Story Ideas for Media - 03/14/05

News

Veterinary faculty involved in USDA food-safety initiative -- Acute gastroenteritis is the second most common household illness in the United States, with 76 million cases occurring each year. Four faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine are involved in a recently announced USDA-funded program designed to reduce those numbers, called the Food Safety Research and Response Network (FSSRN). Professors Julie Funk, Teresa Morishita, Linda Saif and Tom Wittum are part of a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team of more than 50 food safety experts who will investigate several of the most prevalent food-related illness pathogens, funded by a $5 million grant from the USDA. The network will also serve as a response team in the case of major episodes of food-related illness, agricultural bioterrorism or the deliberate contamination of agricultural commodities. CONTACT: Melissa Lamb Peale, College of Veterinary Medicine, (614) 292-3752.

Experts

Sport psychologist can discuss NCAA committee, issues affecting student athletes -- An Ohio State sport psychologist is heading a new NCAA committee examining depression and other mental health issues among collegiate student athletes. Sam Maniar, with the OSU Sports Medicine & Family Health Center and chair of the six-person committee, can discuss issues that may affect student athletes. Maniar said the NCAA wants the committee to develop guidelines that collegiate coaches and trainers can use to detect mental health problems among their athletes. The committee will also consider other recommendations, such as whether student athletes should be screened for mental health problems before they compete. Maniar and Jennifer Carter, another Ohio State sports psychologist who is on the committee, have conducted research that suggests about 15 percent of student athletes suffer from depression – a rate similar to that of other students. CONTACT: Sam Maniar, OSU Sports Medicine & Family Health Center,(614) 293-2440; or Jeff Grabmeier, University Relations,(614) 292-8457.

Expert can discuss looming Alzheimer's Disease crisis in Ohio -- As a part of the university's commemoration of Brain Awareness Week, Jeff Kuret, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry, is available to discuss how Alzheimer's Disease is "a looming crisis of the 21st Century" in Ohio and the rest of the nation. Ohio is one of the top seven states in the nation in the number of Alzeheimer's cases, Kuret says, and statistics suggest 1 in 50 Ohioans will have the disease by 2050. Kuret can discuss recent research on the influence of aging, genetics and environment on the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease, and future prospects for therapy. CONTACT: Jeff Grabmeier, University Relations, (614) 292-8457.

Retired judge available to discuss bankruptcy reform legislation -- William T. Bodoh, adjunct professor at the Moritz College of Law and retired federal bankruptcy court judge, is available to discuss the bankruptcy reform bill that was passed by the U.S. Senate last week. Bodoh can talk about the process that Congress has followed in attempts to enact the latest iteration of bankruptcy reform. He can also review its criticism by legal scholars, judges and attorneys and answer general questions regarding the remedies suggested by the legislation as well as the assumptions on which Congress relied in considering this legislation. Bodoh is also Counsel for Frost Brown LLC in Columbus. He served as a judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio for 18 1/2 years. CONTACT: William T. Bodoh, Moritz College of Law, (614) 464-1211; or Liz Cutler Gates, Moritz College of Law, (614) 292-0283.

Research

Man-made wetland's effectiveness similar to natural marsh -- Researchers who studied a man-made wetland in Ohio for two years concluded that the created wetland filtered and cleaned water as well as or better than would a natural marsh. The wetland, which was built in an agricultural area, reduced levels of phosphorus by nearly 60 percent and nitrates by 40 percent, said William Mitsch, a study co-author and director of the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park. Phosphorus and nitrates are prime ingredients in both fertilizers and in water pollution. High levels of these nutrients can cause algae to flourish, often to the detriment of fish and other animals that depend on waterways for survival. For more information, see http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/creatwet.htm CONTACT: William Mitsch, Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, (614) 292-9774; or Holly Wagner, University Relations, (614) 292-8310.

Service

Alternative spring break trips focus on community service, diversity -- Rather than lounging on beaches, more than 150 students will learn first-hand the importance of community service and diversity through the alternative spring break trips offered by The Ohio State University. Students will travel to places such as New York; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; and London to participate in a variety of activities, including preparing and delivering meals to people with HIV/AIDS, volunteering in a hospice, cleaning a state park and visiting the British League of Muslims. Trips are organized by the Ohio Union and the Office of Residence Education. CONTACT: Jessica Sherrick, University Relations, (614) 292-9185.

Events

Lecture, COSI display highlight Brain Awareness Week – Through March 20. -- The university is sponsoring events in commemoration of Brain Awareness Week 2005, which runs March 14-20.
• Jeff Kuret, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry, will speak at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (3/15) in room 14 of University Hall. His talk is titled "Am I just getting older or is it Alzheimer's disease? Research into the causes and treatment of dementia." The lecture is free and open to the public.
• A special display at COSI, 333 W. Broad St., will feature brain models, video demonstrations, games, and actual brains from several different animal species, including humans. The display, which is included with the price of admission to COSI, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday (3/16) through Saturday (3/19) and from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday (3/20).
CONTACT: Jeff Grabmeier, University Relations, (614) 292-8457.

Scientific literacy advocate will give commencement address – March 20. -- Eugenie C. Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education Inc., (NCSE) will deliver the winter quarter commencement address on Sunday (3/20) at St. John Arena. Scott also will receive the honorary Doctor of Science degree during the ceremony. Approximately 1,600 degrees will be awarded during the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. Scott is considered one of the most active and articulate proponents for scientific literacy in the country. In 1987, she became executive director of NCSE, a pro-evolution, nonprofit organization comprised of scientists and teachers dedicated to improving scientific literacy. Parking is free at any of the university lots or garages. CONTACT: Amy Murray, University Relations, (614) 292-8385.

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; Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.