 22, 2007

The Twin Cities area has seen a string of highly publicized dog attacks in recent months. To prevent such attacks throughout the country, animal organizations are promoting proper pet care with “National Dog Bite Prevention Week.” A University of Minnesota expert who can explain violent dog behavior and how to prevent it is:

Petra Mertens, U of M College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor
Mertens, who works in the field of animal behavior and treats many cases of canine aggression, can discuss the proper steps in raising and caring for dogs because, ultimately, “owners must be alert in containing and supervising their animals.” She can also comment on what causes some dogs to attack and new legislation being considered for dog owners.

To interview Mertens, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.

Tick check!
May 17, 2007

May through July is tick season in Minnesota and the tiny pests are not only an outdoor nuisance, but can transmit infections such as Lyme disease. A University of Minnesota expert who can comment on ticks and how to deal with them is:

Russell Johnson, professor of microbiology at the University of Minnesota
Johnson is available to discuss how to avoid ticks, where they are most prevalent and what to do if infection is suspected. He has studied Lyme disease and can also explain the symptoms and treatment methods.

To interview Johnson contact Liz Wulderk at (612) 624-5680 or ebryan@umn.edu; or Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu.

Quit smoking with a nudge from the state of Minnesota
May 14, 2007

With a statewide smoking ban on the horizon, finding the best way to quit is on the minds of many smokers. Whether it is the latest laser therapy treatment or the simple “cold turkey” method, dropping the habit can be difficult. A University of Minnesota expert who can discuss the ban and how to quit is:

Dr. Ed Ehlinger, director of the U of M Boynton Health Service
Ehlinger is a national expert on tobacco use. He can offer tips on how to quit, explain different (and sometime unconventional) methods and where to go for help.

To interview Ehlinger contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu, or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.

Outsourcing local journalism 8,000 miles away
May 14, 2007

Traditional media has seen drastic changes in recent years such as the emergence of digital communications, severe ownership transitions and heavy downsizing. But a newspaper in Pasadena, Calif. has taken a bold step to save money by outsourcing its city government reporter to India. University of Minnesota experts who can comment on all aspects of this issue are:

Kathleen Hansen, School of Journalism and Mass Communication professor
Hansen studies the sociology of news and says print media is “an industry in crisis.” She can discuss how this is an example of newspapers frantically searching for an economic model to succeed on.

Mani Subramani, Carlson School of Management professor
Subramani says that with the emergence of a global economy and technological advances, more and more industries are considering outsourcing. He has lead seminars through India to understand the issue and can explain its benefits and disadvantages.

To interview Hansen or Subramani, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.

U of M political science professor and British native weighs in on Tony Blair legacy
May 10, 2007

After more than a decade of leading Great Britain, Tony Blair announced this morning that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader. His legacy as leader is yet to be determined, but it is agreed that it is filled both with success and controversy. A University of Minnesota professor who can comment on Blair’s legacy is:

Ben Ansell, U of M political science professor
Ansell, a British native, says Blair will be measured on his domestic political accomplishments and his controversial foreign policy decisions. Blair revolutionized the two-party electorate and created a “vast political middle ground that brought all sides together.” On the other hand, his alliance with the United States on the Iraq War fractured the country’s foreign policy initiatives.

To interview Ansell, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu, or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.

“Freakily massive” star explodes 240 million light years away
- Brightest explosion astronomers have seen is what creates new elements -
May 7, 2007

With a blinding brightness 50 billion times that of the sun, astronomers have recently observed the largest star explosion ever recorded. The stellar occurrence, called a supernova, can sometimes create new chemical elements that become the building blocks of life in the universe. A University of Minnesota expert who can comment on this galactic event is:

Bob Gehrz, University of Minnesota astronomy professor
Professor Gehrz studies supernova explosions and can discuss why they are the “death throes of stars.” He can also explain how such a colossal event can actually create entirely new elements.

To interview Gehrz, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu, or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.

Massive wild fire in boundary waters; learn how to protect your property
- U of M expert has tips to help homeowners protect their property -
May 7, 2007

A massive fire is burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness and the dry, windy conditions in northern Minnesota could lead to new fires or further spread of the current blaze. A University of Minnesota fire prevention expert who is available to talk about what home and cabin owners can do to protect their property from a wild fire is:

Mike Reichenbach, U of M Regional Extension Educator
Reichenbach works for the University of Minnesota Extension office in Cloquet and has advice and tips for homeowners.

“After the snow melts and before things turn green can be a time of risk,” said Reichenbach. “Spring winds can rapidly spread fires, even across lakes that are showing the tops of last years dried reeds and grass. Fires can move ashore and burn right up to the cabins.”

Reichenbach is available to talk about FireWise programs. Firewise is a plan that helps homeowners build and landscape to make their property as fire resistant as possible.

To interview Reichenbach, contact Julie Christensen at (612) 626-4077, or Justin Ware at (612) 626-1720.