Factitious Disorders

Munchausen Syndrome: Did killer nurse Lucy Letby have pathological condition?: Yahoo! News – Aug. 21

… Dr. Marc Feldman, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and an international expert in ‘factitious disorders’ including Munchausen Syndrome and Munchausen by Proxy, said his latest book, Dying to be Ill (2018), has a long section on serial murder by Munchausen by proxy perpetrators – who are usually women. He told Yahoo News UK: “There have been well over 100 such perpetrators of healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals that have been reported around the world. “I would begin by pointing out that MBP is not a mental illness per se; it is a form of abuse in which the perpetrators (usually mothers) victimize one or more of their children. 

Birmingham Zoo

Zoo built above cemetery wants to move a dozen bodies to build new exhibit for cougar: Daily Star (UK) – Aug. 22

… An archaeologist from The University of Alabama will excavate the site and collect any remains and items discovered, should plans be approved. Remains would then be placed into new wooden boxes, as specified by the Historical Commission, for reburial.

New Degree Programs

UA introduces four new bachelor’s degree programs: The Crimson White – Aug. 23

The University of Alabama is introducing several new bachelor’s degree programs for the fall 2023 semester, including business cybersecurity, applied liberal arts, neuroscience and sport management.

Tuscaloosa Art Scene

Exploring Tuscaloosa’s vibrant and growing art scene: The Crimson White – Aug. 23

For experienced and new gallery-goers, the Tuscaloosa art galleries have an exciting lineup of exhibitions for everyone to enjoy this semester. On campus, art enthusiasts can check out the Sella-Granata Art Gallery and Sarah Moody Gallery of Art to see an assortment of exhibitions from students, faculty, local and international artists, and The University of Alabama’s permanent collection.  

Game Day Traditions

Alabama football fans reflect on favorite game day traditions: The Crimson White – Aug. 23

One of the most talked-about aspects of game day is Alabama’s marching band, called the Million Dollar Band. The MDB consists of around 400 students who serve as instrumentalists, color guard members and Crimsonettes.

Republican Debate

GOP debate coverage: WVTM 13 – Aug. 24

And these candidates debate without the former president on stage. One political expert says a big challenge now is how they’ll make themselves stand out. Dr. Marissa Greyson, assistant professor of political science at The University of Alabama, says ahead of the election, candidates will try to separate themselves by taking sides on issues that impact us all.

Cannabis Research

Medical marijuana license denial standing in the way of research in Foley: NBC Mobile – Aug. 24

… That’s important for researchers like Lukasz Ciesla, who is a Biological Sciences Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama. He and many others are studying molecules found in plants, like cannabis, that could help treat age-related diseases, cancer and chronic pain. “Many of these molecules are not commercially available. So you have to isolate them by yourself from the starting material that you get from in a field, and it takes forever. So if you can find a way to speed up this process and at the same time, get a pure and high quality molecule, this actually is a huge advantage,” said Ciesla. “That can potentially be useful and studied for developing new drugs as I said in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases.”