Race and medicine

A recent New York Times article discusses the issue of race and medicine--that race is useful in understanding ethnic differences in diseases and responses to certain drugs. Is race a factor in diagnosing and treating disease? There may be some validity to this, but it has been oversimplified, says Dr. Rebecca Seipelt, molecular biologist. "There are differences in the way different individuals react to and metabolize medications. Since some of these differences are genetically based, it is useful to examine the genetic background of an individual." Drug-metabolizing genes are also influenced by other forces, such as "geographic barriers to nonrandom mating and genetic drift," she adds.

Contact Seipelt at 615-904-8393.
rseipelt@mtsu.edu

World of hurt

Beginning today through Thursday, jarring messages and images on T-shirts will be displayed in the KUC courtyard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to remind people that violence still occurs behind the smiles and front doors of some who walk among us. The shirts were designed by survivors of sexual assault, as well as by their friends and family members. Students, faculty, staff, friends and victims have anonymously shared poignant messages that give MTSU's "Clothesline Project" a dramatic impact during "Sexual Assault Awareness Week." Media welcomed.

For more details on the week's events, contact Tennisha Smith at 615-898-2193.

Hard work, good grades

Not even lottery scholarships will replace hard work and good grades in the pursuit of a college education, advises Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president, student affairs and interim vice provost, enrollment management. "All of the proposals related to lottery scholarships include some type of required grade point average and a minimum GPA throughout college in order to retain that scholarship. Additionally, the GPA requirements contained in most proposals refer to a minimum GPA in the core curriculum." Having high grades in electives and low grades in core subjects will not be beneficial, he emphasizes.

Contact Glenn at 615-898-2440.
rglenn@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA: TOMORROW at 9 a.m., a videoconference by Dr. Mary Enderson, associate professor, mathematical sciences, Learning Resources Center. This session will focus on simple algebraic concepts that will be explored by use of technology. A studio audience will be composed of middle and high school students and teachers. Contact director Dr. Connie Schmidt at 615-898-2560. Media welcomed.
WEDNESDAY, April 16, 8 p.m. Tucker Theatre--"Step Afrika," a percussive dance ensemble, free and open to the public. For more information, call 615-898-2551.