News Archive
Tuesday, June 21 2005
News
Device provides directions via cell phones, handhelds
A team of Iowa State students has come up with a way for airports -- or any other large operation -- to forward useful directions and messages to your cell phone or handheld computer.
New department: Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services is the name for Iowa State's new centralized info technology department. Four units merged to create the department and a more coordinated approach to university information technology (IT) needs, says chief information officer Jim Davis.
Student-developed device helps blind tell who's nearby
A team of ISU students' developed a device to help blind people recognize who's around them at home and work. The invention puts the students in the finals in an international Microsoft competition.
Regents approve sale of Ankeny farm
The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, has approved the sale of Iowa State's 1,031-acre Ankeny dairy farm.
NSF executive will become next vice provost for research
John Brighton, an assistant director of the National Science Foundation and head of its Engineering Directorate, will become Iowa State's vice provost for research Sept. 1. He has been appointed to a three-year term.
USDA approves ISU permit to conduct pharmaceutical crop research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has approved a permit for Iowa State University to plant a biopharmaceutical corn field trial. The research is part of Iowa State's work to evaluate the safe use of plants for the production of proteins for pharmaceuticals and industrial products.
New concrete handles heavy, heavy load
An ultra-high performance concrete proved its strength, standing up to 595,000 pounds of load before cracking.
Games and crafts precede concerts
The Farm House Museum will offer Victorian games, children's crafts and refreshments prior to municipal band concerts in June. The museum events are Thursday afternoons (4-7 p.m.) June 16, 23 and 30 and are free of charge.
Shanks examines root cultures of periwinkle plants.
Scientist hopes to improve plant's output of chemotherapy drugs
Chemical engineer Jackie Shanks' work to make periwinkle plants better producers of chemotherapy drugs started with her sister's diagnosis.
In the news
Poetry contests "rigged"
Los Angeles Times
Neal Bowers, poet and Distinguished Professor of English, concurs with the web site Foetry's allegation that poetry contests are rigged. "The world of poetry is all about hustle and connection," he said.
Fear of phishing
Inside Higher Ed
Michael Bugeja, director of ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, writes about "phishing" -- a cybercrime in which surprisingly believable e-mails attempt to solicit personal data, passwords and account numbers from unsuspecting consumers. Bugeja offers tips to help online users protect themselves against fraud.