MU Researchers Tackle Meniscus Damage Related to Sports Injuries
Scientists receive $120,000 grant from National Football League Charities
December 18th, 2009
For about a million active people in the United States every year, tearing the meniscus in their knee can mean the end of participation in the activities they enjoy. For NFL football players, it can mean the end of their careers if not diagnosed and treated efficiently and effectively. Currently, diagnosing meniscal problems most often involves a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy done days to weeks after injury – this process is time-consuming, expensive and invasive. Now, University of Missouri researchers are working on developing a technique for “on-the-field” diagnosis of meniscal tears. National Football League Charities has awarded MU researchers a $120,000 medical grant to fund this project. Full Story
Collective Rationality Could Impact Health Care Recommendations
MU philosopher applies theories of individual rationality to collective rationality
December 18th, 2009
When the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their breast-cancer screening recommendations last month, they decided the risks of mammograms outweighed the benefits for women in their 40s. This decision set off a debate among advocates, doctors and politicians who questioned the rationality of this decision. A University of Missouri philosopher has developed new theories about decisions that involve collective rationality, or the consensus of several individuals, and hopes to develop standard procedures for institutions that need to consider multiple perspectives, especially for institutions that make important health technology mandates and recommendations. Full Story
Have Yourself a Healthy, Merry Little Christmas
University of Missouri experts offer tips for staying healthy this holiday season
December 17th, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This time of year is filled with opportunities for having fun, attending celebrations and parties, and rocking around the Christmas tree. To stay merry, keep cheeks rosy and avoid growing a belly that resembles a bowlful of jelly, University of Missouri health and fitness experts recommend taking some extra steps to stay healthy and happy this holiday season. Full Story
Columbia Community Leader to Receive Honorary Degree
MU will award 2,144 diplomas during December commencement ceremonies.
December 16th, 2009
Beginning his career as an educator in Columbia in 1956, Eliot Battle helped guide Columbia through desegregation and continued to foster diversity and acceptance in the community even after his retirement in 1991. Battle will be honored with an honorary degree from the University of Missouri, one of the highest honors the university bestows, at the Graduate School commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 18 as part of the December commencement ceremonies at MU. Full Story
MU Researchers Work On Vaccine to Improve Immune System in Newborns
Mizzou scientists point to an imbalance of white blood cells in newborns
December 15th, 2009
As soon as babies are born, they are susceptible to diseases and infections, such as jaundice and e-coli. For up to a month, their immune systems aren’t adequately developed to fight diseases. Although these infections are often minor, they can lead to serious problems if left untreated. To help strengthen newborns’ immune systems, University of Missouri researchers have pinpointed a group of depleted white blood cells, which might lead to an immune-strengthening vaccine. Full Story
In Rural Areas, More Women Falling into Health Care Gap
Women ages 50-65 face unique barriers to obtaining health care, MU researcher says
December 10th, 2009
For Americans living in rural areas, obtaining and maintaining health care can be challenging. Aside from common barriers, including shortages of care providers and facilities, older women face additional challenges, according to Kay Libbus, a public health researcher at the University of Missouri. Libbus says that women ages 50-65 living in rural areas are at-risk for inadequate health care coverage and limited access to health information. Full Story
Baby, it’s Cold Outside – but that’s no Excuse for Missing Workouts, MU Experts Say
December 10th, 2009
Cold winter weather is often an excuse for people to stay inside, indulge in comfort foods and forgo workout routines. Exercise physiology experts from the University of Missouri say that chilly winter weather is no excuse for missing workouts. The researchers recommend that now, more than ever, people can and should benefit from the de-stressing and calorie-burning effects of exercise. Full Story
Finding that Perfect Gift for Children with Disabilities
Identifying toys that match the child’s interest as well as abilities is important, says an MU expert
December 9th, 2009
Shopping for the perfect gift can be a challenge, but finding a gift for a child with special needs doesn’t have to be. Full Story
MU Access Programs Aim to Make College Attainable For Missouri Students
December 4th, 2009
Less than a quarter of Missouri residents have attended college. Twenty percent of the people who do go don’t graduate. Two programs at the University of Missouri are reaching out to prospective students across the state, encouraging low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students to attend college. Full Story
Aspirin, Tylenol May Decrease Effectiveness of Vaccines
Mizzou scientists discover aspirin and Tylenol block enzymes that could inhibit vaccines
December 1st, 2009
With flu season in full swing and the threat of H1N1 looming, demand for vaccines is at an all-time high. Although those vaccines are expected to be effective, University of Missouri researchers have found further evidence that some over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin and Tylenol, that inhibit certain enzymes could impact the effectiveness of vaccines. Full Story
White House Rhetoric Is Important in Forming Foreign Policy Opinions, according to MU Researchers
Simple, compelling terms are more convincing to the public than complicated terms
November 30th, 2009
Surveys have shown that the public pays little attention to foreign policy, but politicians regularly cite the importance of public support for military actions overseas. Now, a new study has found that these responses may be heavily influenced by White House rhetoric. University of Missouri researchers have found that foreign policy explanations from presidential administrations that are plainly stated and easier to understand are likely to receive public support, while policy explanations that are complicated and convoluted are likely to face greater public skepticism. Full Story
MU Researchers Develop Digital Solutions to Support Divorced Families
Parents report stronger relationships with kids after completing new online program
November 30th, 2009
More than half of all marriages end in divorce, and the majority of these involve children, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Conflict between parents, before and after divorce, is associated with feelings of anger, helplessness, loneliness and guilt in children. Now, an online program created by University of Missouri researchers is teaching separated parents to maintain and nurture relationships with their children. Full Story
Female Breadwinners Bring Home the Bacon and Tension
MU professor examines female breadwinners’ experiences in nontraditional role
November 24th, 2009
In nearly a third of U.S. households, women are the sole or main breadwinners for their families, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This number is increasing as many families experience layoffs of highly paid husbands during the economic recession. University of Missouri researcher Rebecca Meisenbach has found that women who take the role of lead breadwinner for their families experience both benefits and tensions. Full Story
New Coalition Works to Improve Kansas City Area School Districts
MU will work with three other schools to identify educational problems in more than 30 school districts.
November 23rd, 2009
The University of Missouri and the University of Kansas usually aren’t on the same team, but now, along with two other universities, they are pooling resources, research capacity and expertise to help Kansas City school districts. The Kansas City Area Education Research Consortium (KC-AERC) is a coalition of universities that will investigate educational problems in more than 30 Kansas City area school districts and make recommendations for improvements. Full Story
MU’s Historic Academic Hall Cornerstone to Be Moved to Jesse Hall
November 23rd, 2009
One of the most historic treasures of the University of Missouri is moving. The cornerstone of Academic Hall will be moved from the university gate north of Francis Quadrangle on Elm Street to the first floor of Jesse Hall. Full Story
Highlighting Racial Disparities Increases Coverage and Effectiveness of Health News, MU Researchers Find
November 18th, 2009
Effective communication of health news is needed to raise awareness and encourage behavior changes in populations who experience health disparities, or inequalities in health status, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As media researchers search for better methods to reach audiences, a new University of Missouri study published in Public Relations Review has found that highlighting racial disparities in news releases increases coverage of health stories in black newspapers, which can improve health outcomes in populations at-risk for disparities. Full Story
Pushing the Brain to Find New Pathways
MU occupational therapy professor says recovery from brain injuries can last a lifetime.
November 16th, 2009
Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities. Although this belief has been refuted, a University of Missouri occupational therapy professor believes that the current health system is still not giving patients enough time to recover and underestimating what the human brain can do given the right conditions. Full Story
Partners in Prevention Helps Spark Responsible Decisions in Missouri
MU’s state-wide program marks decrease in high-risk alcohol behaviors in college students.
November 11th, 2009
Since 2002, a 33 percent reduction in binge drinking has occurred in universities and colleges in Missouri that were part of the Partners in Prevention (PIP) alcohol awareness program. Since 2007, these colleges have experienced a 10 percent drop in underage drinking and a 15 percent decrease in underage students who drank at private parties. Full Story
Children with Autism Show Slower Pupil Responses, MU Study Finds
November 10th, 2009
Autism affects 1 in 150 children today, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Despite its widespread effect, autism is not well understood and there are no objective medical tests to diagnose it. Recently, University of Missouri researchers have developed a pupil response test that is 92.5 percent accurate in separating children with autism from those with typical development. In the study, MU scientists found that children with autism have slower pupil responses to light change. Full Story
Ice Cream Researchers Making Sweet Strides with “Functional Foods”
MU continues long history of ice cream research; scientists study how to add nutrients such as fiber and pro-biotics to frozen desserts
November 5th, 2009
A comfort food, a tasty treat, an indulgence – ice cream conjures feelings of happiness and satisfaction for millions. Ice cream researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered ways to make ice cream tastier and healthier and have contributed to ice cream development and manufacturing for more than a century. Today, MU researchers are working to make ice cream into a functional food, adding nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants and pro-biotics to premium ice cream. Full Story
MU Programs Provide 38,000 Hours of Free Tutoring To Schools
Mizzou's "Jumpstart" and "A Way With Words & Numbers" saves local school districts about $785,000 in tutoring costs
November 4th, 2009
With recent budget cuts for public school funding, some students struggle to receive the educational instruction they need. To help relieve this problem, the University of Missouri is partnering with local school districts to provide free tutoring. This past year, the MU “Jumpstart” and “A Way With Words & Numbers” programs have given 3,700 Columbia children more than 38,000 hours of tutoring, saving the district $785,000 in tutoring costs. Full Story
MU Researchers Find Internet Search Process Affects Cognition, Emotion
Readers’ physiological responses to online content provides new insight for advertisers
November 4th, 2009
Nearly 73 percent of all American adults use the Internet on a daily basis, according to a 2009 Pew Internet and American Life Project survey. Half of these adults use the Web to find information via search engines, while 38 percent use it to pass the time. In a recent study, University of Missouri researchers found that readers were better able to understand, remember and emotionally respond to material found through “searching” compared to content found while “surfing.” Full Story
Timber Harvest Impacts Amphibians Differently During Life Stages
MU researchers find clear-cutting is harmful to the terrestrial stage of amphibians
November 2nd, 2009
Frogs are croaking in clear-cut forests, but not exactly in their traditional manner. University of Missouri researchers found that removing all of the trees from a section of the forest had a negative effect on amphibians during their later life cycles, but had some positive effects during amphibians' aquatic larva stages at the beginning of their lives. To lessen the negative effects during the later life stage, Semlitsch recommends partial or selection cuts to forests rather than completely removing trees from an area. Removing only a portion of trees and canopy allows amphibians to persist better. Full Story
MU Research Leads to Improved Human, Object Detection Technology
Mizzou scientists develop software that detects humans and objects in videos, creating new possibilities for safety and surveillance
November 2nd, 2009
When searching for basketball videos online, a long list of websites appears, which may contain a picture or a word describing a basketball. But what if the computer could search inside videos for a basketball? Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing software that would enable computers to search inside videos, detect humans and specific objects, and perform other video analysis tasks. Full Story
Health Information not Communicated Well to Minority Populations, MU Researcher Finds
Health literacy rates are lower for the disabled and those with lower English proficiency.
October 29th, 2009
According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 90 million Americans suffer from low health literacy¬, a mismatch between patients’ abilities to understand healthcare information and providers’ abilities to communicate complex medical information in an understandable manner. In two recent studies, researchers at the University of Missouri found that two groups — those with limited English proficiency and those with disabilities — experience significantly lower health literacy than the general population. Full Story
MU Brain Imaging Center Offers State-of-the-Art Technology to Battle Neurological Disease
Mizzou celebrates dedication of the brain center
October 29th, 2009
Neuroscience research can contribute to helpful treatment and detection for many widespread neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, autism and schizophrenia. Now, a new Brain Imaging Center at the University of Missouri offers state-of-the-art technology to advance studies in several scientific fields. Recently, the MU Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science celebrated the dedication of this center that is unique in mid-Missouri. Full Story
Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Highly Profitable For State
Recent research finds that the Missouri agricultural research network delivered the highest return on investment in the continental U.S. over 40 years
October 22nd, 2009
In today’s economy, it’s difficult to find good investments with high rates of return. According to a new study from the University of Nebraska, Missouri agriculture might be one of those good investments. The study found that the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, part of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, delivered a 37 percent rate of return over a 42-year period, the highest from any agricultural experiment station in the continental U.S. Full Story
Changing Behavior Helps Patients Take Medication as Prescribed
MU researchers identify changing behavior as the key to improving medical adherence
October 22nd, 2009
Taking medication as the doctor prescribes is crucial to improving health. However, 26 to 59 percent of older adults do not adhere to instructions, according to a 2003 study published in Drugs and Aging. In a new study, researchers at the University of Missouri found that applying behavior changing strategies, such as using pill boxes or reducing the number of daily doses, can improve patients’ abilities to take their medications as required. Full Story
MU Research Team Establishes Family Tree for Cattle, Other Ruminants; Includes Ancient Ancestors of Bison
Information could be used to understand the evolution of biology and physiology of ruminants, develop healthier and more efficient cattle, find ancient relatives and understand human disease.
October 19th, 2009
Pairing a new approach to prepare ancient DNA with a new scientific technique developed specifically to genotype a cow, an MU animal scientist, along with a team of international researchers, created a very accurate and widespread “family tree” for cows and other ruminants, going back as far as 29 million years. This genetic information could allow scientists to understand the evolution of cattle, ruminants and other animals. This same technique also could be used to verify ancient relatives to humans, help farmers develop healthier and more efficient cattle, and assist scientists who are studying human diseases, according to the research, which is being published in this week’s edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Full Story
$1.1 Million Gift Supports Women’s Health at MU
Gift will fund chair at School of Medicine
October 16th, 2009
A donation of $1.1 million to the University of Missouri will enhance women’s health care by advancing leadership and teaching in the MU School of Medicine. George Huggins and Jean Baker committed a significant portion of their estate to establish a chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health. An additional gift will provide scholarships for students in the School of Medicine. Full Story
Do Dogs Foster Improved Health in Their Foster Owners?
MU researchers receive a grant to explore the benefits of older adults fostering shelter dogs
October 15th, 2009
Does part-time dog ownership offer the same benefits as full-time ownership? A new University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) program will recruit older adults to foster shelter dogs until the dogs are placed in a more permanent home. The new grant funded by The WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, a division of Mars Incorporated, and the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) will allow researchers to study whether older adults benefit from fostering shelter dogs. Full Story
MU and Missouri Community Colleges Honor Mutual Alumni
Alumni serve as role models in Missouri communities
October 14th, 2009
The number of ways to navigate the higher education system is sometimes daunting. According to the Department of Education, 23 percent of those attending community colleges in the U.S. transferred to four-year institutions, while 38 percent of those achieved an associate’s degree before transferring. The University of Missouri and the Missouri Community College Association Presidents and Chancellors Council are honoring their distinguished and successful mutual alumni, who graduated from one of Missouri’s community colleges and later from MU. Full Story
Helping Adults with Autism Find Work
MU professor’s report provides new information about adult autism to career service providers
October 14th, 2009
According to the Autism Society of America, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability, with a 10 to 17 percent increase in the number of cases each year — primarily among children. As these children with ASD become adults, they will face many challenges, including finding a job. A new guide from the University of Missouri will minimize this challenge by giving employment service professionals new information about helping adults with autism find jobs. Full Story
Long-Time Dean of MU Business School Announces Transition
October 13th, 2009
On Monday afternoon, Dr. Bruce Walker told the faculty and staff of the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business at the University of Missouri that he will conclude his service as dean at the end of summer 2010. Walker, who had been on the faculty at Arizona State University, came to MU as dean in June 1990. He intends to be a full-time faculty member in the college’s Department of Marketing. Full Story
MU Students Showcase Solar House at International Decathlon
Students from MU and Missouri Science and Technology will compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
October 8th, 2009
Architectural studies students from the University of Missouri College of Human Environmental Science traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete with 19 international teams in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon from Oct. 8-16. The MU students, in collaboration with engineering students from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, formed the Show-Me Solar Team and designed and built an energy-efficient solar-powered house. Full Story
MU Researchers Create Smaller and More Efficient Nuclear Battery
Mizzou scientist develops a powerful nuclear battery that uses a liquid semiconductor
October 7th, 2009
Batteries can power anything from small sensors to large systems. While scientists are finding ways to make them smaller but even more powerful, problems can arise when these batteries are much larger and heavier than the devices themselves. University of Missouri researchers are developing a nuclear energy source that is smaller, lighter and more efficient. Full Story
Changing Science Curriculum Promotes Physics
MU Physics program receives $5 million grant to train physics teachers
October 7th, 2009
Traditionally, high school students take biology and chemistry before they take physics. However, only about 30 percent of students take physics in high school, according to the American Institute of Physics. Now, University of Missouri physics professors hope to increase the number of Missouri high schools that offer physics courses through a program called the Academy for Teachers using Inquiry and Modeling Experiences for Freshman Physics in Missouri (A TIME for Freshman Physics). Full Story
Older Workers Spend Less on Necessities and Health Care
October 1st, 2009
More older Americans are choosing to continue to work or are returning to the labor force. The number of workers age 65 and older is predicted to increase by more than 80 percent by 2016. In an ongoing study, University of Missouri researchers are examining the financial motivations of older working Americans. New results reveal that older workers spend less money on necessities, including housing and food, and health care than older non-workers. Full Story
Financial Aid Rules Influence Household Portfolio Decisions
Current system for determining eligibility creates unequal aid distribution, MU researchers find
October 1st, 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Student Aid Financial Responsibility Act to address problems with the current financial aid system. The act calls for several changes to simplify the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid- FAFSA. In a new study, a University of Missouri researcher found flaws in the FAFSA’s method for assessing net worth that can create inequalities in the distribution of financial aid. Full Story
MU Researchers Help Identify Cows That Gain More While Eating Less
Mizzou scientist leads the effort to help farmers decrease feed costs
September 30th, 2009
With more than 2 million cows on 68,000 farms, Missouri is the third-largest beef producer in the nation. Due to rising feed prices, farmers are struggling to provide feed for the cows that contribute more than $1 billion to Missouri’s economy. University of Missouri researcher Monty Kerley, professor of animal nutrition in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, is studying how cows might be able to gain more weight while consuming less, potentially saving farmers up to 40 percent of feed costs. Full Story
MU Researchers Use Computational Models to Study Fear
Mizzou scientists find new research on the brain and fear that could help victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
September 30th, 2009
The brain is a complex system made of billions of neurons and thousands of connections that relate to every human feeling, including one of the strongest emotions, fear. Most neurological fear studies have been rooted in fear-conditioning experiments. Now, University of Missouri researchers have started using computational models of the brain, making it easier to study the brain’s connections. Guoshi Li, an electrical and computer engineering doctoral student, has discovered new evidence on how the brain reacts to fear, including important findings that could help victims of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Full Story
National Gambling Prevention Task Force Unveils Recommendations
Mizzou gambling prevention coordinator sits on task force, has helped implement many of the recommendations at MU
September 29th, 2009
Approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population has gambled at some point in their lifetimes. While the vast majority have gone home after a night of playing cards and not obsessed about the next time they will hold a hand of blackjack or see that royal flush, researchers estimate that nearly 4 million adults in the U.S. are addicted to gambling. Today, the national Task Force on College Gambling Policies released recommendations for college and university administrators to help prevent gambling addiction before it starts. A University of Missouri doctoral student is a member of the task force and has helped lead many of those reforms on the MU campus. Full Story
When Teachers Don’t Receive Proper Support, Students Suffer
September 29th, 2009
According to a recent survey from the University of Missouri, American teachers work longer hours in the classroom, but are paid less and do less preparation outside of class. As a result, U.S. students are achieving less. Full Story
Young Adults May Outgrow Bipolar Disorder
MU researchers find evidence that there may be developmentally limited forms of bipolar disorder
September 29th, 2009
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depression, causes severe and unusual shifts in mood and energy, affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. With symptoms often starting in early adulthood, bipolar disorder has been thought of traditionally as a lifelong disorder. Now, University of Missouri researchers have found evidence that nearly half of those diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 25 may outgrow the disorder by the time they reach 30. Full Story
MU Chancellor Receives Honorary Degree from Thai University
September 24th, 2009
University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton received an honorary degree from the Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, Thailand this week. Full Story
MU Researchers Find Planning, Positivism Influence Employment Success at Different Stages
September 23rd, 2009
With America’s unemployment rate higher than it has been in decades, many people find themselves looking for jobs. The process can be tiring and, in such a competitive climate, receiving that final job offer is challenging. In a new study, researchers at the University of Missouri focus on what job seekers need to get ahead of the competition. The Mizzou scientists found that certain planning activities and positive emotions have a large impact on success in finding a job. Full Story
Computer Model Shows Changes in Brain Mechanisms for Cocaine Addicts
Mizzou Scientists predict brain mechanisms must undergo alteration for addicts to recover
September 22nd, 2009
About 2 million Americans currently use cocaine for its temporary side-effects of euphoria, which have contributed to making it one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in the country. Cocaine addiction, which can cause severe biological and behavioral problems, is very difficult to overcome. Now, University of Missouri researchers Ashwin Mohan and Sandeep Pendyam, doctoral students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are utilizing computational models to study how the brain’s chemicals and synaptic mechanisms, or connections between neurons, react to cocaine addiction and what this could mean for future therapies. Full Story
MU Signs Guaranteed Admission Agreement with MACC
Mizzou partners with Moberly Area Community College for “Mizzou Connection Programâ€
September 18th, 2009
For many students, attending a community college for an associate degree and moving on to a university to earn their bachelor’s is an attractive alternative to jumping straight into a four-year institution. Of the University of Missouri’s almost 31,000 students, 1,400 are transfer students from community colleges. MU is hoping to facilitate this path through higher education. MU and Moberly Area Community College (MACC), a local two-year institution with campuses in Moberly, Kirksville, Hannibal, Edina, Columbia and Mexico, Mo., will develop a transfer plan called the “Mizzou Connection Program.” Full Story
Related media: 
Photo
MU Officials Meet with Student Leaders to Discuss Sustainability Efforts
MU is working to make campus "carbon neutral"
September 16th, 2009
Today, University of Missouri sustainability officials met with a regional organizer of the Sierra Club and MU students to discuss ways the campus can continue to improve its sustainability efforts. MU students, faculty and staff have been working for several years to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus through energy efficient practices and promoting responsible use of natural resources. Full Story
Medical Interpreters Break Language Barriers in Health Care
MU partners with state organizations to provide interpreters for non-English speaking patients
September 16th, 2009
Language barriers in health care settings can decrease access to quality care and diminish comprehension for limited English proficient patients (LEP). These barriers compromise quality of care, and increase costs and inefficiencies. Now, the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, Center for Health Policy and Missouri Telehealth Network are partnering with the Language Access Metro Project (LAMP) and the Missouri Primary Care Association to provide medical interpreters to non-English-speaking patients who otherwise might not have access to live interpreters. Full Story
MU Engineers Develop Safer, Blast-Resistant Glass
MU engineers increase strength of glass with a layer of fibers embedded in plastic
September 10th, 2009
To protect from potential terrorist attacks, federal buildings and other critical infrastructures are made with special windows that contain blast-resistant glass. However, the glass is thick and expensive. Currently, University of Missouri researchers are developing and testing a new type of blast-resistant glass that will be thinner, lighter and less vulnerable to small-scale explosions. Full Story
MU Researcher Uses Bacteria to Make Radioactive Metals Inert
Scientist is studying bacteria that could clean contaminated water bodies across the U.S.
September 8th, 2009
The Lost Orphan Mine below the Grand Canyon hasn’t produced uranium since the 1960s, but radioactive residue still contaminates the area. Cleaning the region takes an expensive process that is only done in extreme cases, but Judy Wall, a biochemistry professor at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, is researching the use of sulfate-reducing bacteria to convert toxic radioactive metal to inert substances, a much more economical solution. Full Story
Rats Move Toward the Food but Do Not Eat
MU researchers better understand the brain circuit that controls binge eating
September 8th, 2009
Scientists led a rat to the fatty food, but they couldn’t make it eat. Using an animal model of binge eating, University of Missouri researchers discovered that deactivating the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in regulating emotion, specifically blocked consumption of a fatty diet. Surprisingly, it had no effect on the rat wanting to look for the food repeatedly. Full Story
MU Researchers Awarded $16.3 Million from Stimulus Funds
Peer-reviewed grants will be used for 36 projects on education, health and engineering; more to come says MU official
September 3rd, 2009
Last year, nearly $30 billion in stimulus funding to support research was released from the federal government to national agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Government officials hoped the money would be used for additional research while simultaneously creating jobs. To date, University of Missouri researchers have been awarded $16.3 million in grants for 36 projects in areas such as human health, education and agriculture. Full Story
Inflammatory Disease Treatments Will Improve Through The Use Of Lipidomics
MU researchers use Lyme disease as model
September 1st, 2009
According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 46 million Americans have arthritis. Many of these people take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications that block production of certain molecules, known as bioactive lipids, to reduce pain and swelling. Yet, the role of these lipids is not yet understood completely, and medications may have adverse side effects. Recently, University of Missouri researchers completed the first comprehensive analysis of bioactive lipids in an inflammatory response triggered by the Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi. This analysis could shed light on the role bioactive lipids play in inflammatory diseases. Full Story
MU Program Helps Couples, Kids Experience Benefits of Healthy Relationships
August 31st, 2009
The increase in births to unwed mothers, divorces and couples who cohabitate before marriage has caused a strain on American families, especially children. As part of the National Healthy Marriage Initiative, a University of Missouri program is addressing this issue by teaching parents to build healthy relationships for themselves and their children. Full Story
Statement from Chancellor Brady Deaton Regarding Anheuser-Busch Marketing Campaign
August 28th, 2009
As University of Missouri trademark/licensing personnel have continued to monitor the Anheuser-Busch "Team Pride" marketing campaign, it has come to their attention that marketing displays in various retail establishments are being associated with official MU trademarked products and logos. This is completely unacceptable and conveys the impression that the university is somehow supportive of this marketing effort when, in fact, this marketing effort for the black and gold cans was never approved by MU. Chancellor Brady Deaton has written to Anheuser-Busch asking them to take immediate action to terminate this marketing practice which is now infringing upon the university's identity and reputation."We are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles at MU," Deaton said. "The promotion of a beer product associated with our school colors is not consistent with that commitment. I have asked Anheuser-Busch to immediately terminate this marketing campaign."To review a copy of the letter, click here: Full Story
Online News Garners More Attention from Readers if It’s Negative and Localized, MU Study Finds
August 26th, 2009
According to the "hardwired for news" theory, people devote more attention to information that is deviant or threatening. To test the theory, University of Missouri researchers examined the physiological effects of reading threatening health news online. The researchers found that news about local health threats increased attention and memory in readers more than news about distant, or non-local, health threats. Full Story
Freshman Diversity, Total Enrollment at MU Break Records
MU opens for first day of classes with number of African Americans, Hispanics up more than 14 percent
August 24th, 2009
The University of Missouri started classes today for the fall 2009 semester, welcoming another large freshman class while experiencing record enrollments for minority student groups, including African Americans and Hispanics. On the first day of class, MU officials welcomed 484 African-American freshmen, up 14.7 percent from 422 last year, and 152 Hispanic freshmen, up 16 percent from 131 last year. Overall, the university's first-day enrollment totals 30,831, while the number of undergraduates is 23,659. Both total and undergraduate enrollment numbers are the highest in the history of the university. Full Story
Reynolds Journalism Institute receives $15 million from Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
August 22nd, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) at the Missouri School of Journalism has been awarded a five-year $15 million gift from the Las Vegas-based Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. This is the third largest gift ever awarded to the University of Missouri. The largest, the $31 million grant used to establish RJI in 2004, […] Full Story
Health Journalists Utilize Audience, Other Media to Build News Agenda, MU Researchers Find
August 19th, 2009
Approximately one-fifth of Americans follow health news very closely, according to the Pew Research Center. To identify how the demand for health stories is met, University of Missouri researchers surveyed national health journalists about their development of story ideas and use of expert sources and public relations materials. The researchers found that health journalists determine what information is newsworthy by examining the work of their peers and the issues raised by their colleagues and audiences. Full Story
Living Longer and Happier
MU Researchers Find 'Longevity' Gene that Enhances Exercise Performance
August 19th, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. -A new study from the University of Missouri may shed light on how to increase the level and quality of activity in the elderly. In the study, published in this week’s edition of Public Library of Science – ONE, MU researchers found that gene therapy with a proven “longevity” gene energized mice during […] Full Story
More Is Needed than Quota Laws to Increase the Number of Women Legislators
MU researcher suggests that quota laws should have placement mandates, enforcement mechanisms
August 11th, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Although women’s representation in national legislatures around the globe has nearly doubled in the last 30 years, the average percentage of women legislators is only 18 percent worldwide. While many countries have adopted quota laws, which require a certain percentage of a political party’s candidates to be female, success has varied among […] Full Story
Statement
August 10th, 2009
The University of Missouri remains extremely grateful to retired coach Norm Stewart for his outstanding leadership of Mizzou Tiger Basketball and his continued service to the university during the For All We Call Mizzou campaign, which met its $1 billion goal in 2008. MU is fortunate to have thousands of loyal retirees and alumni across […] Full Story
MU Extends Contract of Athletic Director Mike Alden to maintain continuity of quality programs
Base salary to remain flat; enhanced incentive package targets performance goals
August 6th, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton announced today a five-year extension of Athletic Director Mike Alden’s contract, which will now extend through June 30, 2017. This contract extension is designed to support the continuation of Alden’s successful, quality athletic programs and his priority on student-athlete academic performance and sound financial management. “Mike […] Full Story
MU Expert Offers Tips for Finding the Best Long-Term Care
August 5th, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. -America’s 77 million aging baby boomers and their families soon will face decisions about their long-term care needs. A new book co-authored by Marilyn Rantz, an eldercare expert at the University of Missouri, explains how consumers can find the best eldercare options in their communities. “Making the right choice for long-term care often […] Full Story
STATEMENT CONCERNING CANCELLATION OF PEPPER AND FRIENDS
August 5th, 2009
One of the most difficult tasks any employer faces is the elimination of staff positions. This is as true at MU as it is in the private sector. And certainly, it is true with regard to the decision to end the production of KOMU-TV’s Pepper & Friends. It is understandable that some in the community […] Full Story