Today's News Headlines
Today's News Headlines is a comprehensive collection of U of M news clips including select U of M news from local, national and global sources, as well as News Service releases and multimedia content. It is delivered every morning, Monday-Friday.
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Friday, February 8, 2008
FEATURED NEWS
Studies Say Clearing Land for Biofuels Will Aid Warming
Clearing land to produce biofuels such as ethanol will do more to exacerbate global warming than using gasoline or other fossil fuels, two scientific studies show. ... Another analysis, written by a Nature Conservancy scientist along with University of Minnesota researchers, found that converting rainforests, peatlands, savannas or grasslands in Southeast Asia and Latin America to produce biofuels will increase global warming pollution for decades, if not centuries.
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008
/02/07/AR2008020704230.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Biofuels Are Bad for Feeding People and Combating Climate Change
Converting corn to ethanol in Iowa not only leads to clearing more of the Amazonian rainforest, researchers report in a pair of new studies in Science, but also would do little to slow global warming—and often make it worse. ... "I know when I look at a tree that half the dry weight of it is carbon," says ecologist David Tilman of the University of Minnesota, coauthor of the other study which examined the "carbon debt" embedded in any biofuel.
Scientific American
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=biofuels-bad-for-people-and-climate
Biofuel crops increase carbon emissions
The rush to grow biofuel crops -- widely embraced as part of the solution to global warming -- is actually increasing greenhouse gas emissions rather than reducing them, according to two studies published Thursday in the journal Science. ... "We're rushing into biofuels, and we need to be very careful," said Jason Hill, an economist and ecologist at the University of Minnesota who co-authored the study.
Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-sci-biofuel8feb08
,1,7253036.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Food-based biofuels can spur climate change-study
Alternative fuels made from corn, soybeans, sugar cane and palm trees can in some cases increase the amount of climate-warming carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday. ... But biofuels can release carbon even before they are burned, depending on how they are made, said study co-author Jason Hill of the University of Minnesota.
Reuters
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0741251420080207
Biofuels May Hinder Antiglobal-Warming Efforts
While the U.S. and others race to expand the use and production of biofuels, two new studies suggest these gasoline alternatives actually will increase carbon-dioxide levels. ... David Tilman, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota and co-author of the second paper, said the biofuel industry needs to seek more efficient sources for biofuels, such as various kinds of waste and nonfood crops such as switchgrass grown on degraded land.
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120241324358751455.html?mod
=googlenews_wsj
Converting land for biofuel worsens global warming: study
Clearing raw land to produce biofuels actually contributes to global warming by emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, researchers warned Thursday. ... "We don't have proper incentives in place because landowners are rewarded for producing palm oil and other products but not rewarded for carbon management," said report co-author Stephen Polasky, an applied economics professor at University of Minnesota.
Sydney Morning Herald - Australia
http://news.smh.com.au/converting-land-for-biofuel-worsens-global-
warming-study/20080208-1qxz.html
Clearing Land for Biofuels Makes Global Warming Worse
Growing crops to make biofuels may accelerate global warming, not slow down its effects, a new study says. ... "I was surprised that with so many of the crops, it takes so long before you break even [on carbon emissions]," said study co-author David Tilman of the University of Minnesota in St. Paul.
National Geographic
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080207-biofuels-carbon.html
Studies: Biofuels will boost greenhouse emissions
Ethanol and biodiesel could increase greenhouse gas emissions more than than the fossil fuels they displace because of the impact of converting forests and grasslands worldwide to crop production, according to two new studies. ... The second study, done by researchers with the Nature Conservancy and the University of Minnesota, looked at the greenhouse-gas impact of converting various types of land — including rain forests and savannas — to crops. It found that in most cases, they result in higher carbon emissions.
Des Moines Register
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207
/BUSINESS01/80207028
Biofuel crops 'increase carbon emissions'
Ploughing up land to produce crops for biofuels won't help the fight against climate change, a major new survey claims. ... The findings come in a new study - the first of its kind - by The Nature Conservancy and the University of Minnesota which will be published in Science later this month.
Daily Telegraph - UK
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/02/07
/eabiofuel107.xml
Biofuel drive might raise CO 2
Converting non-agricultural land to grow biofuel crops causes large emissions of carbon dioxide that worsen global warming rather than mitigate the problem, according to two independent studies published online today by the journal Science. ... One was carried out at the University of Minnesota and the Nature Conservancy, the other at Princeton and Iowa State universities.
Financial Times - UK
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/497389a8-d5e9-11dc-bbb2-0000779fd2ac.html
Biofuels make climate change worse, scientific study concludes
Growing crops to make biofuels results in vast amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere and does nothing to stop climate change or global warming, according to the first thorough scientific audit of a biofuel's carbon budget. ... Professor Stephen Polasky of the University of Minnesota, an author of one of the studies published in Science, said that the incentives currently employed to encourage farmers to grow crops for biofuels do not take into account the carbon budget of the crop.
Independent - UK
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/biofuels-make-
climate-change-worse-scientific-study-concludes-779811.html
Some biofuels can add to global warming
The government's new renewable energy standards call for a big boost in production of biofuels like ethanol, to replace some of the gas we burn in our cars and trucks. ... He did the study for the University of Minnesota and The Nature Conservancy.
Minnesota Public Radio
To listen: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/02/07/biofuelscost/
Ethanol: More harm than good?
Renewable fuels such as ethanol have long been hailed as a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels and a potent way to reduce the climate-changing gases pumped out of car tailpipes. ... "If we keep moving to get large amounts of energy by growing it on newly cleared land, which is what's happening around the world, we're going to be releasing much more greenhouse gas than the benefits we get from those biofuels," said David Tilman, ecology professor at the University of Minnesota and one of the study's authors.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/15403981.html
Study warns of biofuels' effect on climate
Converting healthy grasslands, forests and other native ecosystems into farms for biofuel crops worsens global warming, a new study says. ... That's because huge quantities of carbon stored in the plants and ground are released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing global warming, according to the study by the University of Minnesota and The Nature Conservancy.
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_8202237
Biofuel crops may cause more carbon emissions
Researchers have found that biofuel crops may increase carbon emissions rather than reducing them, thus exacerbating global warming, according to studies published on Thursday. ... "We're rushing into biofuels, and we need to be very careful," said Jason Hill, an economist and ecologist at the University of Minnesota who co-authored the study.
China View
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/08/content_7582340.htm
BROADCAST NEWS
Parents learn how to let go in the technological age
Madge Treeger saw a need for a book about sending a kid to college, while she and co-author Karen Coburn were on staff at Washington University in St. Louis ... At the food court in Coffman Union on the University of Minnesota campus it's lunch rush. Freshman John Jung is finishing his nachos.
Minnesota Public Radio
To listen: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/02/07/lettinggo/
Indian Uprising
Ona Knoxsah (Prairie Band of Pottawatomie), senior student, American Indian Studies; Miguel Vargas (Lampazos de Naranja, Nuevo Leon of Mexico), community outreach coordinator, department of American Indian Studies and Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW (social worker), program director, Student Parent Higher Education Low-Income People (HELP) Center, University of Minnesota, will be featured from 7 - 8 p.m., Feb. 10.
KFAI - Radio
http://www.kfai.org/
ARTICLES OF INTEREST – METRO AND STATE
Hormel Institute’s ‘super’ new tool
The Hormel Institute in Austin continues its expansion project as the first facility in Minnesota to purchase the world’s No. 1 supercomputer, IBM’s Blue Gene/L, to aid cancer research.
Austin Daily Herald
http://www.austindailyherald.com/articles/2008/02/07/news/news1.txt
Hormel Institute gets supercomputer
The Hormel Institute, a medical research unit of the University of Minnesota, said Wednesday it would get a new supercomputer from IBM as part of a multi-year expansion plan.
Twin Cities Business Journal
http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/02/04/daily27.html
Minnesota rates of uninsurance stabilize following earlier increases
After rising between 2001 and 2004, the percentage of Minnesotans without health insurance was stable between 2004 and 2007, according to the results of a new survey by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Alexandria Echo Press
http://www.echopress.com/articles/index.cfm?id=53543§ion=news
Deal on light-rail route nearer
Crunch time is bringing compromise to the Central Corridor. ... And the University of Minnesota is scaling back its hopes for a tunnel. They are considering a century-old campus-altering vision that would ban traffic from Washington Avenue altogether.
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_8202299
Looking to make an entrepreneurial dream a reality?
The University of Minnesota, Crookston Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) will host business development specialist Diane Morey from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) on Monday, Feb. 11.
Crookston Daily Times
http://www.crookstontimes.com/articles/2008/02/07/news/6news5.txt
Crop and Forage Show for young and old alike
It’s not only current grain and dairy farmers who attend the annual West Otter Tail Crop & Forage Show. ... The event is sponsored by the West Otter Tail Crop Improvement Association and University of Minnesota Extension.
Fergus Falls Daily Journal
http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2008/feb/07/crop-and-forage-show
-young-and-old-alike/
ARTICLES OF INTEREST – REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL
Wii games used for rehab after strokes, surgery, combat injuries
Some call it "Wiihabilitation." Nintendo's Wii video game system, already a hit among teen gamers, is fast becoming a craze in rehab therapy for patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, surgery and even combat injuries. ... The center bought a Wii system last summer and is working with the University of Minnesota to design a study that will measure patients' function "before and after this 'Wiihab,' as someone called it," Oddsson said.
Chicago Defender
http://www.chicagodefender.com/view.php?I=417
U FACULTY, STAFF OR STUDENTS IN THE NEWS
Hang Ups on Northwest CEO's Future Role
Doug Steenland led Northwest Airlines through wrenching changes including a strike and bankruptcy, some of the toughest years in the airline's 82-year history. ... "He said the right things in terms of building better bridges with employees over the last couple of years," said John W. Budd, a professor of labor relations at the University of Minnesota.
CNN Money
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/8c24a04eaa3cad97e21
70c135beb8430.htm
Record wheat price ignites food inflation fears
The highest wheat price in U.S. history - more than $15 a bushel - was reached Thursday in Minneapolis as a trading frenzy inflames the grain markets, fans fears of spiking food costs and revives worries about food shortages. ... "In my wildest dreams, six months ago I didn't see $15 wheat," said Ed Usset, grain-marketing specialist at the University of Minnesota.
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_8202326
Viagra and Blindness
Last May 2005, the TV, radio and the print media were flooded with news about blindness among 38 patients taking Viagra, 4 taking Cialis, and one taking Levitra. ... Prompting this was an article in an ophthalmology journal by Dr. Howard Pomeranz of the University of Minnesota.
The News Today
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/02/08/viagra.and.blindness.html
Senators dominate presidential race
Senators are the wannabes of presidential politics, frequently aspiring to the White House but almost never winning it. ... "We're just in a very odd historical moment," said Larry Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota. "It's wide open."
Rochester Post - Bulletin
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?
a=327255&z=16
Economics in the Black Community lecture series
To celebrate Black History Month, the Minneapolis City Council and Hennepin County Commissioners are sponsoring "Economics in the Black Community," a series of lectures that will feature noted entrepreneurs, lecturers and community leaders. ... Professor Keith Mayes, director of undergraduate studies, African American and African Studies, University of Minnesota will speak.
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/community.asp?userAction=showEvent&
EventId=2174
Holen helps farms maintain viability
Regional Extension Educator Doug Holen has seen many changes in the eight years he's worked with farmers in and around Otter Tail County.
The Fergus Falls Daily Journal
http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2008/feb/07/holen-helps-
farms-maintain-viability/
Chronic wasting disease not an issue here
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced samples taken from North Dakota deer, elk and moose during the 2007 hunting season have tested negative for chronic wasting disease. ... Nearly 60 elk and moose were sent to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. The high transmissibility of the disease has made it difficult to eradicate, said Dr. Erika Butler, the department wildlife veterinarian."We've never had it here, and that's the good news," she said.
The Wahpeton Daily News
http://www.wahpetondailynews.com/articles/2008/02/07/news/news03.txt
Caucus chaos has some thinking primary
Tuesday's chaotic scenes at some Minnesota caucus locations has some political leaders wondering again whether it's time to replace the state's system with a more orderly presidential primary. ... Caucuses stand out because they bring people together for political goals in a country where most people get their information from the Internet, television or newspapers and not each other, said Steven Rosenstone, a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota.
Rochester Post - Bulletin
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?
a=327096&z=2
COLUMNS, COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS
Desiree Cooper: Blast might be the right prescription
Detroit's Winter Blast starts Friday, but as far as I'm concerned, winter is good for only one thing -- hibernating. ... I looked up Dr. Erhard Haus at the University of Minnesota. Haus and 23 other scientists conducted a World Health Organization international study of night-shift workers.
Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/COL03/802070369/1081
CURRENT NEWS RELEASES AND MULTIMEDIA
U of M professors chew on 21st century food issues
http://www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice/NS_details.php?release=080207_3749&page=NS
University of Minnesota study: Destroying native ecosystems for biofuel crops will worsen global warming
http://www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice/NS_details.php?release=080207_3750&page=NS
A conversation about the current mortgage crisis and how it impacts North Minneapolis at U of M Feb. 13
http://www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice/NS_details.php?release=080207_3751&page=NS
News Service Video: TCF Bank Stadium already helping Brewster bring in top-level recruiting classes
TCF Bank Stadium, set to open September 2009, is one of the reasons why Gophers Football Head Coach Tim Brewster said he was able to recruit one of the top classes of football players in 2008.
To view or download: http://www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice/Multimedia_Videos
/stadium-vtour.htm
