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Aug. 1, 2006
Carolina in the News
Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina
people and programs cited recently in the media:International Coverage
Journal: Research paper probably flawed
United Press International
... In an editorial in the current issue of Analytical Chemistry, the journal's editor, Royce Murray of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Associate Editor Catherine Fenselau of the University of Maryland, wrote: "Perhaps the speciation results of this paper are correct -- even though the data are startling. We must say, however, that in retrospect, the evidence that platinum speciation is possible with the experimental conditions described in that paper falls short of this journal's standards.
National Coverage
Is Your Child a Split Second From Disaster? (Opinion column)
The New York Times
Although I wrote about children and gun safety just two years ago, the continuing tragedies involving guns in private homes compel me to repeat my plea that all guns be stored safely in a way that keeps children away from them. ... A study led by Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley of the University of North Carolina found that one-third of gun owners in the United States with children under age 6 kept a firearm unlocked at home, and guns were kept unlocked in 56 percent of homes where children visited.
Journal issues caution about study on breast implants and platinum
The Associated Press (National)
A study that spurred concern about high concentrations of platinum in women with silicone breast implants seems to contain flaws and should be viewed "with caution," the scientific journal that published the work warned Monday. ... In this case, at least some of the science may not meet that mark," wrote editor Royce Murray of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and associate editor Catherine Fenselau of the University of Maryland.
Updates on Billion-Dollar Campaigns at 22 Universities
The Chronicle of Higher Education
The 22 American universities that are seeking to raise at least $1-billion collected a total of $610.5-million in gifts and pledges during the last month for which they had data available. ... The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, $1.805-billion as of June 30 (increase of $55.2-million in the last month); the goal is $2-billion by 2007.
A little high-tech motivation helping to combat childhood obesity
NBC NewsChannel
A cell phone may be a future weapon in the battle against childhood obesity. ... "What we found this type of self monitoring works much better than the paper and pencil variety," explains Researcher Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina.
Note: This story was picked up on more than 200 local NBC stations across the country, including local affiliates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas.Regional Coverage
Sweet danger
The Denver Post
If it were cast in a Hollywood movie today, high-fructose corn syrup might well be starring as a suspect set free for lack of evidence. ... "Right now we're concerned about all caloric sweeteners," says University of North Carolina nutrition professor Barry M. Popkin. "We must reduce (the consumption of) soft drinks per se, no matter what the source of the sweetener."
UNC news release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/mar06/healthybeverage030806.htmActivity key to keeping kids slim (Commentary)
The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.)
There is heated debate over a relatively new health issue: childhood obesity. Over the last 20 years, the number of overweight children has increased dramatically. ... Studies by the Mayo Clinic and the University of North Carolina show that, since my childhood days, kids' caloric intake has increased by 1 percent, but physical activity has decreased 13 percent.
Healthy advice to avoid trouble
The Providence Journal (R.I.)
If there's any question that exercising in the heat without taking the proper precautions can spell big trouble, consider this: A study conducted by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that between 1995 and 2001, 21 U.S. football players among the high school and college ranks died of heat-related causes.
From klutzy kid to childhood expert
The Burlington Free Press (Vt.)
The young Mel Levine was often the last to be picked for teams and the first to try and wriggle out of gym class. ... Levine lives on a farm in North Carolina and is a professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School.
Passionate about his patients: Doctor renowned for bone marrow transplants
The Marin Independent Journal (Novato, Calif.)
Anyone who saw Kentfield resident Mort Cowan playing with a group of children at San Rafael's Marinwood Community Center last month might have imagined he was entertaining his grandchildren. ... "He's very bright," says Andrew Gilman, director of pediatric bone marrow transplantation at the University of North Carolina. Gilman has collaborated with Cowan on clinical research.
A Good Night's Sleep Could Be The End Of Your Headaches
KTSM-TV (El Paso, Texas)
Whether it's playing in the snow, or helping youngsters learn their ABC's, Mary Simmers likes to be on the go! ... Headache Specialist Dr. Anne Calhoun led research that helps support that point. The small study of 43 women with chronic migraine finds improving sleep habits led to a dramatic drop in the number of headaches the women suffered, and in their intensity.
Related link: http://www.thewbalchannel.com/health/9475186/detail.html
http://www.wndu.com/news/mommo/072006/mommo_51113.php
UNC news release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/jun06/migraine062206.htmState & Local Coverage
Air Care marks 20 years of rescues
The Chapel Hill Herald
Lydia Perez, who lives near UNC, often sees Carolina's medical helicopters from afar as they land at UNC Hospitals. ... The university's medical helicopter program, known as UNC Air Care, recently had its twentieth anniversary. To celebrate, officials invited visitors to learn about the program.
UNC fans buy into rewards program
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
You've heard of frequent-flier programs. The University of North Carolina hopes you'll soon become a frequent-buyer. In hopes of bringing in a new stream of revenue, UNC has launched a frequent-flier kind of points-accumulation program that will be copied by at least a dozen more athletics departments this fall.
N.C. vacation sites aren't costly to reach
Rocky Mount Telegram
That road trip to New York or Walt Disney World doesn't seem quite as doable when you don't get much bang for your buck at the pumps. ... Families can make a day of it in Chapel Hill, said Karen Kornegay, public relations manager at Morehead Planetarium.
Perks for profits or better care? (Opinion-editorial column)
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
Thirty-two years ago outside the entrance of N.C. Memorial Hospital stood a simple white sign with black lettering that stated that NCMH was operated for and by the people of North Carolina. ... In the mid-1960s with the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, millions of dollars flowed into all American health-care systems. Further, the National Institutes of Health funded hundreds of millions of dollars of research grants for the School of Medicine and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Study: Officials Not Tapping Into Commercial Potential Of SE Raleigh
WRAL-TV (CBS, Raleigh)
A six-month study suggests that Raleigh needs to do a better job in developing the southeastern part of the city that is largely made up of minorities. ... "Southeast Raleigh has a number of assets and opportunities," said Jim Johnson, of the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. "Our basic conclusion is you have to sell it. You have to market it better. You have to end the process and make sure all citizens have equal access to opportunity."
Issues & Trends
Colleges seek new leaders at same time
The Associated Press (N.C.)
Four of North Carolina's historically black colleges are facing the same dilemma as they all search for a new leader. Bennett College, N.C. A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University and Elizabeth City State University have lost or will soon lose their top officials.
State issues $100M in certificates of participation for repair projects
The Triangle Business Journal
North Carolina Treasurer Richard Moore has awarded about $100 million in certificates of participation to finance the renovation of a number of state-owned facilities. ... The sale is the second installment of $300 million in COPs authorized by the state General Assembly in 2003 to provide funding for infrastructure needs at University of North Carolina System schools and other state facilities.
Produced by News Services, Carolina in the News is an e-mail sampling of current news media coverage about Carolina people and programs, as well as issues and trends that affect the university. Stories usually will be online and available free for a limited time - often one to two weeks. Expiration dates before stories move to archives vary by media outlet. Some outlets require free user registration or a subscription.
Carolina in the News is also posted daily to the News Services Web page, http://www.unc.edu/news/clips/index.shtml.
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