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A school's scholastic success can keep kids from drugs, alcohol

Published: March 31 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In building a culture where even the most underprivileged students can achieve academic success, schools may be able to inadvertently stymie another problem: drug and alcohol use.

A school’s scholastic success can keep kids from drugs, alcohol

Published: March 31 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In building a culture where even the most underprivileged students can achieve academic success, schools may be able to inadvertently stymie another problem: drug and alcohol use.

Teen Drug Use

Published: March 31 2011

Experts say teen drug and alcohol use has surged in recent years, but many parents struggle to help their kids deal with the problem. Now a new University of Florida study says school can make a big difference in teens’ lives outside the classroom.

Study finds UF has $8.76 billion economic impact on Florida

Published: March 30 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s economic importance in Florida has continued to grow in recent years, thanks to an increase in research grants and rising demand for health care services, according to a new study by UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

New UF-created technique may help quell cholera outbreak

Published: March 30 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new technique honed by University of Florida scientists can track rapid molecular changes that occur in cholera strains during epidemics and researchers hope the genetic analysis will help stamp out such outbreaks.

UF study names new genus of 125-million-year-old eudicot from China

Published: March 30 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A researcher has helped describe the earliest known fossil remains of a flowering plant from China that has a direct evolutionary relationship with most plants humans depend on today.

Florida's consumer confidence wanes as events unravel overseas

Published: March 29 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians dropped four points in March to 72 as many economic indicators for Florida continue to show signs of weakness, according to a new University of Florida survey.

Gainesville area parents and providers get extra coaching at G.A.T.O.R. conference

Published: March 29 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Parents and providers from Gainesville and the surrounding areas are invited to learn a lesson or two about taking care of their teeny toddlers at this weekend’s Guiding and Teaching Our Remarkable Children (G.A.T.O.R.) conference.

It's time again to read and bake

Published: March 28 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. —Book readers and book eaters can get ready for the ninth annual Read-A-Thon and the fifth annual Edible Book Contest.

Panel looks at Haitian labor conditions, human trafficking in Florida

Published: March 28 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As part of 2011 National Farm Worker Awareness week, the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida is sponsoring a panel discussion March 30 titled “Haitian Labor Enslaved: From Haiti to Florida!”

Florida Climate Institute seminar features NOAA Director

Published: March 28 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Climate Institute Distinguished Scholar Seminar will feature Chet Koblinsky, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Program Office, presenting a seminar “Climate Information in Public Interest: Building the Network,” Thursday, at 3 p.m., UF’s SmathersLibrary Room A1.

Campus Earth Day event and Earth Hour activities mark times for reflection, action

Published: March 25 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Office of Sustainability will host its annual Campus Earth Day event on April 1, with various activities throughout the day. This weekend, lights will go out on some buildings on campus to recognize Earth Hour.

UF students develop design ideas for Alachua County Resource Recovery Park

Published: March 24 2011

Media advisory

UF professor named Leopold Leadership Fellow

Published: March 24 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida professor has been named a 2011 Leopold Leadership Fellow — becoming only the third professor in Florida to achieve the honor.

Asbury Park Press Named 25th Annual Brechner Award Winner

Published: March 24 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Asbury Park Press has been named the winner of the 2010 Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Award for exposing questionable use of taxpayer dollars in New Jersey and how that state’s property tax system harms the economy. In addition, the Asbury Park Press raised awareness of a gap in the public records law that allows cities to delegate duties to private vendors, who in turn charge high fees for public information.

Conference offers guidance on morphing music industry

Published: March 23 2011

Trio of acclaimed musicians perform together April 3

Published: March 23 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Each masters of their particular genre of music, Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer join musical forces for Melody of Rhythm on April 3 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Vibration helps reduce pain in chronic sufferers, UF researchers find

Published: March 22 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rubbing or massaging is often an instinctive response to pain. Now researchers have found that another kind of touch, vibration, can also help reduce certain types of pain by more than 40 percent. The researchers are encouraged by the prospect that vibration therapies could bring pill-free pain relief to chronic sufferers.

Multimedia: Vibration helps reduce pain in chronic sufferers, UF researchers find

Published: March 22 2011

Photographer to give special presentation at Florida Museum March 31

Published: March 22 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for a special presentation by University of Florida alumnus and conservation photographer Carlton Ward, Jr. from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. March 31.

SIFE to provide help to unemployed local residents

Published: March 22 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida’s Students in Free Enterprise are helping unemployed Gainesville residents become competitive job applicants.

Alpha Epsilon Pi holds bake-off for charity

Published: March 21 2011

UF researcher: Flowering plant study 'catches evolution in the act'

Published: March 17 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new University of Florida study shows when two flowering plants are crossed to produce a new hybrid, the new species' genes are reset, allowing for greater genetic variation.

'Ecopreneur' to speak at UF about rethinking waste, seizing opportunities

Published: March 17 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tom Szaky, co-founder and chief executive officer of TerraCycle, will talk about sustainable innovation and entrepreneurism at 7 p.m. March 22 in the University of Florida's Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

University of Florida celebrates 80 years of Latin American studies

Published: March 17 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida celebrates 80 years of teaching, research and service in Latin American studies with a series of public events March 24-26.

Repurposed transplant drug gives hope to women with fatal lung disease

Published: March 17 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A drug typically used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients has been shown to reverse the progress of an often fatal lung disease in women, according to findings published March 16 in the online edition of The New England Journal of Medicine.

New Asian art wing to open next spring at Harn Museum

Published: March 16 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida announced that it will open its 26,000-square-foot Asian art wing to the public in spring 2012.

UF researchers suspect bacterial changes in mouth promote oral disease in people with HIV

Published: March 16 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Oral disease occurs commonly and progresses rapidly among people who have HIV, but the process is poorly understood. Researchers suspect that the culprit is a change in the makeup of bacterial communities that live in the mouth.

Medical student residencies to be unveiled on Match Day

Published: March 16 2011

Media advisory

Bob Graham Center hosts renowned political philosopher

Published: March 16 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Author and Harvard University professor Michael Sandel brings his unique approach to examining the most hotly contested moral and political issues of our times to the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service March 22.

Multimedia: UF study: College students often miss mark when reporting 'normal' hearing

Published: March 15 2011


UF study: College students often miss mark when reporting 'normal' hearing

Published: March 15 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Some college students who think they have normal hearing may actually be overestimating their abilities. In a University of Florida study of college students who believed they had normal hearing, one-quarter did not have normal hearing sensitivity.

UF study: College students often miss mark when reporting ‘normal’ hearing

Published: March 15 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Some college students who think they have normal hearing may actually be overestimating their abilities. In a University of Florida study of college students who believed they had normal hearing, one-quarter did not have normal hearing sensitivity.

Popular Jewish musician Matisyahu to visit UF

Published: March 15 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Reggae artist and Hasidic American Matisyahu will appear at 8 p.m. March 16 in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, as part of Student Government’s celebration of Jewish Awareness Month.

Florida Museum 'Barrier Islands' painting exhibit opens March 17

Published: March 11 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Explore the Florida Museum of Natural History's newest exhibit, "Barrier Islands: Creations of Tide and Time" from March 17 through June 26.

Museum offers play day for students March 25

Published: March 11 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register now for “Antarctic Expedition,” the Florida Museum of Natural History’s next “Playful Escape,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 25.

Florida Master Money Mentor program helping Floridians manage finances

Published: March 10 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida program in partnership with Bank of America aimed at providing financial mentoring to underserved Florida residents is producing encouraging results going into its second year.

UF to host qualifying tourney for business ethics competition

Published: March 10 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Warrington College of Business Administration at the University of Florida will host an inaugural national qualifying tournament April 22-23 for the Intercollegiate Business Ethics Case Competition.

Museum fundraiser goes for cowboy theme

Published: March 9 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Grab your boots and join honorary chairwoman Chris Machen for “Passport to Cowboy Florida,” the Florida Museum of Natural History’s annual fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 19.

FTC commissioner to discuss global competition policy standards

Published: March 9 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A current commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission will speak at the University of Florida Levin College of Law at noon March 14 in the new courtroom at the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center.

New UF study shows some sharks follow 'mental map' to navigate seas

Published: March 9 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new study led by a University of Florida researcher uses tracking data of three shark species to provide the first evidence some of the fish swim directly to targeted locations.

UF professor speaks on medieval history of Eastern Europe

Published: March 9 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida history professor Florin Curta will present a lecture at 8 p.m. March 14 in Rinker Hall Room 110.

UF researcher creates plan to protect U.S. banana supply

Published: March 8 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The banana consumers know today could disappear from U.S. store shelves because of a tropical disease, just as its predecessor did more than 50 years ago, and a University of Florida researcher warns that awareness is needed to stop history from repeating itself.

New heart drugs don't mean old ones should be discarded, UF researchers say

Published: March 8 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In performing procedures to open narrowed coronary arteries, cardiologists use powerful drugs to prevent clotting and make the blood thinner — but not so thin that it causes major bleeding. But one of the old anti-clotting standards has fallen out of favor in recent years amid concerns over increased risk of bleeding, coupled with the advent of newer drugs and techniques.

Women commit shaken baby violence as often as men

Published: March 7 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Women are just as likely as men to violently shake a small child in their care, though men cause more severe injuries and death, according to a new University of Florida study.

UF Bee College will spotlight native pollinators March 11-12

Published: March 7 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With honeybee populations imperiled by the mysterious condition called colony collapse disorder, Florida residents should appreciate native bees for their role in the state’s environment and economy, say University of Florida researchers who will make presentations on the insects at this week’s Bee College.

Fossil bird study describes ripple effect of extinction in animal kingdom

Published: March 7 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida study demonstrates extinction’s ripple effect through the animal kingdom, including how the demise of large mammals 20,000 years ago led to the disappearance of one species of cowbird.

Fraternities, sororities gather more than 2,000 clothes for charity

Published: March 4 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The UF Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council gathered 2,215 articles of clothing for the Children’s Home Society of Gainesville in the third annual clothing drive last week.

Once worlds away, cousins unite at UFPA performance

Published: March 4 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A University of Florida faculty member, whose family had been separated to escape Nazi oppression, was united with her relative at the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra performance, presented Feb. 19, by University of Florida Performing Arts.

Geological sciences professor advises filmmakers

Published: March 4 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Joe Meert may not be a movie star, but what this geologist knows about the history of the Earth was essential in making a new film on that topic.

Multimedia: MRSA may not be the bully of the gym after all

Published: March 3 2011

MRSA may not be the bully of the gym after all

Published: March 3 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A sweat-drenched treadmill seems a likely haven for germs to set up housekeeping, including the dangerous antibiotic-resistant bug MRSA. This is one of the reasons why most fitness centers sanitize equipment and supply members with antibacterial wipes.

Gym Bacteria

Published: March 3 2011

Many worry that fitness centers attract not just people to exercise, but offer bacteria a place to thrive. But a new University of Florida study of bacteria levels on gym equipment offers a surprising result, about what it didn’t find.

Bike tour to stop at UF to promote safety on bicycles, scooters

Published: March 3 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Biking 564 miles from Miami to Tallahassee in six days, the Geico Road Safety Bicycle Tour will arrive at the University of Florida on March 15. Comprised of EMTs, firefighters, police officers and survivors of automobile crashes, the 10 cyclists will gather at UF’s Plaza of the Americas to highlight Florida Road Safety Week during UF’s Safety Fair.

UF researchers begin mission Friday to study Gulf of Mexico biodiversity

Published: March 3 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A group of 23 researchers led by University of Florida scientist Gustav Paulay will leave from St. Petersburg Friday on an expedition to survey the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico’s ocean floor.

UF Pine lsland pollen study leads to revision of state's ancient geography

Published: March 2 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new University of Florida study of 45-million-year-old pollen from Pine Island west of Fort Myers has led to a new understanding of the state's geologic history, showing Florida could be 10 million to 15 million years older than previously believed.

Students to spend break helping coastal residents

Published: March 2 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After a successful spring break trip to Franklin County in 2010, University of Florida College of Fine Arts students will once again spend their spring break helping residents in rural communities along the Gulf coast improve their health and preserve their unique culture.

UF Pine lsland pollen study leads to revision of state’s ancient geography

Published: March 2 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new University of Florida study of 45-million-year-old pollen from Pine Island west of Fort Myers has led to a new understanding of the state’s geologic history, showing Florida could be 10 million to 15 million years older than previously believed.

Riker Hall wins water usage competition among residence halls

Published: March 1 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Riker Hall is the winner of the “2011 Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls” water usage competition in University of Florida residence halls.

Students can prepare for break with safety fair

Published: March 1 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Police Department will host the 28th Annual UFPD Spring Break Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 03, the Reitz Student Union North Lawn.

Associated Press: David Denslow

Published: March 3 2011

Research economist David Denslow was quoted in a Feb. 24 Associated Press story about Gov. Rick Scott pushing to cut back the size and cost of the state government.

Associated Press: Dr. Michael Okun

Published: March 3 2011

Dr. Michael Okun, co-director of the Movement Disorders Center, was quoted in a Feb. 22 Associated Press story about a brain pacemaker that is being used to treat psychiatric diseases.

Associated Press: Kevin Folta

Published: March 3 2011

Kevin Folta, an associate professor of horticulture, was quoted in a Feb. 23 Associated Press story about how the mapping of the strawberry genome may lead to cheaper berries. >See related release.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with Danú

Published: March 5 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – One of the leading traditional Irish music ensembles of today will help kick-off St. Patrick’s Day a few days early when they perform March 13 at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts. Danú will perform traditional Irish music and songs.

Chicago Tribune: Lance Gravlee

Published: March 23 2011

Lance Gravlee, an associate professor of anthropology, was quoted in a March 3 Chicago Tribune story about a Northwestern University human sexuality professor who allowed students to demonstrate a sex toy in his class.

Club’s strawberry sale starts today

Published: March 16 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Horticultural Sciences Graduate Student Club’s annual strawberry sale starts today and continues through Friday at Fifield Hall on Hull Road.

Detroit Free Press: Bob Dekle

Published: March 3 2011

Law professor Bob Dekle was quoted in a Feb. 18 Detroit Free Press story about Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera’s arrest for suspicion of drunken driving.

Famed lawyer Dershowitz to speak at UF

Published: March 1 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Distinguished civil liberties lawyer Alan Dershowitz will speak at 8 p.m. March 2 at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts as ACCENT Speaker’s Bureau, Hillel and the Jewish Student Union celebrates Jewish Awareness Month.

Miami Herald: David Denslow

Published: March 3 2011

Economist David Denslow was quoted in a Feb. 22 Miami Herald story about Gov. Rick Scott’s campaign promise to produce 700,000 new jobs in the next seven years.

Miami Herald: Michael Allan Wolf

Published: March 23 2011

Law professor Michael Allan Wolf was quoted in a Feb. 25 Miami Herald story about the Air Force suing the city of Homestead and a local farmer after city officials gave him the right to build houses at the end of Homestead air base’s runway.

New York Times: Stephen R. Grobmyer

Published: March 3 2011

Dr. Stephen R. Grobmyer, director of the breast cancer program, was quoted in a Feb. 18 New York Times story about the overuse of surgical breast biopsies instead of the less invasive needle biopsy. The quote was the result of a >UF news release.

Palm Beach Post: Dan Smith

Published: March 23 2011

Political science professor Dan Smith was quoted in a March 9 Palm Beach Post story about the possible consequences of Florida planning an early presidential primary.

Pill-Free Pain Relief

Published: March 23 2011

Chronic pain sufferers may eventually be able to put away the ibuprofen. Just like the song, a new University of Florida study suggests some “good vibrations” take away the pain. UF researchers produced pain by applying heat to the arms of study participants. They followed that pain with stimulating vibrations to block the heat related pain sensations. Researchers say the vibrations reduced the pain sensations in people by 44%. Experts consider this potential new treatment for pain similar to traditional touch therapies already in use.

Poor Health Delinquency

Published: March 23 2011

Better health care options for today’s youth could hold a key to lowering crime rates. That’s one conclusion of a new University of Florida study focusing on middle school and high school students across the country. Results suggest poor health may contribute to adolescents committing deviant acts.

St. Petersburg Times: Chris McCarty

Published: March 3 2011

Chris McCarty, director of the Survey Research Center, was quoted in a Feb. 22 St. Petersburg Times story about consumer confidence remaining high after two months, a possible sign of consumer economic improvement. The story was the result of a News Bureau news release.

St. Petersburg Times: Jay Watkins

Published: March 3 2011

Band director Jay Watkins was quoted in a Feb. 23 St. Petersburg Times story about a country duo looking to sue Britney Spears for copyright infringement.

St. Petersburg Times: Marco Pahor

Published: March 3 2011

Marco Pahor’s research was cited in a Feb. 23 St. Petersburg Times story about the importance of exercising to prevent the many detrimental effects of aging. Pahor is a professor and the chairman of the aging and geriatric research department. >See related release.

St. Petersburg Times: Steve Kirn

Published: March 23 2011

Steve Kirn, executive director of the David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research, was quoted in a March 15 St. Petersburg Times story about retailers using packaging tricks to disguise rising commodity prices.

St. Petersburg Times: Thomas Hurst

Published: March 23 2011

Law professor Thomas Hurst was quoted in a Feb. 28 St. Petersburg Times story about the mediation of NFL labor negotiations.

Students to find viable solutions to world’s problems

Published: March 18 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — More than 60 University of Florida students will learn how to turn their visions of tackling some of the world’s toughest social, environmental and economic problems into viable, sustainable solutions.

Students’ ceramics to be exhibited in Focus Gallery

Published: March 18 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — “Intersection: University of Florida Ceramics,” a collective exhibition showcasing current student work in ceramics at the University of Florida, opens March 21 in the Focus Gallery.

Wall Street Journal: Jay Ritter

Published: March 3 2011

Finance professor Jay Ritter was quoted in a Feb. 21 Wall Street Journal story about why buying stock in China because of its rising economy might not yield high profits.

Wanta named new journalism chair at UF

Published: March 16 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Wayne Wanta has accepted the position of chair of the department of journalism at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications effective June 1, Dean John Wright announced today.