Car-jacking attempt fails on N. Charles St.
Two male suspects, one armed with a handgun, attempted to gain entry into the vehicle of a School of Medicine graduate student on the 2900 block of North Charles Street at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the Hopkins Security report, the student was leaving a parked vehicle when the suspects approached and attempted to enter the car. One displayed a handgun and ordered the student back into the car, but the victim "began to kick, scream and honk the horn," according to the report.
The suspects then stopped their attempt and proceeded north on North Charles Street. Baltimore police canvassed the area and questioned several suspects, but to no avail. There were no injuries reported.
Hopkins Security advises students to park in well-lit areas, and to be aware of their surroundings when entering and exiting vehicles.
--By Julianna Finelli--
JHU professor takes part in discovery of biblical artifact
In recent weeks, scientists have deciphered what may be the earliest record of Jesus Christ's existence. This month's Biblical Archaeology Review featured the discovery of an ossuary, a stone burial chamber, with an inscription uniquely marking it as representing Jesus' family.
Faculty from locales as diverse as the Sorbonne University in France, the Geological Survey of Israel and The Johns Hopkins University had critical roles in its analysis. Professor Kyle McCarter of Near Eastern Studies took part in the analysis.
"Dr. McCarter has been involved in numerous important issues involving the Dead Sea Scrolls and other artifacts from Biblical times," said Dennis O'Shea, Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs. "He is a recognized expert on civilization at that period of time?[and his] work on this extremely important artifact is indicative of the kind of work that's going on across this University," he added.
----By Asheesh Laroia
Hopkins researchers help determine best aneurysm treatment
A recent study, led in part by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has found that a process called "coiling" is more effective than surgery in treating ruptured brain aneurysms.
Brain aneurysms are blood vessels that become weak. They then expand and in some cases explode. Aneurysms, if not treated, can result in serious neurological problems.
Normally, the aneurysms are treated through an invasive surgery on the skull during which closes off the rupture, thereby stopping the bleeding.
However, the study found that an alternative technique, which involves inserting platinum coils into the ruptured aneurysms, can result in fewer damages or lasting disabilities. With the coil, the blood vessel is able to form new tissue and clotting is prevented. The coil seals off the aneurysm from the blood vessel.
The study was ended early because of the obvious success of the coils in treating blood aneurysms.
----By Malka Jampol
Religious groups unite to educate students about Islam
"Open Your Eyes," a new discussion series focusing on faith and religion, made its debut with a discussion of Ramadan at the Interfaith Center last week.
The Muslim Students Association teamed with the Catholic Community to set up the first event of the series, which focused on the Islamic faith and Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslims. The session "What is Ramadan?" included a free dinner meeting the dietary restrictions for Muslims and Jews, as well as a presentation on the basics of Islam and Ramadan.
"Open Your Eyes" was organized to promote knowledge of all beliefs and allow students to have an opportunity for interfaith. Michael Balazs, who is currently a junior majoring in Physics and Computer Science, came up with the idea last spring.
In cooperation with JHU Chaplain Sharon Kugler, "Open Your Eyes" began its start.
"The turnout was incredible, with over 100 people showing up," said Balazs.
Tabish Mustufa, President of the JHU Muslim Association, worked alongside Balazs for this project. He was originally skeptical of the idea, thinking it unlikely that another religious group would provide food for an event detailing the Islam beliefs, but he came to learn that it was a wonderful payoff.
Funding is provided to "Open Your Eyes" by the HAS Programming Collaboration Committee, the Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell, Campus Ministries and the Student Activities Commission.
----By Jonathan Lau
