News Archive
Sunday, July 24 2005
News
Researchers paper in 'Nature' details genetic origins of corn on cob
Iowa State faculty member Erik Vollbrecht, along with lead researcher Robert Martienssen of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, have determined a genetic reason why modern corn's straight rows and compact ears evolved from corn's wild ancestor, teosinte.
Fusion averages 50 mph into Winnipeg
Iowa State's solar car boosts its average race speed to 50 mph. Racing in the 2,500-mile North American Solar Challenge resumes on Sunday.
Body found on ISU campus identified
An Iowa State student whose body was found in College Creek Tuesday morning has been identified as Jacob B. Hobson, 27.
Roth testifies before U.S. Senate committee
The United States is highly vulnerable to the accidental or intentional introduction of foreign or emerging animal diseases, ISU Distinguished Professor James Roth testified today before a U.S. Senate Committee.
Breach in Alumni Association computer
Alumni Association officials recently notified 3,359 alumni, students, and online customers that a computer containing some of their personal information had been improperly accessed.
Schnable appointed PSI associate director
Patrick Schnable has been appointed associate director of the Plant Sciences Institute. Schnable has been active in the Plant Sciences Institute since its establishment in 1999.
Summer school for science teachers
Summertime for Southeast Polk High School science teacher Kevin Schulte (right) means learning the 'tools of the trade' in plant biotechnology research. He's spending seven weeks in Pat Schnable's maize genomics lab under the mentorship of Lois Girton (left) as part of a National Science Foundation summer program for biology teachers. Schulte says the research experience has sparked his creativity, triggering ideas for class activities. Nine Iowa teachers are participating this summer at Iowa State.
ISU external support soars to $287 million
Iowa State has posted another record year with $287 million in grants, contracts and cooperative agreements generated in FY 05. It's the seventh consecutive record high and an increase of about 5 percent compared with last year's total.
Public forums for public radio director
Citizens are invited to meet finalists for the executive director of Iowa Public Radio during forums at the state universities.
Hurricane probably hasn't blown soybean rust closer
Recent tropical storms along with Hurricane Dennis are unlikely to have moved Asian soybean rust spores any closer to Iowa, says an Iowa State plant pathologist.
No mid-year tuition increase
The Iowa regents have decided not to pursue a mid-year tuition increase at the three state universities. In a news conference, Regent President Michael Gartner thanked state officials for finding more funds for the universities.
Wintersteen named interim ag dean
Wendy Wintersteen has been named interim dean of the College of Agriculture, effective Aug. 1.
Imploded
Knapp and Storms residence halls were imploded at 10 a.m. July 19. You can view streaming video of the implosion on RealPlayer
In the News
ISU alum named Sudanese vice president
The New York Times
Former rebel leader John Garang became vice president of Sudan recently in a move that united former enemies in a civil war. Garang earned a doctorate in economics at Iowa State ('81).
Helping kids handle bad news on TV
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Parents can help children deal with bad news on TV by communicating, says ISU psychologist Douglas Gentile. When kids talk to parents about the news, the parents can enhance the positives, he said. But when kids don't talk to them, it enhances the negatives.
Wall Street delves into minds of investors
Chicago Tribune
Tahira Hira, ISU professor and assistant to the president, cites her national research that shows different approaches to investing among men and women. She wants investors to better understand themselves so they can make more informed decisions.
Amber waves of plastic
The Los Angeles Times
American crops could be used in place of many products' petroleum base, some scientists say. "Anything you can make out of petroleum, I can make out of corn and soybeans," says Larry Johnson, director of ISU's Center for Crops Utilization Research.