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K-Staters in the news — March 2015

The top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file with all of this month's news stories.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Kansas State, Iowa State research childhood obesity program
4/01/15 Kansas City Star
Researchers from Kansas State University and Iowa State university are using a $2.8 million grant to research a school-based program that combats childhood obesity.

How being in a relationship can affect your health
4/01/15 Fox News
But arguments about money are a notoriously touchy spot— and the largest predictors of divorce, according to researchers at Kansas State University. 

A little self-knowledge can go a long way
3/31/15 The Sydney Morning Herald
Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist in Hawaii and an associate professor at Kansas State University, reckons many people fit into one or more of four money belief patterns.

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Amid bird flu outbreak, turkey farmers increase security
3/30/15 Huffington Post
U.S. consumers likely will benefit from lower prices eventually because poultry that would have been exported will have to be sold instead on the domestic market, where excess supply puts downward pressure on prices, said Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economist at Kansas State University. Chicken prices were already poised to fall because the broiler industry is ramping up production, he said.

Moonshine, Hogs and Drought Fuel Sorghum Boom Across U.S. Plains
3/31/15 The Washington Post
Some farmers in Kansas are being offered 35 cents a bushel more for sorghum planted this spring than corn, according to Dan O'Brien, an economist at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The state is the biggest U.S. grower. The cash price for sorghum delivered in Kansas City slid 0.7 percent in the past 12 months.

*This drug, banned in Europe, Russia and China, may be in your lunch
3/31/15 Reuters
A March 2014 report from Texas Tech University and Kansas State University found that during cattle's lives "the incidence of death was 80 percent greater in animals administered [Zilmax]."

 

Monday, March 30, 2015

*University prospectus bill offers new data, has limitations
3/28/15 Topeka Capital Journal
Kansas State University already reports major-specific salary information for many of its degree programs at www.k-state.edu/ces/students/salarycollegemajor.html. The data may be of limited use, however, because some majors have as few as three recent graduates reporting salary information — meaning unusual circumstances affecting one graduate could easily skew the data up or down.

*K-State researchers team with Australians in using unmanned aircraft in agriculture
3/29/15 Topeka Capital Journal
Brian McCornack, an associate professor of entomology at Kansas State University, is the principal investigator of a project formally titled “Optimizing Surveillance Protocols Using Unmanned Aerial Systems.”

*K-State researchers working on technology to improve rail safety
3/29/15 Topeka Capital Journal
Researchers at Kansas State University have a $380,000 grant to try make that technology work at real-world train speeds, by developing a mounting system that would hold the sensor steady on a locomotive or train car.

Friday, March 27, 2015

*Kitchen towels can make you sick
03/26/15 My Fox Detroit
Kansas State University researchers asked 123 people to prepare a recipe using either raw ground beef or chicken, along with a ready-to-eat fruit salad. The participants did the food preparation in a kitchen set up on the campus.
 
Be proactive to guard credit score
03/27/15 McPherson Sentinel
In a world where data breaches, credit card fraud and identity theft are becoming more common, consumers should consider ways to protect themselves. Elizabeth Kiss, faculty member in Kansas State University’s Department of Family Studies and Human Services, said with mega data breaches coming from entities such as retail stores, insurance providers and restaurant chains, someone could more easily gain access to personal financial information that consumers have legitimately shared with companies.
 
K-State Stored-Product Entomology Surpasses 100 Years
03/27/15 Kansas Ag Connection
In 1914, entomologist George Dean taught the first stored-product entomology course at Kansas State University. Another early leader, Donald Wilbur, arrived at K-State in 1928, and taught courses and conducted research until the 1960s. A house that still stands on Juliette Street in Manhattan is a place where U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists reared colonies of insects related to stored products and researched their control beginning in 1934.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Forums on drone development in Kansas slated
March 25, 2015 Bloomberg Business
June 5, from 1 to 3 p.m., research and survey, Kansas State University at Salina, 2310 Centennial, Salina.

CAFOs, Your Gut, and Mental Health
March 25, 2015 Mercola
“Because the survey was carried out for research purposes, the samples were collected anonymously, and the FDA cannot send investigators to the farms to find out what happened. Mike Apley, a researcher at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that it is ‘totally illegal’ for dairy farmers to use two of the drugs that the FDA detected: Ciproflaxacin and Sulfamethazine.

Workshop to help parents keep kids safe on Internet
March 25, 2015 Wichita Eagle
A workshop to help parents learn how to keep their children safer on the Internet will be offered over three evenings by K-State Research and Extension.

 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Research Into Wheat Variety For People With Celiac Disease Gains New Ground
3/23/15 Huffington Post
Gluten-free foods are a niche product, and in the broader context of the world's wheat markets, it is not a driving factor, according to Dan O'Brien, extension grain market specialist at Kansas State University. "I anticipate it will develop as a specialty market," he said.

*Feds Greenlight Construction for $1.25 Billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas, an Industrial Info News Alert
3/24/15 Yahoo! Finance
After almost a decade of planning, construction is set to begin this spring on the $1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. Earlier this month, lawmakers approved the remaining $300 million needed to build the nearly 600,000-square-foot research facility, located adjacent to the Kansas State University campus.

*Simple tasks help protect your credit
3/23/15 Science Daily
In a world where data breaches, credit card fraud and identity theft are becoming more common, consumers should consider ways to protect themselves. Elizabeth Kiss, faculty member in Kansas State University's Department of Family Studies and Human Services, said with mega data breaches coming from entities such as retail stores, insurance providers and restaurant chains, someone could more easily gain access to personal financial information that consumers have legitimately shared with companies.

 

Monday, March 23, 2015

St. Louis officials discuss best practices for reducing vacancy and blighted buildings
3/22/15 St. Louis Public Radio
According to city spokesperson Maggie Crane, addressing urban blight is also part of St. Louis’ Strong Cities Strong Communities Initiative. Some of the federal resources from the initiative will be directed toward a study of vacancy in St. Louis by Kansas State University.

Research continues as animal defense lab is built
3/21/15 News 4 Jacksonville (Florida)
“Science tends to advance more quickly when you bring everyone together,” said Ron Trewyn, Kansas State University's NBAF liasion. “You get a lot of synergies out of this with all of the partners working together.”

*Album featuring GB native Pinkall hits No. 1 on Billboard
3/22/15 Great Bend Tribune
he acclaimed new album celebrating Rachmaninoff, featuring Great Bend native and K-State music professor Bryan Pinkall, is topping the music charts around the world.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Kansas State researches using drones to protect crops
3/19/15 San Francisco Gate
Kansas State University is researching how to use drones to detect invasive insects and emerging diseases in wheat fields.
 
The Dirtiest Item in Your Kitchen
3/19/15 Shape Magazine
You responsibly wash your hands before cooking, but if you dry them on that tea towel that's been hanging for weeks—or even just days!—you're actually just contaminating your hands all over again. In fact, kitchen towels are one of the leading causes of cross contamination in your home, says a new study from Kansas State University. 
 
AAVMC celebrates 50 years in veterinary education
03/20/15 DVM 360
“We’re proud of all that has been accomplished, but the purpose of the AAVMC’s 50th anniversary celebration is much more than an effort to commemorate this very important milestone in the history of the organization,” says Ralph Richardson, DVM, outgoing dean of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and chair of the 12-member 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, which has been working for more than a year to develop the project. “What we hope to do with this celebration is illuminate the critical role that academic veterinary medicine is playing in the modern world and build greater awareness and support for what we do.”


Thursday, March 19, 2015

House budget includes funding for Kansas State building
March 18, 2015 The San Francisco Gate via Associated Press
A Kansas House committee authorized the issuing of up to $60 million in bonds to renovate Kansas State University's College of Architecture, making it the only capital improvement project requested by six state universities included in the House's budget proposal.

*Towels top kitchen contamination hazards list
March 18, 2015 ScienceDaily
Although only 9 percent of reported foodborne illness outbreaks occur in the home, scientists estimate the actual number of incidents is much higher. Research shows a leading cause of cross contamination within the home is actually an object associated with cleaning, the kitchen towel.

*Poultry expert says avian influenza strain not harmful to humans or poultry products
March 18, 2015 Medical Express
A highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in four states can be very deadly for birds, but a Kansas State University poultry expert says humans don't need to worry about their own health or contaminated poultry products.

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

*Researcher: Avian flu found in Kansas no threat to humans
3/17/15 The Washington Times
A Kansas State University researcher says a strain of avian influenza found in Kansas is no threat to humans.

Meat and poultry recalls: What food firms, investors should know
3/17/15 Science Daily
Despite a blanketed desire to keep foods safe, eventually food firms reach a price point -- a limit they can spend feasibly to ensure staying in business and giving consumers an affordable product, said Ted Schroeder, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University.

Kansas House panel passes budget requiring tax increases
3/17/15 Wichita Eagle
Kansas State University would also get an extra $3.7 million and be allowed to raise $60 million in bonds for the renovation and expansion of Seaton Hall under changes the committee made to the bill. Several lawmakers disagreed with the move, however.

 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The 10 dirtiest foods you're eating
3/17/15 Men's Health
At home: Add fresh oregano to your burgers and meat loaf. When researchers at Kansas State University mixed a variety of common household spices into ground beef to test their antibacterial properties, oregano tested as one of the best at wiping out E. coli. Use at least 1 tablespoon per pound of meat. Just as important, flatten your patties—thick burgers will char on the outside before the interior reaches the required 160°F.

Kansas records law doesn't cover officials' private emails
3/16/15 The Washington Times
Also among the recipients was Kent Glasscock, president of a business development institute at Kansas State University. AP obtained copies of emails between Glasscock's university email account and Sullivan's private account on Dec. 6 and Dec. 23, though they were so heavily redacted that no details about budget proposals were disclosed.

*'Affinity switch' found for proteasome assembly process in cells
3/16/15 Science Daily
A Kansas State University-led study is helping uncover the intricate workings of how a specific "molecular machine" inside of cells is assembled. Fully understanding this process may present new target sites for drugs and may lead to better treatments for neurological diseases, cancers and other disorders.

 

Monday, March 16, 2015

College IT Offices Sever Ties With Terrorist Acronym
3/13/15 Chronicle of Higher Education
Kansas State University decided to rename its system "KSIS" this month after receiving complaints from people whose family members had been murdered overseas by members of the militant group.

Prominent Architect Michael Graves Dies
3/13/15 WBUR (Boston NPR)
Tim de Noble, dean of Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design, speaks with Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson about the legacy of Graves.

Vigilance over bird flu advised: KSU animal scientist
3/15/15 Outbreak News Today
Poultry owners should be aware that there is currently an outbreak of the H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) associated with the migratory bird flyways in the United States, said Kansas State University animal scientist Scott Beyer.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Women's History Month: Celebrating exceptional women
March, 5, 2015 Dos Mundos
Growing up in Ciudad, Juarez, Madai Rivera saw her dad, Carlos head to work at a soft drink plant, attired in suit, tie and spit-shined shoes. Her mom, Cecilia stayed home to raise the Rivera children — Caryce, Madai, Carlos and Luz.

Science Fairs Aren't So Fair
03/12/15 The Atlantic
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with identifying and fostering gifted students. And there’s nothing wrong with the fairs’ other stated purpose, which started in the ‘60s but still applies today and emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and competition in promoting interest in science. A 1965 study of science fairs from Kansas State University describes nearly utopian classes preceding fairs that involved original thinking, reflection, and individual attention from teachers.
 
Where BVD persistent infection is concerned, it only takes one
03/12/15 Beef Magazine
And if that one happens in your cow herd, it can wreak havoc any number of ways, says Gregg Hanzlicek, a DVM and director of field investigations at the Kansas State University (KSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Manhattan. “It’s going to be poor pregnancy rates, maybe some embryonic death, maybe some abortions,” he says.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Undercover ops: Poly tunnels an alternative to greenhouses
March 11, 2015 Yahoo News via Associated Press
High tunnels are a relatively new development for home gardeners in North America, but it's expected they'll soon become popular, said Cary Rivard, director of Kansas State University's Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center.

What McDonald's New Stance on Antibiotics Really Means
March 11, 2015 BloombergBusiness
"It could mean space, it could mean you’ll have a higher mortality rate in the animals, it could mean you’ll have to use more feed to produce the same amount of meat," says Michael Apley, a veterinarian and professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at Kansas State University.

Serendipitous discovery leads engineer to patent process for making better semiconductors
March 11, 2015 Hearst Electronic Products
*By way of random discovery, Jim Edgar, a Kansas State University distinguished professor of chemical engineering, has created a whole new way of building better semiconductors.

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

*Kansas State Profesor tracks deadly diseases from animals to humans
3/10/15 Topeka Capital Journal
Richt is a veterinary microbiologist and Regents distinguished professor in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Recent Developments In Food Safety Testing Position PURE Bioscience For Strong Growth
3/10/15 Seeking Alpha
A White Paper written by James L. Marsden, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Food Safety and Security at Kansas State University, details the success of SDC and the remediation of the processing plant..

Gov. Jay Nixon launches search for next state auditor
3/10/15 Kansas City Star
“There’s going to be a discussion of it and a mandate for it.” — Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media and a former presidential candidate, talking about the need for a simplified tax code Monday night at Kansas State University.

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

*Patented process builds better semiconductors, improves electronic devices
3/9/15 Science Daily
Through a surprise research discovery, a Kansas State University chemical engineer has found the icing on the cake for electronic devices.

Kansas farm experts plan webinar on crop insurance
3/10/15 KCTV-5
Kansas State University is offering an hour-long webinar to help farmers and others make decisions on crop insurance as the signup deadline at the end of March nears.

KU, K-State's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters respond to the OU chapter's controversial video
3/9/15 KSHB-41
KU and K-State's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters responded to the video that allegedly shows an Oklahoma chapter chanting a racial slur.

 

Monday, March 9, 2015

College Rank Names The 50 Most Amazing College Libraries
3/8/15 Yahoo! Finance
Hale Library at Kansas State University ranks No. 4 on the list. The Hale Library central library on the Campus and at one time was named for Francis David Farrell, the university’s eighth president. Opening in 1927 and has had additions added a couple of times, from stacks to whole new wings and is now the largest building on the campus. In 1984, the Friends of the Library, was founded and has provided funding for a lot of the libraries needs. The library received the Merit Award for Excellence in 1999.

*Women lag behind men on financial literacy
3/8/15 Boston Herald
These were the takeaways from two recent studies. The first, from researchers at the University of Georgia and Kansas State University, analyzed data from the FINRA 2012 National Financial Capability Study, a survey of more than 25,000 US adults. The researchers found that women across age groups answered fewer questions correctly than did men on core financial concepts such as interest rates, inflation, and risk.

Editorial: NBAF on clear path
3/8/15 Topeka Capital Journal
That bill contained an appropriation for the final $300 million needed to fund construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan — more specifically, on the north side of the Kansas State University campus.

*K-State seeks innovative startup ideas for Launch a Business program
3/7/15 Garden City Telegram
Kansas State University is seeking applications from Kansas-based startups to participate in its second Launch a Business program, powered by KS State Bank.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Butterfly population collapse prompts lawsuit against EPA
03/05/15 Chemistry World
However, Chip Taylor, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Kansas State University, US, says there is no evidence glyphosate is killing monarchs. Although he agrees that herbicide-tolerant plants are the main factor responsible for the decline, Taylor cites other contributors like habitat loss and roadside management issues.
 
K-State junior unique in occupation
03/05/15 Fire Engineering
According to Harshaw, sitting in a classroom did not feel right. At the beginning of her sophomore year, she resorted to googling "fire jobs" which ultimately led her to the K-State program. That same day, she made the decision to call up the fire chief and asked to come speak with him.
 
Budget Cuts Planned For Both KSU And KU
03/05/15 WIBW
K-State President Kirk Schulz said that they had agreed to manage on a flat budget for the next two fiscal years, and the proposed change in this agreement is disappointing. 

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Kansas Senate panel shifts funds within higher ed budget
March 5, 2015 Washington Times
A proposed budget for Kansas’ higher education system approved by a state Senate committee Thursday would shift money away from Kansas State University and the main University of Kansas campus to other schools.

Kansas Senate panel shifts funds within higher ed budget
March 5, 2015 KCTV 5
A legislative committee's proposed budget for the Kansas higher education system would shift money away from Kansas State University and the main University of Kansas campus.

Kansas State University begins preparing for next flu strain
March 4, 2015 Becker's Infection Control and Clinical Quality
Kansas State University Salina has become the first entity in the country to be granted permission by the Federal Aviation Administration to have statewide access for drone operations.

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

*Koch Industries gifts $2.6 million to K-State for diversity programs
3/3/15 Wichita Business Journal
Koch Industries Inc. on Monday announced it would donate $2.6 million to Kansas State University, primarily to help fund diversity initiatives.

Kansas institute moves Shigella vaccine out for clinical trials
3/2/15 Before It's News
A vaccine for Shigella developed by scientists at the University of Kansas (KU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) will go through Phase I clinical trials at a medical center in the Baltimore, MD, area later this year.

A new weapon for those gnats flying around the houseplants
3/2/15 The Patriot News (Pennsylvania) 
A 2010 research paper by Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd reported that neither of those are very effective controls.

 

Monday, March 2, 2015

Will your city get Shakespeare’s First Folio?
2/27/15 Washington Post
Just start making plans to visit one of these lucky sites: Manhattan, Kan.: Kansas State University

UK: Aggressive fungal strains that pose threat to wheat production detected
3/2/15 International Business Times
Vara Prasad, professor of crop ecophysiology and director of the USAID Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab at Kansas State University, who was part of the team, said.

Report: Everest most popular Kansas hard red wheat variety
3/1/15 KCTV 5
A government report shows that two varieties of winter wheat developed by Kansas State University are the leading varieties planted in the state.