March 9, 2022

Pre-retirement planning sessions and information

Looking to retire in the next few years? Explore pre-retirement resources and join in virtual sessions that will be held throughout the month. Designed for University employees ages 50 and over, these live webinars will cover University retiree insurance benefits, Medicare, Social Security, retirement savings accounts, and more.  

Nominations sought for inaugural systemwide Student Impact Awards

The Institute on the Environment and the Office of Sustainability invite nominations for the inaugural systemwide Student Impact Awards, honoring undergraduate and graduate student efforts to lead the way toward a future in which people and the environment prosper together. Nominate an undergraduate, graduate student, or student group on any University of Minnesota campus that has made significant contributions to creating a more sustainable future. Nominations are due at noon, March 28.

Researchers find cohorting patient care model during pandemic improved patient outcomes

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that, during the extenuating circumstances of an emerging pandemic, grouping patients together in one area or facility was successful in providing high-quality care and containing infectious patients. Called cohorting, this patient care model was implemented by M Health Fairview early in the pandemic when little was known about how to effectively treat patients with COVID-19.  

Groups experiencing homelessness or criminal justice involvement have unique substance-use treatment needs

Individuals experiencing homelessness or criminal justice involvement have higher rates of substance use than the general public and are often overlooked in the nation’s efforts to address the ongoing opioid-use crisis. PhD student Riley Shearer recently found that people in either group had higher rates of methamphetamine admission and were less likely to receive the clinically preferred treatment for opioid use.

Bridging the food trust gap

According to a new CFANS Insights survey from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), only 24 percent of U.S. adults have a high degree of trust in the information they receive about where their food is grown and how it is produced. For Generation Z, the high trust level is just 17 percent. Learn how CFANS is working to address this disconnect.

Medical School researchers find that blood pressure medications impact brain function

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers have found that blood pressure medications have an unanticipated effect on the brain. The research team discovered that drugs used to treat blood pressure unexpectedly increase the effect of opioids that the brain naturally produces. The findings suggest a potential new strategy to boost opioid signaling in the brain in a way that is protective and beneficial. 

Starting seeds indoors

Certain vegetables and flowers need a big head start to produce an edible crop during Minnesota’s short growing season. Early to mid-March is the best time to start early season cold-tolerant plants like broccoli, cabbage, and head lettuce, and long-season heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant. Learn more about starting seeds indoors at Extension.

 

Research Brief: Study details how some fish cope with parasites, with implications for human health

In a recent study, a team of researchers led by Amanda Hund, a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences, details how parasite resistance in hosts arises. Additional recent Research Briefs include “Public attention leads to more women in boardrooms, divides remain.”

March 22 - The post-pandemic university

What is the purpose of a campus when most universities worked almost entirely remotely for two years? Thomas Fisher, the influential director of the Minnesota Design Center and author of the new book Space, Structures and Design in a Post-Pandemic World, will share his thoughts in this forum on the post-pandemic university. Noon. No charge, but registration is required.

U of M featured virtual events

March 15 - Financial planning services for retirees—nice or need to have?

March 16 - Justice in Public Health: Policing, Incarceration, and Immigration Enforcement: What’s public health got to do with it? 

March 16 - Teaching with Writing Workshop: Summarize? Quote? Paraphrase?

March 16, 23, 30 - Women in Power Series 

March 22 - Wellbeing: Expanding the Definition of Progress

See the full Events Calendar