College Shorts

Author: Amy Francisco

SOY MILK, SOY BEANS, TOFU AND...UNDERWEAR?

The Uranus underwear line - a small business started by a University of Florida student, Natalie San-Andres, and recent alumna, Lauren Golik - aims to "promote sustainability through a sense of humor." The line is made of 47.5 percent soybean fiber, which is mainly the by-product of soy food production - material which would otherwise be thrown out. Through research they hit upon soybean fiber, the perfect choice for their line, due to its softness and durability.

They started the business venture on personal funds, but hope to expand it, selling women's boyshorts in three colors -beige, moss green and black. In addition to expanding their own product line, the two women aim to promote sustainability in other ways, including donating a portion of their profit to sustainable farms. They plan to give out free pairs on UF's campus this Wednesday in honor of Earth Day. For more information about the Uranus line, visit www.uranusapparel.com.

- Independent Florida Alligator

TUBERCULOSIS BREAKS OUT ON BERKELEY CAMPUS

On Wednesday, about 225 University of Califronia Berkley students and faculty received an e-mail telling them that they may have been exposed to a tuberculosis strain on campus. Those who received the e-mail were informed that they had been in close contact with a student who had contracted the disease, and were encouraged to be tested as soon as possible. An infectious disease spread by bacteria in the air, tuberculosis can be fatal if not treated. A health official at the university stated that every year they have between five and 10 cases - however, this particular case is unusual due to the number of students who could have been exposed.

One such student complained that the e-mail was "suspiciously vague," mainly detailing ways to get tested instead of explaining why such testing was necessary. Knowledge of the strain itself is currently vague - one health official stated that they cannot know where the strain originated, as there is a significant time lag before some patients develop symptoms. The University is doing everything it can to prevent further spread of the disease through tests in the coming weeks, as requiring follow-up tests even if the people test negative initially.

- Daily Californian