February 23, 2001 - In a state that is home to such noble creatures as the eagle, the loon and the black bear it's a fair question to ask: How did the gopher become the mascot of the University of Minnesota? As a part of our series "Universal U", Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on the origins of Goldy Gopher.
February 22, 2001 - You probably haven't heard his name, but the work of James J. Ryan is found in all modern cars and trucks and in commercial aircraft. The U of M researcher developed the retractable seat belt and the flight recorder. As a part of our weeklong series, "Universal U", Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on the researcher known to some as "Crash" Ryan.
February 22, 2001 - The University of Minnesota is a "land grant" school, which places it among a group of unique institutions of higher learning in the U S. As a part of our series, "Universal U", Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on the act of Congress that transformed the University of Minnesota.
February 21, 2001 - The architecture on the Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota ranges from the tradititional Northrup Auditorium to the modern Weisman Art Museum. But neither of these structures has a periscope. As a part of our series "Universal U", Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on a subterranean landmark. {110 feet under the surface of the East Bank research on road and tunnel design, earthquake protection, and environmental clean-up methods are taking place in the laboratories of the Civil Engineering building.
February 21, 2001 -
February 20, 2001 - Developed in the 1960s in the town of Bethel, the University of Minnesota took it over and has developed it at Cedar Creek.
February 20, 2001 - The rebound in the number of birds of prey is due in part to the work of a small branch of researchers and volunteers at the University of Minnesota. As part of our series this week, "Universal U," Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on the work of The Raptor Center. {Dr. Pat Redig was a veterinary student in 1974 when he co-founded the Raptor Center. The Raptor Center would play a key role in bringing back from the brink of extinction, the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and osprey.
February 19, 2001 - Until 1943 taconite was considered a waste product of Minnesota iron mining. Then University of Minnesota engineer Edward W. Davis developed the process to refine the low grade ore into the iron pellets that would mean jobs for thousands of Minnesotans. As part of our series "Universal U", Minnesota Public Radio's Steven John reports on taconite and the university's link to the Iron Range.
February 19, 2001 - K-rations were created at the University of Minnesota by Anel Keys, a professor at the University. They were tested at Fort Snelling. He also one of the first to discover the dietary fat causes heart disease.
November 30, 2000 - It's a big game for the Vikings tonight...they can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Detroit along with a Tampa Bay loss or tie this weekend. Minnesota has the best record in the NFC, Detroit is 8-and-4 and two games behind the Vikings. At half-time, the Viking's will honor their 40th annivesary team-- which includes all-time greats like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Chuck Foreman AND current players Chris Carter, Robert Smith and John Randle. The game is nationally televised, but fans can also log on to the internet to listen or watch the action. D.J. Boyer is a senior writer at Football.com. I asked him how the internet is changing the way sports fans follow their favorite teams: