June 2009

Florida State ranked no. 3 in nation for contributions to arts research

The Florida State University is one of the nation's most prolific research institutions in the arts, according to rankings recently released by Science Watch that place Florida State third among the universities with the most published papers in the field of performing arts between 2003 and 2007.

Top food scientist to target hidden fish allergens, pork, with new tests

The odds of contracting mad cow disease from banned or adulterated bovine protein lurking in raw or processed food for humans or meat-bone meal for livestock have declined over the past decade. So have the risks of purchasing fishy imposters billed as red snapper, ground beef that isn't all cow, or spoiled meat that doesn't look or smell bad … yet.

Florida State research group wins $1 million grant to study nuclear fuels

A Florida State University researcher has received a $1 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for a study that could lead to the design of better nuclear fuels and safer and more efficient reactors to generate nuclear power.

Florida State provost wins top award from national advising group

Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Lawrence G. Abele has won a top national award in recognition of his support of academic advising initiatives that have improved retention and graduation rates at the university.

Florida State College of Medicine new home to center for eradicating diseases

Florida State University's College of Medicine is the new home of a think tank created to coordinate Florida's efforts at curing diseases.

Troubled waters: Low Apalachicola River flow may hurt Gulf fisheries

Reductions in the flow of the Apalachicola River have far-reaching effects that could prove detrimental to grouper and other reef fish populations in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, according to a new Florida State University study that may provide new ammunition for states engaged in a nearly two-decade water war.

Board of Trustees approves program changes, layoffs

Florida State University's budget has been cut $82 million since 2007. Of that total, $56.6 million in cuts have yet to be made.

Florida State researchers putting science at teachers' fingertips worldwide with 'GEOSET'

"What makes thunder?" "Why do frogs jump?" "What are we made of?"

Those are the sorts of questions that curious children often spring on unsuspecting schoolteachers — and that their teachers sometimes struggle to answer.

Florida State study links 'warrior gene' to gang membership, weapon use

Boys who carry a particular variation of the gene Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), sometimes called the "warrior gene," are more likely not only to join gangs but also to be among the most violent members and to use weapons, according to a new study from The Florida State University that is the first to confirm an MAOA link specifically to gangs and guns.

Florida State study: Cancer-fighting benefit to women not enough to sway men to get HPV vaccine

Informing men that a new vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) would also help protect their female partners against developing cervical cancer from the sexually transmitted infection did not increase their interest in getting the vaccine, according to a new Florida State University study.