Health Care

A blind man's daily journey

Thursday, May 9, 2013
The University of Iowa has produced a multimedia package chronicling a day in the life of Jerry Jackson, a 66-year-old Burlington man whose family suffers from a rare, inherited eye disease called ADNIV. Specialists at the UI's ophthalmology department have been studying the disease for more than two decades and now believe they've found the first genetic cause for it.

Sioux City social work pioneer

Thursday, May 9, 2013
UI alumna Meg Bessman-Quintero is the only bilingual, master's-level mental health therapist practicing in the Sioux City area who counsels primarily Spanish-speaking immigrants and their families, filling a critical mental health niche in western Iowa.
A closeup photo of someone's hands on a video game

Video games slow, reverse mental decay

Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Playing video games can prevent and even reverse deteriorating brain functions such as memory, reasoning, and visual processing, according to a recent University of Iowa study.
large tube in water

PCBs are everywhere

Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Despite the expectation of a large environmental exposure difference, UI researchers report that mothers and children in East Chicago, Ind., and Columbus Junction, Iowa, had similar concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their blood.
a close up of a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket

UI expert investigates decline in screenings for expectant moms

Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Sandy Daack-Hirsch, an assistant professor in the UI College of Nursing, is investigating the decline in parents not choosing an elective screening for expectant moms that can detect a host of health problems their baby may face.

Fiegel's research aims to assist those with respiratory infections

Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Jennifer Fiegel, assistant professor in the Colleges of Pharmacy and Engineering, has received a $405,652 two-year R21 research award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Emphasizing the 'public' in public health

Monday, May 6, 2013
Given its name, it’s not surprising the University of Iowa College of Public Health is keen on serving the public. One way it’s doing that is through an initiative called the Business Leadership Network. Launched in 2011, the program fosters relationships between the college and business and community leaders across the state, especially in rural Iowa.

College of Public Health to honor two distinguished alumni May 17

Monday, May 6, 2013
The University of Iowa College of Public Health will honor the recipients of its 2013 Outstanding Alumni Awards at an event May 17 in the College of Public Health Building.
the words for iowa, forever more, on a black background

UI announces 'For Iowa. Forever More.' campaign

Thursday, May 2, 2013
Comprehensive fund-raising campaign aims to raise $1.7 billion to educate students for a global society; ensure a healthier and more sustainable world through research; and enrich commerce, culture, and communities for Iowans.

Want to slow mental decay? Play a video game

Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A University of Iowa study shows that older people can put off the aging of their minds by playing a simple game that primes their processing speed skills. The research showed participants' cognitive skills improved in a range of functions, from improving peripheral vision to problem solving. Results published in the journal "PLOS One."
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Bringing people with hearing assistance needs into the 'loop'

Monday, April 29, 2013
University of Iowa officials recently installed the campus’s first hearing loop system, which provides unprecedented sound clarity for people with hearing aids and cochlear implants, and there are plans to install five more over the next few years.
patient and doctor standing in front of mirror

Reclaiming Natalie's smile

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Treatment for a brain tumor at a young age paralyzed the left side of Natalie Wright's face leaving her with a one-sided smile. Now, thanks to a chance conversation with a neighbor and the expertise of a University of Iowa facial plastic surgeon, Natalie’s dream of reclaiming her smile is within reach.