Public Affairs and University Relations | Brown University Media Relations

Volcanic Clue: Scientists led by Brown planetary geologist Jim Head zeroed in on this kidney-shaped volcanic vent (at right and center), surrounded by a halo-like ring and a fainter outer ring, to help confirm that Mercury's surface had been formed by volcanic activity early in the planet's history. The image was taken by the MESSENGER spacecraft as it flew past Mercury in January 2008.

Volcanic Activity Shaped Mercury After All

A research team led by Brown University planetary geologist James Head has determined that volcanism played a central role in forming Mercury’s surface. The evidence of volcanic activity lends important insights into Mercury’s geologic history and appears in a special section describing the MESSENGER mission’s recent flyby of Mercury in the July 4 issue of Science. 08-002

(Distributed July 3, 2008)

Marisa Quinn: Named vice president for public affairs and University relations, effective Aug. 1, 2008.

Quinn Named VP for Public Affairs and University Relations

Marisa Quinn, currently assistant to the president at Brown University, has been named vice president for public affairs and University relations. Quinn will begin her duties Aug. 1, 2008, succeeding Michael Chapman. 08-001

(Distributed July 1, 2008)

Mercury Cloth: Brown University engineering students Love Sarin (left) and Brian Lee display a nanoselenium-enriched cloth that can capture mercury vapor from broken compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Brown has applied for federal patents covering the invention and plans soon to begin commercial negotiations.

Brown Researchers Create Mercury-Absorbent Container Linings for Broken CFLs

Brown University researchers have discovered a nanomaterial that can absorb the mercury emitted from a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). The researchers, led by Robert Hurt, professor of engineering, and engineering student Natalie Johnson, have created a mercury-absorbent container lining that can be used commercially. The packaging invention, for which Brown has applied for federal patents, would relieve a major concern with CFL use and comes as CFL sales are projected to skyrocket. 07-182

(Distributed June 27, 2008)

Martin Weinstock, M.D.: Professor of Dermatology and Community HealthWarren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityDepartment of Dermatology, Providence VA Medical Canter

Can Cream Prevent Skin Cancer?

Martin Weinstock, M.D., has received a $10-million grant from the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program to determine whether an easily available skin cream can prevent skin cancer. Weinstock is a dermatologist at the Providence VA Medical Center and professor of dermatology and community health at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 07-183

(Distributed June 26, 2008)

A Move to Providence

Brown To Close Haffenreffer Museum’s Bristol Facility

Citing fire code and environmental issues, Brown University has announced plans to close the Bristol facility of its Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology on Aug. 30, 2008. The University intends to move the Haffenreffer collections closer to its main campus and is seeking a suitable location in or near Providence. 07-184

(Distributed June 27, 2008)

Jesse Burke, “Gladiator,” from Masculinity (2005-2007): Gelatin silver print

David Winton Bell Gallery

Photographic self-portrait exhibition Self and Others to open at Bell Gallery

The David Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University presents Self and Others, an exhibition of photographic self-portraits, from Saturday, June 7, through Sunday, July 6, 2008. The gallery, in the List Art Center, 64 College St., will hold an opening reception for the artists on Friday, June 6, 2008, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. 07-174

(Distributed May 30, 2008)

Cartilage regeneration up close: A scanning electron microscope image shows a carbon nanotube/polymer composite surface that grows cartilage. Scale bar = 500 nm.

Nanotechnology

Brown researchers work toward ending cartilage loss

Brown University nanotechnology engineer Thomas Webster has published a first-ever study that shows how a surface of carbon nanotubes combined with electrical pulses could help regenerate cartilage naturally in the body. 07-120

(Distributed June 3, 2008)