In Review

Rochester Quotes

“Whatever is happening, life can adapt to [it] on that time scale.”

—John Tarduno, professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, in The New York Times, talking about changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Scientists have known for some time that the field is collapsing, which may indicate that north-south polarity may eventually flip. The geophysical switch happens, on average, every 200,000 years.

The New York Times

“We have wonderful, powerful tools to normalize cholesterol and prevent heart disease. We have all the tools we need. And we’re not getting the job done.”
—Thomas Pearson, chair of the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, commenting on studies that indicate current guidelines for cholesterol levels should be lowered.

Chicago Tribune

“Finding out about the character of Emmett Till or the character of Crispus Attucks gives us a different point of view. It expands that moment in history.”
—Frank Shuffelton, professor of English, discussing the legacy of Emmett Till, a 12-year-old Chicago boy who was killed by white racists in Mississippi in 1955. The memoir of Emmett’s mother was released last year.

The Associated Press

“The question becomes, without [the Congressional Black Caucus], would the Democrats be as forthcoming on issues involving civil rights?”
—Frederick Harris, associate professor of political science and director of the Center for the Study of African-American Politics, talking about the impact of the 30-year-old political organization.

NPR’s Morning Edition

“There is an honest debate about what levels are involved here and how much fish you should eat. The advice varies a lot from one government agency to another.”
—Tom Clarkson, professor of environmental medicine, discussing recent research on whether levels of mercury in fish should be a health concern for people. Long-term research by Clarkson and Rochester scientists Gary Myers and Phil Davidson has found no detectable risk among a group of people in the Seychelles islands whose diet includes regular servings of fish.

Salt Lake Tribune

“So now we know that when we see birds preening their feathers, they are probably removing feather lice, but they are not as successful in removing those lice with which they have had a long evolutionary association.”
—John Jaenike, professor of biology, commenting on a study that examined the evolving relationship between birds and the parasites that try to try to turn a feathered friend into a host.