Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina people and programs cited recently in the media:
International Coverage
Giving up alcohol can lead to depression
The Telegraph (United Kingdom)
Moderate drinkers who give up alcohol are likely to suffer from mild depression, new research has found. …But, according to a study from the University of North Carolina, becoming suddenly teetotal can reduce the brain’s ability to produce new neurons, cells which have a role in regulating stress levels.
Related Link:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=211262&in_page_id=34
UNC News Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/news/health-and-medicine/unc-study-ties-ending
-moderate-drinking-to-depression.html
National Coverage
American students go for Olympic gold in learning
USA Today
Universities across the country have created study-abroad programs in Beijing this summer focused on learning from the Olympic Games. …Students who are chosen must take weekly quizzes to stay sharp; they travel to Beijing this month to get acquainted with the facilities before they begin work, says Charlie Tuggle, a professor at the University of North Carolina.
A List of Drugs That Increase Falling Risk (Blog)
The New York Times
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have published a lengthy list of prescription drugs that increase the risk of falling among older patients. …But certain types of drugs can also make someone more prone to falling, said Susan Blalock, an associate professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
Related Link:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2008/07/drugs-that-cont.html
UNC News Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/1364/107/
Journalism program to expand with $11 million infusion
The Chicago Tribune
Responding to the current crisis in the news media, two foundations are stepping up their efforts to train a new generation of journalists to reshape the industry. The Carnegie Corp. of New York and the Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation said this week that they will invest more than $11 million to expand their journalism education initiative. They are adding three new schools to the program—University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Arizona State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—bringing total membership to eight universities and one research center, including Northwestern University.
UNC News Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/news/campus-and-community/carnegie-corp.-knight-
foundation-select-unc-journalism-school-for-initiative.html
Regional Coverage
Therapy could save thousands of babies
The Baltimore Sun (Md.)
A new treatment for infants of HIV-positive mothers could prevent hundreds of thousands of infections a year in the developing world, according to a report in today's New England Journal of Medicine. …"This is a landmark study," said Charles van der Horst, an AIDS researcher at the University of North Carolina.
Dangerous diets
The Bulletin (Bend, Ore.)
…“I worry a lot about those people who fly beneath the diagnostic criteria,” said Cynthia Bulik, director of the eating disorders program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They often cannot get insurance coverage to get treatment, Bulik said, and if the pattern continues, the behavior “might be the first step on a slippery slope.”
'Dukes of Hazzard' devotees gather to celebrate the hit 1980s TV show
The Johnstown Breeze (Colorado)
Stuck in what he calls "the Northeast corridor," Billy Shaffer can't turn his back on the three generations of family who have lived in New Jersey. His life is, and will remain, in the North, he says. Yet his heart longs for the Southern red clay roads presided over by the General Lee. …"The appeal of the 'Dukes of Hazzard' is not based on race, but it's much more a conflict between father and son figures and between the sons and the system," says Bill Ferris of the University of North Carolina and coauthor of the "Encyclopedia of Southern Culture."
State and Local Coverage
Thorp takes the reins
The Carrboro Citizen
Chancellor Holden Thorp had a hectic first few days on the job, huddling with faculty members, convening his inaugural meeting with the chancellor’s cabinet, having breakfast with student leaders and picking up the key to South Building from his predecessor. On Wednesday, his schedule took him off campus and onto Franklin Street for lunch with Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy at Sutton’s Drug Store.
Chancellor Thorp Web site:
http://www.unc.edu/chan/chancellors/thorp_holden/080701-firstday.php
Fitting tribute to Carson (Editorial)
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
UNC student body president Eve Carson was tragically killed in a senseless act of violence in March, but her UNC family hasn't allowed her dream of a Junior-Year Merit Scholarship to die. In just four months, more than 1,570 donors have kicked in $318,000 to help fund the scholarship, which was established the day after Carson's murder.
Could Your Prescription Meds Make You Fall?
WNCN-TV (NBC/Raleigh)
Taking four or more medications? You might be at risk for falling — the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for adults 65 and over. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have created a list of prescription drugs to watch out for.
Related Link:
http://www.wchl1360.com/details.html?id=7347
UNC News Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/1364/107/
Get walking
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
It's official — again. Walking is good for you. …First, the obligatory advisory: Before starting any exercise program, see your doctor, advises Logan Rae, fitness director at the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill.
Cool foods pack nutrients too (Column)
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
Like a summertime dip in the pool, few things refresh like a cold meal. That's fortunate, because the cold foods that go down so well in the summer are also perfectly suited to supporting your health and weight control goals. (Suzanne Havala Hobbs is a registered dietitian and a clinical assistant professor in the department of health policy and administration in the school of public health at UNC-Chapel Hill.)
'Destiny Days' at planetarium
The Chapel Hill Herald
UNC Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will present "Destiny Days," a series that offers visitors an insight into its science education outreach initiative, the Destiny traveling science learning program from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday in the center's parking lot at 250 E. Franklin St.
UNC Media Advisory:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/news/destiny-science-bus/unc-planetarium-continues-
series-of-science-days-on-board-destiny-bus.html
Issues and Trends
Mary Easley's raise skirts rules
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
A raise of nearly $80,000 that N.C. State gave to first lady Mary Easley has prompted UNC system officials to review the work contract and others like it, school officials said late Wednesday. …UNC-CH's Kenan-Flagler Business School has several such people, each of whom teaches one course and earns $7,500, the standard university payment for a course taught by an adjunct professor, said Jim Gray, the business school's director of external affairs.