-more-
New DNA-based vaccine approach protects mice against Anthrax – Ohio State researchers have shown that mice injected with fragments of DNA from anthrax bacteria can be immunized against the disease. This new approach represents a new – and perhaps, safer – way to produce vaccines against highly contagious diseases. The work was headed by Darrell Galloway, associate professor of microbiology at Ohio State, and colleagues at two other institutions. Anthrax is a lethal disease if not detected shortly after exposure to bacterial spores. Antibiotics are effective in halting it if given soon after exposure before any symptoms develop. It is one of the leading potential agents discussed for use in biological terrorist attacks. In traditional vaccine approaches, researchers have used live, weakened or dead pathogens to produce an immune response. Galloway’s study, published in a recent issue of the journal Infection and Immunity, suggests that DNA-based vaccines might be effective. Contact: Darrell Galloway, (614) 292-3761; see http://www.osu.edu/units/research/archive/anthrax.htm
Ohio State researcher elected to prestigious Institute of Medicine – Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Ohio State University, has been elected to the national Institute of Medicine, the medical arm of the National Academy of Sciences. Kiecolt-Glaser is one of 60 new members announced today (10/15) by the Academy in Washington, D.C. Membership in the Institute of Medicine, as well as in the NAS or the National Academy of Engineering, is considered one of the highest honors American researchers can attain. Kiecolt-Glaser's career has led her to a position of international prominence in the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology - the study of the impact that psychological stress can have on the immune system. She and her colleagues at Ohio State's Institute of Behavioral Medicine Research have made remarkable strides that have helped bring the field from infancy to its current status as thriving area of study. The studies she and her colleagues have conducted have shown that:
-Hypnosis and other relaxation techniques may counteract the negative effects of stress on the immune system;
-Stress can slow the pace of wound healing, a critical factor in surgical recovery;
-High stress levels can diminish the effectiveness of both influenza and pneumonia vaccines;
-Spouses who suffer chronic stress from caring for Alzheimer's patients or the elderly can have a weakened immune system for years after the care has stopped;
-Even minor stress, such as that of students facing major exams or newlyweds having their first fights, can lessen a person's immune response.
Contact: Janice Kiecolt-Glaser (614) 292-0033; see http://www.osu.edu/units/research/archive/janiom.htm
Asian ladybeetles infest Ohio – Images of insects swarming upon a residential neighborhood is the stuff science fiction movies are made of. But fiction has become reality for many Ohioans who are invaded year after year by the multicolored Asian ladybeetle, and Ohio State University entomologists are predicting this year's ladybeetle infestations to be severe. “Residents tell us that it just keeps getting worse and worse every year,” said Joe Kovach, of Ohio State's Integrated Pest Management program. Kovach says the reason is a new food source - the soybean aphid. The aphid, first discovered in Ohio last year, is abundant this year, providing ample food for the ladybeetles. Kovach says homeowners will start seeing large ladybeetle populations taking flight to seek an over-wintering site. The insect is considered beneficial because it feeds on pests such as aphids and mites, but it’s a nuisance for homeowners, since it tends to congregate in homes in large numbers, and getting rid of them can be difficult. Kovach says homeowners should find ways to keep ladybeetles out by caulking around doors and windows. He also recommends cleaning up dead ladybeetles in and around the home because Ohio State scientists believe that dead ladybeetles release chemicals that attract other ladybeetles to that location. Contact: Joe Kovach, (330) 263-3846.
On this bus, it's the music that takes you places – Oct. 15-18. A unique, educational music exhibit known as EMP’s Electric Bus is parked on campus this week. Touring college campuses since mid-August, the Electric Bus is a hands-on, interactive display on the history of rock music, with a focus on increasing young people's interest in creating music. The bus is parked on the 17th Ave. Mallway just north of the Wexner Center. It is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday (10/18). The bus is a large semi-trailer filled with displays; in addition, several tents are set up around the truck. The bus offers interpretive and interactive exhibits centered around the art and craft of songwriting. The bus and tour are sponsored by Experience Music Project (EMP) and the GRAMMY® Foundation; the campus sponsor is the New Tech Student Interest Group. See www.emplive.com/visit/electricbus. Contact: Paige Prill, Experience Music Project, 206.262.3218; or Gina Langen, College of Engineering, (614) 688-4423.
Lecturer discusses enforcement of ADA–Oct 17. Good language, bad enforcement is how Moritz College of Law Professor Ruth Colker describes the Americans with Disabilities Act. Enforcement of the ADA is the topic of this quarter’s University Distinguished Lecture. Colker will deliver “The Americans with Disabilities Act: The First Decade of Enforcement,” at 4 p.m. on Thursday (10/17) in the Wexner Center Film/Video Theatre, 1891 N. High St. An expert in constitutional law, Colker contends that three areas of the ADA – employment, public entities, and public accommodations—have suffered from problems of under enforcement. She also feels there are challenges faced in the State of Ohio in achieving better enforcement of disability discrimination law, particularly as enforcement responsibility is moved from the federal government to the states. The lecture will be broadcast live on the World Wide Web at http://www.osu.edu/lecture/html. To increase accessibility for the entire community, the webcast will be closed-captioned. In the lecture hall, assistive listening devices and an American Sign Language interpreter will be available. The text of the lecture is also available in Braille upon request. The University Distinguished Lectureship recognizes outstanding faculty at Ohio State. In addition to the lecture, the lectureship carries a $5,000 award to support an academic program or project of the lecturer's choice. Contact: Molly Davis, (614) 292-5881
Diversity Lecture Series offers talk on multicultural education–Oct. 22. Ronald Takaki, professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, will present “Why Multiculturalism Matters in America,” at 9 a.m. Monday (10/22) in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High Street. Takaki is recognized as the nation’s foremost spokesperson for multicultural education and an author of numerous books on the subject. The series, a component of Ohio State’s Diversity Action Plan, is sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Academic Affairs. Contact: Frank W. Hale Jr. (614) 688-4255.
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.
###