Quoted: Dr. Minesh Mehta, a professor of human oncology at the University of Wisconsin.
Whole Brain Radiation Not Best for Cancer That Has Spread (HealthDay News)
Washington Post
Author: jplucas
Washington Wire: Florida Rep. Apologizes for Abramoff-Funded Trip in New Ad
Wall Street Journal
Quoted: â??Obviously, the â??mea culpaâ?? ad is not a huge genre in American politics,â? said Ken Goldstein, director of the Wisconsin Advertising Project, a University of Wisconsin project that collects and codes political ads. â??If someone has done something bad enough that they think they need to apologize for it with a television ad, theyâ??ve usually decided not to run.â?
Many Wonder What Exactly Congressional Earmarks Are
WISC-TV 3
Quoted: “An earmark is just a specific appropriation for spending government dollars on a very specific project,” said University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor David Canon
Inland educators weigh in on state algebra requirement (Riverside Press-Enterprise)
Quoted: Adam Gamoran, a professor of sociology and educational policy studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said his own research found greater test score gains in students who took ninth-grade algebra than those enrolled in general math, no matter their initial math achievement.
Surgical tools not fit for smaller hands
Chicago Tribune
Now that more doors are opening for women who want to be surgeons, it may be time to look at the equipment they are given at the operating table.
A recent study finds that some devices commonly used in what was once a male bastion are too big to be comfortable for women.
The study, which appears in Surgical Endoscopy, notes that women’s hands tend to be smaller then men’s, but that men with smaller hands also may find the equipment challenging.
One of the report’s authors, Dr. Peter Nichol of the University of Wisconsin medical school, said he had gotten the idea for the study while working with a resident and co-author, Dr. Danielle M. Adams.
Calvin L. Beale dies at 85; demographer studied rural population trends
Los Angeles Times
Two or three times a year, Calvin L. Beale would leave his desk in Washington, D.C., and travel to the University of Wisconsin to speak to graduate students. Glenn Fuguitt, a professor of rural sociology at the university, knew that Beale had spent decades studying the population trends of rural regions for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and that no one alive had a deeper understanding of his subject.
Career intermezzo
Chicago Tribune
Quoted: Michael Leckrone, the longtime director of the University of Wisconsin’s Marching Band, first heard Belkin play at a folk festival in 2005 and immediately invited him to appear as a featured soloist at a band concert.
Turbulent weather ahead for southern US
New Scientist
Quoted: “This is a good example of a top-down approach; it summarises the areas we need to focus on,” says climatologist Jack Williams of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Great Rambam: Joel Kramer’s ‘Maimonides’
New York Sun
Author: Mr. Nadler is chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the author of “Sinoza: A Life” and “Rembrandt’s Jews.” His new book, “The Best of All Possible Worlds,” will be out this fall.
Candidates Pitch on Sports Networks
Wall Street Journal
Quoted: Charles Franklin, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and co-director of the new Big Ten Battleground Poll. Although the poll isn’t directly connected with the network, its first batch of results was announced last week in a 90-minute program on the channel’s air.
Families find the power of forgiveness
Detroit Free Press
Noted: Research from the International Forgiveness Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison supports Beach’s contention.
Forgiveness has been proven to reduce and eliminate clinical depression and anxiety and increase people’s sense of hope and self-esteem, says Robert Enright, professor of educational psychology at the university and author of “Forgiveness Is a Choice,” (American Psychological Association, $19.95).
Report: Growth In UW Funding Trails Others
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — A new report shows that state spending on the University of Wisconsin System has trailed inflation and overall state spending.
The report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance shows that between 1983 and 2007 state funding for UW nearly doubled. But in that time, state aid and tax credits for primary and secondary schools more than tripled. Overall state spending was up more than 200 percent and inflation went up 115 percent.
Coroner: Alcohol Involved In Crash That Killed 3 UW Students
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County coroner said that alcohol played a role in a single-car crash that killed three University of Wisconsin-Madison students in August.
Authorities said Richard Putze, 22, was driving on South Midvale Boulevard when his car struck a tree near the intersection of Midvale and Hillcrest Drive on Aug. 27.
The Dane County coroner said Putze had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14.
UW Hospital Receives Honor Regarding Working Parents
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has earned a prestigious honor for the second straight year.
“Working Mother Magazine” has named UW Hospital one of the nations 100 best companies for working parents.
The magazine is one of the only magazines for working moms, and has about 2 million readers.
Magazine: UW Hospital One of 100 Best Companies for Working Parents
NBC-15
For the second straight year, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has received the prestigious honor of being named one of the nationâ??s 100 best companies for working parents by Working Mother magazine. The hospital was the only Dane County company to receive the award and only one of three in Wisconsin to be honored.
Working Mother selected University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics as one of its â??100 Bestâ? companies to work for after assessing the hospitalâ??s culture, family-friendly programs, flexibility and time off, opportunities for growth and development and benefits for part-time workers.
Thompson says he pushed Bush to fund stem cell research
www.wisbusiness.com
Calling it “a story that I guess I can tell now that President Bush is almost out of office,â? former Gov. Tommy Thompson today told the World Stem Cell Summit in Madison about an internal Bush administration battle over stem cell research that happened when he was serving as secretary of Health and Human Services.
Dissecting the Wall Street bailout
Wisconsin Radio Network
Lawmakers in Washington continue to take a closer look at a $700 billion bailout proposal for Wall Street. A UW-Madison economist says it looks like a good move.
Don Nichols says the instability in the financial sector right now is causing panic and damage to assets, with many driven down to being worthless
Stem cells and battle lines
Wisconsin Radio Network
The future of stem cell research in Wisconsin, as well as the rest of the nation, could hinge on the presidential election. That’s the message from the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit being held in Madison.
U. of Iowa Fires 2 Vice Presidents Over Handling of Rape Accusations
Chronicle of Higher Education
The University of Iowa has fired two senior administrators who were singled out for criticism in an outside law firmâ??s investigation of the universityâ??s response to an alleged sexual assault. President Sally Mason had asked the two men â?? Phillip Jones, vice president for student services, and Marcus Mills, vice president for legal affairs and general counsel â?? to resign, and when they declined, she fired them, according to a statement on the universityâ??s Web site.
Scientists Fear Politics Are Affecting Stem Cell Research
Wisconsin Public Radio
Medical advocacy groups are concerned that a research breakthrough is being politicized and will present a new obstacle to therapies that might someday result from embryonic stem cells . And the scientist who made the discovery says there will be challenges that a currently “risk-averse society” might have to accept. Shamane Mills reportsâ?¦ (Audio.)
Coroner: Alcohol Involved In Crash That Killed 3 UW Students
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County coroner said that alcohol played a role in a single-car crash that killed three University of Wisconsin-Madison students in August.
Authorities said Richard Putze, 22, was driving on South Midvale Boulevard when his car struck a tree near the intersection of Midvale and Hillcrest Drive on Aug. 27.
The Dane County coroner said Putze had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14.
Passengers Lindsey Plank, 23, and Daniel Myers, 22, also died in the crash.
Tighter credit puts brakes on Madison area real estate developments
Wisconsin State Journal
Quoted: “Commercial credit is getting much harder to find, especially real estate related credit because of the fallout in the mortgage markets,” said James Johannes, director of the UW-Madison Puelicher Center for Banking Education. “It is still available for the right price and security, just not at yesterday’s terms.”
Obama focuses on economy at Green Bay rally
Wisconsin State Journal
Would-be First Lady Michelle Obama also campaigned across the state on Monday, making stops in Madison, the Milwaukee suburbs and Wausau. She targeted women and college students during a campaign stop at UW-Madison on Monday morning before about 1,800 people.
California’s stem-cell initiative hot topic at World Stem Cell Summit
Wisconsin State Journal
Wisconsin is considered the birthplace of human embryonic stem-cell research, but the field may be taking up residence in California, with well-financed digs.
California is building a dozen institutes for the research, has awarded $614 million in grants and soon expects to recruit up to 1,000 scientists, the leader of that state’s efforts said Monday at the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit in Madison.
Recent Parvo Outbreaks Worries Dog Community
ABCNEWS.com
Quoted: Ronald Schultz is a professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine’s pathobiological sciences department in Madison. He’s also one of the nation’s leading experts on vaccines.
Researchers hope for change on stem cell politics
Reuters
Stem cell experts said on Monday they hope the next U.S. president will end political curbs on embryonic stem cell research but some worry recent comments by Republican candidate John McCain suggest his past support for such research may be waning.
Both McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have said they favor easing restrictions on spending public money to finance embryonic stem cell research.
Federal Prosecutors Probe Food-Price Collusion
Wall Street Journal
Quoted: “When big guys get bigger, it makes collusion easier,” said Peter Carstensen, a University of Wisconsin law professor who has testified in Congress on competition in the food industry.
‘W’: New and approved (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Washburn University on Monday shared a new look for the letter “W.”
It is thick, blue, tilted slightly and sporting the word “Washburn” across its middle â?? a move that helps the university comply with a settlement reached recently with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Badgers had sued saying that Washburn’s old “W” looked too much like their well-protected “Motion W.”
Williams: The Complex Mandate of a Chief Diversity Officer
Perhaps more than any other top campus administrator, the chief diversity officer is a lightning rod for criticism. Of course, some people simply oppose efforts to increase access, equity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. But even people committed to diversity can object to the presence of these officers.
Some critics believe that hiring a chief diversity officer removes the responsibility for diversity and inclusion from the university’s president, other leaders, faculty members, and the campus as a whole. The institution now has a “diversity messiah,” who is singularly responsible for advancing campus-diversity efforts and is nothing more than a symbolic figurehead.
Damon Williams is the the vice provost for diversity and climate at UW-Madison.
Therapy extends life in rats with nerve disease
Reuters
Treatment with genetically modified stem cells helped rats with a paralyzing disease live significantly longer, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that could one day help humans.
Rats with ALS that were treated with the gene-engineered stem cells lived 28 days longer than untreated mice, the researchers told a conference.
Washburn Sports New Logo (WIBW-TV, Topeka, Kansas)
TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn University unveiled its new “W” logo used for athletics Monday. The logo is pary of a settlement reached by WU and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Washburn because the “W” logos, they say, are too much alike.
The redesign is part of a settlement the universities reached September 12, 2008.
I’ll Take My Lecture to Go, Please
Inside Higher Education
It looks like students can be open-minded after all: When provided with the option to view lectures online, rather than just in person, a full 82 percent of undergraduates kindly offered that theyâ??d be willing to entertain an alternative to showing up to class and paying attention in real time.
A new study released today suggests not only a willingness but a â??clear preferenceâ? among undergraduates for â??lecture capture,â? the technology that records, streams and stores what happens in the classroom for concurrent or later viewing.
The study, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madisonâ??s E-Business Institute, tackles the much-discussed question of studentsâ?? preferences for traditional versus online learning with unusual rigor.
World Stem Cell Summit
NBC-15
Today, Governor Jim Doyle accepted the National Leadership Award from the Genetics Policy Institute for his support of biotechnology.
The Governor along with other stem cell research advocates spoke about Wisconsin’s role in the controversial field and it’s expansion.
This was the scene as Governor Jim Doyle gave the keynote address at the World Stem Cell Summit in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center.
Stem-Cell Researchers Hope November Election Will Change Policy
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — The future of stem cell research in Madison as well as the rest of the nation could hinge on the presidential election.
That’s the message from the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit being held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Authorities Investigate Another Holdup Near Randall, Mound Streets
WISC-TV 3
MADISON, Wis. — A Middleton couple were the victims of the latest in a string of armed robberies that have recently occurred near downtown Madison.
The incident happened at about 10 p.m. on Friday night at the corner of Randall and Mound streets, near Vilas Park.
Madison police said that the couple, who were both in their 20s, were walking toward the park when a man with a handgun demanded the woman’s purse. The woman surrendered her purse and the robber unsuccessfully tried to get the man’s wallet before fleeing with an accomplice.
UW-Madison researcher sees local growth from stem cell industry
www.wisbusiness.com
“There is no question that these cells might serve as a new area of medicine — human regenerative medicine,” said Dr. Gabriella Cezar, noted UW researcher and chief scientific officer of Stemina, a biotech start-up based in Madison.
“There are 150 people on campus working on stem cell research,” Cezar told a summit audience, “and we’re doing the science to benefit patients.”
Michelle in Madtown
Wisconsin Radio Network
Michelle Obama made a stop in Madison on Monday, and challenged supporters of her husband’s presidential campaign to engage with their friends and neighbors on the issues
Michelle Obama says husband more in touch with average Americans than GOP rivals (WisPolitics.com)
MADISON — Michelle Obama didn’t mention John McCain or Sarah Palin in her remarks today at a rally in a park near the University of Wisconsinâ??s football stadium. But she did make it clear that her husband, Barack Obama, is more in touch with issues that affect average Americans than his rival.
Thomson strikes note of caution at World Stem Cell Summit
Wisconsin Technology Network
Madison, Wis. – James Thomson acknowledged that scientists are notoriously bad at predicting timelines, so when he was asked about the timing of potential therapeutic stem cell research breakthroughs at the World Stem Cell Summit, he was naturally cautious.
Thomson, speaking on the potential future benefits of induced pluripotent stem cells, has been more cautious than some stem cell research advocates when addressing its possibilities. It’s not that he isn’t enthusiastic about the potential of the research he ignited 10 years ago when he became the first scientist to isolate and develop methods to culture human embryonic stem cells, but he has no illusions about the degree of difficulty that lies ahead.
New poll confirms public support for embryonic stem cell research
Wisconsin Technology Network
Milwaukee, Wis. – Citizens in southeastern Wisconsin overwhelmingly support embryonic stem cell research, according to a new poll released by Milwaukee Public Radio.
In the poll, they indicated strong support not only for embryonic stem cell research, but they believe that effective therapies will result from the research, and they believe by an overwhelming majority that continuing to conduct embryonic stem cell research is more important than allowing politics and religion to be injected into the debate.
Really? – Does Grape Juice Have the Same Health Benefits as Red Wine?
New York Times
Independent studies have found that like alcohol, grape juice can reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent LDL (â??badâ? cholesterol) from sticking to coronary arteries, among other cardiac benefits. One, conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin and published in the journal Circulation, looked at the effects of two servings of Concord grape juice a day in 15 people with coronary artery disease. After two weeks, the subjects had improved blood flow and reduced oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL can damage arteries.
Stem Cell Research, Policies on Display in Madison
Wisconsin Public Radio
Madison is hosting the World Stem Cell Summit. It runs through Tuesday, and combines science and policy in a field of research that might someday help those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and diabetes. Shamane Mills reportsâ?¦ (Audio.)
Washburn sports new ‘W’ (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Washburn University today is sharing a new look for the letter â??W.â?
Itâ??s thick, blue, tilted slightly and sporting the word â??Washburnâ? across its middle â?? a move that helps the university comply with a settlement reached recently with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Badgers had sued saying that Washburnâ??s old â??Wâ? looked too much like their well-protected â??Motion W.â?
Fans, It’s A Dream Day For Football
Wisconsin State Journal
Is this a great day to be a University of Wisconsin football fan or what?
Uw Musicians Merit Upgraded Music Halls
Wisconsin State Journal
As a Wisconsin taxpayer with a master’s degree in music education, I’m glad to see that UW-Madison’s School of Music will (probably) be getting better music performance halls. These improvements are much needed.
Local experts say financial crisis is ‘out of control’
Wisconsin State Journal
“Like an out-of-control forest fire” â?? that’s how Scott Anderson, senior economist with Wells Fargo Economics in Minneapolis describes the nation’s financial crisis that mushroomed this week.
Anderson said while he has qualms about the federal government “running our financial system,” the Federal Reserve Bank and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson were right to step in.
Decision to uphold WARF stem-cell patent appealed
Wisconsin State Journal
Two groups said Friday that they have appealed the federal government’s decision to uphold a stem-cell patent held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
About 100 run up tab for police
Wisconsin State Journal
About 100 chronically drunken and disorderly individuals are the main cause of problems in Downtown Madison, and they cost the community hundreds of thousands of dollars in public safety resources annually, according to a new study by the Madison Police Department and United Way of Dane County.
Working with social service agencies, police and a UW-Madison Law School class, Balles compiled reports on people who repeatedly turned up in police reports about incidents Downtown — from disorderly conduct and public intoxication to assault and robbery — and cross-checked them with those who passed through homeless shelter services, the county jail, the detoxification center and other programs.
Frat house fire still a mystery
Wisconsin State Journal
Demolition of the historic Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house at 237 Langdon St., destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of May 13, is scheduled to start in mid-October, contractors say.
Survey sheds light on state ‘brain drain’
Wisconsin State Journal
Two groups hoping to stem what they see as a Badger state “brain drain” are encouraged by the results of a recent survey showing nearly 60 percent of UW-Madison graduates now living in five out-of-state metropolitan areas would consider moving back to Wisconsin.
The survey is part of a broader effort by the Wisconsin Alumni Association and Competitive Wisconsin Inc., a private group that promotes economic development, to increase incomes and match UW-Madison graduates with employers.
UW-Madison stem-cell researcher James Thomson: He lets research do the talking
Wisconsin State Journal
Here’s what James Thomson, the UW-Madison researcher who ushered in the era of stem cells, igniting a fierce ethical debate and encouraging the hopes of millions of patients, wants you to know about him: nothing.
“I want my work to be known and widely understood, but I’d prefer to be invisible if I could be,” said Thomson, 49.
UW-Madison bioethicist questions consent process for embryo donors
Wisconsin State Journal
A UW-Madison bioethicist has stirred up the stem-cell world by saying scientists who created some of the embryonic stem-cell lines approved for federal funding didn’t properly obtain consent from embryo donors.
A study by Robert Streiffer, a professor of bioethics and philosophy, raises new questions about President Bush’s policy limiting federal research grants to the 21 lines, or colonies, of stem cells derived before August 2001.
Grab the tissues: Ragweed a troublesome, common allergen (Gatehouse News Service)
Quoted: And take heart, for allergy research is ongoing. At the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Mark Moss is testing a pumpspray, self-treatment alternative to weekly allergy shots.
From deluge to drought: Weather extremes may forecast future pattern (Winona Daily News)
Quoted: Stephen Vavrus, an atmospheric scientist and interim director of the Center for Climactic Research at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Wall Street crisis triggers national alarm (AP)
Sean Grossberg closed the textbook for his financial derivatives class and sank into the couch.
If all went according to plan, a year from now he’d be finished with school and working on Wall Street. But now he needed a break.
The University of Wisconsin senior hit the remote control and the second half of a Sunday afternoon football game filled the 100-inch screen.
As the Battle Rages, It’s Time to Check the Pulse of Swing States
Washington Post
The newly minted Big Ten Battleground Poll, conducted by two University of Wisconsin political science professors, showed Obama with 47 percent and McCain with 45 percent.
Tight White House race keeps political pollsters busier than ever
Detroit Free Press
Quoted: Charles Franklin, a University of Wisconsin political science professor and co-founder of pollster.com, a website devoted to polling.
Obituary: Evelyn M. Deneen
Madison.com
Evelyn M. Deneen, age 89, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008. She worked for the Highway Commission, the Wisconsin State Historical Society, and the UW-School of Pharmacy before retiring in 1983.
Obituary: Jane Cavert Mitchell
Madison.com
Jane Cavert Mitchell died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. She worked for many years in the admissions office at the UW-Madison’s Graduate School.
Presidential prognostication … and science advice (The Ann Arbor News)
Ann Arbor Democrat Tom Weider knows that your perspective is skewed if you don’t get out of town now and then.
“I always say ‘… as Ann Arbor goes, so goes Berkeley and Madison,'” says the long-time party activist.
Kidding aside, he was ready with a prediction in a recent appearance on WEMU’s “Lynn Rivers Show”: Obama 54 percent of the vote; McCain 46. That’s rounding off the votes that will be cast for minor party candidates.