In the News

November 2004

Governor Signs Orders Granting Clemency
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 11 p.m. ý Nov. 26
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 5:30, 6, 11 p.m. ý Nov. 26
WJZ-TV, Ch. 13 6, 11 p.m. ý Nov. 26
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45 6:30 p.m. ý Nov. 26
Associated Press ý Nov. 26
Washington Post ý Nov. 27
Baltimore Sun ý Nov. 27
Annapolis Capital ý Nov. 27 (and 85 other newspapers listed via Google News)
WJZ.com ý Nov. 23

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. commuted the life sentences of two convicted murderers in a series of orders that marked the most expansive use of clemency powers by any Maryland governor in more than a decade. The attorney for Walter Arvinger, Michael A. Millemann, JD, professor, School of Law, says he was delighted by Ehrlich's grant of clemency for Arvinger, "who never should have been convicted in the first place," but also because the grants reaffirmed an executive power that had fallen into disuse. Nearly 20 students from the School's Clinical Law Office worked on the case.
www.washingtonpost.com
www.baltimoresun.com
www.hometownannapolis.com
wjz.com

Maryland Poison Center and Giant Food Issue Food Poison Warnings
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11, Noon - Nov. 26
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 5 p.m. ý Nov. 22
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 5 p.m. ý Nov. 22
WJZ-TV, Ch. 13 5 p.m. ý Nov. 22
WBAL-AM Radio 6:30 a.m. ý Nov. 23
PR newswire (Yahoo) ý Nov. 22

The Maryland Poison Center, a service of the School of Pharmacy, and Giant Food LLC, have issued a holiday food safety and poison prevention advisory at the beginning of this busy holiday season. Illnesses related to food-borne bacteria have been described as the second-leading cause of sickness in the United States, behind the common cold. Bruce Anderson, PharmD, DABAT, associate professor, School of Pharmacy and director of the Maryland Poison Center, was interviewed.

Questions Could Delay Trial of Two Charged With Killings of Children
Baltimore Sun ý Nov. 24

The trial next month of two men accused of slashing the throats of three Mexican children may be delayed. Legal experts say that sharing office space and working together in past cases do not amount to a conflict of interest. Many defense attorneys "work side by side but can draw a clear line" to avoid conflicts," says Robert Condlin, JD, professor, School of Law. Says Douglas Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, "There would have to be something shown that the interest of a lawyer's client would not be well-served by that lawyer's mixed or ambiguous relationship with another client."
www.baltimoresun.com

Those Who Have Made a Difference
WBALChannel.com ý Nov. 29
WBAL-TV, 6:30 a.m. ý Nov. 26

An editorial delivered by WBAL-TV general manager Bill Fine salutes the contributions made to the region by David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The editorial credits Ramsay for taking UMB "to unprecedented levels during his 10-year tenureý generating over $2 billion in economic activity in Maryland annually." Achievements by the Dental School and School of Law are cited.
www.thewbalchannel.com

Air France Flight Diverted After "No Fly" Passenger Boards Flight to U.S.
CNN, 5 p.m. - Nov. 22

An Air France flight from Paris to Washington, D.C., was diverted to Maine this week when it was discovered that a person on the "no-fly" list was aboard. It was the latest case in which "no fly" passengers were identified too late to prevent them from boarding. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor, School of Law, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, says this latest incident is another indication that multilateral negotiations with the European countries are needed to solve the problem.

FBI Investigates Death of Maryland Inmate
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 23

Last spring, inmate Ifeanyi Iko died after a violent confrontation with officers at Western Correctional Institution in Allegany County. Ikoýs family has filed suit in federal court against prison officials for what the family's attorney describes as an "unreasonable and illegal" use of deadly force. "This is the place where the truth will be revealed," Douglas Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, says of the civil lawsuit. "The family will learn what happened."
www.baltimoresun.com

Growing Popularity of Teeth-Whitening Products
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 - 9 a.m. - Nov. 21

Sales of teeth-whitening products are continuing to grow, but are they safe? Howard E. Strassler, DMD, a professor of restorative dentistry in the Dental School, says teeth-whitening products have been around for 100 years and are considered generally safe. He urges patients to first see their dentist before using the teeth-whitening products.
media.umaryland.edu:8080

Scientist's Warnings on Drugs Stirs Debate
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 21

FDA safety officer David Graham has warned Congress that the FDA is unable to ensure drug safety and singled out five drugs that should be pulled from the market or more strictly controlled. "These medicines should be intensely scrutinized," says Paul Stolley, MPH, MD, clinical professor, School of Medicine. Anthony Gaspari, MD, professor, School of Medicine, is also quoted.
www.baltimoresun.com

Starbucks Negotiating Location on West Side
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 21

The Seattle-based Starbucks chain is negotiating to move into space being built at the northeast corner of Baltimore and Eutaw streets in Bank of America's Centerpoint retail and residential complex, a city economic official confirmed Friday. Businesses in the area hope for patronage from many sources: theatergoers, members of the University of Maryland, Baltimore community, and the rising number of people living in hundreds of new apartments.
www.baltimoresun.com

Warnings to Congress About Drug Safety
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 - 6 p.m., 11 p.m. - Nov. 19

Sheila Weiss Smith, PhD, associate professor, School of Pharmacy and adjunct professor, School of Medicine, discussed the integrity and scientific credentials of FDA safety officer David Graham, who has warned Congress that the FDA is unable to ensure drug safety and singled out five drugs that should be pulled from the market or more strictly controlled. Weiss Smith also discussed the question of drug safety and FDA safety-monitoring processes in general. Fadia Shaya, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, School of Pharmacy, discussed the drug safety issue as well.

FBI Tagged for Faulty Fingerprint ID in Madrid Bombing
Albany (Ore.) Democrat-Herald - Nov. 19

A Portland, Ore., lawyer was wrongly linked to the Madrid train bombings because a high-ranking supervisor bungled a fingerprint examination, and two of his colleagues were too afraid to contradict him, a panel of forensic experts found. The conclusion shows that human error played a larger role than originally thought in the botched investigation. Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, is quoted and sees the panel's report as an embarrassment to the Bush administration.

New Group Wants Public Restrooms Rated
ABCNews.com - Nov. 17

Bathroom experts from 15 countries are gathering for the World Toilet Summit in the hope of making every trip to a public restroom a more pleasurable experience. "In places like Japan, there are public groups that make sure there are cleaner, safer toilets in shopping centers, bus stations, and airports. Why can't we have an advocate group like that in America to steer people away from nightmarish situations?" says Steven Soifer, PhD, associate professor, School of Social Work, president of the International Paruresis Association and co-founder of the North American Restroom Association.
abcnews.go.com

Case May Hinge on a Technicality
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 18

The $60-million lawsuit filed against Baltimore City by former Police Commissioner Kevin Clark hinges on a fundamental legal question: Does the mayor truly have the authority to fire his police chief? Legal and political observers see Clark's lawsuit chiefly as an attempt to embarrass Mayor O'Malley. "It's rather unusual to have a police chief make an issue. Usually, it's worked out with greater civility," says Abraham Dash, JD, professor, School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

FBI Tagged for Faulty Fingerprint ID in Madrid Bombing
Associated Press - Nov. 16
Corvallis (Ore.) Gazette-Times - Nov. 16
The Scotsman - Nov. 16

A Portland, Ore., lawyer was wrongly linked to the Madrid train bombings because a high-ranking supervisor bungled a fingerprint examination, and two of his colleagues were too afraid to contradict him, a panel of forensic experts found. The conclusion shows that human error played a larger role than originally thought in the botched investigation. Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, is quoted and sees the panel's report as an embarrassment to the Bush administration.
www.gazettetimes.com
news.scotsman.com

Death Penalty Study to Resurface in Maryland
Associated Press - Nov. 15
Hagerstown Herald-Mail - Nov. 15

Judges in Maryland likely will have to determine if the state's death penalty law allows race to seep into the decisions prosecutors make. "The race issue will finally get litigated and resolved," says Michael Millemann, JD, a professor in the School of Law who also represents death row inmate John Booth.
www.herald-mail.com

Flu Vaccine Shortage Might Continue into 2005
USA Today - Nov. 17

The flu vaccine shortage might stretch into 2005 if one key U.S. supplier cannot resume manufacturing in time. The country had 26 flu vaccine makers 40 years ago, but just three for this year. Some experts want the government to increase incentives for vaccine makers. The government needs to "put the money on the table," says Myron M. Levine, MD, professor and director of the Center for Vaccine Development, School of Medicine.
www.usatoday.com

Health Care Options Limited for Many Area Latinos
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 15

A survey conducted last summer of 468 Hispanics in Baltimore revealed that about 70 percent had no health insurance, even though the majority of them were working. "This is astounding. People are doing without health care in Baltimore City because they can't afford it," says Olivia Carter-Pokras, PhD, associate professor, School of Medicine.
www.baltimoresun.com

Impact of Supreme Court Changes on African-Americans
Black Entertainment TV News - Nov. 17
CBS-TV News, "Early Morning" - Nov. 17
CBS affiliates feed - Nov. 17

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to have some turnover in the next 4 years as the justices face retirement age and possible health problems. Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor, School of Law, says the court already is delicately balanced on several major issues and "it is not clear how that balance will change" with the potential appointments of new justices by President Bush.

Impact of the Bush Cabinet Appointments
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9, 9:50 a.m. - Nov. 17

As President Bush continues to announce new appointments to his cabinet, Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor, School of Law, says the president is filling several of these positions with aides who share his views. As a result, Ifill says, this may lead to less debate over major issues within his administration.

Life After Death
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 15

Ronald Wade, a certified mortician and director of the Division of Anatomical Services in the School of Medicine, is profiled and pictured. Wade is director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene State Anatomy Board.
www.baltimoresun.com

Nomination of New Attorney General
WEAA Radio, 7:10 a.m. - Nov. 12

Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, professor, School of Law, was a guest on "The Anthony McCarthy Show" and discussed President Bushýs nomination of White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to succeed John Ashcroft as U.S. attorney general.

Nursing Student Mourned
Northeast Reporter - Nov. 10

A front-page story profiles a candlelight vigil held on Nov. 8 in the School of Nursing in memory of Stephanie Kreiner, a BSN student who was struck and killed by an allegedly drunken driver. Patricia Mitchell, associate dean of admissions and student affairs, and Naomi Sweigard, assistant director of admissions and student affairs, are quoted.
news.mywebpal.com

Peterson Jury Situation
WBAL-TV, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. - Nov. 11

Doug Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, says it is extremely rare to have two jurors dismissed from a jury trial in 2 days, as happened in the Scott Peterson case. Peterson was later found guilty of killing his wife and unborn son.

Program Hopes to Find New Organ Donors
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 15

Organizers of the Linkages to Life program are using African-American churches as a venue to appeal for organ donations from members of the African-American community. "It's a very important place to go. In the African-American community, this is where they come for trusted information," says Clarence Foster, MD, assistant professor, School of Medicine.
www.baltimoresun.com

UMBC Research Park Lands Tenants
Daily Record - Nov. 12

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County's Research and Technology Park has signed two tenants for the second of five planned buildings, suggesting that the area's tech sector is on the rebound. Construction for the UMB BioPark at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, is cited.

Cold Medications Can Harm Children, Official Cautions
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 12

Concerned about the deaths of three city children from over-the-counter drugs during the past 2-1/2 years, Baltimore's health commissioner has called on parents and medical professionals to monitor the type and dosage of cold medication given to sick children. "Every day we get calls about cold medication and children," says Suzanne Doyon, MD, ACMT, medical director of the Maryland Poison Center in the School of Pharmacy. "We get over 200 calls a day, and the ones about cough and cold medications, they tend to increase during the winter."
www.baltimoresun.com

Military Protesters
KDXU-AM Radio (Salt Lake City) - Nov. 9

Protesters who gather each year to call for the closing of a military school at Fort Benning, Ga., will be surrounded by temporary fences this year. Police say the fence will be set up in reaction to a recent federal court ruling that police in Columbus, Ga., could not search protesters or use metal detectors. Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, was a guest on "The Donovan Report" and discussed the case.

Successor to John Ashcroft
Toledo Blade - Nov. 11

Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, discusses the nomination of Alberto Gonzales to succeed John Ashcroft as U.S. Attorney General.

Twenty Years Later, Gallo Looks at AIDS, Future
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 12

It has been 20 years since Robert Gallo, MD, director of the Institute of Human Virology and professor, School of Medicine, and a colleague discovered the virus that causes AIDS. In a question-and-answer feature in which Gallo is pictured, he reflects on the epidemic and its past, present, and future.
www.baltimoresun.com

Ashcroft Resignation
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 11

Attorney General John Ashcroft became one of the first two members of President Bush's cabinet to resign as Bush prepares for his second term. Speaking of Ashcroft, Michael Greenberger, JD, professor, School of Law, says, "He will definitely be remembered, but probably not kindly historically. He was too divisive, dividing the country over his policiesý when a reasoned approach could have calmed the waters."
www.baltimoresun.com

Ashcroft Resignation and Guantanamo Bay
WUSA-TV, 9 a.m. - Nov. 10

Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, discussed the resignation of U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and a recent federal court decision finding that a Guantanamo Bay detainee should not be tried by a military commission until its rules conform to the established code of military justice.

Successor to John Ashcroft
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov. 11
WTOP, 4:20 p.m. - Nov. 10

Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, discusses the nomination of Alberto Gonzales to succeed John Ashcroft as U.S. Attorney General.
www.post-gazette.com

Candidates Work Only the Edge of Health Care, Critics Say
Newhouse News Service - Oct. 12

Health care analysts argue that neither President Bush or Sen. John Kerry seemed ready during the campaign to significantly recast a health care system that analysts say needs a big shift in philosophy, with more emphasis on preventing illness than treating it. According to a summary by the School of Nursing, recent government and academic research underscores the need to encourage healthy behavior.
www.newhouse.com

Readin', Writin' & Rhinovirus
Aisle1 (CVS Drug Stores) - Fall, 2004

Back-to-school season means kids are bringing home germs and any number of the viruses responsible for the common cold. "Balanced nutrition will help develop and maintain the immune system," says Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, associate dean, School of Pharmacy.

Board Ponders Research Projects
Roanoke Times & World News - Nov. 6

The governing board at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is scheduled to discuss several research collaborations, including a research agreement between the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and human health departments at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The two schools would share faculty, allow student exchanges, and possibly establish dual degree programs.

Dr. Smirnow's Transformation
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 7

Dr. Lisa Smirnow, a physician who has a private practice in Eldersburg, Md., is profiled. Her colleague and friend Margaret Blandin-Clark, LCSW-C, BCD, clinical assistant professor, School of Medicine, is quoted.
www.baltimoresun.com

Nursing Shortage Intensifies
Nursing Spectrum - Nov. 1

The shortage of nurses and nurse faculty was highlighted during a recent Congressional staff briefing, moderated by Janet Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean, School of Nursing. "The shortage of faculty is a microcosm of a bigger nursing shortage crisis, which is exacerbated by the amount of education necessary to be nurse faculty," Allan said. "The result is an older faculty in baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs."

City Prosecutor Not Seeking Death Penalty in Murder of Children
WJZ-TV, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. - Nov. 4
WMAR-TV, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. - Nov. 4

Doug Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, discusses the reasons city prosecutors probably decided not to seek the death penalty against the accused in the murder of three children in the Baltimore area in May. One of the accused is too young for the death penalty sentence but the other man could have been eligible.

Drug Deliveries Bring Hope to AIDS Patients
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 5

The Institute of Human Virology is delivering AIDS drugs in person to more than 100 people in Baltimore who depend on them to stay alive. Doctors in sub-Saharan Africa are using a similar approach to help patients not only begin therapy but continue it day after day. Preventing drug resistance was a major topic of discussion at an international conference on AIDS held this week by Robert Gallo, MD, director of the institute and professor, School of Medicine.
www.baltimoresun.com

Man Charged in Killing of 3 Children Won't Face Death
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 4

Two Mexican immigrants accused of killing three children in Northwest Baltimore in May will not face the death penalty, according to defense lawyers who said prosecutors had given them this information. Michael Millemann, JD, professor, School of Law, is quoted.
www.baltimoresun.com

Voter Turnout
WBAL-TV, 6 p.m. - Nov. 2

The long lines at polling places on Election Day prompted many to wonder if voter turnout would play a major role in the election. Larry Gibson, LLB, professor, School of Law, who stood in a long line himself to vote, says he had "never seen anything like this turnout."

Circuit Judges' Defeat Leaves All-White Bench
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 4

The apparent ouster of two Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judges in the Nov. 2 election marks a return to an all-white bench in the county, raising the concerns of some civil rights leaders who have seen a number of minority judges coming up short in elections in recent years. "I don't think there is any question that this is a concern," says Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor, School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

Election Returns
WBAL-TV, 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. - Nov. 2

Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor, School of Law, and Larry Gibson, LLB, professor, School of Law, were both interviewed about the local and national election races. (To view a copy of this story, please contact Media Relations at 6-7820

Forgotten but not Gone
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 2

An editorial states that tetanus remains a grave threat to Americans over 60 because many of them have fallen through the cracks of the vaccination regimen against the disease. Booster shots administered after a wound has already occurred probably won't be enough to stave off infection in a patient who has never had the original three-shot vaccine series, says Michael Donnenberg, MD, professor, School of Medicine.
www.baltimoresun.com

Black Jurists Hope for State Supreme Court Slots
National Public Radio, "Tavis Smiley Show" - Nov. 1

African-Americans number 24 out of 240 judges on state supreme courts nationwide. There was the prospect on Election Day that the racial gap could close with the election of African-Americans judicial candidates for high courts in North Carolina and Mississippi. Diversity on the bench will lead to well-rounded court rulings, says Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor, School of Law, who is interviewed extensively.
www.npr.org

Lessons From the Gross Anatomy Lab
National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" - Nov. 1

As final exams approach for first-year students in the School of Medicine, they reflect on what theyýve learned in the gross anatomy lab.

Rehnquist Absent From High Court
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 2

The U.S. Supreme Court met on Nov. 1 without Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who called plans to return to work this week "too optimistic" as he undergoes multiple treatments for his recently diagnosed thyroid cancer. "Using chemotherapy and radiation is akin to saying this is extensive and beyond surgical intervention," says Rodney Taylor, MD, assistant professor, School of Medicine, and a head and neck surgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

School of Law to Sponsor Lecture on Civil Rights
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 3

The School of Law will sponsor a lecture on Nov. 4 on the evolution of civil rights in the United States since the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The speaker is Frank Wu, dean and professor, Wayne State University Law School. The lecture is free and open to the public and begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Ceremonial Court Room.
www.baltimoresun.com

This Election Stirs Voters' Passions
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 3

The local and national voting pulse on Election Day is profiled. Pictured waiting to vote at a Light Street polling venue is Ellen Cornelius, a student in the School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

Battle Over Biodefense Dollars
Paradigm Magazine ý Fall 2004

Article discusses the effects of billions of U.S. research dollars, directed to everything from anthrax and plague to military biohazard suits, on U.S. science and security. Alan Cross, MD, professor, School of Medicine, researcher, Center for Vaccine Development, describes his new facilities for bioterrorism research in the Health Sciences Facility II building.
www.whitehead.mit.edu

Economic Alliance Tries New Development Model
Daily Record - Oct. 26

Under a new model for attracting companies to Baltimore, a regional business advocacy group hopes to bring a major pharmaceutical company to one of the area's biotechnology parks, at Johns Hopkins Hospital or the University of Maryland, Baltimore, within 2 years.

Full Coverage: Insurance Journalist Goes Shopping
Washington Post - Oct. 26

The writer, a reporter who covers the insurance industry, thought he'd been given an easy task when his wife asked him to find their family a health insurance policy before she left her full-time job at the School of Medicine. The task of finding new health insurance was a lengthier process than he had imagined.
www.washingtonpost.com

Major Depression at Age 5? Researchers Say it Can Happen
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nov. 2
Charlotte Observer - Nov. 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press - Nov. 2

Mental health experts see preschoolers with psychiatric difficulties, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, behavioral disorders in which children severely injure other children, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In February 2000, Julie Magno Zito, MS, PhD, associate professor, School of Pharmacy, and School of Medicine, stirred a national debate after her New England Journal of Medicine study estimated that 150,000 preschoolers were on psychotropic drugs in 1995, up from 100,000 in 1991. Since then the numbers have been on the rise.
www.dfw.com

More Sick Days Expected Due to Lack of Flu Vaccine
Detroit News - Oct. 26

U.S. businesses could lose up to $20 billion in productivity this year due to the flu vaccine shortage, a health economist predicts. A School of Medicine study found that parents of children vaccinated with FluMist missed 72 percent fewer days of work than those we received no vaccination.

Bin Laden Video Adds Fuel To The Partisan Fire
Los Angeles Times - Oct. 30
Newsday (NY) - Oct. 30
Associated Press - Oct. 30

Aides to President Bush and Sen. John F. Kerry seized on the new videotape of Osama bin Laden to launch a fierce round of attacks. "My own personal view is that this is at least going to be a wash, and possibly helpful to Sen. Kerry," said Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and a professor in the School of Law. "It falls within his thesis that we are bogged down in Iraq and we are fighting the wrong enemy, and here is this person taking full credit for 9/11, being videotaped and quite safe from any danger."
www.newsday.com

Dean Jesse Harris Honored by the Baltimore Archdiocese
WBAL-TV Ch 11 11 p.m. - Oct. 31

The Baltimore Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church awarded its highest honors to 31 people at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Among those receiving the honors was Jesse Harris, PhD, dean of the School of Social Work, who was seen receiving his award from Cardinal William Keeler and being congratulated by other church leaders.

Depression in Children May Start As Early as 5 Years Old
Knight-Ridder Newspaper Service - Oct. 31
Kansas City Star - Oct. 31
St. Paul Pioneer Press - Oct. 31

At a handful of childhood research centers across the country - in Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, St. Louis and Durham, N.C. - mental-health experts are now looking at the minds of preschoolers with fresh eyes to determine if major depressive disorders start as early as 5 years old. The pioneering research by School of Pharmacy professor Julie Magno Zito, PhD, stirred a national debate after she estimated that 150,000 preschoolers (10 percent of them 2-year-olds) were on psychotropic drugs in 1995, up from 100,000 only four years before.
www.twincities.com

Few Challengers, Little Recognition for Sitting Judges
The Baltimore Sun - Oct. 29

Voters in only two counties in the state will be able to choose among competing candidates for judge. "Most people do not know who the candidates are. That is an unfortunate fact of life," said Jesse Rutledge, spokesman for Justice at Stake, a Washington-based organization that promotes judicial independence. Voters, he said, "are not very well-informed, and that is a shame." "I think the profession has done a lousy job of providing information about the candidates for office," said Michael Millemann, JD, a professor in the School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

Flu Shot Hysteria
Minot Daily News (ND) - Oct. 30

At a time of high public demand for flu shots, University of Maryland medical research reports that only about 10 to 20 percent of the population actually contracts the flu. The rate can be as high as 40 percent in children. Jim Campbell, MD, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at the Center for Vaccine Development and assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine and Robert Edelman, MD, associate director for clinical research at the Center for Vaccine Development and professor of medicine and pediatrics at the School of Medicine are quoted.
www.minotdailynews.com

Halloween and Tooth Decay
WJZ-TV Ch 13 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. - Oct. 31
WBAL-TV Ch 11 11 p.m. - Oct. 31

Andrea Morgan, DDS, clinical assistant professor of restorative dentistry and Joseph von Fraunhofer, PhD, professor of restorative dentistry, both at the Dental School, were featured in news stories about maintaining healthy teeth during and after Halloween candy.

New Insight into Urinary Tract Infections
United Press International - Oct. 29

Researchers from the School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison collaborated on a study on how E.coli acts in the mammalian urinary tract. The study was designed to compare gene expression levels for a strain of E.coli as the bacteria grew in three different environments.

New Medication Might Reverse the Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) - Oct. 28

A drug expected on pharmacy shelves by January offers hope for millions of alcoholics in this country and could help remove the stigma attached to the disease, doctors say. A New York company, Forest Laboratories Inc., will market the prescription drug for pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. under the brand name Campral in early 2005, company officials say. Eric Weintraub, MD, an associate professor in the department of psychiatry in the School of Medicine, says the medical community has long understood alcoholism to be a disease process.

Westminster Burial Grounds Halloween Tour
WJZ-TV Ch 13 8 a.m. and 11p.m. - Oct. 31
WBAL-TV Ch 11 11 p.m. - Oct. 31
Baltimore's Child Newspaper - Oct. issue

Edgar Allan Poe's grave site, the burial grounds beneath Westminster Hall at the School of Law, theatrical performances by "Frank the Body Snatcher," "General Stricker," war hero of the Battle of 1812, and a dramatic reading of Poe's "The Tale Tale Heart" were featured on the morning and evening news coverage of Halloween. It is estimated 600 people attended the tours of the catacombs.

Westminster Halloween Tour Previewed
Baltimore Sun LIVE section ý Oct. 28

Tours of Edgar Allan Poe's grave site, the burial grounds beneath Westminster Hall at the School of Law, and the theatrical performances by "Frank the Body Snatcher" and "General Stricker," war hero of the Battle of 1812, are previewed.

Why Are Vaccine Developers Still Using Egg-Based Technology?
US News & World Report - Oct. 30

Ever since the 1940s, vaccine makers have grown large batches of virus inside chicken eggs. But given that some 36,000 Americans die of flu each year, it's remarkable that our first line of defense is still what Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson calls "the cumbersome and archaic and arcane egg-based production.ý Why has this egg method persisted for six decades? "The main reason is that it's reliable. We know it works. It's hard to move new technologies," says Myron Levine, MD, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
www.usnews.com