Public Affairs and University Relations

Volcanic Activity Shaped Mercury After All

rcl — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:05:01 -0400

A research team led by Brown University planetary geologist James Head has determined that volcanism played a central role in forming Mercury’s surface. The evidence of volcanic activity lends important insights into Mercury’s geologic history and appears in a special section describing the MESSENGER mission’s recent flyby of Mercury in the July 4 issue of Science.

Quinn Named VP for Public Affairs and University Relations

mnickel — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:04:15 -0400

Marisa Quinn, currently assistant to the president at Brown University, has been named vice president for public affairs and University relations. Quinn will begin her duties Aug. 1, 2008, succeeding Michael Chapman.

Brown To Close Haffenreffer Museum’s Bristol Facility

mnickel — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:07:01 -0400

Citing fire code and environmental issues, Brown University has announced plans to close the Bristol facility of its Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology on Aug. 30, 2008. The University intends to move the Haffenreffer collections closer to its main campus and is seeking a suitable location in or near Providence.

Brown Researchers Create Mercury-Absorbent Container Linings for Broken CFLs

rcl — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:52:00 -0400

Brown University researchers have discovered a nanomaterial that can absorb the mercury emitted from a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). The researchers, led by Robert Hurt, professor of engineering, and engineering student Natalie Johnson, have created a mercury-absorbent container lining that can be used commercially. The packaging invention, for which Brown has applied for federal patents, would relieve a major concern with CFL use and comes as CFL sales are projected to skyrocket.

Can Cream Prevent Skin Cancer?

ebeebe — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:57:00 -0400

Martin Weinstock, M.D., has received a $10-million grant from the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program to determine whether an easily available skin cream can prevent skin cancer. Weinstock is a dermatologist at the Providence VA Medical Center and professor of dermatology and community health at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Brown researchers work toward ending cartilage loss

rcl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0400

Brown University nanotechnology engineer Thomas Webster has published a first-ever study that shows how a surface of carbon nanotubes combined with electrical pulses could help regenerate cartilage naturally in the body.

Photographic self-portrait exhibition Self and Others to open at Bell Gallery

ebeebe — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:29:54 -0400

The David Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University presents Self and Others, an exhibition of photographic self-portraits, from Saturday, June 7, through Sunday, July 6, 2008. The gallery, in the List Art Center, 64 College St., will hold an opening reception for the artists on Friday, June 6, 2008, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.