University of Alabama associate professor gets $200,000 grant
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 20
The National Science Foundation has awarded a University of Alabama mathematics associate professor a grant worth about $200,000 to aid his research into the development of software to simulate biochemical reactions within cells. The software being researched by Roger Sidje, a member of the mathematics department and a newly appointed associate dean in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, could allow researchers to analyze biological pathways with computer models. The research could potentially pave the way for new therapies to target diseases, according to a release from UA. “Fast computer codes simulating different hypotheses can allow researchers to quickly and efficiently replicate mechanisms that are seen experimentally, providing opportunities for increased analyses,” Sidje said in a statement.
Al.com – Aug. 19
This Week in Washington
U.S. News & World Report – Aug. 16
On a political map, it just looks impermeable, a solid red brick base on the eastern half of the country. It is the South, and while the region was once home to Blue Dog Democrats and a smattering of Republicans, recent elections and internal migration have made it a Republican force so impregnable it seems hardly worth a flyover from a Democratic contender … Republicans are still in the driver’s seat, analysts note. But they may be hitting the gas pedal a bit too aggressively, and risk losing seats they should keep or take back from Democrats, says Stephen Borrelli, a University of Alabama political science professor. “I think the Republicans have done things in some states that probably have put them in jeopardy,” and the wounds are “self-inflicted,” Borrelli says. “And “now that the Republicans are the dominant party, you’re starting to see more competition for the Republican nomination, because it’s worth something. Democrats could definitely benefit from some of these nasty internal Republican battles.”
Tuscaloosa’s Stephen Tyrone Williams earns lead role in new Spike Lee movie
Al.com – Aug. 20
Filmmaker Spike Lee announced today he has cast Tuscaloosa native and University of Alabama graduate Stephen Tyrone Williams in his Kickstarter-funded feature film. The film, currently titled “The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint,” surpassed its Kickstarter goal of $1.25 million with several days to go before its deadline, thanks for more than 6,000 backers … This marks the second bit of big casting news for Williams this month. After sharing the stage with Tom Hanks in the Tony-nominated “Lucky Guy” this past spring, Williams will co-star with another Oscar-winner (and Tony-winner) Denzel Washington in a revival of “A Raisin in the Sun,” which will kick off March 8, 2014, according to Playbill.com. Opening night is set for April 3. Zaraah Abrahams has been cast as the female lead in the project. Lee hasn’t revealed many details about the project, but says he wants to withhold information because the film is a thriller.