June 1, 2007

Carolina in the News

Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina people and programs cited recently in the media:

International Coverage

Wealthy universities are recruiting low-income students
The International Herald Tribune

The discussion in the "States of Poverty" seminar at Amherst College, an elite liberal-arts institution in Massachusetts, was getting a little theoretical. ...Concerned that the barriers to elite institutions are being increasingly drawn along class lines, and wanting to maintain some role as engines of social mobility, about two dozen U.S. universities - Amherst, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, the University of Virginia, Williams, and the University of North Carolina among them - have pushed in the past few years to diversify economically.

Footy bumps linked to depression
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)

Bumps to the head on the football field can lead to lasting brain damage, according to a landmark international study that found just three concussions triples the risk of developing depression. ...Research director Kevin Guskiewicz, from the University of North Carolina's Centre for the Study of Retired Athletes, interviewed the former players and found those who recalled one or two concussions were one and a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

National Coverage

Study links concussions to depression
The New York Times

The rate of diagnosed clinical depression among retired NFL players is strongly correlated with the number of concussions they sustained, according to a study to be published Thursday. The study was conducted by UNC's Center for the Study of Retired Athletes and based on a general health survey of 2,552 retired NFL players.

NFL study links concussions, depression
The Associated Press (National)

A study of more than 2,500 retired NFL players found that those who had at least three concussions during their careers had triple the risk of clinical depression as those who had no concussions. Those who recalled one or two concussions were 1 1/2 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression, said Kevin Guskiewicz, research director of the University of North Carolina's Center for the Study of Retired Athletes.
Related link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070531114235.htm

Regional Coverage

Colleges veer left for '07 speakers
The Washington Times

Commencement addresses at the nation's top colleges and universities this year mostly were given by left-leaning or Democratic speakers with few conservatives snagging the honor, according to a report released yesterday by the Young America's Foundation. ...Steve Allred, executive associate provost and chairman of the commencement committee at UNC-Chapel Hill, called the YAF list insulting and said his committee of faculty and elected student leaders hold a high standard for their speaker recommendations.

Study: Concussions linked to depression
The Baltimore Sun

NFL players who endured at least three concussions are three times more likely to suffer from depression than a player who had none, according to the University of North Carolina's Center for the Study of Retired Athletes.

Aerotropolis: Turning ‘nonplace’ airports into anchors for homes, shops, hotels
The Daily Record (Baltimore, Md.)

Seeking ways to cash in on consumers’ new consciousness about the environment and all things “green,” developers have been paying extra close attention to mass transportation. ...University of North Carolina Professor John D. Kasarda has been credited with coining the term “aerotropolis” to describe the mixed-use developments that have sprung up near airports in cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong and Dubai. He has encouraged the concept as a consultant to U.S. cities, such as Detroit, that are attempting to nurture such development around their airports.

Residents call for vote on airport
The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio)

Some Mentor and Eastlake residents say they might try to get an issue on the ballot for voters to decide if Lake County commissioners should take over the city-owned Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby. ...Gordon's statement cited a University of North Carolina study which said general aviation airports can reduce property values and create loss of tax dollars.

Fathers and Sons: Time and Togetherness
Washington Parent

Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell finds success on the football field, but it’s his 24/7 job as dad of four that scores him the highest satisfaction. ...Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found the number of different words Dad used when his child was 24 months of age predicted the child’s language score at 36 months of age.
UNC News Release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/oct06/fpgfatherslanguage103006.htm

State and Local Coverage

Traveling Science Lab Makes Stop In Boone
The Mountain Times (Boone)

It caused quite a stir as it pulled into Watauga High School, a custom-built 40-foot, 33,000-pound bus loaded with state-of-the-art science and technology equipment that allows high school students to perform laboratory experiments like nothing they could ever experience in their classroom. Since 2000, DESTINY has served thousands of students and teachers across North Carolina through its effective scientific learning opportunities and strong teacher support through training, etc. The project was among the first of its kind nationwide when launched by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
UNC Media Advisory: http://www.unc.edu/news/media/2007/destinynewland042707.html

Still waiting for the blanks to be filled in (Editorial)
The Herald-Sun (Durham)

And then there were two. The university has narrowed its conceptual plans for the proposed Carolina North development down to one option called N-S and another called E-W. ...Yes, UNC officials have now released a list of the types of buildings that could be built at Carolina North during the first 15 years of its development -- including several research institutes, an innovation center, an interdisciplinary research center and possibly a new site for the UNC law school.
UNC Media Advisory: http://www.unc.edu/news/media/2007/cnorthadvisory052407.html

Study: Docs, moms skip depression talk
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

The majority of doctors in North Carolina do not probe for signs of postpartum depression in new mothers, according to a survey conducted by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill. ..."We believe that it is very important that physicians work some type of depression screening into postpartum visits," said Betsy Sleath, lead author of the study and a professor in UNC's School of Pharmacy.
Related link: http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/healthteam/story/1459287/
UNC News Release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/may07/sleath_postpartumdepression053107.html

GSK tries to counter bad PR
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Less than a week before a congressional hearing on whether patients and doctors knew enough about the cardiovascular risks of GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes pill Avandia, the company's efforts at damage control are in full swing. ..."We're more than a week into this -- we've got to hear from the top dog," said Schultz, professor of management and corporate communication at UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Check out this blog
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Dr. William Roper, dean of the School of Medicine, vice chancellor for Medical Affairs and CEO of the UNC Health Care System at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is in Africa to visit students, faculty and staff working with UNC's infectious disease programs in South Africa and Malawi. He is blogging from there, and you can read his latest posts at share.triangle.com. Click on the link "Bill Roper's Blog from Africa." You can also post comments on his blog.

Living with Crohn's
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

As a marathon runner and fitness specialist, Darren Pangle appears to be the picture of perfect health. His daily workouts include an hour of cardio training and at least 30 minutes of weight training. ...In the Triangle, research on Crohn's is being conducted at several places, including The Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, a collaborative research center at UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University.

Secrets of State
Metro Magazine (Raleigh)

The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC has launched Operation Spy, a new immersive espionage adventure that uses exhibits, movies, computer games, theatrical shows and rides. ...The Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina (FoR ENC) has affiliatied with the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, the economic development outreach arm of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Both organizations seek to leverage and expand the resources available to accelerate economic growth in Eastern North Carolina.

Resolve Personal Issues before Baby Comes Piedmont
Parent Magazine (Winston-Salem)

A new study relays a simple message: If you are pregnant and have unresolved personal issues, try to resolve them or it may rub off on your child. ...Infants with whooping cough (pertussis) were most likely infected by the people they live with, according to a multi-county study led by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.
UNC News Release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/mar07/pertussis032707.html

Judge dismisses Durham zoning lawsuit
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a professor at the University of North Carolina law school against Durham County and its Board of Commissioners. Charles E. Daye and several family members filed suit in February after the board denied a request that would have rezoned 39.33 acres of land for a 213-unit townhouse development.
Related link: http://www.heraldsun.com/durham/4-852601.cfm

Critic's picks - Classical
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Classical concerts don't always have to drain the pocketbook. There are free concerts and recitals in the Triangle almost every week. Two good examples occur this weekend. ...Sunday afternoon, make your way to Graham Memorial Hall at UNC-Chapel Hill for a free recital by the faculty of the annual Chapel Hill Chamber Music Workshop.

Issues and Trends

Taxes, debt, education could weigh down N.C. budget negotiations
The Associated Press (N.C.)

With preliminary budget work now complete, the House and Senate have a month to hash out their differences and get a completed spending plan to Gov. Mike Easley before the new fiscal year begins July 1. ...The Senate and House also will have to agree how much to borrow for new university buildings, prisons and other state offices. The House budget would borrow $450 million, but the Senate wants to take on about $1.2 billion in debt, largely to pay for University of North Carolina system projects.


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.

Please share any questions, comments or suggestions at news@unc.edu.