Utah reinstates firing squad as alternative execution method

Utah governor Gary Herbert signed a bill last week reinstating the use of the firing squad as an alternative method of execution for prisoners convicted of capital crimes. The method was adopted as a backup plan in the event of a lack of necessary supplies for lethal injection, the state’s preferred method. Utah is currently… Continue reading Utah reinstates firing squad as alternative execution method

Tennessee state Congress approves “guns-in-trunks” bill

The Tennessee General Assembly approved a bill last week that will discourage employers from firing employees found to be carrying firearms in their parked vehicles. The bill passed 28 votes to five in the state Senate and 78 votes to 14 in the House of Representatives. Representative Mike Carter of Ooltewah said that the bill… Continue reading Tennessee state Congress approves “guns-in-trunks” bill

Medical marijuana bill introduced into TN Congress

Tennessee state Congress members plan to discuss a bill that would allow legal growing and processing of medical marijuana during the upcoming year, according to The Tennessean. The bill would legalize the growth and distribution of the drug at the request of a doctor for medical treatment. Specifically, the bill would include provisions for cannabis oil… Continue reading Medical marijuana bill introduced into TN Congress

Vanderbilt Rape Trial Sentencing Rescheduled

The sentencing hearing for Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey has been delayed again, according to The Tennessean. Vandenburg and Batey, former football players at Vanderbilt University, were both convicted of the 2013 rape of a fellow student in a campus dorm. The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for June 15. This is the second time… Continue reading Vanderbilt Rape Trial Sentencing Rescheduled

Vanderbilt fraternity vandalized

A traditional Jewish fraternity was defaced at Vanderbilt early the morning of March 18. A swastika was found painted on the inside of the elevator doors at the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter house after hosting a party Saturday night. Campus police are investigating the vandalism as a hate crime. Ari Dubin, executive director of Vanderbilt Hillel,… Continue reading Vanderbilt fraternity vandalized

Biologists closer to understanding early life on Earth

Biologists have always sought answers to life’s biggest questions, including the biggest one of all: What is the origin of life on Earth? Even though science has come a long way in the study of species development throughout time, there has never been a clear answer explaining what started it all. How did the very… Continue reading Biologists closer to understanding early life on Earth

New study concludes sleep is beneficial for memory

As many college students already know, naps are beneficial to help live a healthy life style, but did you know it can help improve your memory as well? A new study done by German graduate students Sara Studte, Emma Brider and PhD supervisor Alex Mecklinger from Saarland University showed that people who were allowed to nap… Continue reading New study concludes sleep is beneficial for memory