Researchers in the Department of Neurology at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are gaining valuable insight into how the brain works by studying patients with selective forms of brain damage. This edition of the “Iowa Insights” podcast examines the role of the world-renowned Iowa Neurological Patient Registry in this quest for knowledge about the brain.

By figuring out what goes wrong when a particular region of the brain is damaged, researchers are given a window into how the brain functions. With the help of registry patients, they confirmed that the amygdala is the fear sensor of the human brain – a finding that could improve treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Burns occur year-round, during events both remarkable and routine. Barbara Latenser and the UI Burn Treatment Center staff treat these injuries with skill and compassion. Hear Latenser describe treatment techniques and educational efforts in this month’s “Iowa Insights” podcast.

Sabah Hussein Enayah, an Iraqi mother of three, moved her family across the world for a pilot program that allows her to earn a Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. Hear about her journey – and how she’ll help her country – in this month’s “Iowa Insights” podcast.

UI researcher Craig Kletzing studies space weather with $30 million NASA grant.

For better or worse, most of us have been affected by something called "space weather" without even realizing it. To learn more, and hear how UI researcher Craig Kletzing plans to use a $30 million NASA grant to study space weather, listen to the February edition of "Iowa Insights."

Producers: Gary Galluzzo, UI News Services, and Nick Tomlonovic, Center for Media Production. Running Time: 6:00.

For most people the wail of an ambulance siren barely registers. It’s just part of the soundtrack of life in a city. But sirens signal more than an emergency. They announce that trained professionals are behind the wheel, poised to perform extraordinary tasks.

At The University of Iowa, the Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center trains thousands of individuals in emergency procedures each year. In this edition of “Iowa Insights,” we visit with Doug York, the center’s director, to talk about the course work, the center’s experienced staff, and what it takes to be cut out for work that—quite literally—is a matter of life or death.

“Iowa Insights" is a monthly audio magazine featuring interviews with some of the world's leading thinkers, researchers and teachers. The podcast is a collaborative project of the UI Office of University Relations and the Center for Media Production. This episode was produced by Christopher Clair and Nick Tomlonovic. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://news.uiowa.edu/iowa-insights/index.html.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Pradarelli, University News Services, 319-384-0007, [email protected]

‘Iowa Insights’ podcast: How community-based tourism will assist an African locale

In developing countries, tourism profits often pad the pockets of foreign investors. But an organization called Travel for Change is helping one African community keep its tourism dollars.

This edition of “Iowa Insights” features the University of Iowa women behind the effort: Urban and Regional Planning grad student MaryGrace Weber, and Swahili instructor Blandina Giblin. Listen at: http://tiny.cc/insights11-2010.

“Iowa Insights" is a monthly audio magazine featuring interviews with some of the world's leading thinkers, researchers and teachers. The podcast is a collaborative project of the UI Office of University Relations and the Center for Media Production. This episode was produced by Nicole Riehl and Nick Tomlonovic. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://news.uiowa.edu/iowa-insights/index.html.

Could a chocolate a day keep preeclampsia at bay?

Chocolate probably isn’t the first food that comes to mind when creating a healthful prenatal diet, but a recent study from the University of Iowa and Yale University found that regular consumption of the sweet treat is associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia, a serious disorder that occurs in 4 to 5 percent of all pregnancies in the United States.

This month’s edition of the “Iowa Insights” features the lead author of the study, UI professor of epidemiology Audrey Saftlas.

University of Iowa graduate student Kerry Howley discusses the chilling effect cryonics can have on relationships in her essay "Until Cryonics Do Us Part". The essay was published in the July issue of New York Times Magazine.

University of Iowa senior Kyle Vint talks about his experience on the university’s small but mighty debate team. Iowa Debate, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, captured its fourth national title since 2000 and won its seventh straight district title. Associate professor of geoscience Chris Brochu speaks about his investigation into existing fossil collections, which shows that crocodiles of about two million years ago were more diverse than previously thought. And Kate Fitzgerald, Iowa’s assistant director of residence life, shares summer shopping suggestions for students eager to outfit their first residence hall room, and provides practical advice for parents preparing for move-in day.

Pediatrician Linda Cooper-Brown discusses picky eaters and how to encourage kids to eat a balanced diet; Susan Assouline of the College of Education's Belin-Blank Center explains how the UI is establishing the first national center for twice-exceptional students; and student Abbie Gruwell talks about her trip to the Climate Exchange in Copenhagen and her involvement with environmental causes.