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UF survey: Florida consumer confidence surges upward in January

Published: January 31 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians surged in January, up seven points to 77 from a revised December reading of 70, marking a steady rise in optimism, according to a University of Florida survey.

UF studies show promise for biological control methods against insects

Published: January 31 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For years, scientists have tried to use environmentally friendly fungi to control fire ant infestations.

Museum continues free student admission for good grades in science

Published: January 31 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History is continuing its popular “A for Science” free admission program for students throughout the state.

'Fossil Freeway' exhibit opens Feb. 4

Published: January 30 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Visitors can take a prehistoric road trip through the Florida Museum of Natural History's newest exhibit, "Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway with artist Ray Troll and paleontologist Kirk Johnson," opening at 10 a.m. Feb. 4.

UF's Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing awarded prize for technology innovation

Published: January 30 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The National Science Foundation's Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing, or CHREC, headquartered at the University of Florida, was recently awarded the 2012 Alexander Schwarzkopf Prize for Technology Innovation for its research and development of Novo-G, the world's most powerful reconfigurable supercomputer.

Food For Thought campaign gives insight into food consumption that is easy to digest

Published: January 30 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — This spring, the University of Florida Office of Sustainability will host Food For Thought — a campaign to educate students, staff, faculty and the Gainesville community about sustainable food systems and how easy it is to make more environmentally and socially conscious decisions in their own backyards.

$10 million Wells Foundation gift will enable UF to speed brain tumor remedies

Published: January 30 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A $10 million gift from the Lillian S. Wells Foundation Inc. to the University of Florida department of neurosurgery will help medical scientists better understand the causes of brain tumors and lead to effective treatments and improved quality of life for patients, UF officials announced today.

Princeton professor to speak about health care in Brazil

Published: January 27 2012

Final UFPA student ticket on sale date set for Feb. 1

Published: January 27 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Student tickets for the remainder of University of Florida Performing Arts’ 2011-12 shows – March through May – go on sale at noon Feb. 1.

UF astronomers contribute to NASA's planet discoveries

Published: January 26 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — NASA announced today the discovery of 11 new "solar systems" hosting at least 26 planets found with data from NASA's Kepler Mission.

UF, Shands preparing new employee health insurance plan

Published: January 26 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida and Shands are working to create a new model for offering health and wellness insurance to provide more cost-effective, customized care and better health outcomes for employees and their dependents.

UF professor to testify on Fla. election law, voting rights before U.S. Senate subcommittee

Published: January 26 2012

GAINESVILLE — University of Florida political science professor Daniel A. Smith will testify Friday before several U.S. senators about Florida’s new voting law.

UF cardiologists, surgeons team up to offer life-extending procedure

Published: January 26 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For patients who have severe narrowing of the aortic valve, a condition known as aortic stenosis, standard treatment is surgical replacement of the damaged valve. But advanced age or medical problems such as lung disease prevent many of those patients from having open chest surgery. In the past, the best such patients could hope for was to control their symptoms with medications.

Heipp named director of School of Art + Art History

Published: January 25 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With more than 30 years of service to the University of Florida, professor Richard Heipp has been appointed director of UF’s School of Art + Art History.

Study Abroad Fair highlights global education opportunities

Published: January 25 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida International Center will host the Spring 2012 Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 1 on the Reitz Student Union Colonnade. With 60 study abroad program representatives and UF-sponsored programs expected, students will have an opportunity to explore many possibilities that would enable them to become “Global Gators.”

UF launches conference to advance digital health communication innovations

Published: January 25 2012

Bob Graham Center to host award-winning journalist, immigration advocate

Published: January 24 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — An award-winning multimedia journalist and founder of Define America — a new campaign that seeks to elevate the conversation around immigration — will speak at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida’s Pugh Hall at 6 p.m. Jan. 30.

Citrus greening costs $3.63 billion in lost revenues and 6,611 jobs, new UF study shows

Published: January 24 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Since 2006, the bacterial disease citrus greening has cost Florida’s economy an estimated $3.63 billion in lost revenues and 6,611 jobs by reducing orange juice production, according to a new study from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Speech to focus on need to stimulate interest in STEM fields

Published: January 24 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Carl B. Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, will speak at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

Florida high school students to be STARS of astronomy workshop

Published: January 24 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida departments of astronomy and physics will host an astronomy workshop Friday and Saturday for Florida high school students with an interest in astronomy and astrophysics.

Museum releases iPhone app for bird, butterfly and plant identification

Published: January 24 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With the touch of a finger, iPhone users can access information to help identify birds, butterflies and flowering plants seen along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and throughout the state.

Nominations for Healthy Gators Recognition Awards sought

Published: January 23 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Healthy Gators Coalition encourages individuals to nominate University of Florida faculty, staff and students for its second annual Recognition Awards.

UF students to unveil design ideas for Plum Creek lands in eastern Alachua County

Published: January 23 2012

Media advisory

UF researchers develop gene therapy that could correct a common form of blindness

Published: January 23 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new gene therapy method developed by University of Florida researchers has the potential to treat a common form of blindness that strikes both youngsters and adults. The technique works by replacing a malfunctioning gene in the eye with a normal working copy that supplies a protein necessary for light-sensitive cells in the eye to function. The findings are published today (Monday, Jan. 23) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online.

Smathers exhibit examines Lincoln, Civil War

Published: January 23 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The George A. Smathers Libraries will host a major national traveling exhibit, “Lincoln, the Constitution and the Civil War,” on the third floor of Library West from Feb. 1 to March 7.

UF professors: Florida primary pivotal in race for GOP presidential nod

Published: January 20 2012

Tip sheet

Chemical Engineering Education journal now online

Published: January 20 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Libraries’ digital services and shared collections department and Marston Science Library announce the online launch of the Chemical Engineering Education journal.

UF study: 'Rules' may govern genome evolution in young plant species

Published: January 19 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new University of Florida study shows a hybrid plant species may experience rapid genome evolution in predictable patterns, meaning evolution repeats itself in populations of independent origin.

UF launches professional master's degree in multimedia journalism

Published: January 19 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications will launch a professional Master of Arts degree in mass communication with an emphasis on multimedia journalism, with specializations for both telecommunication and journalism students beginning this summer.

New drug could help reduce heart attack risk for cardiac patients awaiting surgery

Published: January 19 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heart patients who have stents that prop open blocked arteries often face a dilemma when they need open heart surgery: Continue taking life-saving blood thinners but risk severe bleeding during surgery, or stop taking the medicines and risk a heart attack.

AT&T provides $500,000 for UTeach program to train math, science teachers

Published: January 19 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The National Math and Science Initiative announced today that AT&T will provide $500,000 to support the highly regarded UTeach program to train math and science teachers at the University of Florida and four other universities: the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at Irvine, University of Northern Arizona and Florida State University.

UF Law experts available to comment on SOPA and PIPA

Published: January 18 2012

Tip sheet

UF Public Utility Research Center celebrates 40th year

Published: January 17 2012

Media advisory

New assistant director to lead UF Citylab-Orlando

Published: January 17 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Frank Bosworth, a veteran architecture professor and administrator, has joined the University of Florida as assistant director in the School of Architecture within the College of Design, Construction and Planning. In this role, he will develop the school’s program at UF’s Citylab-Orlando, including recruiting and coordinating the first class of students for the Orlando-based Master of Architecture program.

Karla Bonoff to perform Jan. 27 in University Auditorium

Published: January 17 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Grammy-winning songwriter Karla Bonoff will visit Gainesville for a 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 performance at University Auditorium.

UF researchers discover 'green' pesticide effective against citrus pests

Published: January 16 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida researchers have discovered a key amino acid essential for human nutrition is also an effective insecticide against caterpillars that threaten the citrus industry.

UF clinic offers free hearing loss, lip-reading classes

Published: January 13 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Gainesville chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of Florida will offer “Living with Hearing Loss,” a series of free classes for people with hearing impairment.

Collectors to exhibit their treasures at Florida Museum Jan. 21

Published: January 13 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will display individuals’ collections from across the region during the 33rd annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 21.

UF begins online master's degree in global strategic communication

Published: January 12 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications will launch a fully online, distance learning master of arts degree in mass communication with a specialization in global strategic communication in the summer of 2012.

Tavis Smiley, Cornel West bring 'The Poverty Tour' to Bob Graham Center

Published: January 12 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — TV and radio host Tavis Smiley and best-selling author Cornel West will bring their anti-poverty activism tour to the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida on Jan. 20 in an exclusive interactive forum that will combine live audience participation with the formal unveiling of the center's new Civil Debate Wall.

Student injured in chemical explosion in Sisler

Published: January 12 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida student was injured late Wednesday afternoon in a chemical explosion in Sisler Hall, Union Road.

Parkinson treatment shows positive results in clinical testing

Published: January 11 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Researchers from the University of Florida and 14 additional medical centers reported results today in the online version of The Lancet Neurology journal indicating that deep brain stimulation — also known as DBS — is effective at improving motor symptoms and quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

UF, Buckeye dedicate ethanol production facility in Perry

Published: January 11 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Many building dedications feature a ribbon-cutting; this one included a front-end loader ceremoniously dumping a scoopful of pulverized sugarcane stalks.

The Manhattan Transfer performs at the Phillips Center Jan. 19

Published: January 11 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Manhattan Transfer returns to the Phillips Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 as part of UFPA’s 20th Anniversary Season.

Sophomore students' work displayed in Reitz gallery show

Published: January 10 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The gallery at the Reitz Student Union opens its first show of the semester, "Dream State," on Wednesday.

Center for Latin American Studies receives grant

Published: January 10 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Florida has received a grant from the Tinker Foundation to initiate a Tinker Field Research Grants Program at the center.

Patients, visitors now offered free parking at UF&Shands

Published: January 10 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When you’re already concerned about your health, the last thing you want to worry about is paying to park your car. That’s why starting Monday, UF&Shands, the University of Florida Academic Health Center, began to offer free parking to patients and their families and guests.

Study shows early primate had a transitional lemur-like grooming claw

Published: January 10 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Celebrities are channeling a distant relative with what Harper’s Bazaar describes as the latest trend in nail fashion for 2012: claws. But this may not be the first time primates traded their nails for claws.

Actor Danny Glover program among UF events to mark MLK's legacy

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Actor and activist Danny Glover will be the keynote speaker on Jan. 25 as part of the UF MLK Celebration 2012 at the University of Florida.

Florida Innovation Hub at UF hosts open house Wednesday

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Innovation Hub at UF will host an open house for the public from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11.

Global warming caused by greenhouse gases delays natural patterns of glaciation, researchers say

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are disrupting normal patterns of glaciation, according to a study co-authored by a University of Florida researcher and published online Jan. 8 in Nature Geoscience.

Actor Danny Glover program among UF events to mark MLK’s legacy

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Actor and activist Danny Glover will be the keynote speaker on Jan. 25 as part of the UF MLK Celebration 2012 at the University of Florida.

Bob Graham Center launches cutting-edge digital tool for civil debate

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A unique, innovative social media tool — one that could revolutionize civil debate and political conversation among youth — is being unveiled this month at the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service.

Dedication scheduled Wednesday for Florida Innovation Hub at UF

Published: January 9 2012

Media advisory

Former mayor Giuliani to speak at UF Jan. 26

Published: January 6 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a leader to whom America and much of the world turned to in a time of crisis, will speak Jan. 26 at the University of Florida.

5K proceeds to benefit patients in Ecuador

Published: January 6 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Members of Project HEAL, an interdisciplinary team of University of Florida health care students and professionals, invites the Gainesville community to participate in the 5K for HEALing fundraising event Jan. 15

UF research on newly formed plants could lead to improved crop fertility

Published: January 6 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new University of Florida study shows genomes of a recently formed plant species to be highly unstable, a phenomenon that may have far-reaching evolutionary consequences.

UF study: Educational program lowers incidence of back pain in soldiers

Published: January 5 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A program of core strengthening exercises was no better than traditional sit-ups for preventing back pain in soldiers, according to a new University of Florida study. But combining both exercise programs with a brief educational session on back pain strategies did lower the incidence of treatment for back pain.

Back Pain Relief

Published: January 5 2012

Lower back pain affects four out of five Americans and has become one of the most frequent causes of medical visits and lost-duty time for soldiers. Now a new University of Florida study says exercise alone isn’t the best way to prevent lower back pain in soldiers.

Employees can get prescriptions filled while at work

Published: January 4 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida faculty and staff have a convenient new option for getting needed medications quickly and easily.

UF named a 2011-2012 best-value public college by Kiplinger’s

Published: January 3 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the seventh year in a row, the University of Florida has ranked No. 2 on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best values in public colleges. The ranking — this year’s was released today — cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value.

UF named a 2011-2012 best-value public college by Kiplinger's

Published: January 3 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the seventh year in a row, the University of Florida has ranked No. 2 on Kiplinger's Personal Finance's list of 100 best values in public colleges. The ranking — this year's was released today — cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value.

Drake set to perform at O’Connell Feb. 15

Published: January 12 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Drake will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 in the University of Florida’s O’Connell Center with special guests Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky as part of his Club Paradise Tour.

Florida Times-Union: Joe Meert

Published: January 3 2012

Geologist Joe Meert was quoted in a Dec. 16 Florida Times-Union story about how shifts in the Earth’s magnetic field affect the runway numbers at the Jacksonville International Airport, which must match their magnetic compass headings.

Florida Times-Union: Tom Hoctor

Published: January 3 2012

Tom Hoctor, director of the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, was quoted in a Dec. 14 Florida Times-Union story about whether hunting of black bears in Florida should be allowed in the state’s plan.

Wine-tasting event to benefit Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM

Published: January 9 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The 23rd annual “A Celebration of Wine” fundraising event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 at the University of Florida’s Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

Reuters: Jay Ritter

Published: January 3 2012

Finance professor Jay Ritter was quoted in a Dec. 14 Reuters story about the stronger interest in initial public offerings from Internet companies than brick-and-mortar companies.

Reuters: Jay Ritter

Published: January 3 2012

Finance professor Jay Ritter was quoted in a Dec. 21 Reuters story about whether changing regulations would allow companies to stay private longer and thus expand private-share trading.

New York Times: Michelle Mack

Published: January 3 2012

Researchers Michelle Mack and Edward Schuur were quoted in a Dec. 17 New York Times story about the potential impact on the thawing of the Permafrost. The quotes were the result of a News Bureau news release.

NASA's Kepler mission and UF astronomer find two new planets orbiting double suns

Published: January 11 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Using data from NASA’s Kepler mission, a team that includes a University of Florida astronomer has discovered two new planets orbiting double star systems, something that had never been seen until last September.

New York Times: Edward Schuur

Published: January 3 2012

Researchers Michelle Mack and Edward Schuur were quoted in a Dec. 17 New York Times story about the potential impact on the thawing of the Permafrost. The quotes were the result of a News Bureau news release.