THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2006
NEWS
HEALTH
3A
Researcher awarded for work Faculty member recognized for blood glucose sensor
BY ANNA FALTERMEIER
George Wilson, associate vice provost for research, will receive
Wilson
The Reilley Award is from the Society of Electroanalytical Chemistry and Bioanalytical Systems.
The sensor, which is twice the diameter of a human hair, is injected under the skin where it sends readings to a remote. The remote sets off an alarm to let a diabetic know if his or her blood levels are about to peak or slump to danger-
the Reilley award for his research in electrical chemistry, particularly for his role in developing a sensor to continuously monitor blood glucose levels of diabetics.
ous levels.
Wilson said the sensor would be particularly helpful for type I diabetics, whose blood sugar can fall well below normal levels, often causing them to lose consciousness. About 10 percent of diabetics have type I diabetes — when the pancreas stops producing insulin.
He said people with diabetes had to test their blood sugar levels six to eight times each day, which averages about every two hours.
Wilson said there were three major problems with doing this everyday.
First of all, it's boring.
Wilson said that diabetic testing strips used to monitor blood sugar could cost up to $5 every day.
And finally, it's painful.
Second, it's expensive.
"The end of your fingers contain a lot of nerve endings," he said. "You don't get used to this no matter how long you do it."
He said the goal of the sensor was "to have a continuous monitoring system that's out of sight, out of mind"
Craig Lunte, professor of chemistry, said the award was a well deserved honor for Wilson.
"He's done ground breaking research on sensors, particularly glucose sensors, over the past 30 years," Lunte said.
The glucose sensor was developed by a team of two analytical chemists, one of which was Wilson, an MD and a bioengineer.
He said the research was finished around 2000 and they're looking for someone to fund manufacturing the product.
Wilson said his main concern was that his device help patients live better quality lives.
"If it doesn't approve the quality of life of the patient, then it won't be accepted."
Kansan staff writer Anna Faltermeier can be contacted at afaltermeier@kansan.com.
— Edited by Erin Wiley
Board likely to oust commissioner
EDUCATION
BY JOHN HANNA ASSOCIATED PRESS
TOPEKA, Kan. — Education Commissioner Bob Corkins is likely to lose his job after new state school board members take office next year, but his opponents aren't sure about the timing of his dismissal.
state regulations to encourage innovation. But he wasn't successful in starting a discussion about giving parents of some special needs students tax vouchers and allowing them to choose where their children went to school.
Corkins' hiring in October 2005.
The Board of Education's 6-4 conservative Republican majority will end Jan. 8. That's when moderate Republicans Sally Cauble, of Liberal, and Jana Shaver, of Independence, take their seats along side two other GOP moderates and two Democrats who opposed
Board member Ken Willard, a Hutchinson Republican who supported Corkins' hiring, said Corkins' departure will be caused by politics.
"They didn't give him a chance before he even put his feet on the ground, so I wouldn't expect them to give him a chance now." Willard said.
Some legislators, many educators and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius criticized Corkins' appointment because he was Kansas' first top school administrator in more than 80 years not to have served as a local superintendent first.
There's little doubt the four veteran board members who opposed hiring Corkins will move to oust him.
As commissioner, he spearheaded a reorganization of the department, creating a new School Innovation Division. He supported increasing the number of charter schools, which are freed from some
University, company aim to diagnose cancer earlier
HEALTH
Cancer researchers at the University of Kansas will soon work with international researchers to detect breast, colon and lung cancer earlier.
BY ANNA FALTERMEIER
Onlmmune, a life sciences company based in Europe, plans to establish its U.S. headquarters in Lenexa.
Weir said the University was trying to become a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. OncImmune intends to help with that effort.
Scott Wein, director of the office of therapeutics, discovery and development at the University of Kansas Medical Center, said OncLmmune expected to commercialize techol-
ogy developed by John Robertson, its chief science officer, for early detection of breast cancer.
None of the 61 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S. are in Kansas, according to the institute's Web site.
Oncimmune's North American headquarters will be based in Lenexa so it can share laboratory space with BT, a reference laboratory in Lenexa.
" The i r
short-term
goal is to
launch a
breast cancer
"The earlier you diagnose cancer in general, the better your prognosis will be."
ROY JENSEN Director of KU Med Center's Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute
Weir said OnlImmune chose to be near the University because of its strong researchers like Russ Middaugh, an expert in proteins, and Carol Fabian, one of the world's leading breast cancer researchers.
Roy Jensen, director of the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute at KU Medical Center, said the University had the expertise to help OncImmune refine its current tests.
detection test in 2007," Weir said.
He said the company planned to begin work in Kansas in the latter half of 2007, but he was unsure of its exact arrival date.
Lynn Bretz, director of university communications, said that in initial testing, OnlImmune's breast cancer technology detected breast cancer up to four years earlier than a mammogram.
"They're going to be looking at ways to take that technology to the marketplace and look at ways to apply the research principles to other types of cancer," Bretz said.
The company will invest about $30 million into area lab operations, according to a University press release.
"I think it really is a great
Jensen said
O n c l m u n e
would hire 120 to
140 new lab workers.
example of the University, local economic officials, the governor and other state officials of all coming together to develop a package that will make a difference," Jensen said. "The earlier you diagnose cancer in general, the better your prognosis will be."
Kansan staff writer Anna Faltermeier can be contacted at afaltermeier@kansan.com.
- Edited by Shanxi Upsdell
Local Band Plays Granada For Charity
Local band, Wobbly H, is joining forces with The Granada to make a difference in the Lawrence community.
"The local music scene contributes a lot of personality to the community," said Logan. "Donating to Jubilee is a great way to use that personality to do something beneficial."
Mike Logan, owner of The Granada, has agreed to donate $1 to Jubilee Café for every person over 21 who attends Wobbly H's show this Thursday.
The members of Wobbly H are thrilled to be playing for charity.
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Jake Hiersteiner, Wobbly H guitarist said, "I think it's awesome. We can do something we enjoy and help the community."
"Wobbly H has a ridiculous amount of fun on stage," said Logan. "If you like having a good time, you'll love Wobbly H."
Logan thinks Wobbly H's style will help make the event a success.
The Granada is the only venue in Lawrence to donate show proceeds to charity.
Hiersteiner said, "I hope this will encourage other Lawrence businesses to help the community."
Wobbly H takes Granada's stage at 10p.m. this Thursday. The Granada is located at 1020 Massachusetts.
Visit www.thegranada.com for more information on local shows.
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