Untitled Document

-more-

Ohio
State's news, experts and events give you more on the news

News

Ohio State engineers make strong, environmentally friendly plastic foams – Ohio State University engineers have found a way to make dense plastic foam that may replace solid plastic in the future. The engineers have also developed innovative manufacturing techniques to eliminate the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in foam production. The announcement may provide a boost to the $2 billion per year American plastic foam industry. While the industry is trying to develop new applications for foam, it must also meet new international environmental standards that will go into effect in 2010. L. James Lee, a professor of chemical engineering at Ohio State, and his colleagues unveiled a dense new foam material reinforced with tiny clay particles. They also reported early success in their efforts to replace the CFCs in plastic foam with carbon dioxide. Contact: L. James Lee, (614) 292-2408;
see
http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/nanoclay.htm

Experts

Bad labor market linked to higher crime rates – A new study provides some of the best evidence to date that low wages and unemployment make less-educated men more likely to turn to crime. Researchers examined national crime rates between 1979 and 1997 and found much of the increase in crime during that period can be explained by falling wages and rising unemployment among men without college educations. While politicians have focused on crime-fighting initiatives as central to controlling crime, this study shows that the impact of labor markets should not be overlooked, said Bruce Weinberg, co-author of the study and associate professor of economics at Ohio State University. “Public officials can put more cops on the beat, pass tougher sentencing laws, and take other steps to reduce crime, but there are limits to how much these can do,” he said. “We found that a bad labor market has a profound impact on the crime rates.” Contact:Bruce Weinberg, (614) 292-5642; see
http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/crimwage.htm

Events

Global experts to debate latest angiogenesis advances – April 16. Scientists from around the world will be in Columbus on Tuesday (4/16) to discuss the latest developments in angiogenesis research. The workshop is taking place at the newly opened Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute on The Ohio State University medical campus. The program, “Novel Angiogenic Mechanisms,” will include researchers from Italy, Switzerland, Germany and the USA. Reporters interested in reporting on the most recent developments in angiogenesis, in particular research into “non-sprouting” mechanisms that offer the potential for safe and effective manipulation of new blood vessel formation in patients with heart, eye, and other diseases, are invited to attend. The workshop is being held in room 215 of the Heart and Lung Research Institute, 473 W. 12th Ave. Reporters may cover any portion of the symposium. The agenda is at:
http://heartlung.osu.edu/angiosymp/agenda.html
Contact:David Crawford, Medical Center Communications, 614-293-3737.

Diversity Lecture Series looks at ‘growing up queerly’ – April 16. James Sears, activist, scholar and author in gay studies will present “Growing Up Queerly,” at 9 a.m. Tuesday (4/16) in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High Street. The Diversity Lecture series, a component of Ohio State’s Diversity Action Plan, is sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Academic Affairs. Contact:Frank W. Hale Jr. (614) 688-4255

Latino Ohio conference offers info on state’s growing Latino population – April 18-19. Ohio State is putting on a two-day conference titled “Latino Ohio: Working with the State’s Migrant and Immigrant Populations.” Sponsored by seven university departments, it takes place on Thursday and Friday (4/18-19) at the Ramada East-Airport Hotel. The conference is for Ohio State employees and community organizations that are working, or want to work with this growing Ohio population. Speakers include Ohio State faculty with expertise in cultural awareness and Latino cultures. The agenda is available at
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~osucares/latino_ohio.htm
Contact:: Karen Bruns, OSU CARES, (614) 292-9613.

The future is here: See the latest equipment for those with disabilities – April 18. Computers that read and write, special telephones and other devices for persons with disabilities will be on display as Ohio State’s Office for Disability Services opens its new Adaptive Technology Lab. The newly expanded and renovated Adaptive Technology Training Center will be open for tours and demonstrations from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday (4/18) in 102 Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Ave. The open house includes tours and hands-on demonstrations of the latest in adaptive technology and software for persons with disabilities. The open house is part of Ohio State’s celebration of Disability Awareness month. Contact:Ann Yurcisin, Office for Disability Services, (614) 292-3307.

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; Randy Dunham, (614) 292-8295; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821. Find out more information about Ohio State at
http://www.osu.edu