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The Michigan Daily - Thursday, January 10, 2002-3A
Plan for fuel-cell cars
released at auto show
'U' research says
" new black holes
could exist
Both extremely large black holes
found at the center of many galaxies
and the small holes found on the outer
reaches were found years ago. Now,
University astronomers say there may
be intermediate mass black holes that
connect the two known sizes.
The researchers said that these inter-
mediate entities may cause the emission
of X-ray light seen from disks in galax-
ies because of their optical counterparts,
according to a recent press release.
These holes are studied by examining
the force they exert on surrounding
objects and from the amount of light a
material gives off before falling into the
hole.
Using X-ray, researchers can study
the relationship between black holes
and the stars around them, which are
slowly being engulfed by the hole. X-
rays are emitted as the black hole
pulls gas off the surface of these stars
towards the center of the hole. The
brightness of the X-ray light is pro-
portional to the mass of the black
hole.
'U' physicist finds
source of famous
* rock formation
The polygonal shapes that form the
Giant's Causeway, a columnar rock
formation in Northern Ireland, were
formed by fractures in melting lava,
according to a University physicist
and his research partner.
The columns, which are made of
basalt, originally formed from the lava
as it cooled, not from the work of the
famous giant, Finn McCool, as the
Celts once believed.
University physicist Alberto Rojo
and Eduardo Jagla, a physicist at Cen-
tro Atomico Briloche in Argentina,
postulate that fractures formed at the
surface of the cooling lava and contin-
ued downward.
The pattern of fractures that creates
the least resistance results in a hexag-
onal shape, the shape of the forma-
tions as they stand.
Body piercing
popular, but often
dangerous
More than half of undergraduate
students surveyed by researchers at the
Mayo Clinic had some type of body
piercing, and 17 percent suffered com-
plications, according to a recent study.
The study also found that 23 per-
cent of students had tattoos, though
there were no medical complications.
Female students were most likely to
choose navel piercing over other
forms, including the ear (not includ-
ing earlobes).
People with pierced body parts suf-
fered the most from bacterial infec-
tions, followed by bleeding, injury or
tearing to the site.
The study was conducted at Pace
University in Pleasantville, N.Y.
More caring
doctors sought
New ways of training and assessing
physicians may help to increase the
competency and amount of more per-
sonal care given by doctors, according
to researchers at the University of
Rochester.
By examining the current defini-
tion of what makes a good doctor,
researchers said they hope to
increase qualities in doctors that
patients look for, including trust-
worthiness, good judgment and
communication.
Researchers will introduce skills to
the medical school curriculum that
emphasize teamwork, interpersonal rela-
tions, managing in unclear situations and
clinical reasoning.
The University of Rochester's School
of Medicine already combined these
ideas with old practices in their new
curriculum, and comments on the
changes were published in yesterday's
issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association.
- Compiled by Daily StaffReporter
Lisa Hoffman.
DETROIT (AP) - Tossing aside a Clinton
administration program to develop high-mileage
vehicles, the Bush administration yesterday
announced a new pact with the major automak-
ers that focuses on accelerating the development
of non-polluting vehicles powered by hydrogen
fuel cells.
The new program, called Freedom Cooperative
Automotive Research, also will focus on devel-
oping a hydrogen refueling infrastructure, Energy
Secretary Spencer Abraham said.
"The long-term results of this cooperative
effort will be cars and trucks that are more effi-
cient, cheaper to operate, pollution-free and com-
petitive in the showroom," Abraham said during
the announcement at Cobo Hall, site of the North
American International Auto Show.
Freedom CAR replaces the Partnership for a
New Generation Vehicle program started by the
Clinton Administration to develop a vehicle that
could attain 80 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.
"PNGV wasn't cost-effective, and it wasn't
moving a competitive automobile to the show-
room," Abraham said.
General Motors Corp. chairman Jack Smith
said that PNGV focused attention and money on
trying to develop more fuel efficient vehicles, but
the world's No. 1 automaker has turned its atten-
tion and research dollars to fuel cells.
"As far as we're concerned this is our highest
priority in R&D investment and has been for
some time,' Smith said.
A fuel cell produces energy from a chemical
reaction when hydrogen is combined with oxy-
gen. The only byproduct is water. In recent years,
the cost of fuel cells has dropped sharply. Hydro-
gen can be produced from natural gas aboard
vehicles or pure hydrogen can be used, requiring
development of a new supply infrastructure.
DaimlerChrysler AG plans to market a fuel
cell-powered bus by the end of this year and
some passenger cars by 2004, Chrysler Group
president and CEO Dieter Zetsche said during
the ceremony.
Ford Motor Co. also plans a "limited build" of
fuel cell vehicles by 2004, said Tom Boddie, vice
president, global core engineering.
The automakers have targeted 2010 as the earli-
est any sort of mass market versions of fuel cell
vehicles could be available, but one expert said this
new partnership could accelerate the timetable.
"I think the biggest thing is, this will let the
auto industry do what they do best which is
developing technology," said Thaddeus Malesh,
director, alternative power technologies at the
market research firm, J.D. Power and Associates.
An executive at Ballard Power Systems Corp.,
which supplies fuel cells for DaimlerChrysler
and Ford, said the partnership will help overcome
one of the major obstacles to a so-called "hydro-
gen society''
"To me the most significant thing about this is
the emphasis on the hydrogen infrastructure,"
said vice president Ross Witschonke.
"This is a real opportunity to put a lot of
investment into the storage, the production the
delivery of hydrogen," he said.
Environmental groups, however, scoffed at the
new program, saying it is not so much aimed at
developing emission-free fuel cells as it is at
holding off legislation to increase fuel economy
standards.
"What is needed is regulatory guidance to
raise efficiency across the board in cars and light
trucks," said John DiCicco, a senior fellow with
Environmental Defense.
"It's an enormous waste of taxpayer money,"
said Ann Mesnikoff, of the Sierra Club.
DAVID rKAZDay
Connie Escobar, a Law student, hangs up her jacket In the lobby of the Lawyers Club Dining Hall
yesterday afternoon.
Bonior under fire
WASHINGTON (AP) - A donor
to U.S. Rep. David Bonior has apolo-
gized for speaking in support of anti-
Israeli militant organizations.
Bonior, a Democrat from Mount
Clemens, who is running for governor,
said that should end the debate over
whether he should give back two $500
donations from Abdurahman Alamoudi.
"This isn't about money, this is
about politics," Bonior said in an inter-
view with The Associated Press.
"They are trying to smear someone by
association. It's not an unusual politi-
cal tactic."
Alamoudi, a board member of the
American Muslim Council who lives
in the Washington suburb of Falls
Church, Va., said during ai anti-Israel
protest outside the White House on
Oct. 28, 2000, that he supported
Hamas and Hezbollah.
Hamas has taken responsibility for
attacks on Israeli citizens. Hezbollah
claimed responsibility for the 1983
explosion at the U.S. Marines barracks
in Beirut that killed 239 people. Both
are considered terrorist organizations
by the U.S. government.
"The words I spoke in 2000 were
spoken at a rally in the heat of anger
and frustration," Alamoudi said in a
statement distributed by the Bonior
campaign. "I apologize for my intem-
perate and divisive remarks."
After the rally, President Bush, Sen.
Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Rep.
John Sununu (R-N.H.) returned dona-
tions that Alamoudi gave to their cam-
paigns. But Bonior has declined to
take that sep.
"What I can't get over is why he
for keeping
doesn't just refund it," said Craig Ruff ernor, said it
of Public Sector Consultants, a Lans- to return then
ing think tank. "It could just be a prin- "I can tell
cipled dogmatism. But he's taking a any money]
one-day story and making it conceiv- where nearn
ably fodder for TV ads in July." source very, v
Some gubernatorial candidates also Bonior isg
say they are baffled by Bonior's refusal of his Demo
to return the donations, which were nents, state S
made in 1999 during his last campaign of Salem To'
for Congress. should not h
"I was really shocked that he keeps since the don
the money and doesn't send it back," victed of bein
said former Gov. Jim Blanchard, who "I think it
is running against Bonior for the said. "It's ju
Democratic nomination. "I think that's take a bite ou
really poor judgment. I don't think this Bonior sai
kind of money has any place in Ameri- tors and does
can politics." opinions. Re
State Sen. John Schwarz of Battle Arab Americ
Creek, a Republican running for gov- his leadersh
contributions
is up to Bonior whether
money.
you absolutely, positively
like that that came any-
me would go back to its
very quickly," he said.
getting support from one
cratic gubernatorial oppo-
en. Alma Wheeler Smith
wnship. She said Bonior
ave to return the money
hors have never been con-
ng terrorists.
's a real non-issue," she
st a chance for people to
t of their opponent."
d he has many contribu-
n't agree with all of their
eceiving donations from
cans isn't unusual given
hip on issues affecting
them, including his support for a
Palestinian homeland.
"I'm proud of my support from the
Arab-American community," Bonior
said. "I trust the voters in this situation
to sort out the facts."
. Bonior also received a donation
from Sami Al-Arian, a former com-
puter science professor at the Universi-
ty of South Florida who was fired last
month amid questions about his ties to
Islamic Jihad.
Al-Arian once headed an academic
think tank and charity the FBI said
were fronts for Palestinian terrorists.
He has never been arrested for a
crime and denies supporting terror-
ism.
Al-Arian and his wife, Nahla, gave
Bonior $2,200 in his last congressional
campaign.
Farmers now able to
purchase manure
through MSU website
EAST LANSING (AP) - Manure
has gone high-tech.
The Michigan Manure Resources
Network, a Web site operated by
Michigan State University, allows
farmers to buy or sell manure from
cattle, horses, pigs, poultry - even
rabbits. Entries can be posted for free.
Farmers from 13 counties now have
entries on the two-year-old site.
Entries include information on the
manure as well as prices and whether
the farmer agrees to haul it. Prices
range up to $50 per ton.
James Cox, general manager of the
West Michigan Turkey Co. in Allen-
dale, has 8,000 tons of manure avail-
able.
Cox says the site allows farmers to
move manure more efficiently.
Cox said he hasn't had much luck
with the site yet, but expects interest
will grow once word spreads.
"I think it will become useful, but
like any technology, it'll take time,"
Cox said yesterday. "The next genera-
tion of farmers will embrace it more
fully."
M. Charles Gould, the site's manag-
er, said using the site could increase
farmers' profits. Gould said he doesn't
know how much traffic the site is get-
ting, but plans to study that soon.
Some areas of Michigan have fewer
nutrients in their soil, Gould said. As a
result, farmers often drive long dis-
tances to pick up manure for fertilizing.
"There is a gentleman that, drives all
the way from Copper Harbor down to
Allegan County to pick it up," Gould
said.
Gould expects the site would get
more use if Michigan changed its laws
regarding farm waste. The state has a
zero-tolerance law that penalizes farm-
ers for any discharge that runs into
state waters.
That makes many farmers reluctant
to spread manure on their fields, he
said.
Anne Swink, a horse breeder in
Eaton County, recently found the site
and placed an entry offering to haul
gallons of manure for no charge.
Although she hasn't received any
offers, Swink said she's not worried
because she has enough acreage on her
farm to spread out her manure.
Another horse breeder from Benton
Harbor, Penny DePree, said she also
hasn't been able to sell manure
through the site. DePree is charging
$50 per ton.
DePree said she thinks the site will
be more useful once more people sign
up.
Correction:
A story on page 1 of yesterday's Daily should have said that Harvard University does not offer early decision to students
applying for admission.
THE CALENDAR
What's happening in Ann Arbor today
EVENTS
"Affordable Housing
Breakfast"; Sponsored
by Religious Action for
Affordable Housing. 8:00
Working Group on
Southeast European
Studies, 4:00 - 6:00
p.m., 2609 School of
Social Work Building,
1080 South University
Philippines Studies Initia-
tive; Sponsored by the
University Phillipine
Study Group, 7:00 -
10:00 p.m., School of
Social Work, 2609 Inter-
SERVICES
Campus Information
Centers, 764-INFO,
info@umich.edu, or
www. umich.edu,/ info
S.A.F.E. Walk, 763-WALK,
Cal 24hours a dav.
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