Duke in the News: August 23, 2007

COLLEGES STRESS MORAL LEADERSHIP Christian Science Monitor, August 23 -- Motivated by ethical lapses in society, universities like Duke are exploring ways to prepare students to be socially responsible leaders and engaged global citizens. Duke is in the pilot phase of a $30 million endowed program known as DukeEngage. ... Full story

GENES MAY HELP SPUR OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER Washington Post, August 22 -- Mice with a particular gene mutation behave much like humans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a Duke University Medical Center-led study published in the Aug. 23 issue of Nature. ... Full story Also, Scientific American: Unintentional Introduction of OCD to Mice Offers New Insight into Disorder ... Full story

HOSTILITY MAY RAISE THE RISK OF ILLNESSES Chicago Tribune, August 21 -- Researchers from Duke studying 313 healthy Vietnam veterans have found that anger and hostility may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. ... Full story

RIAA LETTERS THREATEN MORE DUKE STUDENTS (Durham) Herald-Sun, August 22 -- The Recording Industry Association of America has asked Duke to tell another batch of students it's likely to sue them for allegedly illegal music downloading. ... Full story

DUKE LAUNCHES LOCAL FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM Charlotte Business Journal, August 22 -- Duke Continuing Studies is launching a Charlotte-based executive certificate in financial planning with classes beginning Oct. 5 at Montreat College. ... Full story

PRAYER AND RELIGION: NO AFFECT ON CARDIAC OUTCOME Reuters, Aug. 21 -- Religious belief can improve the mental state of people recovering from a heart attack, but does not appear to have any influence on their physical recovery, a new Duke-led study shows. ... Full story

DESK, BED BOTH MAKE THE GRADE Columbus Dispatch, August 23 -- Harris Cooper, a Duke psychology professor and director of its program in education, offers homework tips for kids. ... Full story