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Articles by Irena Kesselring
CHARGE program makes efforts to reduce gender disparity in academic departments
At the University, female professors comprise less than a fourth of total faculty members in various science, technology, engineering and mathematics departments in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. University professors are attempting to address gender equality in various STEM fields through ongoing diversity efforts, including the CHARGE initiative.
U.Va. researchers’ preliminary data indicates possible link between tick-induced allergy and heart disease
In a preliminary study conducted in the University’s Medical School, researchers found that red meat sensitivity caused by a type of tick bite is associated with heart disease. Cardiovascular Medicine Prof. Coleen McNamara headed the study, working alongside other cardiologists and allergists to discover the initial correlation between red meat allergy and the increased risk of atherosclerosis, an increased buildup of plaque in the arteries. In 2009, Medicine and Microbiology Prof.
U.Va.’s telestroke program expands healthcare services to stroke patients
Through the use of telemedicine, the University’s telestroke program is fostering ongoing communication and remote consultation to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of patients. More specifically, the use of telehealth at the Comprehensive Stroke Center acts as a mechanism to provide immediate care to stroke patients with the goal of increasing accessibility to healthcare across the state.
U.Va. faculty seek to improve healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients
The 2018 LGBTQ+ Health Care Symposium organized by University faculty seeks to advocate for inclusion and increase understanding of the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities. The symposium will be held May 10 at the Boar’s Head Inn and invites health care professionals, administration and public health officials to discuss recurring health care issues facing the population.
Could LSD be the newest treatment for depression?
According to a study at the , lysergic acid diethylamide, or “LSD,” a psychedelic drug, could be used as a form of treatment for depression and other mood disorders. Although current research on the underlying mechanisms of hallucinogens like LSD is lacking, recent findings show that it interferes with serotonin — a neurotransmitter related to mood and appetite regulation — much like common treatments for depression and PTSD.
To JUUL or not to JUUL?
Some College students are turning to JUULing, a proposed alternative to smoking, as a new way to get the same high that traditional cigarettes offer. While researchers still don’t understand the precise health effects of the product, the JUUL was initially developed to help smokers quit and is now being used as the latest fad in various university settings. A JUUL is a type of e-cigarette that creates an aerosol to activate ingredients with a regulated heating element.
Match Day pairs medical students with residency programs
Medical students across the country found out where their career begins last Friday. Match Day marks the day that fourth-year medical students learn where they’re receiving their residency training. It reflects not only an algorithm that pairs about 44,000 applicants to their hospital of best fit, but also represents the fruition of all medical students’ academic careers. During the ceremony, students were called up individually to receive their envelopes.
Common cold study seeks to investigate effects of a probiotic
A study headed by Pediatrics Prof. Ronald B. Turner at the University Hospital is seeking to determine the effects of incorporating a daily probiotic on eligible participants infected with a rhinovirus. University nurses screen and meet with volunteers for two weeks prior to the addition of a probiotic — a form of live bacteria that helps to improve overall intestinal and immune health — to eligible participants’ diets.
U.Va. dining facilities incur 86 violations in 2017
University dining facilities incurred 86 total violations during health department inspections in 2017, according to a review of Thomas Jefferson Health District health inspection reports by The Cavalier Daily. Data was gathered from 17 on-Grounds facilities and seven health system facilities. While most facilities had between zero and four violations at each inspection, Observatory Hill Dining Hall had eight violations during a March 13 inspection, and Crossroads had ten violations during an Oct.
Science Policy Initiative forges new opportunities for graduate students
The Science Policy Initiative is a graduate student-run organization working to increase awareness of science policy careers and generate support from the University administration for students pursuing those professional paths.
U.Va. researchers partner with Charlottesville schools to promote STEM education
The University has collaborated with many organizations and schools to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and diversity in the field across many Charlottesville area schools. Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Rosa Atkins said in an email statement that various partnerships that have been formed over the years.
Two cases of mumps suspected on Grounds
In an email to University students and personnel Monday, Student Health Executive Director Christopher Holstege said there have been two suspected cases of mumps at the University this fall. He also wrote about the implications of mumps and what steps students should take to prevent infection. This follows a similar message in February identifying two similar cases. Mumps is a viral disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing drinks and food with others.
U.Va. team to compete as finalist in Collegiate Inventors Competition
The Collegiate Inventors Competition gives college students the opportunity to present their inventions to be judged on the basis of degree of originality, development level of the product, potential benefit to society and level of student initiative.
Conference addresses opioid crisis through community-building
A conference held at the University this week examined the use of opioids in Virginia and identified potential opportunities to translate techniques from effective treatment centers in Canada to state facilities. The conference had two parts, the first of which occurred on Tuesday in the Rotunda. The second event, entitled “First Nations' Resilience: Two Communities Take On An Epidemic,” took place on Wednesday in Pinn Hall as part of the Medical Center Grand Rounds series.
Cornel West speaks at U.Va.
Preceded by several other speakers and a pianist, Cornel West spoke at the University last Friday. As Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University, West promotes racial justice through a melding of progressive politics and traditions of the black Baptist Church. He is also a political activist, a prolific author and has been honored as professor emeritus at Princeton University.
Partial solar eclipse coming to Charlottesville
On August 21 a partial solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon blocks out part of the sun, will be visible from Charlottesville. During solar eclipses, the moon’s shadow creates a few minutes of darkness mid-day. University astronomer Ed Murphy said occurring globally approximately every 18 months, solar eclipses last for varying amounts of time and differ in appearance based on geographical location.
U.Va. Children’s Hospital receives top rankings
Four specialties at the University Children’s Hospital received recognition for their dedication in providing quality care to their young patients. Neonatology ranked 30th, Diabetes and Endocrinology ranked 34th, Orthopedics tied for 41st and Cardiology and Heart Surgery ranked 44th nationally, according to the U.S. News and World Report website.
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