The death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin has inspired many people to express their feelings about the situation through art. Tricia Rose, professor of Africana studies, says that the case has struck a nerve that has caused people to channel their emotion into creative energy, for now. “Initial outrage has been stoked by George Zimmerman’s post-crime treatment as a victim. The longer he goes free, without even further questioning, the more suffering and distrust will be created. Hopefully, it will also continue to generate creative responses, survival and social change strategies,” Rose says.

Bill Ven Siclen reviews “Dragon Bridge: Taoist Paintings of the Mien,” an exhibition currently on display at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Manning Hall. The paintings, which were purchased by the University in 2001, were originally thought to be 19th-century copies of earlier Mien works, but are now believed to date from the late 17th century.

Jason Neustadter, chief resident in dermatology, and Martin Weinstock, professor of dermatology and epidemiology, are among the authors on an op-ed in support of legislation that would ban the use of indoor tanning devices by children and adolescents under the age of 18. “Prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds for all children and teens under the age of 18 is critical to preventing future skin cancers as survey data indicate that use of these devices increases with each year of adolescence,” they write.

A group of undergraduates taught by environmental studies professor Timmons Roberts is helping the financially distressed city of Central Falls update its master plan to respond to natural disasters, including flooding from the Blackstone River. An updated master plan could trigger federal and state funds that planners want to make much-needed improvements.

As British Prime Minister David Cameron prepares for an upcoming U.S. visit, many analysts are looking at the relationship between the two countries and wondering if the connection has shifted as Britain’s global power has diminished. "The policy elites in Britain would like to still believe there is a special relationship between the U.S. and Britain," says Mark Blyth, professor of political economy. "The American focus has shifted toward Germany and the Eurozone and away from the so-called special relationship with Britain."

Six women filmmakers from China will screen and discuss their documentaries during a two-day event at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence, which is sponsored by Brown’s Year of China series. The filmmakers will also join international scholars for a day-long symposium at the Watson Institute for International Affairs on the role and significance of women’s documentary films in contemporary China.

In this “Hot-Button Debate,” Kenneth Miller, professor of biology, squares off against Michael Shermer, founding editor of Los Angeles-based "Skeptic" magazine on the proposition that "science and religion are incompatible." Readers are invited to read both experts’ side of the argument and then vote on who wins.

 Difficulty concentrating can stem from any number of causes, including hormone or vitamin deficiency, a change in medication or poor diet. Christopher Kahler, professor of behavioral and social sciences, adds nicotine withdrawal to this list. He adds that while quitting smoking can be a struggle, the mental health boost gained from quitting more than compensates. “There’s a psychological benefit to it,” Kahler says.