Dateline archive:

Gorilla doctors, crime stats, Silo changes — 9.30.11

UC Davis FRIDAY UPDATE

9.30.2011

News and information for faculty and staff


Spotlight on…

Saving the gorillas in our midstPhoto: Gorilla mom and baby

Gorillas in Africa's Virunga Mountains are increasing in numbers with the help of a UC Davis program that looks after people as well as the endangered apes. Read about the One Health program and more in the fall issue of UC Davis Magazine. [ More… ]

NEWS SUMMARY

More stories at Dateline UC Davis and UC Davis News and Information

Court says Sacramento County owes the health system

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge ruled Sept. 26 that Sacramento County must pay the UC Davis Medical Center for care provided to eligible indigent county residents. David Levine, UC Davis Health System counsel, said he believes that the county understands that it owes UC Davis tens of millions of dollars, and added: "We are keenly aware of the county's fiscal crisis and have always been open to negotiating a resolution that ends this litigation. Perhaps now the county will come to the table." [ More… ]

Crime stats reported under Clery Act show little change in 2010

The number of crimes reported in calendar year 2010 on property owned or controlled by UC Davis showed little change from the previous year, according to statistics prepared in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. [ More… ]

Campus elaborates on 'U-Hub' plan for energy innovation

The campus is elaborating on UC Davis' plan to move several energy-related research units into offices at UC Davis West Village, thereby creating what Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi, in her Fall Convocation address, called a "University Hub" — a prototype for future "Innovation Hubs" aimed at better fostering collaboration among related research units and enhancing interaction with the private sector. [ More… ]

Silo adds full-fledged Starbucks, opening next week

The Brenan's coffee bar is out, a full-fledged Starbucks is in, expected to open by the end of next week at the Silo. You'll also find more upstairs seating at the Silo, and, by the end of the 2011-12 academic year, a covered, open-air structure for food trucks and carts. "We're trying to provide a wider variety of food options for our entire campus community," said Brett Burns, executive director of Memorial Union Auxiliary Services, which runs the Silo. [ More… ]

Self-cleaning cotton breaks down pesticides, bacteria

UC Davis scientists have developed a self-cleaning cotton fabric that can kill bacteria and break down toxic chemicals such as pesticide residues when exposed to light. The new fabric has potential applications in biological and chemical protective clothing for workers in health care, food processing and farming, as well as military personnel. [ More… ]

Professor's film project gets a rave review in The New York Times

New York Times critic Dave Kehr writes that a new DVD set curated by UC Davis English professor Scott Simmon offers "an invaluable glimpse of that monumental yet increasingly inaccessible achievement that was American moviemaking in the 20th century." The 40-film DVD set showcases the American West as it was recorded and imagined over the four decades between 1898 and 1938. Each film comes with a second-track audio commentary from scholars and experts, two of whom are from UC Davis: English professor Desiree Martin and history professor Louis Warren. [ More… ]

Homecoming 2011: Pajamarino, tailgate and football

UC Davis celebrates Homecoming 2011 with football, of course, plus the 99th annual Pajamarino — an evening of fun for the whole family. Homecoming week culminates in the football game against the University of Texas, San Antonio, Saturday, Oct. 15. The Cal Aggie Alumni Association is holding a tailgate party before the game, for members and nonmembers. The Pajamarino will be held Friday, Oct. 14, and will be followed by an alumni social in downtown Davis. [ More… ]

News briefs: Survey, staff welcome, neighbors and more

Hart Research survey isn't a UC project, and your response is voluntary. … UC payroll data goes online. … Plus the New Staff Welcome, the first WorkLife and Wellness brown bag of the new academic year, and Davis Neighbors Night Out. … Upcoming events: bike auction, Safety Day, Dog 'n' Jog and Horse Day. [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updated policies for graduate student academic appointments

The Office of Graduate Studies has announced changes to policies in order to streamline and clarify the graduate student academic appointment process. [ More… ]

EVENTS

Turtle Talk and Tour

Sunday, Oct. 2, 1-3 p.m., Wyatt Deck

In a presentation suitable for the whole family, Professor Brad Shaffer discusses research on the interactions between the arboretum waterway's native western pond turtle (a declining species) and non-native, exotic turtles — many of them former pets, released into the waterway. The program also includes a tour of favorite turtle basking spots. [ More… ]

The arts: Poets and other writers, amid the trees

Poetry in the Garden: Wednesday, Oct. 5, noon, Wyatt Deck

Readings by Creative Writing Faculty: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., Wyatt Deck

Poetry and other creative writing will mingle with the trees in back-to-back programs scheduled to take place in the arboretum. Wednesday's program features poetry readings by Vanessa Niño-Tapia and Francisco Dominguez, while the Thursday evening event includes readings by campus writers Joshua Clover, Lucy Corin, Greg Glazner, Pam Houston and Joe Wenderoth. [ More… ]

Nelson Scientific Lectureship: Nobel laureate Carol Greider

Wednesday, Oct. 12, noon, UC Davis Conference Center

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m., Matsui Lecture Hall, School of Medicine Education Building, Sacramento

Carol Greider will speak on "Telomerase and the Consequences of Telomere Dysfunction" on both the Davis and Sacramento campuses. Her discovery of telomerase — the enzyme that restores the tiny ends of chromosomes known as telomeres and protects them from damage — earned her a Nobel Prize and catalyzed an explosion of scientific studies that probe connections between telomerase, telomeres and human health, including cancer and age-related diseases. Registration is required to attend. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…