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

News

Black raspberries found to be powerful agent against colon cancer – There is a potentially powerful biological weapon for health – a mix of compounds suspected of thwarting colon cancer -- hiding deep inside the juicy sweetness of a black raspberry. And if it can be harnessed, it could play a major role in preventing the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In a recent study, rats that were injected with a cancer-causing agent and then fed a berry-rich diet had 80 percent fewer malignant tumors compared to rats that had no berries in their diet. For years, scientists have touted the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. They’re only now starting to gain an understanding of what compounds give certain foods a healthful edge. Black raspberries are rich in several substances thought to have cancer-preventing properties, said Gary Stoner, a study co-author and a professor of public health at Ohio State University. Stoner is also a researcher at the university’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Such substances are called antioxidants. The researchers also compared the antioxidant activity of black raspberries to that of blueberries and strawberries, two fruits with suspected chemopreventive effects. Black raspberries prevailed in the comparison by as much as 40 percent. “We were surprised by how much difference there was between the antioxidant activity of the raspberries vs. the other fruits,” Stoner said. The research appears in the current issue of the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Contact: Gary Stoner, 614-293-3713; Stoner.21@osu.edu; see
http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/brberry.htm

Experts

Agri-terrorism in Ohio – Just how prepared local and state agencies would be in the face of an agri-terrorism threat is the focus of a new Ohio State University study. The study, “State and Local Preparedness for Agricultural Terrorism,” will bring together officials to discuss targets for potential terrorism and the appropriate responses to those threats or attacks at the local and state levels. The goal of the study is to produce detailed reports on preparedness issues and make recommendations to improve communications, planning and preparations.
“Agricultural terrorism can have many sources not only outside this country, but inside as well,” said Joe Donnermeyer, an Ohio State criminologist and head of the project. “Agriculture is the state's largest industry and any attack on the industry would be economically damaging. We not only must think about threats to our livestock but to all aspects of the food and fiber system. What about water safety, field crops, and retail and wholesale food processing? These are huge areas that must be considered as targets of terrorism.” Donnermeyer, a professor of human and community resource development in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, says while the incidence of an agri-terrorism attack remains highly improbably, it’s a good idea to stop and consider the situation. Contact: Joe Donnermeyer, (614) 292-9167, donnermeyer.1@osu.edu

Events

OSU hosts Big 10, Statewide & Beyond Conference – May 7. Ohio State's most comprehensive conference focusing on issues of diversity and inclusion takes place on Tuesday (5/7) at the Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road. The 8th annual Big 10, Statewide & Beyond Conference, sponsored by Ohio State's Office of Minority Affairs, begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Tavis Smiley, host of “Tavis Talks” on National Public Radio and a contributor for several other national broadcast news programs, will deliver the keynote address at 1:45 p.m. Smiley will address the conference theme: “Racial Legacies & Learning, IV: Moving the Nation's Diversity Agenda Forward.” Administrators, faculty, staff and students from institutions in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, plus corporate and community leaders, are expected to attend the conference. Following a 9 a.m. panel discussion, attendees can choose from 17 breakout sessions on diversity and cultural inclusion issues in higher education, corporate and public service settings, including “Impact of Boycotts on Diversity in Cincinnati & South Carolina,” and “The Mascot Issue: Images of Honor or Symbols of Oppression” (at 10:15 a.m.); and “Affirmative Action in Admissions,” and “Importance of Diversity in Government” (at 11:25 a.m.). The complete schedule is on the conference website http://oma.ohio-state.edu/spprogs/BigTen/index.htm Contact: Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.

The impact of Sept. 11 is topic of keynote – May 9. Ohio State celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. Keynote speaker Helen Zia will discuss the legacy of Vincent Chen, its relationship to the events of Sept. 11, and its effects on Asian Americans. Zia will deliver the address from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Hitchcock Hall. Zia is co-author, with Wen Ho Lee, of “My Country Versus Me,” which reveals what happened to the Los Alamos scientist who was falsely accused of being a spy for China. Contact: Nancy Yan, Asian American Student Services, (614) 247-6024.

Ohio State to host 54th Annual State Science Day – May 11. Over 870 students in grades 7-12 from across Ohio will exhibit their science research projects at the 54th annual State Science Day on Saturday (5/11) at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The students will compete for nearly 100 scholarships and awards valued at more than $500,000. Ohio Gov. Bob Taft will present students with Governor's Awards for Excellence in Student Research in categories that include agriculture and food science, biotechnology, environmental science, information science and technology, manufacturing sciences, materials science, recycling and litter prevention, and water resources research. The academic equivalent of a state athletic championship, this year’s event is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Drawing from a base of 35,000 student participants at more than 1,000 local science fairs, approximately 870 seventh- to 12th-grade students from nearly 300 schools will be evaluated on their scientific research and communication skills. Contact: Mr. Lynn Elfner, Ohio Academy of Science, at (614) 488-2228.

Computer causing eye problems? New OSU clinic can help – The Ohio State University College of Optometry has opened a new Computer Eye Clinic. This new clinic offers advanced care for computer-using patients while enabling students to observe workplace habits first hand. Approximately one in six optometric patients schedule their eye examination because of computer-related eye problems. The problems often require secondary care testing of vision function, dry eyes, and/or prescription of computer glasses. Also, many of the problems are related to workplace factors. The facility allows optometry students to analyze and recommend workplace changes that will improve visual comfort as well as other musculoskeletal problems. The clinic is located at 320 W. 10th Avenue. Contact: Karen Greene, College of Optometry, 614-292-0818.