A new alcohol education program, eCheckup To Go, will survey UI students on their alcohol and tobacco habits, use that data to create an instant customized profile that includes alcohol use patterns, and break down the data into tangible financial and physical costs—like the cheeseburger caloric equivalent of their alcohol consumption.

Ames fantasy author Deborah Coates will read from her debut novel, Wide Open, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15, in Prairie Lights Books and in a live stream on the University of Iowa www.writinguniversity website.

When you think of the process that enables the northern lights, think of spaghetti becoming untangled, says University of Iowa researcher Jack Scudder. He and his colleagues have reached a milestone in describing how the northern lights work by way of a process called “magnetic reconnection.”

Raúl Curto, executive associate dean in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim dean of the college from July 1 to Aug. 15.

A NASA-sponsored program will examine impacts of land use and climate chante, providing better estimates of carbon dioxide emissions in Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond.

The young life of Bedica Ermilus will be celebrated with a memorial service Saturday, as those whose hearts she stole during her life-saving trip from her native Haiti to Iowa City in March mourn the infant who died just days after returning home, likely from disease common in Haiti.

Starting this week, faculty and students from five Iowa colleges will join a growing network of scientists and science educators focused on strengthening research ties and science education throughout the state.

Stuit Hall, hub for the clinical psychology program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

A special note to smokers needing general surgery: not only will your recovery likely take longer, but your wallet may also take a harder hit. A new study finds that hospital costs are an average 4 percent higher, or roughly $900, for general surgery patients who smoke.

UI health policy expert Keith Mueller offers his take on the Affordable Care Act and whether the health care reform legislation will be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hawkeye men emphasize the field in track and field, with three advancing to NCAA Championship Rounds in their respective events.

Anita Stineman, associate professor in the University of Iowa College of Nursing, is the winner of the 2011-2012 Collegiate Teaching Award.