January 22, 2002
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Seeing stars after LASIK? Study suggests certain pre-surgery factors may be to blame – Nearly a quarter to a third of patients that underwent LASIK surgery reported problems seeing at night, a new study suggests. Even so, 97 percent of the subjects said they would recommend LASIK to a friend. Scientists at Ohio State University analyzed data from 605 patients who had undergone LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) surgery at least six months earlier. Reported vision problems included seeing halos, starbursts and glare surrounding lights - problems that can affect the quality of vision at night. The study showed that these symptoms may persist in some patients long after the eye heals. Such symptoms seemed to be linked to having had the surgery repeated, said Melissa Bailey, a study co-author and a postdoctoral fellow in vision science at Ohio State. "Patients who had undergone the procedure again were generally less happy with the outcomes than those who had the surgery only once, although we're unsure why," she said. Contact: Melissa Bailey, 614-247-6870; see http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/lasik.htm
Research will increase helicopters’ effectiveness – Mathematical equations that engineers use to design planetary gears could reduce the severe vibrations and ear-splitting noise that harms the military effectiveness of helicopters. Racket inside the helicopter's cabin, caused primarily by planetary gear vibrations, fatigues the aircraft's passengers and crew and interferes with communications, according to Rob Parker, associate professor of mechanical engineering, who developed the equations. The U.S. Army, which is helping fund a $500,000 experimental apparatus that will enhance Parker's planetary gear research, is concerned about the noise because it makes it more difficult for helicopters to carry out combat missions and other military activities. A vital helicopter component located directly above the cabin, the planetary gear helps transfer the engine's power to the rotor and produce the torque needed for flight. Data from planetary gear experiments conducted on experimental apparatus will enable Parker to validate his analytical and computer models and help lead to safer military aircraft. Contact: Rob Parker, Mechanical Engineering, (614) 688-3922.
O-Sizzle entertains with variety of acts – Jan. 25. A sizzling new music/television talk show called O-Sizzle (a slang term for “O-State”) will highlight Ohio State talent when it is filmed on Friday (1/25). The production is led by OSU sophomore Jodi Howell, whose internship experiences at WCKX-FM, Columbus, and Black Entertainment Network inspired her to pull together a TV variety show on campus. The public is invited to join the audience when the show is filmed from 4-6 p.m. in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St. Doors are open from 3-3:45 p.m. O-Sizzle will feature a talent showcase, dating game, a drama series titled “As the Hale Turns,” and a variety of other segments. It will be broadcast on public access cable in Columbus and on Ohio State’s on-campus cable channel. Howell plans one more program during winter quarter and two more in the spring. Contact: Jodi Howell, CEO, O-Sizzle, (614) 688-1022.
Labor Advisory Committee to Present Panel Discussion – Jan. 28. The Labor Advisory Committee will present “OSU and Human Rights: What Lies Ahead?” at the Moritz College of Law on Monday, January 28. The panel discussion will feature students who have been involved overseas internships, as well as faculty and staff involved in creating responsible manufacturing guidelines for companies that product Ohio State emblematic products. The event will run from 12:15 to 1:30 in Room 344 of Drinko Hall, and a pizza lunch will be served at noon. For more info: http://trademarklicensing.osu.edu
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; Randy Dunham, (614) 292-8295; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.