Biology professor Mary Lou Guerinot is co-leading a "biofortifying" research project aimed at increasing the nutritional value of rice. Along with David Salt, the principal investigator from Purdue University, and Shannon Pinnon, the co-principal investigator from Texas A&M University, Guerinot is looking to identify genes that help plants take up more nutrients from their growing environment. The project is funded by a four-year, $5.5-million grant from the National Science Foundation and will focus on varieties of rice that are high in iron and zinc. Results from the project could help scientists better understand plants' ability to store different elements.
A group of families of firefighters killed on 9/11 expressed outrage with Rudy Giuliani's leadership in the attack's aftermath in a town hall style meeting held at Dartmouth on Monday afternoon. On the same day, Giuliani launched a television campaign advertisement in New Hampshire that lauded his leadership credentials, citing his actions on 9/11 as an example. "9/11 Firefighters & Families are deeply offended at how Rudolph Giuliani has exploited the 9/11 terrorist attack to weave a false myth that he is the only person with the credentials and experience to lead the nation as our next president," the group said in a press release. "They plan to set the record straight." In an additional criticism, co-chairman of the 9/11 Commission Thomas Kean announced his endorsement of John McCain on Monday.
Student Body President Travis Green '08 was named a George J. Mitchell Scholar on Monday by the US-Ireland Alliance. Mitchell Scholarships are awarded every year to 12 Americans for a year of post-graduate study at any university in Ireland. The award is named after former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, who helped facilitate the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, regarding peace in Northern Ireland, according to the Alliance's press release. The scholarship combines academic and leadership programs, providing its scholars with the opportunity to meet with leaders of Irish government, business and culture. Green will study neuroscience at the University College Dublin.
