science wire

Sustainable Rail International, University of Minnesota Announce Coalition to Develop the World's Cleanest Passenger Locomotive
New steam engine has the potential to change both 'the rail industry and clean energy research Media Note: Images of the cosmetic work performed on the locomotive and historic images of the engine are available by contacting SRI.

Upcoming transportation conference explores role of transitways in maximizing our region's economic competitiveness
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/17/2012) —By 2030, the Minneapolis–St. Paul region is expected to have a network of 14 transitways.

University of Minnesota begins search for new vice president for research
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/17/2012) —University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler has named a search committee to lead a national search for the university's new vice president for research.

University of Minnesota startup to treat challenging bacterial infection
Current treatments often compound problem, potentially making infection lethal MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/16/2012) —A live biological preparation developed by University of Minnesota

Session successes position University of Minnesota to advance research and education missions while restoring infrastructure
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/11/2012) —Minnesota policymakers have approved $64.1 million in bonding and other support this session that will allow the University of Minnesota to advance it

University of Minnesota and Minnesota Vikings reach preliminary agreement for Vikings' use of TCF Bank Stadium
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/10/2012) —The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a Letter of Intent which allows the Vikings' use of TCF Bank Stadium during poten

Registration Now Open for May 22 Sustainability Summit
Paul Hawken to keynote NorthStar Initiative's Solutions Summit 2012 MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/08/2012) —Environmentalist, entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken will present the keynote

Scholarship funds improve access to Science Discovery Summer Camps at the Bell Museum
Minneapolis Foundation and Minnesota Office of Higher Education to help students experience science in a university setting MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/04/2012) —More kids than ever hav

U.S. Court of Appeals rules in favor of the University of Minnesota in case involving the Turkish Coalition of America
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/03/2012) —The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in favor of the university today in a closely watched case involving First Amendment and academic freedom claims.

Minnesota Museums contribute $674 million in economic impact, U study finds
May marks Minnesota Museums Month, the country's first monthlong, statewide celebration of museum s MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/02/2012) —Museums preserve our heritage, inspire artists, entertain and educate children, conserve the natural world and capture scientific advancements.

University of Minnesota launches startup Early Learning Labs
Company is second internal business unit to be spun out of U MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/02/2012) —The University of Minnesota recently launched startup company Early Learning Labs, w

David F. Fisher named executive director of Law School's Corporate Institute
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/01/2012) —David F. Fisher has been appointed Executive Director of the University of Minnesota Law School's recently created Corporate Institute, Law School Dean David Wippman has announced.

Nature Conservancy Leader M. Sanjayan to Speak in Twin Cities May 10
Internationally renowned conservation biologist to headline second in Momentum 2012 event series Media Note: For photographs, Todd Reubold, reub0002 [a] umn (p) edu, (612) 624-6140 For press pas

MCEE to host Personal Finance Decathlon State Championship April 26
Little Falls High School on quest for third consecutive national title Media Note: The Federal Reserve is a secure facility.

Norwood Teague named next director of athletics at University of Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/23/2012) —University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler has named Norwood Teague as the next director of athletics at the University of Minnesota, pending approval by the university's Board of Regents.

Federal and state officials to celebrate opening of high-tech physics lab in northern Minnesota
Massive laboratory will support 15,000-ton particle detector that will help unlock mysteries of the origin of the universe Media Note: Click here to view a gallery of construction photos in Flickr What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the NOvA far detector building.

U of M President Eric Kaler to introduce Norwood Teague as university's next director of athletics at 2:45 p.m. today
Media Note: For electronic media interested in scheduling one-on-one s with Norwood Teague following today's news conference, please Garry Bowman at (612) 875-0154.

Deaf rapper Signmark to perform at the U May 2-3
The University of Minnesota's Office for Equity and Diversity and Disability Services unit welcome Deaf Finnish rapper Signmark to the University of Minnesota campus for two events on May 2 and 3.

University of Minnesota startup offers game-changing energy solutions that reduce CO2 emissions
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/19/2012) —The University of Minnesota has launched a startup that will provide renewable energy more economically than existing alternatives while reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion such as from coal-burning power plants.

Trayvon Martin & Beyond: A Forum on Race, Media, & Criminal Law
What: Panel discussion on the social and legal issues that influence the Trayvon Martin case When: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18th Where: Room 25, Mondale Hall, 229 19th Ave.

A scarcity of college men leads women to choose briefcase over baby, study finds
UMN study finds ratio of men to women dramatically alters women's choices about career and family MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/16/2012) —American women today are more likely to earn coll

More day-tripping, fewer vacation days for families managing four-day school weeks, study says
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/16/2012) —As of 2012, 13 Minnesota school districts have implemented a change to a four-day week.

Board of Regents committee begins review of executive compensation and administrative transitional leave policies on April 26
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/12/2012) —A special committee of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents will begin a review of current university policies on executive compensation and administrative transitional leaves and explore potential changes.

Best-selling author of 'Struck by Lightning: The Curious World of Probabilities' to speak at the U of M April 25
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/12/2012) —Will you ever win the lottery? What are the chances that you would actually get struck by lightning? Is it safe to take that flight across the country

University of Minnesota invention helps advance reliability of alternative energy
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/11/2012) —A University of Minnesota invention could help make storage of solar and wind energy more efficient and economical.

How nanomaterials can help meet global energy needs is focus of upcoming U of M public lecture

U of M staff member Rosemary White Shield receives national appointment, most recent books released
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/03/2012) —Rosemary White Shield, director of evaluation for the University of Minnesota's Office for Equity and Diversity, has been appointed a national expert

'Pluto-killing' astronomer to speak at the U of M April 12
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/03/2012) —The solar system most of us knew growing up included nine planets, with Mercury closest to the sun and Pluto at the outer edge.

Researchers collaborate with Ancestry.com to create the most comprehensive database of the 1940 Census
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/02/2012) —A collaboration between the University of Minnesota and Ancestry.com will create the largest database of detailed information about people and their households ever made available for scientific research.

Geek-chic in full force as Bell Museum hosts 'Bell Social', celebrating artist in residence installation, Freeze Frame: Capturing Nature in Winter

Robots take over U of M sports arenas March 30-31

University of Minnesota Alumnus & GIS pioneer Jack Dangermond to speak at the U of M April 10
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/28/2012) —Jack Dangermond, founder and president of Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute), will give a public lecture, “Mapping and Geographic A

U to host panel discussion today about issues of race and privilege as it relates to domestic human trafficking
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/26/2012) —“Girls Like Us,” a panel discussion regarding issues of race and privilege as they relate to domestic trafficking, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Great Hall, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave.

National Geographic Photographer Paul Nicklen to kick off Momentum 2012 on April 5
Media Note: For press passes, Mary Hoff, maryhoff [a] umn (p) edu, 612-626-2670 MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/26/2012) —National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen kicks off the second

Seed catalogs, Minnesota beginnings, the Green Revolution, and the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible among topics in upcoming U of M Libraries exhibits
Seed catalogs, Minnesota beginnings, the Green Revolution, and the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible among topics in upcoming U of M Libraries exhibits MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/20/

U of M Vice President for Research Tim Mulcahy to retire
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/20/2012) —The University of Minnesota today announced that Vice President for Research Tim Mulcahy will retire in December 2012.

Gates Foundation global development official to speak at U of M March 23
Prabhu Pingali will outline “A Bold Vision for Feeding the World: The Future of Global Agricultural Development” in a speech webcast to students at the University of Western Cape in South

"Flagrant Conduct" by U Law Professor Dale Carpenter Acclaimed in New York Times, New York Review of Books, New Yorker
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/19/2012) —Critics are calling University of Minnesota Law School Professor Dale Carpenter's new release, Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas, a landmark book on a landmark case.

U of M American Indian Studies Department Launches Groundbreaking Online Ojibwe Dictionary
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/14/2012) —The University of Minnesota's Department of American Indian Studies, in the College of Liberal Arts, has launched a ground-breaking online Ojibwe-English dictionary, the Ojibwe People's Dictionary, at http://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/ .

U of M to open American Cultural Center for Sport in China on March 20
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/12/2012) —On March 20 the University of Minnesota will celebrate the grand opening of a unique center that will share U.S. culture with the Chinese people through the medium of sport.

Board of Regents commit to working with U president to ensure prudence in senior leader compensation
Other Board actions: approvals of new Carlson School Dean Zaheer, six-year capital improvement plan MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/09/2012) —During its regular meeting today, the Universit

Sri Zaheer named dean of University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management

Iconoclast Madman George Lois to speak at See Change conference
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/06/2012) —The University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication will host advertising legend George Lois, who will present keynote address at the third annual See Change conference at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 15.

Momentum 2012 Event Series Kicks Off Apr. 5

Classes Without Quizzes features everyday science
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/01/2012) —Climate change, winemaking, healthy eating and invasive species are among the featured topics at this year's “Classes Without Quizzes” on Saturday, March 31 at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus.

Statement by Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen about release of legal opinions in Regent Steve Sviggum conflict of interest matter
Media Note: To request PDF copies of the legal opinions, please the University News Service at (612) 624-5551.

Charter schools still lag behind traditional public schools in test scores and are increasingly segregated by race and income
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/24/2012) —New work, which both updates and supplements a 2008 study by the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota Law School, shows that a

Earthducation Expedition 3 heads to Australia
U of M adventure learning team will explore the links between education and sustainability in far-reaching outposts of the driest inhabited continent MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/17/2012) —How can education advance sustainability?

Cell phone hackers can track your physical location without your knowledge
Using a cheap phone, readily available equipment, and no direct help from a service provider, hackers could listen to unencrypted broadcast messages from cell phone towers MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/16/2012) —Cellular networks leak the locations of cell phone users, allowing a third party to easily track the location of the cell phone user without the user's knowledge, according to new research by computer scientists in the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering.

U of M Water Resources Center to bring LiDAR technology, expertise to natural resource managers throughout Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/16/2012) —The University of Minnesota Water Resources Center (WRC) is offering statewide workshops designed to put the powerful technology of LiDAR in the hands of Minnesota's natural resource practitioners beginning March 12.

Father of the cybercar concept to discuss how new transportation systems shape cities at U of M Center for Transportation Studies event
Who: Michel Parent, scientific adviser, INRIA What: How New Transportation Systems Shape Cities: The Example of Greater Paris When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.

U of M's American Indian Cultural House to host film series
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/13/2012) —The University of Minnesota's American Indian Cultural House will host the third annual American Indian Film Series, with screenings Feb.

Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen's Statement on Regent Sviggum's Employment
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/10/2012) —"As Regents are aware, on January 16, 2012 Regent Steve Sviggum announced that he had accepted employment as Director and Executive Assistant for the Minnesota Senate Majority Caucus.

University of Minnesota selected as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner by Pat Tillman Foundation
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/10/2012) —The Pat Tillman Foundation has chosen the University of Minnesota as a University Partner in support of the Tillman Military Scholars program, which provides educational scholarships for veteran and active servicemembers and their spouses.

44th annual University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show, 'twelve,' hits the runway Feb. 18
Two Saturday evening shows to highlight work by U of M student designers MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/09/2012) —“Twelve,” the 44th annual University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show, will take place on Saturday, Feb.

University of Minnesota and startup to develop antidote to cyanide poisoning
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/09/2012) —Cyanide poisoning is often fatal and typically affects victims of industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or structural fires.

Research to improve the lives of children, families and communities
The new CEHDVision2020 blog offers perspectives on human development across the lifespan MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/09/2012) —The University of Minnesota's College of Education and Hum

University of Minnesota Board of Regents to discuss capital planning and other issues this week
What : University of Minnesota Board of Regents meeting When : Thursday, Feb. 9 and Friday, Feb. 10 Where : 600 McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis During its meetings on Thursday, Feb.

U of M seeks Minnesota National Guard and Reserve families to evaluate parenting resources during and after deployment
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/08/2012) —University of Minnesota researchers are recruiting more than 300 Minnesota National Guard and Reserve families to participate in an ongoing study that

'Physics and Cooking' lecture on Feb. 9 uncovers secrets of top chefs
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/06/2012) —Do you want to understand how (and why) food foams are made or why the elasticity of steak matters?

History of North Minneapolis kicks off U of M's Critical Conversations, public discussions on urban issues and ideas
Event includes screening of TPT/U of M documentary ‘Cornerstones' and community reception MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/06/2012) —The history of Minneapolis's north side is the topi

NorthStar Initiative launches corporate sustainability webinar series
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/03/2012) —The NorthStar Initiative for Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment is launching a free quarterly webina

New U of M video game teaches consequences of distracted driving
Innovative Distraction Dodger game battles leading cause of vehicle crashes MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/01/2012) —Being in a life-threatening vehicle crash due to distracted driving tea

Poet Elizabeth Alexander to appear at the University of Minnesota
Who : Poet Elizabeth Alexander What: Eighth Annual NOMMO African American Authors Series When : Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Where : Cowles Auditorium, Hubert H. Humphrey

Institute for Advanced Study to host panel discussion on why universities should offer more interdisciplinary education opportunities
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/31/2012) —The Institute for Advanced Study will host a forum Monday, February 13 to discuss "Questions Without Borders: Why Future Research and Teaching Will Be Interdisciplinary" from 3:30 to 5 pm in Coffman Union, 300 Washington Avenue S.E., Minneapolis.

Bell Museum Hosts 2nd Annual Sustainability Film Series: Stories From a Changing Planet
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/31/2012) —Beginning February 2, the University's Bell Museum of Natural History and Institute on the Environment are inviting visitors to explore sustainability issues through the medium of film.

U of M Physics Circus brings large-scale stunts and physics lessons to the public Feb. 9
Media Note: Members of the media may attend a daytime school group show at the Minneapolis Convention Center to get photos or video, but please Rhonda Zurn at rzurn [a] umn (p) edu to make arrangements. MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/31/2012) —If you've never seen a physicist drop 20 feet through thin air while a friend shoots a ball at him from a cannon, or grown men and women shooting streams of toilet paper over an audience with a leaf blower, the University of Minnesota Physics Force has a show for you.

University of Minnesota School of Music presents Grammy-winning Parker Quartet Feb. 8

Deputy Secretary of Energy Poneman and Sen. Franken to tour U of M wind energy research station at UMore Park Friday, Jan. 27
Who : Sen. Al Franken, Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman and University of Minnesota Professor Fotis Sotiropoulos What : Tour of University of Minnesota wind energy research station and press availability When : 11 am., Friday, Jan.

U of M survey: Minnesotans predict higher leisure travel spending in 2012
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/23/2012) —A majority of the state's residents spend their leisure time in Minnesota, and 78 percent said they plan to spend as much or more money on leisure travel in 2012 compared to 2011, a new survey by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center reveals.

University of Minnesota unveiled 'Driven to Discover' video contest winners
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/23/2012) —The University of Minnesota today unveiled the winners of its “Driven to Discover” student video contest.

Joint statement from U of M Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen and university General Counsel Mark Rotenberg
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/18/2012) —"It is important to clarify media reports relating to Regent Steve Sviggum's decision to accept a senior staff role with the majority caucus of the Minnesota Senate.

Statement from Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/17/2012) —"Steve Sviggum has a long and distinguished record of public service in the Legislature.

Biologists replicate key evolutionary step
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/17/2012) —More than 500 million years ago, single-celled organisms on the Earth's surface began forming multicellular clusters that ultimately became plants and animals. Just how that happened is a question that has eluded evolutionary biologists. But scientists in the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences have replicated that key step in the laboratory using natural selection and common brewer's yeast, which are single-celled organisms.

EPA administrator to visit the University of Minnesota
Jackson will address the latest national environmental policies and challenges to environmental laws MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/13/2012) —Lisa P. Jackson, administrator of the Un

A Scarcity of Women Leads Men to Spend More, Save Less
University of Minnesota Research Finds Sex Ratios Influence Financial Decisions MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/12/2012) —The perception that women are scarce leads men to become impulsive, save less, and increase borrowing, according to new research from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.

University of Minnesota startup Drive Power uses mobile app DriveScribe to monitor and coach teen driving skills
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/12/2012) —Some 16.5 million drivers are involved in traffic accidents in the United States each year, and more than 12 percent of them are under the age of 20&m

Researchers to be featured on Big Ten Network's new 'Impact the World' series
Biomedical engineer Bin He will be profiled in the premiere episode on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 8:30 p.m. CST MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (01/09/2012) —University of Minnesota researchers will be featured in the Big Ten Network's debut of “Impact the World,” a powerful new original series that highlights the academic side of Big Ten universities.

University of Minnesota School of Music announces spring 2012 events

U of M awarded $15 million grant to implement one of the nation's most comprehensive childhood education programs
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/21/2011) —The University of Minnesota and partners have been awarded an Investing in Innovation or “i3” grant of $15 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education.

Abandoned mines hold potential to capture wind energy
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/16/2011) —Minnesota's Iron Range is pocked with ponds – abandoned open pit mines – that could help energy providers more efficiently use intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind, to meet state renewable energy mandates.

U of M experts weigh in on how to safely consume alcohol; spot and treat alcohol addiction; consequences of drinking and driving
As holiday parties continue to ramp up this season, so will the number of opportunities to consume alcohol.

University of Minnesota to host 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert featuring Committed Jan. 15

Carlson School and Wells Fargo launch Sustainability Initiative
$250,000 grant supports research to help increase consumer demand for 'green' products MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/14/2011) —The University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management h

University of Minnesota Libraries mark 400th anniversary of the King James Bible
The 1611 King James Bible is one of the best known and most frequently printed books in the English language, but most don't know the story behind its creation.

Innovative new approach to industry-funded research announced by U of M
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/09/2011) —The University of Minnesota today announced a new, unique approach to the way The new approach eliminates the need for protracted negotiations over rights to intellectual property that may result from industry-funded research.

U of M study suggests flexible workplaces promote better health behavior and well-being
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/06/2011) —A flexible workplace initiative improved employees' health behavior and well-being, including a rise in the amount and quality of sleep and better health management, according to a new study by University of Minnesota sociology professors Erin Kelly and Phyllis Moen.

Climate change warning deep under the Dead Sea
University of Minnesota professor is part of international team that predicts the volatile region's water may once again vanish MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/05/2011) —An international te

Sustainable urban design expert to argue for "streetcar cities" at U of M Center for Transportation Studies event
Who : Patrick Condon, sustainable urban design expert, professor and senior researcher with the Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia Topic : “Flat City: The

U of M to receive nearly $17 million over the next five years from Dow Chemical Company
New partnership will strengthen research and enable a building expansion MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/01/2011) —The University of Minnesota has finalized an agreement with Dow Chemical Company that will result in the University receiving nearly $17 million over the next five years.

Jim Brandenburg's 'Chased By The Light' returns to Bell Museum of Natural History
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/30/2011) —“Chased By the Light: Jim Brandenburg's 90-Day Photo Journey” comes back to the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History for a new showing that opens Dec.

Central Minnesotans to get first look at scenarios for regional master plan coordinated by U of M
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/30/2011) —Central Minnesotans will meet to vote on four distinct regional possibilities—four futuristic scenarios—for their region's long-term sustainable development at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec.

University of Minnesota hosts Google Chairman Eric Schmidt Nov. 30