Missouri State University News » Hot Topics

Be sweet to your loved one, protect their heart

University Communications — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:42:05 +0000

For Valentine’s Day, nothing could be better than a box of chocolates – or could it? Natalie Allen, instructor of dietetics at Missouri State University, says that thinking of your sweetheart’s heart health could be the best gift for the occasion.

Beware of that beverage

University Communications — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:25:08 +0000

At this point in the New Year, most people are either going strong with their resolutions, or they have lost momentum. For many, that resolution was to lose weight and get in shape or some variation of that. Natalie Allen, instructor in the department of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, has one tip that can help you get back on track— watch what you drink.

New research instrument shows colorful vibrations of stars

University Communications — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:17:03 +0000

Although photography is classified as an art form, Dr. Mike Reed, associate professor of astronomy at Missouri State University, has developed a new photographic instrument that can be used to further his seismology research. It is a variation of a 3-CCD photometer, which he has termed the Grindstaff Tricolor Camera or GT Cam, and it is only the fourth such instrument in the world.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is more than flashbacks, says professor

University Communications — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:19:11 +0000

When veterans return home from deployment, they encounter many challenges. They may rejoin the workforce, experience culture shock and suffer from mental anguish. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one illness that has been associated with combat veterans, but according to Dr. Timothy Daugherty, professor of psychology and department head at Missouri State University, there are many misconceptions about this disorder.

‘God Talk’ tells readers the story of religion in presidential elections

University Communications — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:27:01 +0000

Since the 1960s, presidential campaigns have often used candidates’ religions to steer voters in one direction or another, especially among the Republican party. Dr. Brian Calfano, associate professor of political science at Missouri State University, has conducted research on this topic and will soon publish “God Talk: Experimenting with the Religious Causes of Public Opinion.”

Professor explores the uncomfortable topic of nepotism

University Communications — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:34:08 +0000

The word nepotism has an inherently negative connotation for most, and the topic is an uncomfortable one that is often associated with corruption and favoritism. As a subject of research, the psychology of nepotism has been largely forgotten by researchers in industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology.

Research, planning, persistence essential to entrepreneurship

University Communications — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:59:23 +0000

The holiday season can be expensive, and with 9 percent of Americans still unemployed or underemployed, many find themselves scrambling to make extra money. For those with an innovative or creative idea who display great business sense, desire, persistence and work ethic, Dr. Brent Kinghorn, assistant professor of management at Missouri State University, says that entrepreneurship might be the right path to a fulfilling career.

Religion, cultural differences play large role in politics

University Communications — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:09:41 +0000

Two of the most controversial topics for Americans are religion and politics, and even with the separation of church and state, the topic of religion still is raised during political elections. According to Dr. Brian Calfano, associate professor of political science at Missouri State University, this became a trend in the 1960s, and since that time, we have become a society concerned with the politics of cultural differences.

Bestselling book captures heart of cell research debate

University Communications — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:48:03 +0000

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” has been on the New York Times bestseller list since February 2010, stirring controversy and raising questions about ethics. According to Dr. Paul Durham, professor of biology and director of the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences at Missouri State University in the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, the research and biomedical communities continue to benefit from Lacks’ contribution and to struggle with similar questions.

Physician assistants work with athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death

University Communications — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:43:41 +0000

School athletics are in full swing for the year, and with that comes excitement, rigorous training, and, for some, injury. According to Jodi Flynn, assistant professor of physician assistant studies at Missouri State University, there’s a preventable risk that many athletes don’t consider: sudden cardiac death.