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Bioterrorism may be threat to U.S. agriculture–Bioterrorism doesn’t just involve direct threats to human health, like smallpox and anthrax. U.S. crops are also vulnerable to an attack by various plant pathogens, such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria, according to Lary Madden, a professor of plant pathology at Ohio State. Madden said a dangerous pathogen that is not native to the United States, such as soybean rust, potentially could spread over a wide area and devastate yields. Madden, a world expert on plant epidemiology, is conducting research on combating anti-crop bioterrorism . Contact: Larry Madden, (330) 263-3833.
See http://www.osu.edu/units/research/archive/croppat1.htm
Keep those agricultural chemicals and machinery secure – With bioterrorism on the minds of many, a consortium of U.S. organizations is urging farmers, product dealers and equipment manufacturers to take necessary security measures regarding manufacturing, storing, marketing, transporting and utilizing agricultural machinery and chemicals. Joanne Kick-Raack, Ohio State University Extension's pesticide education program state coordinator, said the security measures are designed to avoid possible misuse and vandalism of pesticides, fertilizers, machinery and other agricultural equipment and products. She says pesticides have become less toxic over the last 20 years, and it is more difficult to get something that can cause widespread harm. Kick-Raack advises farmers to keep chemicals stored in a locked building or cabinet, and chemical dealers to be aware of and report any suspicious behavior in customers. Contact: Joanne Kick-Raack, (614) 247-7489.
Hypnosis may improve weakened immune status and improve health – Ohio State University researchers have determined that hypnosis and related relaxation techniques can actually prevent the weakening of the immune response that often follows periods of acute stress. A new study suggests that hypnosis may even slightly enhance the immune status in some people compared to similar individuals who don't use these interventions. The findings could have important health implications for patients facing surgeries. The research, reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, is the latest to test whether people can protect themselves from immune system changes that normally accompany increased stress. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Ohio State describes hypnosis in this research as something like “hitting a reset button” for participants in the study. Contact: Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, (614) 292-0033; see http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/hypnosis.htm
Diversity Lecture Series offers lecture on gender issues – Oct. 10. Joyce K. Fletcher, a professor of management at Simmons College and senior research scholar at Wellesley College, will discuss her new book "Disappearing Acts: Gender, Power, and Relational Practice at Work," at 3 p.m. in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High Street. Fletcher’s lecture is part the 2001-2002 President and Provost’s Diversity Lecture Series, a component of Ohio State’s Diversity Action Plan. Following her lecture, women faculty and staff are invited to continue the discussion and network at the annual fall reception sponsored by The Women’s Place. The reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Ohio Union Main Lounge. Contact: Frank W. Hale Jr., (614) 688-4255.
It's Homecoming week! - through Oct. 14. Ohio State's Homecoming is a week-long celebration of Ohio State traditions with events for alumni, students, and Buckeyes everywhere. The theme for Homecoming 2001, "There's no place like Homecoming...", reflects pride in having one of the country's strongest university communities. Among the activities:
--Lecture by author Bebe Moore Campbell, at 7 p.m. Wednesday (10/10) in Weigel Hall, 1866 College Road. Campbell’s book, “Brothers and Sisters,” was the featured book in the Buckeye Book Community Summer Reading Program. She will offer her observations and experiences as a writer and the themes her books present.
--Buckeye Blast, at 7:15 p.m. at Mershon Auditorium, features comedienne Kathy Griffin.
--Shed building with Habitat for Humanity on the Oval, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday.
--Students can have their photos taken at President Kirwan’s desk from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday (10/12). A $1 donation from each student will benefit The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
--Study Abroad Fair-10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday (10/12) on the front lawn of Oxley Hall,
1712 Neil Ave.
--Homecoming Parade-10 a.m. Saturday (10/13). High Street between Woodruff and the Ohio Union is a great place to enjoy the parade, which features student organization floats, marching bands and local celebrities. Many streets along the route will be closed from approximately 9:45 a.m. until noon.
--Homecoming University-Following the homecoming parade, some of Ohio State’s top professors will offer classes on the wonders of nanotechnology, transportation in the 21st century, media and the presidential election process, or other fascinating topics. Classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Mendenhall Laboratory, 125 South Oval Mall.
--Homecoming football game versus Wisconsin kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Ohio Stadium
--Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, raising funds for breast cancer research, begins at 3 p.m. Sunday (10/14) in Fred Beekman Park, 1999 West Lane Ave.
Contact: Student Activities and Campus Programs, (614) 292-8763 or see http://www.osu.edu/homecoming/main.php
Cincinnati high school students learn—and earn credit for—Ohio State engineering classes. Ohio State’s College of Engineering is joining with Walnut Hills High School in the Cincinnati Public School District to teach college-level introductory engineering classes to high school students. The goals of the program is to introduce engineering as a career option to under-represented student groups and improve retention rates once they reach college. About 60 students are signed up for the two-course program, including 20 women, and 24 minority students. The students use the same textbooks and do the same lab projects as Ohio State students and complete the two-course program over the nine-month academic year. Students can take the class for Ohio State credit as well as their own high school credit. If they attend Ohio State, they will not have to take the class again—saving on time and tuition costs. Contact: Gina Langen, College of Engineering Communications, (614) 688-4423.
The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story – Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Lesley Jenkins, (614) 292-0569, Randy Dunham, (614) 292-8295; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.
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