Duke in the News: Aug. 15, 2003

LAB MICE TAKE AFTER MOM'S DIET Wall Street Journal, Aug. 15 -- "Science Journal" column discusses research by Robert Waterland and Randy Jirtle of Duke's Department of Radiation Oncology showing that nutritional supplementation to a mother mouse can permanently alter gene expression in her offspring. (Online version requires password; full text available upon request.) ... Full story

TYPICALLY IT TAKES DAYS OF HEAT TO CAUSE DEATHS Washington Post, Aug. 15 -- Mark W. Dewhirst, a scientist at Duke University and editor of the International Journal of Hyperthermia, comments on health factors that contribute to heat-related illness. ... Full story

PRINCESS FOR A DAY Orlando Sentinel, Aug. 15 -- Quinceans, the elaborate rite of passage for Hispanic girls, are declining. Sharon Mujica, director of educational outreach at the Consortium in Latin American Studies at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, comments. ... Full story

SCHOLARS DISPUTE NUMBERS OF 'DEFENSIVE GUN USES' Philadelphia News, Aug. 15 -- Duke University economist Philip Cook is a critic of the gun industry. In 1994 he helped conduct a survey intended to show a national police group how often Americans claimed to rely on their guns. That poll of 2,500 persons projected more than 4 million defensive gun uses in a year. ...Full story Also, Kansas City Star: Full story Charlotte Observer: Full story Tallahassee Democrat: Full story

MEN LOOK FORWARD TO PROMISE KEEPERS News & Observer, Aug. 15 -- Michael Haglund, a Duke University Hospital neurosurgeon, sends his two children to North Raleigh Christian Academy. He puts parental controls on TV, blocking off anything that isn't G-rated. And the only music he allows around the house is Christian music. ... Full story

SCHISMS, HERESIES AND SPLITTING ISSUES News & Observer, Aug. 15 -- Op-ed by David Steinmetz, professor of the history of Christianity at Duke Divinity School. (Article not available online; text available upon request.)