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UROP recognized for excellence

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, formed in 1988 and originally aimed at a small number of minority students, now includes participants of all racial backgrounds and has expanded to include 700 students.

UROP Director Sandra Gregerman said the reaction to UROP was not initially positive, but acceptance increased.

Hesburgh Award recipients are chosen for their unique faculty development programs that foster improved teaching for undergraduates and set precedents for universities around the country to follow.

Former GA recipients flock to federal program

Michigan's termination of General Assistance five years ago caused a dramatic increase in the number of applications to the federal Supplemental Security Income disability program from 1990 to 1991, according to a University study released Monday.

LSA Profs. John Bound and Sherrie Kossoudji and Rackham student Gema Ricart-Moes collaborated on the study. Their findings showed that of all the new applicants to SSI from 1990 to 1991, two-thirds were former GA recipients who had been cut off in the landmark 1991 decision.

The reasons for the sharp increase are not obvious, the researchers said.

Although GA recipients received less funds than those on SSI, the latter program's application process is more intricate, and the participation more time-consuming.

Eye disease strikes baby boomers

An eye disease with potentially blinding effects is looming over 76 million baby boomers, the oldest of which start turning 50 this year. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has already been seen in 13 million Americans over 40, says the Illinois-based Prevent Blindness America. The disease most commonly occurs in those over 60.

AMD affects a vital part of the eye called the macula. Everyday activities such as driving and reading become harder for those afflicted with AMD. Rooms sometimes appear darker than they really are; a dark spot may appear in the field of vision.

The University's W.K. Kellogg Eye Center has recently started a Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitative Services Center to aid patients in performing daily tasks such as writing, reading and using the telephone.

-- Compiled by Daily Staff Reporter Alice Robinson.