News Briefs
Lane Koch, Associate Writer
International
Scientists all around the world are moving away from the use of mice in lab experiments and towards the use of various breeds of monkeys as a means to understand and cure diseases. The Institute of Neuroscience in China is modifying monkeys to more closely align with certain genes believed to correlate with neuro motor and psychiatric disorders. American scientists have genetically engineered monkeys to contain Huntington’s disease, but never in such large quantities as is currently being produced for similar diseases, such as autism. Scientists hope to create a more accurate model of certain diseases and determine the best treatments for the various levels of these neurological disorders.
National
There is a change in the way law enforcement agencies are fighting the war on drugs in communities across the nation. Certain precincts are beginning to offer drug addicts referrals to treatment programs, instead of being charged. This movement began in Massachusetts with police chief Leonard Campanello, who believes that addicts are more patients than criminals. Campanello offers immunity to any addict who enters the police station with drugs and/or equipment and leads him or her through a detox and recovery program. Through these policy steps, referrals and direct outreach, Campanello hopes to not see as many offenders in a situation involving cuffs, as well as strengthen the officers’ relationship with the community.
State
Greenville county middle schools are giving out fewer zero’s as a response to late or poorly done work. Instead of just receiving a zero, teachers must make the students do the work even if the result in the grade is the same. This way the students are still forced to learn the material and do not get behind. Greenville County principals are hoping this will help more accurately reveal the grading policy goals of measuring the student’s understanding of the material.
Campus
North Greenville University’s theatre department will be holding a performance of Shadowlands: The Love Story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham by William Nicholson on Jan. 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Jan. 30. The play stars Tim Hartman and Karla Knudsen as C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham.
Unusual
This week in New Zealand, a flock of sheep are being considered heroes after a miraculous feat of crime fighting led to the end of a car chase. After he refused to stop, police pursued the driver of a stolen car for 90 minutes until a flock of sheep crossing the road led to an arrest. Still no word on any possible accommodations for these crime-fighting vigilantes.
