News

U.Va. embarks ondiabetes research

In hopes of treating children suffering from Type 1 diabetes and preventing future cases, the University signed a multi-million dollar contract for international genetic research of the disease. Using the facilities provided by Illumina, Inc., a developer of next-generation life-science tools and genetic analysis, the University is working with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to research the role of genetics and environmental concerns in Type 1 diabetes, Illumina public relations manager Maurissa Bornstein said. "Because it is a disease that is caused by both genetics and environments it can be untangled, and we can find different correlations between gene expression and environmental influences," said Stephen Rich, head of the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium and University professor. In order to research different environments, researchers took data samples from children around the world, NIDDK Program Director Beena Akolkar said. According to Akolkar, researchers recruited more than 800 affected children as well as their diabetes-free siblings, who have a similar genetic expressions, to give samples which Illumina is now analyzing to investigate the antibodies in the blood. "It is truly an international effort," Rich said.

Report analyzes curriculum

Ryan McElveen, chair of Student Council's Committee on Curriculum Internationalization, presented a report last night on ways the University could direct its efforts to internationalize its curriculum and the University community as a whole.

Firefighters respond to U.Va. calls

Two fire-related incidents occurred on Grounds Saturday, one occurring in Newcomb Hall and the other in the Maupin dormitory on Alderman Road.

Committee debates new amendments

Two proposals to amend the Honor Committee's bylaws regarding pre-trial evidence were discussed at last night's meeting. The first, proposed by the Procedures Ad-Hoc Committee, seeks to elaborate on rules dealing with the exclusion of evidence.

Darden profs make the grade

The Princeton Review recently recognized the Darden School as one of the country's leading business schools after its professors received top marks.

University professor finds drug effective in treating alcohol dependency

After heading a study spanning 2.5 years, Neuroscience Prof. Bankole A. Johnson found the drug topiramate to be a successful treatment for alcohol dependency. Johnson, also the chair of psychiatric medicine at the University, worked with colleagues to conduct randomized, placebo-controlled trials to determine the usefulness of the drug. "Our findings provided validation that individuals with alcohol dependence, while drinking heavily, can be treated safely and reliably with topiramate," Johnson said. The 14-week trials, conducted from 2004 to 2006 at 17 U.S.

Board plans new research facilities

In an effort to raise the standing of the University's science programs, the Board of Visitors recently approved the construction of a new science building as well as the expansion of existing plans for two additional buildings. According to Provost Arthur Garson, the construction will provide the University with much needed research space. "Every one of the three major schools involved in science has no space to put researchers today, so the University desperately needs space," Garson said.

Kaine releases final report of Transportation Commission

Gov. Tim Kaine recently released the final report of the Transportation Accountability Commission, which he created in 2006 to increase government accountability in Commonwealth transportation.

Science magazine to withdraw from partnership with JSTOR academic database

Starting at the end of December, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, publisher of Science magazine, will no longer contribute the magazine's content to JSTOR, an online database of academic articles and publications.

GOP criticizes use of rainy day fund

Virginia's Republican leaders have sparked debate in the General Assembly by arguing that Gov. Tim Kaine's proposal to take money from the Commonwealth's "rainy day fund" to cover the state budget shortfall is premature in light of the reported $170 million in unspent state agency funds. The governor recently approved over $300 million in immediate savings to cover the $641 million budget shortfall for 2008.

Suspect arrested in last week's stabbing off Rugby Rd.

University Police arrested a suspect yesterday in connection with a stabbing that occurred off Rugby Road the night of Oct.

Student groups host 'Coming Out' events

While many students, faculty and staff celebrated National Coming Out Day yesterday, making a political statement about sexual orientation is still difficult for some members of the University community. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community "is in many ways the very last minority group that you can stand up and publicly attack and not be immediately condemned from all sides," Interim Dean of Students Allen Groves said.

NEA names Prof. Cox design director

Associate Architecture Prof. Maurice Cox was officially named the director of design for the National Endowment of the Arts, a two-year appointment that will require a leave of absence from the University. The NEA offered Cox the position last week, and he is expected to assume his full-time responsibilities in January. The NEA is the principal federal agency that supports the arts, and each artistic discipline has a director, according to Cox. "I will be the director of design, which includes everything from regional design to industrial design and the funding that the federal government provides to support design," Cox said.

U.Va. student robbed on Wertland St.

A University student was robbed at gunpoint and assaulted near the Corner yesterday morning. Capt.

Groups fight domestic violence

Members of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance have taken action with the hope of reducing the number of abusive college relationships, encouraging University students to get involved in the fight against violence.

U.Va. breaks ground on Bavaro

Thanks to a record-breaking donation, the University broke ground Friday on the construction of Bavaro Hall, a new Education School building. The majority of funding for the $37 million project comes from a donation from Curry Foundation Chair Dan Meyers. According to ceremony speakers University President John T.

Grant to fund E. coli research

As the E. coli bacteria poses a growing threat to consumers of meat and produce, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recently awarded $3.9 million to University researcher Tom Obrig to help combat a life-threatening disease associated with the bacteria. According to Obrig, the primary complication E.

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Police investigate violent assault

An altercation on Rugby Road Thursday night escalated to violence when a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity was stabbed and another member was physically assaulted in the Madison House parking lot. "A member of our house did sustain some minor injuries, but was treated and released from the hospital," Delta Upsilon president Thomas Konvicka said. Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students and director for fraternity and sorority life, said another member of the fraternity was also assaulted. According to a University Police press release, University Police responded to an assault incident in the Madison House parking lot. "A University student suffered a stab wound to his head and arm," the release stated. University Police Lt.

Garson one of 65 elected to Institute of Medicine

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies awarded Arthur Garson, Jr., University executive vice president and provost, one of the highest honors in the fields of medicine and health, electing him to its membership?. Garson, who is a pediatric cardiologist in addition to serving as a University administrator, is one of 65 new members elected to the organization. "This is a group of people that are going to be tremendous colleagues as we start down the road of health reform, and I am very much looking forward to working with them," Garson said. Garson is one of four new members who will serve in the area of health policy and administration, which will involve reviewing and advising studies within the area and participating in committees to discuss proposals. The Institute of Medicine was formed in 1970 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences.