Membranes developed at Rochester help researchers capture tiny, telltale vesicles
Extracellular vesicles are tiny particles—as small as 40 nanometers in diameter—released by cells into the bloodstream and other fluid-filled cavities that could provide early detection of diseases such as cancer. Researchers at Rochester and at the University of Chicago have teamed up for one of the first known projects to successfully isolate and study extracellular vesicles by adapting nanomembranes from the lab of James McGrath, a professor of biomedical engineering,
In today’s issue:
Tips from University IT and the Better Business Bureau on staying extra vigilant online
A reminder to faculty and staff to complete a survey from the University Coalition on Student Mental Health and Wellness
A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth, indoors on the University’s campuses and properties. Visit the face mask FAQ page for full information on what kinds of masks are acceptable.
Security Tip: A Better Business Bureau resolution you can keep
As January resolution season comes to an end, how about making one more to be extra vigilant online? University IT shares the Better Business Bureau’s “Top Five Resolutions for a Fraud-Free New Year,” with steps you can follow to take some weight off your shoulders and keep money in your pocket.
What do we know about the new COVID subvariant?
Subvariat omicron BA.2 has been flagged by the World Health Organization as a new variant to track. Ed Walsh, a professor of medicine, talks about what’s known so far.
“The MoBI (Mobile Brain/Body Imaging system) allows us to better understand how the brain functions in everyday life,” says the study’s lead author Edward Freedman, an associate professor of neuroscience. “Looking at these findings to understand how a young healthy brain is able to switch tasks will give us better insight to what’s going awry in a brain with a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s disease.”
COVID-19 self-test kits being distributed to students
The University is providing each full-time undergraduate and graduate student who is part of the Student Health Program with a COVID-19 self-test kit to use when they wish. Each kit comes with two tests. If a student takes the test over the course of the semester and has a positive result, they should use Dr. Chat Bot to report their result to University Health Service. You can find the full distribution plan here.
In-person drop-ins resume today at the Greene Center
Students are invited to drop by the Greene Center, Dewey Hall, 4-200 Dewey Hall, on Mondays from noon to 3 p.m., Â Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. to connect with a peer career advisor. Use this time to ask quick career-related questions, discuss networking and interview resources, or receive feedback on documents. No appointment is necessary.
As previously announced, faculty and staff are required to receive booster vaccinations by February 21, or within 30 days of becoming eligible, if that is a later date. The full details of the University’s requirements are now available through the COVID-19 Healthcare Provider Vaccination Policy (#164), which applies to those individuals at the Medical Center covered by the state mandate, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (#165) for all other employees. To learn more about the University’s booster vaccine requirement, visit these FAQs.
Faculty and staff wellness survey
Over the past two years, student-facing faculty and staff have been incredible supports for students as they navigate mental health struggles. The University Coalition on Student Mental Health and Wellness acknowledges that in order to improve student well-being, the mental health and well-being of faculty and staff who engage with the student body is an essential ingredient.
Complete this short survey to tell the coalition about your mental health and wellness. Data will be kept anonymous and will be used to help make recommendations to help support faculty and staff well-being. Open to all student-facing faculty and staff until February 10.
“Let’s Talk” is more than just an opportunity to practice your English skills. It’s also an opportunity to meet other non-native speakers of English or even native speakers that are willing to share their passion for their own language and culture. This conversation hour takes place at the Language Center, Douglass Commons, Room 305, on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m.
URMC Fitness Center liquidation sale
Visit the URMC Fitness Center’s liquidation sale Tuesday, February 1, and Thursday, February 3. Items for sale include clothing and small new and used exercise equipment. Find sale hours and more information here.
Koru learn-to-meditate classes
Participants in Koru report feeling less stressed, sleeping better, being more mindful, and feeling greater compassion for themselves, which can lead to greater resiliency. Koru is a four-session, non-credit class specifically designed for university communities that teaches mindfulness and meditation skills. The classes are open to all University students, faculty, and staff; registration is required.
Koru 2.0 with Amy, if you already have a mindfulness or meditation practice: Fridays beginning February 4 from 3 to 4:15 p.m. EST
Boys and girls youth volleyball clinics
Volleyball clinics for boys and girls ages six to 14 who are familiar with, but relatively new to the sport of volleyball and wish to improve their skill and learn the game, will take place February 6, 13, and 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Goergen Athletic Center. The clinics will focus on teaching the game of volleyball, the associated skills, and having fun. Campers are encouraged to attend all three sessions. A 10 percent discount is available for families with more than one child attending. Email Ladi Iya or call (585) 275-9461 with questions or for more information. Register here.
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