Experts Available

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Scientists from around the globe will celebrate the bicentennial of Charles Robert Darwin's birth, as well as the 150th anniversary of his monumental work, On the Origin of Species on or about February 12, 2009. "Both Darwin's birth and the sesquicentennial anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species are major landmarks in the history of science, which is why so many institutions around the world are commemorating these events," notes Scott McRobert, Ph.D., a geneticist and evolutionary biologist who has traveled to the Galapagos Islands, the site of Darwin's case studies during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.

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Iran has joined an elite club of nations and regions capable of independently launching spacecraft into Earth orbit. Each country has a responsibility to protect the space environment from harm and take part in the international effort to preserve the space environment for future generations.

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This is going to be a big year for evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin: 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book "On the Origin of Species," and Feb. 12 would be his 200th birthday. Throughout the year, Darwin Day events are planned around the world to celebrate the man and his work, and to explore Darwin's legacy of science and reason.

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Just one month ago, many Americans made their New Year's resolution to lose weight, to exercise more, or to watch less television. Few people, however, manage to keep their resolutions over time, say experts. So, why are bad habits so hard to break?

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"The great news this Valentine's Day is that in addition to being decadent and delicious, moderate amounts of dark chocolate may play a role in cancer prevention," said Sally Scroggs, M.S., R.D., L.D., health education manager at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's Cancer Prevention Center.

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February is Screening and Early Detection for Cancer Month. Abnormal cells that can become cancer cells can be detected through a variety of tests, many of which are recommended on a regular basis based on age, general health and overall risk factors.

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A recent report issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers"”sent to Congress on the eve of the economic stimulus and recovery package vote"”gave the nation's failing infrastructure an overall grade of "D." Congress should focus on "Ready-To-Fix," Not "Ready-To-Build," public works projects says expert.

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President Barack Obama's choice of a former congressional aide and associate pastor of a Massachusetts Pentecostal church to head his Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships highlights the importance of and the need for continued research into the effectiveness of the work of FBOs, says the co-director of Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion.

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2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's landmark book, On the Origin of Species. Several experts from Southwestern University are available to discuss various aspects of this story.

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NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences is a leading supporter of evolutionary biology research, including recent work on antibiotic resistance, the structure of our brains, and why about half of the adults in the world can digest milk.

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USC experts available re: Darwin's enduring influence on biology, anthropology, culture, politics and love.

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Evolution is under attack across the U.S. Last year, the teaching of evolution was challenged in scores of schools. During the same period, six states introduced (and Louisiana passed) "academic freedom laws" that discredit evolution and smuggle creationist teachings into the classroom. Creationists are sabotaging state science standards. Here's NCSE's list of the hottest evolution stories of the last 12 months.

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The University of California, San Diego is hosting a series of events this spring to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and to reflect on how his ideas continue to influence science. The University also has a list of experts who can comment on Darwin and his rich legacy.

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With Charles Darwin's 200th birthday coming up in February, several University of Wisconsin-Madison experts are available to talk about the evolutionary biologist and related research.

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The Oprah Winfrey Show focused on bioidentical hormone therapy on January 29th; Endocrinologist Margaret E. Wierman, M.D. can answer questions. Public confusion of the benefits and risks of hormone therapy was highlighted once again this week on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The Endocrine Society is concerned about the continued propagation of misleading information about bioidentical hormones.

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Professional development experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are available to discuss the impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA 2009) on the nation's infrastructure.

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Janis L. McDonald, Bond, Schoeneck & King Distinguished Professor at Syracuse University College of Law, is available to comment on the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

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Cornell University offers food safety / food science experts in light of the recent salmonella scare.

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As the country prepares for the mandated digital broadcast conversion of television airwaves on Feb. 17, an Iowa State University communication professor questions its benefit to consumers and the government's involvement in the conversion process.

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Undergraduate research programs seem to be a key in keeping budding scientists on track.

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The typical American consumer is accustomed to unwrapping a hamburger from their favorite fast food establishment and finding "the works": lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and a few packets of ketchup on the side. However, according to John Stanton, Ph.D., chair of food marketing at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, the "frills" that come with fast food or restaurant meals could become a thing of the past.

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Super Bowl ads are a good buy at $3 million for 30 seconds, says marketing professor John Antil. General Motors and FedEx have chosen not to advertise this year, and that could cost them.

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Journalists are encouraged to leverage the expertise of University of Southern California faculty as they write about issues surrounding Super Bowl XLIII including the examples below.

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A bad economy can take its toll on the heart with increased stress, poor eating and forgoing healthful activities like going to the gym when money is tight. UCLA cardiologists suggest the following tips to help protect the heart during this time of financial uncertainty.

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Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms should seek prompt treatment because the condition can quickly worsen and spread. The recent death of Brazilian model Mariana Bridi da Costa from septic shock traced back to a UTI is a sobering example of why patients should not ignore even the mildest of symptoms.

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Public confusion of the benefits and risks of hormone therapy will be highlighted once again this week on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The Endocrine Society is concerned about the continued propagation of misleading information about bioidentical hormones. Many well known figures use the term to describe non-standardized hormone therapies that are formulated by compounding pharmacies.

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With many people trying to tighten their belts both physically and fiscally right now, Tennessee Tech University nutrition professor Cathy Hix-Cunningham offers 10 tips for selecting foods that are both healthy and economical.

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Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the way for the first human trials of human embryonic stem cell research, authorizing Geron Corporation to test whether cells are safe for use in spinal injury patients. Ethical and patient immune rejection issues still surround stem cell research, says industry expert.

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David Allan, Ph.D., an entertainment marketing expert, says Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band's slotted performance during Super Bowl XLIII's halftime show is just another example of the NFL playing it safe. "Remember when rock was risky?" asks Allan. "Well now it's the safest thing to broadcast during Super Bowl halftime, except for country."

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Kissing is something humans have done for centuries as a way to show affection. But in 1896 - when Thomas Edison decided to record a kiss on his new device - a kinetoscope - and invite a reporter to see it all happen - the result was nothing less than a sensation. University of Maryland Jonathan Auerbach offers a fascinating look at the "May Irwin Kiss" and its aftermath.

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American Heart Month is the perfect time to initiate diet and lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of men and women in the U.S. Dr. Ara DerMarderosian, professor of pharmacognosy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia provides a few simple measures to keep your heart at its healthiest.

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February is American Heart Month. Several experts from the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) are available to comment on different aspects related to the health issues experienced by heart failure patients and can offer tips on maintaining a healthy heart.

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Heart attacks are the number one killer of both men and women, while strokes are number three. Know how to reduce your risks and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.

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After his amazing landing of US Airways' Flight 1549 on the Hudson River last week, the media heralded pilot Chelsey B. Sullenberger for his courage, but industrial-organizational psychologists say several other factors also played a role in the safe landing.

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President Barack Obama's tightly crafted speech was deliberately understated, says Tulane University rhetoric expert James Mackin.

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In addition to spending $825 billion on an economic stimulus package, President A A finance professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville said President Obama and the new Congress should consider "importing" taxpayers as a quick, low-cost way to boost the economy.

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The music may have died Feb. 3, 1959, but Rock 'N' Roll legend Buddy Holly's impact raves on today.

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Although a new nursing home quality rating system has several dimensions, experts say it fails to address perhaps the most important question: Are the residents who live there happy?

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Those fortunate enough to have held onto their jobs during the economic downturn may experience Post Downsizing Stress Syndrome, a psychological response to a combination of widespread layoffs and high levels of job stress, according to a business professor at the University of New Hampshire.

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"Make no mistake, there is a new economy," says sociologist Stephen Sweet, whose book "Changing Contours of Work" examines the structure of the new economy, including the dismantling of protections, and the effect on workers and families. He further calls for a "new deal" to address the lack of protection and upward mobility in the workplace as well as the racial and gender chasms. ReadyCam Satellite uplink on site.

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The nation has been mesmerized by the miraculous outcome of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. According to a decision sciences professor, the split-second decisions made by the pilot and other rescuers that resulted in no loss of life after the plane ditched in the Hudson River provide a critical lesson to top management at companies and organizations everywhere.

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In the wake of The Oprah Winfrey Show's focus on bioidentical hormone therapy, Endocrinologist Margaret E. Wierman, M.D. can answer questions.

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Losing a job usually comes with the double whammy of losing any employer-sponsored health insurance. Timothy McBride, Ph.D., leading health economist and associate dean for public health at WUSTL's George Warren Brown School of Social Work, is available to discuss current coverage options and the future of health insurance for low-income people.

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Expert to comment on topics regarding disaster preparedness and how the general public can prepare for and respond to an emergency during the Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

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Researchers at the University of New Hampshire Crimes against Children Research Center are available to discuss today's report by the Internet Safety Technical Task Force, "Enhancing Child Safety and Online Technologies." The report, which was delivered to the nation's 52 attorneys general in December, will be made public and presented today at the State of the Net conference in Washington, D.C.

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Retiring Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy will be missed by fans, players and the broader Indiana community, but his departure won't detract from the team's positive brand image, a sports marketing expert at the University of Indianapolis says.

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CIHR experts discuss the caregiver's health in light of Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

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Political Scientist Donald Beachler predicts business/labor battle in Congress over the Employee Free Choice Act. Satellite uplink available.

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Dr. Robin Goland is available for expert commentary on a new study by the New York City Health Department, also published online in the journal Diabetes Care, finding that diabetes is underdiagnosed and undertreated in New York City. The study reports that less than 10 percent of New Yorkers with diabetes are fully controlling their disease, and more than 90 percent of them have elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar -- placing them at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other complications. The study also links socioeconomic factors to disease prevalence. Further information is available at NYC.gov.

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The choice of Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery to pray at the inaugural ceremony reflects important dynamics in public religion past and present, says Bill Leonard, dean and professor of church history at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Leonard is available to talk about prayer and public piety at presidential inaugurations, and implications of the absence of a non-Christian voice at this year's event.