Light-activated proton pumps generate cellular energy, extend life
New research shows that genetically engineered mitochondria can convert light energy into chemical energy that cells can use, ultimately extending the life of the roundworm C. elegans. “These findings and new research tools will enable us to further study mitochondria and identify new ways to treat age-related diseases and age healthier,” says senior author of the study Andrew Wojtovich, an associate professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine and of pharmacology and physiology.
In today’s issue:
Kevin McFarland has been named interim vice provost for academic affairs
The UHS office on the Medical Center campus is closed until further notice
Learn about some notable moments from the University’s past in the “This Week in University History” feature
Kevin McFarland named interim vice provost for academic affairs
Kevin McFarland, the Dr. Steven Chu Professor of Physics, has been named interim vice provost for academic affairs. The position was created to provide critical support in the Office of the Provost while Joan Saab serves in her dual role of executive vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean of the faculty for Arts, Sciences & Engineering.
UHS office on Medical Center campus closed until further notice
The University Health Service office located on the Medical Center campus, including its University Counseling Center there, will be closed until further notice for clean-up and repairs due to a burst pipe and flood on Monday, December 26. Contact UHS Primary Care at (585) 275-2662 to schedule an appointment at the UHS River Campus office. For UCC appointments, call (585) 275-3113 to schedule a remote appointment or in person at the River Campus office.
The new structure is a fourth membrane, lying on top of the innermost membrane, called the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM). The SLYM hadn’t been noticed before, partly because the membrane disintegrates when the brain is removed from the skull in post-mortems, says Maiken Nedergaard, a professor of neurology and of neurosurgery and codirector of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, who helped discover the structure. It is also too thin to be seen in living people via brain-scanning machines.
Are you still looking for a New Year’s resolution? Put “update my passwords” on your list. Weak, insecure, and stale passwords are the primary vulnerabilities that cause data breaches as hackers are well aware that we tend to create ones that are easy to remember and reuse for multiple accounts. Do you recognize your password in this list of the top 200 most common passwords of the year? Think about better password practices for your New Year’s resolution, and visit University IT’s password web page for tips to create strong credentials and keep your information safe.
Are you worried about the cost of your course materials? Some of them may be available through course reserves, e-book subscriptions, the stacks, or other free internet venues like Open Library. Starting today, January 9, and running through January 12, librarians and course reserves specialists from the River Campus Libraries will be available in person and over Zoom to help you find the most cost-effective mix for the spring semester. The in-person schedule follows:
Monday, January 9:
Carlson Library, noon to 2 p.m.
Evans Lam Square, 3 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 10:
Carlson Library, noon to 2 p.m.
Evans Lam Square, 3 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 11:
Barbara J. Burger iZone, 1 to 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 12:
Gleason Library, 6 to 8 p.m.
Health Committee Questionnaire is now open
If you are applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school next cycle (2023 application for 2024 matriculation), the Greene Center provides a Health Committee Letter for eligible candidates. To request a letter, students are required to fill out a Health Professions Questionnaire and complete an interview with one of the health care advisors. The questionnaire is open today through February 28. Read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
Effective January 1, the standard mileage rate is 65.5 cents per mile for business travel. The 2023 mileage log form is located in the forms section of the reimbursement website.
Attend a webinar on ‘Defeating your Debt’
It’s estimated that the average American household owes almost $10,000 in credit card debt, representing minimum payments of almost $400 a month. Join UR Medicine EAP and Andrea Colline from CCCS of Rochester on Tuesday, January 10, at noon EST to learn strategies for negotiating interest rates, negotiating settlements, and developing repayment plans. The class can help empower consumers to take charge of their debt and work towards a debt-free lifestyle. Register here to attend.
Resources for compassion fatigue
Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder (STSD) occurs in helping professions when the pile-up of witnessing or working with victims of traumatic events and their families takes an emotional toll. Join Well-U and UR Medicine EAP on Wednesday, January 25, at noon EST for a presentation to explore the characteristics of those most likely to experience STSD and how to add to your personal resources to minimize the effects of STSD. Sign up here to attend.
University Provost David Figlio holds regular office hours to meet with members of the University community and to learn more about their experiences at Rochester. Spring semester office hours are now available. Use this Outlook form to sign up for one of these informal meetings. Spaces are limited. Contact the Office of the Provost if you need assistance or have difficulty accessing the form.
Simon webinar can help you choose between online and in-person degrees
In addition, today, January 9, is the deadline to do a non-matriculated start for Simon’s Professional MBA program in January. If you’re curious about trying out business school before fully enrolling, contact April Marroquin to get started.
Sign up for the ‘Jump Start’ weight loss program
Do you need a push to kick-start your weight loss and healthy habits? For $20 you can join a four-week program and get tips and weekly weigh-ins. You can win back a portion or all of your fees, plus there are extra prizes for those that do the best. UR Fitness Center use is available for a small charge. The challenge starts Thursday, January 12.
Each week we’ll be sharing some notable moments from the University’s past in the “This Week in University History” feature.
LeChase Hall opens
2013: Raymond F. LeChase Hall, the first dedicated home for the Warner School of Education, opens on the River Campus. The building represents an important step toward building the school’s identity and visibility, said former Warner School Dean Raffaella Borasi.
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