3/13/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Duane Bartak, professor and head of Chemistry, (319) 273-2437
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Dr. Ferid Murad, 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine, will be the University of Northern Iowa Sigma Xi Lecturer, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 20 and 21, on the UNI campus. Both presentations are free and open to the public.
Murad received the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine, along with Robert Furchgott and Louis J. Ignarro, discovering that nitric oxide is a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. He will lecture on "Cell Communication Using Nitric Oxide: How the Information Can Help Develop New Drugs," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC). A reception will follow the lecture in the McElroy Lobby of the GBPAC.
At noon Wednesday, March 21, Murad will present "Cellular Signaling with Nitric Oxide and Cyclic GMP" in Lantz Auditorium of McCollum Science Hall. A reception will follow this lecture.
Nitric oxide is a gas and free radical that can bring about a number of biological effects, including decreased blood pressure, increased blood flow to tissues, decreased blood clotting, neurotransmission, cell growth, killing of infectious pathogens and inflammation. The molecule has diverse beneficial and harmful effects, and has resulted in many novel drugs, according to Duane Bartak, UNI professor and head of chemistry, who is coordinating the Sigma Xi lectures.
Murad is the director of the Institute of Molecular Medicine, as well as professor and chair of the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School. He also is the John S. Dunn Distinguished Chair in Physiology and Medicine there.
His lectures are sponsored by UNI's Sigma Xi, College of Natural Sciences, Environmental Science Program and Department of Chemistry, as well as Allen Hospital, Cedar Valley Medical Specialists and John Deere Health.
For further information, contact Duane Bartak at (319) 273-2437.
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3/13/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Brian Will, assistant director, Financial Aid Office, (319) 273-6394
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa has allocated all of its Disaster Relief Grant funds and, although the university has requested additional funding, no further assistance is expected. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission grant provided $1 million to colleges and universities statewide last fall, for students whose families experienced undue hardship as a result of farm or natural disasters such as flooding or drought.
UNI's share of the money was about $64,000, matched by the university, for a total of $128,000. Brian Will, assistant director of the UNI Financial Aid Office, said 75 students at UNI were awarded funding. "We addressed each situation individually. Our goal was to stretch the money out over as many students as possible, while still making each award significant."
Will said the funding was a one-time proposal and does not expect a renewal of funds.
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