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Testicular Cancer Linked to Marijuana Use

By Kendra Kelley / Assistant News Editor | September 17

The results of a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study said using marijuana may increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer.Researchers found that the male reproductive system produces a cannabinoid-like chemical that is thought to have a protective effect against cancer.Marijuana may disrupt the body's natural resistance to developing tumors, which could be a possible link between marijuana and testicular cancer.According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer is rare and accounts for only 1 percent of cancers in men from the U.

Auburn University Assures Asbestos Poses no Health Risks

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | September 17

Auburn University buildings are full of asbestos. Not all them, just the majority that were built before 1980.However, there are those who don't think this is a problem."I want to be clear with you, there is no asbestos crisis across campus," said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Dan King.

Cost of Tuition Continues Rising, Despite Recession

By Emily Clever/ Staff Writer | September 17

Even during a recession, universities still find reasons to raise tuition.This year, a semester of education at Auburn University for in-state students costs $3,462.That is a 6 percent increase from last year, and it only applies to students taking between 12 and 15 hours.Tuition and fees at private universities rose an average of 4.3 percent this year, the lowest hike in 37 years, according to The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.Auburn's tuition increased 3 to 4 percent less than other in-state public universities of equal caliber, said Mike Reynolds, the executive director of Student Financial Services."When tuition has to increase, it is generally because of inflation," Reynolds said.

New Cybersecurity Bill Poses Problems

By Simpson Fletcher/ Staff Writer | September 17

The Senate Bill 773 may be only part of the Cybersecurity Act of 2009, but it has been stirring up controversy all on its own.The bill, introduced in April 2009, is only in its first step in the legislative process.

Auburn University's Naval ROTC Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims

By Lindsey Grubbs/ Staff Writer | September 15

On the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Auburn University's Naval ROTC paid tribute to the victims of the 2001 September tragedies and the selfless service of men and women in uniform across the country.As rain fell on the morning of Sept.

Car catches fire in Lowder parking lot

By Elizabeth Mahaney / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR | September 14

A white Plymouth Breeze in the Lowder parking lot caught fire, according to Battalion Chief Joe Lovvorn.The fire department received a phone call that a car was on fire at 11:35 a.m. Approximately three minutes later, the fire department contained the flames in the cars engine compartment, according to the fire department officials.

Sept. 11 Survivor Shares his Testimony

By Callie Garrett / Assistant Intrigue Editor | September 12

Sunel Merchant, a survivor of the Sept. 11 attack, shares his testimonyand appreciation for firefighters, police and all other armed forcesbecause they are the reason he is alive today.As Merchant was working on the 49th floor of the World Trade Center, hewas sharing a joke with his colleague when suddenly the laughing turnedto tears and shock instantly.

Kellie Pickler headlines UPC fall concert

By Jordan Dailey / ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR | September 10

UPC's fall concert will feature Kellie Pickler.The country artist was featured on the fifth season of American Idol and then recorded her first album.It will be held at the fall Tiger Nights event Sept. 18.

'Heart of Auburn' Lost in Construction

By Brittany Cosby / Campus Editor | September 10

As Auburn progresses to become a pedestrian friendly campus, some historical areas have become lost along the way.One area in particular was the "heart of Auburn."The area referred to as the "heart of Auburn" was installed in 1981 in the old Katherine Cater Cooper lawn design in the center of campus.Franklin Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York and Riverside Park in Chicago, established the original design for the Samford Hall and Cater lawn areas."There was a perfect heart with a little lawn around it," said Paula Backscheider, an English professor that works on the ninth floor of Haley Center and could see the heart from her window.

Millard Fuller's Dream of Housing Continues

By Justin Ward/ Staff Writer | September 10

Lanett needs a superhero.It has an unemployment rate double the national average, almost 21 percent of the city's population lives below the poverty line and the per capita income is under $16,000.And since 2000, Lanett's job growth is negative, meaning jobs have decreased by 15 percent, and the school system spends thousands less per child than the national average.As a result, some of its long-time residents migrated elsewhere.But Friday afternoon offered a glimmer of hope for this struggling city.

University Takes Steps to Battle Swine Flu

By Ellison Langford/News Editor | September 10

The Auburn University Medical Clinic has diagnosed over 200 cases of H1N1 influenza since the start of classes.However, despite a popular rumor that the University will have to shut down if 200 more students come down with it, that is just not the case."Can it happen?

Record Enrollment at Southern Union Community College

By Alison McFerrin / STAFF WRITER | September 10

Enrollment reached record highs at Southern Union Community College this fall.Across the three campuses in Wadley, Valley and Opelika, enrollment totaled 5,160 students, the highest in the school's history.The majority of these students, about 4,000, are enrolled at the Opelika campus."Students want to get their educations at the best value possible," said Mary Jean White, dean of instruction, about why she thinks the static tuition prices may be a reason.There are several reasons for the increased number of students applying to Southern Union, said Gary Branch Jr., dean of student development.Branch said the smaller class sizes are positive incentives for many students.

Obesity May Be Cause for Alabama's Prescription Drug Use

By Mary-Glenn Smith/ Staff Writer | September 10

Total sales for prescription drugs reached $291.5 billion last year in the U.S. and Alabamians may have lent a big hand to that statistic.Alabama was ranked second behind West Virginia in prescription drug use for 2007, according to a report released by Forbes Magazine."Physicians are prescribing more, because when people take the time to go to a doctor, they expect to leave there with a prescription," said pharmacist Angie Vaughan.

Biofuel Research Grant Awarded

By Theadoris Morris/Staff Writer | September 10

The Auburn University's Department of Biosystems Engineering has been awarded $4.9 million to help develop systems which will handle, deliver and lower the cost of biomass feedstock from the seed to the pump.Feedstock is raw material, usually plant or agricultural waste, that can be processed into fuel."Our feedstock is going to be woody biomass with the kind of the trees and things we have all around us here in the South," said Steven Taylor, head and director of the department of biosystems engineering.Biomass is a clean, renewable energy source that can help diversify transportation fuels in the U.S., according to the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) News Web site.Auburn University was one of the five projects awarded the federal grant by the U.S.

Library Offers New Amenities for Guests

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | September 10

The Ralph Brown Draughon Library has seen its share of changes over the years, but imminent remodeling of the building will rival any seen before.What began in the summer with the closing off of part of the first floor near the Mell Street entrance will result in a full service Caribou Coffee shop and a learning commons area on the second floor."We had been working with SGA and the Student Advisory Council (SAC) for several years, asking them to survey students and get input about their thoughts on the library," said Bonnie MacEwan, dean of libraries.

Opelika Sportplex Opens

By Kendra Kelley / Assistant News Editor | September 10

The Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center opened its doors to the public Monday, Aug. 31.More than 50 people were waiting in line from 5 a.m.

Legislators Look to Solve PACT Problems

By Laura Maxwell/ Staff Writer | September 10

A concern for many Auburn students is whether the PACT program will continue to pay for their education.

Goodbye Power Cords, Hello Wireless Electricity

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | September 10

Imagine a world where clusters of mangled wires under desks are non-existent. Imagine a world where laptops and cell phones charge every time they enter a room.A world where all those things are possible may not be far away.The idea of wireless electricity dates back more than 100 years to Nikola Tesla and his giant electrical towers, known as Tesla coils, which would relay electrical charges through the air."Tesla made an antenna of the high-voltage end of his secondary, it became a powerful radio transmitter," according to PBS online.