News digest

Purdue News Summary

November 23, 2009

This digest contains summaries of the following stories from Purdue News Service and Agricultural Communication Service. All these stories, and more, are available on the Web.

RESEARCH NEWS AND SPECIAL REPORTS

Maize cell wall genes identified, giving boost to biofuel research

Purdue scientists have helped identify and group the genes thought to be responsible for cell wall development in maize, an effort that expands their ability to discover ways to produce the biomass best suited for biofuels production. The scientists, led by Nicholas Carpita, a professor of plant cell biology, published their findings on the 750 cell wall genes in the journal Plant Physiology on Thursday (Nov. 19). They also were co-authors on a study, published Thursday (Nov. 19) in Science, that for the first time sequenced the genome of maize.

**"Channel blocker"**

Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed. The chemical compound also might be developed as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

New facility to test aircraft engines, alternative fuels

Purdue will operate a new federally funded facility to test aircraft engines and develop alternative fuels in work that also aims to reduce the nation's reliance on imported oil. The National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is funded with a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Air Force and will be housed in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building at the Purdue Airport.

**Research team**

Purdue is leading a team of researchers in a federally funded effort aimed ultimately at developing better vaccines and antiviral drugs against two types of disease-causing viruses by learning critical details about their life cycles. The viruses also pose a potential homeland security threat because they have been used to make biological weapons, said Richard Kuhn, a professor and head of Purdue's Department of Biological Sciences.

Annual report shows 2 percent gain in global carbon emissions

World atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise, according to a report available online Tuesday (Nov. 17) in the journal Nature Geoscience. The report, updated annually by a global team of climate experts that includes a Purdue researcher, shows that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels rose 2 percent last year to a record high of 1.3 metric tons per person.

**Timothy Lee**

A new study indicates that major chemicals most often cited as leading causes of climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are outclassed in their warming potential by compounds receiving less attention. Purdue and NASA examined more than a dozen chemicals, most of which are generated by humans, and have developed a blueprint for the underlying molecular machinery of global warming. The results appear in a special edition of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Physical Chemistry A, released Nov. 12.

GENERAL INTEREST NEWS

As state revenue shortfall worsens, Purdue plans comprehensive review of programs and processes

A Purdue steering committee will lay groundwork for a plan to meet the university's strategic goals in the face of uncertain economic conditions. "We have already made across-the-board cuts, cut positions, curtailed hiring and travel, and withheld pay increases," said Al Diaz, executive vice president for business and finance, treasurer. "These steps helped us in the short run, but they cannot be sustained on a recurring basis. Now, we need to consider more systemic, long-term actions."

Purdue to host winter commencement ceremonies

Purdue will award degrees at its West Lafayette campus on Dec. 20 and at its Calumet campus on Dec. 15. Ceremonies for the West Lafayette campus are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Elliott Hall of Music. The Calumet campus ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Ind.

Fat dogs, coughing horses to teach kids about health careers

Purdue researchers will use a $1.3 million grant to help further students' understanding of the role animals play in keeping people healthy. Timothy Ratliff and Sandra Amass of the School of Veterinary Medicine, received the five-year grant to create a new health science curriculum for third-, sixth- and ninth-graders; start a faculty mentor program in Indiana schools; create fitness programs centered around animals; and develop a museum exhibit focused on the links between animal and human health. The initiative, called Fat Dogs and Coughing Horses: Animal Contributions Towards a Healthier Citizenry, is being funded through a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health.

Motorsports Show hosts Purdue workshop in Indianapolis

Purdue's Manufacturing Extension Program will host a Six Sigma White Belt certificate workshop in Indianapolis Dec. 4 following the International Motorsports Industry Show. The event will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center.

2010 Sears Lecture Series announced

The 2010 Sears Lecture Series will feature four public lectures that focus on the theme of "Presidential Leadership in Global Economic Crisis." All talks are free and open to the public.

'Remember the Titans' coach to speak

Herman Boone, coach of the 1971 high school football team in Alexandria, Va., that inspired the movie "Remember the Titans," will speak Dec. 8 at Purdue. The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. at Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. There will be a meet-and-greet with Boone immediately following the talk in the West Faculty Lounge of Purdue Memorial Union.

AGRICULTURAL NEWS

Flood of irrigation information available at December workshop

The Winter Irrigation Workshop to be held Dec. 11 in Shipshewana will cover water-use legislation, Great Lakes requirements for irrigation, water availability and more. "Both Michigan and Indiana are dealing with meeting the requirements of the Great Lakes Compact and will have to make changes," said Lyndon Kelley, Purdue Extension and Michigan State University Extension irrigation specialist.

Opportunities exist for beef, dairy producers to utilize damaged corn

The moldy corn that is coming out of some Indiana fields presents challenges to growers and livestock producers, but cattlemen may be able to take advantage of this unfortunate opportunity, said Purdue beef and dairy specialists.

Michiana Crops Conference to help farmers plan for 2010

Purdue and Michigan State universities have teamed up once again to host the 2009 Michiana Crops Conference on Dec. 4 in Shipshewana, Ind. The crops conference is designed for farmers, certified crop advisers, commercial and private pesticide applicators, and agribusiness professionals who are interested in the latest information about seeding rates, corn and soybean diseases, and the value of manure.

NEWS ABOUT PURDUE PEOPLE

Appointments, honors and activities

-- Joseph Francisco named president-elect of American Chemical Society

-- Andrew Koch joins National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Transition advisory board

-- Susanne Hambrusch, Phillip Rawles receive $50,000 from State Farm for national effort

-- Doctoral student David Ortega receives Applebaum Memorial Scholarship Thesis Award

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS

Bugs take center stage in Purdue vaudeville production

Entomology and theater usually aren't subjects that go together, but in an upcoming vaudeville at Purdue, the two will combine in an effort to integrate the disciplines of theater and science. Students in academic disciplines across the university, including several from the College of Agriculture, will present "Ad Infinitum" at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Mallett Theater in Pao Hall on Purdue's West Lafayette campus.

Purdue Musical Organizations to present 'The Spirit of the Season'

Purdue Musical Organizations will present four public performances of the 76th annual Purdue Christmas Show "The Spirit of the Season" on Dec. 12-13. "This year's show is different," said Bill Griffel, Purdue Musical Organizations director. "We're telling an original story with character dialogue between the musical numbers, which will help deliver a beautiful message. To help us tell our story, we're bringing back the big screens, so there's not a bad seat in the house."

OTHER ITEMS

Purdue WL to limit smoking to specific areas

Purdue's West Lafayette campus will become smoke free except in limited areas beginning July 1. The campus-wide policy was announced Thursday (Nov 19) following input from faculty, staff and students. The new policy will confine smoking to limited designated campus areas and will prohibit smoking in all vehicles owned or leased by Purdue.

Lynn Hall drinking fountains meet state's lead standards

Water from all 19 drinking fountains at Purdue's Lynn Hall meet state standards for lead, according to results of tests performed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The new samples were taken Oct. 22. Previously, water from facets in the building had tested above the state threshold. Bottled water had been supplied to individuals in Lynn Hall while the university waited for latest test results.