Story Ideas for Media 1/11/10 - 01/11/10

News

2009 Food Code changed thanks to Ohio State research. The Food and Drug Administration's new Food Code includes a provision that is the direct result of research conducted by an Ohio State University food scientist. Diners who don't appreciate the subtle flavor of sanitizers accompanying their entree will benefit.
Melvin Pascall, professor of food science and technology, has made a career of finding ways to improve safety and efficiency in removing food particles, bacteria and other pathogens from dishes and utensils at restaurants and other food service operations. Because of his work, the Food Code now allows such operations to conduct a final rinse after sanitizing dishes.
“To clean tableware items, the 2005 Food Code said that they must be washed, rinsed and sanitized, and that's the end,” said Pascall. “Restaurants couldn't rinse the sanitizer off. The idea was not to allow bacteria to be reintroduced and not to delay drying time. But a complaint was cropping up -- patrons complained that they were tasting the sanitizer.” SEE: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=5491

Research

Ohio State study shows key role environment plays in developing reading skills. While genetics play a key role in children’s initial reading skills, a new study of twins is the first to demonstrate that environment plays an important role in reading growth over time.
The results give further evidence that children can make gains in reading during their early school years, above and beyond the important genetic factors that influence differences in reading, said Stephen Petrill, lead author of the study and professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University.
“We certainly have to take more seriously genetic influences on learning, but children who come into school with poor reading skills can make strides with proper instruction,” Petrill said. CONTACT: Jeff Grabmeier, (614) 292-8457; grabmeier.1@osu.edu. SEE: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/readingskills.htm

Events

Lecture looks at civil rights in America – Jan 12. Melissa Harris-Lacewell will discuss “Civil Rights in America: African-American and GLBT Communities’ Struggles for Equality” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (1/12) in the Moritz College of Law. Harris-Lacewell is an associate professor of politics and African American studies at Princeton University and the author of the award-winning book, Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought. CONTACT: Kevin Freeman at mailto:freeman.259@osu.edu

Radio, business mogul Cathy Hughes is keynote speaker for King Celebration – Jan. 13. Cathy Hughes, touted as one of the most powerful women in radio, will deliver the keynote address as Ohio State celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 7 p.m. Wednesday (1/13) at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Hughes launched one of the nation’s largest radio broadcasting companies now heard on 53 stations in 16 urban markets in addition to TV One, the first cable network programming primarily to African-Americans. The Ohio State African American Gospel Choir will also perform. Admission is free and open to the public. CONTACT: Larry Williamson, Hale Black Cultural Center, (614) 292-0074 or Williamson.1@osu.edu

Ohio State marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day with service – Jan. 18. Ohio State will commemorate the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day as students volunteer to “Make It A Day ON, Not A Day OFF.” To honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, the MLK Day of Service is brings together hundreds of Ohio State students and community members for a morning of community service in honor of King. Volunteers will check in for their assignments at 9 a.m. at Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave. SEE: http://ohiounion.osu.edu/article.asp?section=other&id=359&type=38

The person listed as the CONTACT will have the most current information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story: Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; Shelly Hoffman, (614) 247-4748; Jim Lynch, (614) 247-4110; or Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385.