A Sampling of Clips for
November 6th, 2006
* UCSD faculty and staff may obtain a copy of an article by e-mailing the University Communications Office
Solving
the SIDS Mystery
U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 5 -- Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, working with colleagues at UCSD's School of Medicine and other institutions have unearthed the strongest evidence yet that the brain region that controls breathing develops abnormally in many infants who die of SIDS. More
G.O.P. Glum as It Struggles to Hold Congress
The New York Times, Nov. 4 -- The battle for Congress rolled into a climactic final weekend with Republican Party leaders saying the best outcome they could foresee was losing 12 seats in the House. But they were increasingly steeling themselves for the loss of at least 15 seats and therefore control of the House for the first time in 12 years. (Quotes UCSD political scientist Gary Jacobson) More
Similar stories in
Christian Science Monitor
NPR
Against Lawmakers' Designs,
California Has Contested House Races
San Francisco Chronicle, Nov 5 -- California's 53 House seats are so gerrymandered that for the last two election cycles not a single one changed party hands. But in recent weeks, as the governor's race has grown dull and predictable, two Northern California congressional districts have produced something unexpected: hard-fought and exciting competitions. (Quotes UCSD political scientist Gary Jacobson) More
And Now, Back to the War
The Washington Post, Opinion, Nov. 6 -- The news has been dominated by elections and Iraq. After tomorrow, there will be only Iraq. The nation should begin by considering the leading authorities on civil wars -- Oxford's Paul Collier, Stanford's James Fearon and Barbara Walter of UCSD -- even if their thoughts are dispiriting. More
Lately, Angelides Connects with Voters
Los Angeles Times, Nov. 4 -- Three times this week state Treasurer Phil Angelides has forgone rallies and news conferences for town hall-style meetings, and at each event he has managed to break through the nerdish, policy-wonk persona that has defined his candidacy and has given people a sense of the candidate they otherwise did not know. (Quotes UCSD political scientist Gary Jacobson) More
Looking for Smarts Between the Genes
ScienceNOW, Nov. 3 -- When it comes to separating humans from other animals, researchers agree that it's what's between the ears that counts most. Indeed, changes in brain-related genes appear to explain the often vast differences between human and chimp cognition. Now scientists have discovered that the spaces between these genes can be just as important. (Quotes Ajit Varki, a UCSD molecular biologist) More
Social Birds
Living on Earth, PRI, Nov. 3 -- Scientists at UCSD are studying birds to better understand why certain people flock together and others prefer the life of a loner. They found the secret lies deep in our brains. More
Doctors Must Tread Gray Area
to Recommend Pot for Patients
San Jose Mercury News, Nov. 5 -- One outgrowth of Proposition 215 was the creation of a state-funded research center at UCSD that has jump-started federally supported clinical trials on the uses and risks of medical marijuana. Igor Grant, director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, said the results have been promising. More
Similar story in
North County Times
Doc-in-a-box
San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 5 -- With consumers looking to keep their health-care costs as low as possible, and a shortage of physicians, a handful of companies have opened at least 186 walk-in medical clinics across the country in CVS pharmacies, Longs Drug Stores, Wal-Mart Stores and other retail locations. (Quotes Joseph Scherger, a UCSD family medicine physician) More
Questions for Dr. James Dunford
Voice of San Diego, Nov. 4 -- Dr. James Dunford is one of those people who wears two pagers on his belt. As the medical director of the city's emergency medical service and a professor of clinical medicine and surgery at UCSD, he's that important and that busy. More
New Vaccine Can Prevent Pain of Shingles
North County Times, Nov. 4 -- A new vaccine for shingles, Zostavax, was approved for sale in May by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. On Oct. 25, the vaccine was recommended for those 60 and older by a panel of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine was tested in a large study led by Dr. Michael N. Oxman at the San Diego VA Healthcare System and UCSD. More
From Israel to S.D.
San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 5 – The Museum of Man is partnering with the National Geographic Society to present a display of pre-biblical archaeology from Israel. Called “Journey to the Copper Age,” it will consist of artifacts never before seen outside of Israel, the museum says.The exhibit is based on a National Geographic expedition led by San Diego archeologist Thomas Levy, a UCSD professor. More
Tritons Do What's Natural: Win Games
San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 5 -- With an offense that controlled the ball – and with it, the tempo – and a defense that afforded the Redhawks few clean chances, the Tritons rolled into the national quarterfinals Friday. With three more wins, UCSD would clinch its third Division II national title. More
Con: More Problems
than Solutions with Prop 90
Voice of San Diego, Opinion, Nov. 4 -- The ostensible purpose of Proposition 90 is indeed modest: it strives to limit the range of cases in which government can use eminent domain, the power to force people to sell their property. But Prop 90 -- the "Protect Our Homes Act" -- is a deceptive mess. (Written by Parke Troutman, who received his doctorate in sociology from UCSD in 2004 and currently teaches there) More