News Briefs

Alcohol linked to violent crimes

Studies conducted at UC Riverside have found that violent crimes
are connected to alcohol more than illegal drugs such as heroin,
cocaine or PCP.

“The stereotype is of the drug-crazed criminal,”
said Robert Nash Parker, lead investigator on the project.
“The reality is something quite different.”

In a survey of crime victims, Parker showed that more than
one-fourth of assailants in violent crimes were reported by victims
to be under the influence of alcohol while fewer than 10 percent
were under the influence of an illegal drug.

Bowel syndrome to be studied

UCLA researchers seek women between the ages of 18 and 50 who
have fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome, for a study gauging
the effects of several medications on sensations felt in the rectum
and colon. The study is designed to help improve understanding of
the causes of these two chronic pain disorders, which can typically
occur in the same individual.

To participate, women cannot be pregnant. Certain medications
may not be used during enrollment in the study. Volunteers will
visit the clinic for an initial visit, which includes having a
physical exam and completing questionnaires. Five test sessions
will then be scheduled at least a week apart. The study subjects
can participate in one or all of the test sessions.

The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Volunteers will receive up to $475 for study participation. For
more information, call (310) 794-3120.

Congressman helps Merced

Former U.S Congressman Tony Coelho who pioneered for a UC campus
in the California Central Valley, has committed an endowed chair to
UC Merced.

A special ceremony was held Friday in Merced to announce the
Tony Coelho Endowed Chair in Public Policy and to recognize his
longtime commitment to the 10th UC campus.

“For our campus to have a faculty chair bearing the name
of Tony Coelho is indeed a privilege,” said UC Merced
Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey.

“He is a visionary leader whose work to promote education,
disability awareness, agriculture and many other important issues
has improved the lives of millions of Americans. Tony
Coelho’s dedication to public service will live on in the
faculty research and education of future leaders made possible
through this endowment.”

Coelho served senior positions during his years representing the
Central Valley in Congress from 1979 to 1989.

Reports from Daily Bruin wire services.