Comb jellies possibly first lineage to branch off evolutionary tree
Phys.org – Oct. 12
A researcher at The University of Alabama was part of a new study that provides further evidence in support of a controversial hypothesis that a group of marine animals commonly called comb jellies were the first to break away from all other animals, making it the oldest surviving animal lineage … Dr. Kevin M. Kocot, UA assistant professor in biological sciences and curator of invertebrate zoology in the Alabama Museum of Natural History, is a co-author on a paper published in Nature Ecology & Evolution that outlines the findings.
Technology Village opens gate for hi-tech jobs
Cullman Times – Oct. 12
Local officials Wednesday unveiled the Cullman Technology Village on Clark Street, which will provide essentially all the resources a new business needs to get off the ground, from hands-on consultation to seed money. The hope is it will spur the growth of more hi-tech jobs locally, helping to diversify Cullman’s economic base. The project is a joint effort between the City of Cullman, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Wallace State Community College and the University of Alabama. The three-year incubator program is modeled after a similar initiative in five South Carolina cities, where two created an estimated 12-14 companies each within the first 18 months with 70 jobs and $2.8 million payroll.
Undisclosed deal guaranteed Roy Moore $180,000 a year for part-time work at charity
Washington Post – Oct. 11
Former Alabama judge Roy Moore, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, once said publicly that he did not take a “regular salary” from the small charity he founded to promote Christian values because he did not want to be a financial burden … “It was a platform for Roy Moore to advance himself on any possible front, whether it was political or oratorical,” said William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Alabama and a longtime observer of Moore’s career.
MSN.com – Oct. 11
Herald Net (Everett, Washington ) – Oct. 11
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San Diego Union-Tribune – Oct. 11
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San Jose Mercury News – Oct. 11
Philadelphia Inquirer – Oct. 11
Albuquerque Journal – Oct. 11
UA study finds people are more relaxed while watching a fire burn
WPHL (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); WDCW (Washington, DC); WSFL (Miami, Florida); KDAF (Dallas, Texas); KIAH (Houston, Texas) – Oct. 11
There may be a good reason why we like to get cozy with our significant others in the glow of the fireplace. Science is shedding some light on why fireplaces are romantic. A study out of the University of Alabama found that people are more social and relaxed while watching a fire burn. Researchers say that fire seems to be a multisensory simulator which captures our attention in a variety of ways, so maybe the reason why we like to tell stories around campfires is also the reason for why we like to snuggle up there because they stimulate our brains and our bodies.
OLLI offers classes, socializing, travel to retirees
Crimson White – Oct. 11
The phrase “happy wife, happy life,” does not end soon after the wedding bells toll. In fact, well into retirement Philip Malone has found the phrase to be truer than ever. After retiring earlier than planned, Malone’s wife was getting nervous about having him around the house all of the time. With a need to satisfy his wife’s wishes and an open mind, Malone decided to attend an OLLI bonus program at The University of Alabama. After enjoying his time there, he decided to sign up for classes – not because his wife wanted him out of the house, but because he wanted to learn.
As American as apple pie and mass shootings
The Lion’s Roar – Oct. 11
With 90 mass shootings in the United States between 1966 and 2012, there are more public mass shootings in the United States than in any other country in the world, according to a study published by Criminology Professor at the University of Alabama Dr. Adam Lankford. In his study titled “Public Mass Shooters and Firearms: A Cross-National Study of 171 Countries,” Lankford found that 31 percent of all public mass shootings happened in America even though the U.S. population only accounts for 5 percent of the world.
Don’t give mass murderers fame
Watertown Public Opinion (South Dakota) – Oct. 12
On Oct. 1, a 64-year-old Nevada man opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers from a high-rise hotel in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds. If you don’t know his name, you can easily find it online, in print or on TV. But you won’t learn it from this column … University of Alabama criminologist Adam Lankford has explained the repetition of such incidents as a product of hunger for status. “Some mass shooters succumb to terrible delusions of grandeur, and seek fame and glory through killing,” he wrote.
UA hosts Homecoming dodgeball competition
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 11
Homecoming activities continue this week at the Capstone and tonight’s event was dodgeball. Fraternities and Sororities gathered at the University Rec Center vying for victory, as fellow students cheered on their favorite team.
Seven things to do at University of Alabama’s homecoming
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 11
Here are seven things to do this weekend as the University of Alabama celebrates homecoming.
Five students vie for 2017 homecoming queen
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 10
University of Alabama students will vote this week to elect the 2017 homecoming queen. The court will be presented and the queen crowned at halftime of Saturday’s football game against the University of Arkansas at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Health Matters: Getting the most out of your doctor’s visit
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 11
Hi, this is Dr. Rick Streiffer, and this is Health Matters. Today, I ‘d like to talk to you about getting the most out of your doctor’s visit. Doctors are busy, we really sometimes just don’t have enough time to see all the patients that we need to, or take enough time to see you or a member of your family. So really, if you would come to the visit prepared and, help us to manage your visit.
Creative communicators converge
Shelby County Reporter – Oct. 11
With Pelham High School’s diverse mixture of media veterans and those new to the writing, lit mag, yearbook and broadcast classes, over 50 of our students were excited to attend the Fall Regional Workshop at the University of Alabama, where Alabama Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) has its offices. Spending a day on a university campus working with college professors, grad students and professionals working in the fields of communication, journalism and media is transformative for high school students. Opening the workshop, Dr. Chris Roberts, of the University of Alabama’s Journalism and Creative Media Department, had students interactively engaged attempting to discern between trustworthy and untrustworthy media outlets. Watching our media students engage in critical thinking started the day powerfully. After the keynote speaker, attending adviser sessions fills teachers’ days, so we hear about students’ session experiences on the bus ride home and beyond.