News Releases

University at Buffalo biophysicists have identified a component of venom from a very large, very hairy Chilean tarantula that blocks the action of ion channels that are responsible for cellular mechanical responses -- the cell's ability to feel. These channels or pores in the cell membrane -- called stretch-activated channels because stretching the membrane causes them to open and close -- have been implicated in functions as diverse as the senses of touch and hearing, muscle contraction and coordination, and blood pressure and volume regulation.

Working with the students and teachers at Public School 40 in the City of Buffalo, a doctoral student in educational psychology at the University at Buffalo may have developed a solution to the situation faced by students who are having difficulty achieving the new writing standards required to pass New York State’s new English Language Arts Test.

Kaya Gerberich and Michael Patterson, graduating seniors at UB, recently were inducted into the Association of Alumni and Friends, the alumni group of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).

For the past two years, Lee Guterman and his colleagues in the UB Department of Neurosurgery have been working to help educate the public about stroke’s symptoms and risk factors through the Western New York Stroke Screening Program. The project has particular resonance in Buffalo and environs, where stroke risk is higher than the national average. May has been designated as “stroke month.”

Eight graduating seniors received special awards during UB’s 154th general commencement ceremony on May 14.

Fannie Mae Corp. has contributed an additional $20,000 to help the University Community Initiative (UCI) continue with its housing acquisition, rehabilitation and resale program in the University Heights neighborhood of Buffalo.

Pocket parks, tree plantings and nature trails are among 46 environmental education and enhancement projects selected this year by the advisory panel of the Niagara County Environmental Fund (NCEF) to receive funding through the Love Canal settlement between New York State and Occidental Chemical Corp. NCEF is administered by the New York State Center for Hazardous Waste Management, located at UB.

Frank J. Ciccia and Sally A. Sams will receive Outstanding Service Awards from the Professional Staff Senate at UB at the PSS' annual awards luncheon, to be held May 16.

Mary A. Bisson, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the UB College of Arts and Sciences, has been named chair of the department.

The University at Buffalo's Distinguished Honors Scholars Program will graduate its largest group of honors scholars -- 23 -- this month, thanks to an anonymous donor whose scholarship gifts are setting a precedent.