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Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina people and programs cited recently in the media:

International Coverage

Trans fat linked to higher stoke risk
United Press International

U.S. researchers say increased dietary fat increased ischemic stroke risk — caused by a blood clot — in post-menopausal women. Researchers at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill also linked a 30 percent increased incidence in this type of stroke caused by brain blockages to eating trans fats — often found in processed foods and fried foods. "I think our findings support the American Heart Association recommendations for keeping trans fat intake at less than 1 percent of energy (calories)," study senior author Dr. Ka He said in a statement.

National Coverage

Exploring links between genes, violence, environment
The Chicago Tribune

…Scientists have not found a "violence gene" dooming its unlucky owners to a life of mayhem. Nor do they expect to unearth one. Instead they are attempting to tease out the complex interactions among genetics, environmental influences and violence — the idea that certain genetic traits, when combined with life experiences, can help propel a person toward a life of crime…."The prominent mood in genetic studies is cautious," said University of North Carolina sociologist Guang Guo, who did a study of 1,000 men that found that several genetic variations were linked to delinquency and social factors. The study was published in 2008 in the journal American Sociological Review.

State and Local Coverage

UNC earns national nod for service
WRAL.com

Congressman David Price will be on hand Friday when the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill is named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. UNC is one of only six colleges and universities in the country to receive the award, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.
Related Link:
http://wchl1360.com/detailswide.html?id=13659
http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/higher_ed_honorroll_UNC.asp

Too few African American mothers try breastfeeding
The Herald-Sun (Durham)

When we think of health disparities affecting African Americans in the United States today, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension usually top the list. But have you ever thought of breastfeeding? …The Breastfeeding Education and Support Team (B.E.S.T.) For Babies Alliance, a community-based participatory research project of the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the Community Health Coalition Inc. were created to address the breastfeeding disparity of African Americans in Durham County.

A chemical that shouldn't be in breast milk (Opinion-Editorial Column)
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Last week, a friend e-mailed us a disturbing new scientific study titled "Younger mothers' breast milk has highest levels of flame retardants." According to researchers at the UNC School of Public Health, nearly three-quarters of 300 North Carolina mothers studied had some amount of toxic flame-retardants, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in their breast milk.

Rep. Myrick meets with Muslims in town hall meeting
The Associated Press

…A study released last month by researchers at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill found 139 Muslim-Americans involved in alleged or confirmed terrorism incidents since Sept. 11, 2001, out of a national Muslim-American population of more than 3 million. "We have a problem," said David Schanzer, lead author of the study and director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security. "It's important to keep it in perspective in its size and dangerousness, which I think are generally overblown."

Broadband proposal gains broader support
The Daily Advance (Elizabeth City)

A proposal to bring broadband services to northeastern North Carolina has expanded and gained supporters as the deadline approaches for submitting the second round of proposals for stimulus funding. A proposal put together by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise now has a new lead partner in the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina.

Mayor's power questioned
The Daily Advance (Elizabeth City)

Elizabeth City Mayor Roger McLean’s plan to delay action on a traffic circle at the intersection by Museum of the Albemarle and Charles Street Park by withholding his signature from a contract fails to pass muster with a leading expert in municipal law. …But Frayda S. Bluestein, professor of public law and government at the School of Government of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said in an e-mail response to a question from The Daily Advance that neither individual councilors nor the mayor generally have authority to instruct employees to act or not act “unless that authority has been delegated by a majority of the board.”

Foreclosure proceeds on Spellman property
The Daily Advance (Elizabeth City)

Elizabeth City officials’ decision to waive more than $4,000 in interest owed on the 2000 demolition of a historic house on South Road Street was not enough to stop foreclosure on the property. …A spokeswoman for the N.C. Local Government Commission reported Wednesday that the LGC had learned from a local government finance expert at the School of Government of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that the city was within its authority to forgive the interest on the special assessments. In addition, the LGC was told by the School of Government that whether or not the city was allowed to charge interest depended on the wording of the resolution that authorized the demolition assessment.

UNC taking positive steps (Editorial)
The Chapel Hill Herald

With its animal research facility in Bingham Township fast becoming a public relations liability, not to mention a potential source of contaminant to Collins Creek, a tributary of the Haw River that feeds the drinking supply drawn from Jordan Lake, UNC took the prudent step of closing the operation in the hopes of fixing the problems. …It is encouraging that UNC officials met with neighbors this week. And it is exceptional good form and wise leadership on the part of Chancellor Holden Thorp that he visited the site personally, then agreed with the contention of worried residents.

Garden named for Eve Carson to be dedicated Thursday
The Chapel Hill Herald

Eve Carson, the former student body president at UNC who was slain in March 2008, will be honored by the university next week with the dedication of the new Eve Marie Carson Garden. The garden, which will honor all UNC students, past and future, who die before they graduate, will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday at the garden, located on Polk Place off Cameron Avenue behind the Campus Y.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/3379/75/

Symphony to team up with PlayMakers and Marsalis
The Herald-Sun (Durham)

A collaboration with PlayMakers Repertory Company of UNC and a fundraiser for the orchestra featuring Durham saxophonist Branford Marsalis are among the highlights of the North Carolina Symphony’s 2010-2011 season.

Dr. Demento to Lecture on Music at UNC
WCHL 1360-AM (Chapel Hill)

This Friday, the man who put Weird Al Yankovic on the map will lecture in Wilson Library on UNC’s campus. No, really. Dr. Demento says the novelty song genre has been around a lot longer than he has. That history will be his focus in his lecture Friday at Wilson Library at UNC. Dr. D, as he prefers to be called, has been putting on his radio show since 1970.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/3337/66/

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