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May 22, 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
Good daycare boosts poor kids' later mental health
Reuters
Young adults who grow up in poor, unstable homes face an increased risk of depression, but high-quality daycare during their early years can counteract the effects of a disadvantaged environment, a new study shows. ..."These early experiences can have really long-lasting effects," Dr. Elizabeth P. Pungello of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the study's authors, told Reuters Health.
UNC News Release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/may07/fpgdepressivesymptoms051807.htmlDid a comet wipe out prehistoric Americans?
New Scientist (United Kingdom)
The Clovis people of North America, flourishing some 13,000 years ago, had a mastery of stone weaponry that stood them in good stead against the constant threat of large carnivores, such as American lions and giant short-faced bears. ..."There is a tendency in this field to label any circular feature a crater," says geomorphologist Michael Oskin of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.Football player's death 'natural'
Vancouver 24 Hours (Canada)
A coroner ruled a Coquitlam football player's death was "natural." ...The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury at University of North Carolina advocates mandatory medical exams and defibrillators in all schools.National Coverage
Heart Attack Risk Seen in Drug for Diabetes
The New York Times
An article in a leading medical journal yesterday raised serious safety questions about the widely used diabetes pill Avandia and renewed skepticism about the vigilance of federal drug regulators. ...“We’re expecting dozens if not hundreds of phone calls tomorrow,” said Dr. John B. Buse, chief of endocrinology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. “I’ve told our staff to tell people who call that this is not cause for panic. We can discuss it further at their next visit.”Iraq War Opponent Jones to Face GOP House Primary Test in North Carolina
The New York Times
North Carolina Rep. Walter B. Jones’ status as one of the most outspoken congressional Republican critics of President Bush’s Iraq war policies has drawn him national attention that he had not previously received in a House career now in its seventh term. ...Thad Beyle, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, said McLaughlin could have a shot at unseating Jones, given the district’s military-heavy demographic.A glance at the current issue of Gifted Child Quarterly: A college "oasis" for gifted students
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Growing up gifted can mean "growing up lonely and often misunderstood," write Thomas P. Hébert, an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Georgia, and Matthew T. McBee, an education researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In a case study of the honors program at an unidentified institution, which they dub Southeast Technological University, the authors explain how such programs at the college level can help gifted students overcome years of social isolation.More senior citizens choosing to keep working
McClatchy Newspapers
Dorothy Evans, 92, isn't a big believer in sitting at home, watching television - or, for that matter, retirement. ..."The fact is people are healthier, they are living longer and, for some, they just don't want to stop working," said Victor Marshall, director of the University of North Carolina's Institute on Aging.Regional Coverage
Quality matters (Editorial)
The Orlando Sentinel
When Gov. Charlie Crist describes himself as "the people's governor," he's usually arguing to cut taxes or lower homeowner-insurance rates in the admirable effort to make the average Florida family's dollar stretch a little further. ...At the University of North Carolina, 11 percent do. Indeed, Florida's university classes are the second largest in the country.Helmet Boxing' A Dangerous New Craze For Teens
WCBS-TV (New York)
A dangerous new "sport" that's become the latest knockout for children is also taking the Internet video community by storm. It's called "helmet boxing" and many health officials are warning that parents should familiarize themselves with the rules. ...Dr. Fred Mueller, who studies sports injuries at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, says helmet boxing could also result in concussion.State and Local Coverage
UNC-Chapel Hill hires new HR boss
The Triangle Business Journal
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said Tuesday that it's picked a new head of human resources. Brenda Malone, currently vice chancellor for faculty and staff relations at the City University of New York, will become UNC's associate vice chancellor for human resources.
UNC People briefs: http://www.unc.edu/news/briefs/2007/052207.htmlUNC professor to lead Sierra Club
The Chapel Hill Herald
A UNC professor has been elected the 52nd president of the national Sierra Club. J. Robert Cox of Chapel Hill was elected for his third stint in the organization's highest office. Cox previously served from 1994-1996 and 2000-2001. Cox, a professor of communications studies at UNC, was elected by a vote of the Sierra Club's 15-member Board of Directors.Risk seen in diabetes drug
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday alerted physicians and patients about safety concerns for the diabetes drug Avandia after a study linked the GlaxoSmithKline best-seller to a greater risk of heart attack. ...Hints that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risks further first emerged in 1999 when GSK was testing the drug, said Dr. John Buse, director of the diabetes care center at UNC Hospitals. In 2004, Public Citizen, a Washington-based patient advocacy group, posted Avandia on its list of worst pills.Confusing North Carolina Execution Debate Back in Another Courtroom
The Associated Press (N.C.)
Yet another judge in yet another court heard arguments Monday in the seemingly impassible legal morass that has effectively halted executions in North Carolina, as defense attorneys again mounted an assault on the state's use of lethal injection. ...Kevin Bradley, a lawyer representing inmate Archie Billings, said the council should have heard the testimony of witnesses such as Dr. Philip Boysen, a professor of anesthesiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, before approving the new protocol.Leave trial discovery rules alone (Editorial)
The Hendersonville Times News
The law that requires prosecutors to share their files with defense attorneys before felony trials may need some tweaking. But North Carolina legislators should reject any attempt to gut the law. ..."If that bill goes through, we'll be right back at the far end where little is turned over," said Joseph Kennedy, a law professor at the University of North Carolina.New Princeville medical clinic opens
The Rocky Mount Telegram
A year ago, 11 acres of farmland off N.C. 33 near Princeville was just that. ...The center also might use dental students from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry as part of the operation, but plans have not been finalized, said Scott Burn, dental director for the Carolina Family Health Centers.UNC grad wants to direct
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
Raleigh's Hannah Sink, 23, was one of 50 filmmaker hopefuls chosen from 12,000 applicants to compete for a major Hollywood deal on the Fox reality series "On the Lot," premiering at 9 tonight. Previously, the 2006 UNC-Chapel Hill graduate worked as a production coordinator and assistant for the locally produced Spanish-language TV show "Nuestro Barrio," and she made documentaries while living in Thailand.Issues and Trends
Swett won't take seat with UNC governors
The Charlotte Observer
Purnell Swett, a newly elected member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, told legislative leaders he will not take his seat on the board, a move that comes less than a week after controversy over Swett's criminal record.
Related link: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/ncwire_news/story/576396.htmlNeeded: More grads (Editorial)
The Charlotte Observer
The push to increase graduation rates at North Carolina's universities has a Catch-22: Getting there may mean tougher admission standards that keep some kids out of four-year colleges. ...The UNC system seems to be going about it the right way. The 16 campuses are developing ways to help students stay in school and graduate on time. Each campus has set tentative goals for increasing, over five years, how many freshmen return and how many students get degrees.Advocates for Chapel Hill hurting black campuses (Letter to the editor)
The Charlotte Observer
The writer is a junior at N.C. Central University. In response to "Why criticize UNC supporters?" (May 10 Feedback): Separate and unequal. The Citizens for Higher Education PAC says its purpose is to build political support for UNC Chapel Hill.
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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