A University of Iowa researcher has discovered that a “Goldilocks” effect applies to the reproductive output of a tiny New Zealand snail—considered a troublesome species in many countries—that may one day help environmentalists control their spread.

UI geneticist Jeff Murray warns against direct-to-consumer genetic tests because results might apply to some ethnic groups but not to others, leading consumers to think they have an elevated risk of some illness when in fact they do not.

UI researcher Nathan Holton says a difference in body size and energy demands between men and women explains why men’s noses are about 10 percent larger than women’s in populations of European descent. (Note: A paid subscription may be required.)

Tom Rocklin, UI vice president for student life, writes about the many ways the UI fosters student success in the 2013 UI Division of Student Life Annual Report welcome message with this year's theme focusing on leadership development, multiculturalism, and safety and health.

As part of the UI’s biomass fuel project, dozens of Macbride Nature Recreation Area trees felled during a September storm were collected, mulched, and turned into a blended fuel that now can be used in the UI’s main power plant.

All works choreographed by graduate and undergraduate students in the University of Iowa Department of Dance will come to life on stage at the Graduate/Undergraduate Concert at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 12-14, in Space Place Theater, located at 101 North Hall on the UI campus.

More than 100 artists from across the Midwest and beyond will sell their original work at the Iowa Memorial Union in the annual Holiday Thieves’ Market.

UI Staff Council’s service recognition program acknowledges all professional and scientific and merit staff who have reached 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of continuous service. Longevity Award winners receive a certificate and letter of appreciation from the Office of the President.

Dylan Holub faced a lot of ups and downs during his 141-day stay in the UI Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, including the development of retinopathy of prematurity—an abnormal blood vessel development in the retina which can cause blindness if not caught and treated early. Holub will be the honorary Kid Capain this Friday, Nov. 29 when the Hawkeyes play Nebraska.

The University of Iowa Center for New Music, housed within the UI School of Music, will present the Center for New Music Ensemble featuring guest composer Anthony Cheung from the University of Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in Riverside Recital Hall on the UI campus.

Kyle McWilliams lives a life like most other first-year students at the University of Iowa, filled with classes, sports, and friends, despite the fact he has Fibrodysplasiaossificans progressiva, a rare disease that turns his muscles and tendons into bone.

The University of Iowa String Quartet Residency Program—coordinated by violist Elizabeth Oakes, lecturer in the UI School of Music—will present the Bartók Cycle by the Chiara String Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7, in Riverside Recital Hall on the UI campus.