An “industry wide” antitrust probe reportedly is underway by the Justice Department investigating if technology companies are illegally negotiating with each other about the hiring of one another’s employees. Targets reportedly include Google, Yahoo, Apple, and Genentech. School of Law Professor Keith Hylton, an antitrust law authority, can comment about the possibilities. Contact Keith Hylton, […]
President Obama’s trip to the Middle East this week is a chance to change the political dynamic of U.S. relations in that region. College of Communication Professor Linda Killian, director of the BU Washington Center and a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, says Obama’s message to Muslims should mix sensitivity and tough love. […]
Headed to the Middle East, President Obama has played down the differences between his administration and Israel’s leaders about settlements on the West Bank, which he wants frozen. Journalism Professor Robert Zelnick, author of “Israeli Unilateralism: Beyond Gaza” and former ABC News correspondent, says he expects Obama to hold his ground “to win the tolerance […]
Making software makers and biotech firms nervous, the Supreme Court has decided to hear an appeal of a case in which a lower court significantly narrowed the processes eligible for patent protection (denying patents, for example, for a method of hedging commodity sales risks). School of Law Professor Michael Meurer, an authority on patent law, […]
As Judge Sonia Sotomayor makes a courtesy call to Congress today, speculation abounds about the tenor of her confirmation hearings and the tenor of her voice on the Supreme Court bench if she’s approved. School of Law Professor Jay Wexler, a Supreme Court expert who clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, can explore the Sotomayor […]
Smokeless, tobacco-free, electronic (battery-powered) cigarettes that deliver a mixture of nicotine and water vapor but no carcinogens are part of the Senate debate over the proposed Food and Drug Administration tobacco regulations. Michael Siegel, MD, MPH, professor of socal and behavioral sciences, maintains they are a life-saving alternative for many smokers. Michael Siegel, 617-638-5160, mbsiegel@bu.edu
Microsoft bills it as full-body interactivity. “Project Natal,” it’s new Xbox gaming technology, dumps the controller for a camera-based full-skeletal-mapping technology that makes the user the remote. College of Communication Professor Hyun-Yeul Lee, an expert on gaming design, can discuss the technical and social implications of the new Xbox 360 console. Contact Hyun-Yeul Lee, 617-353-5974, […]
Now the major stakes in both General Motors and Chrysler, the United Auto Workers finds itself in an unusual dual role as both the major labor union in the automotive industry and a part owner. School of Management economist David Weil, a labor-relations expert, can discuss this dilemma/opportunity. Contact David Weil, 617-353-4615, davweil@bu.edu
Slipping into bankruptcy reorganization at Uncle Sam’s financial gunpoint, GM has a serious reputation problem to overcome. College of Communcation public relations Professor Peter Morrissey, an expert on reputation management (helped J&J on the Tylenol case) thinks GM is capable of regaining its “fierce customer loyalty” that made it the world’s leading automaker. Contact Peter […]
The loss of one million cave-dwelling bats, from a devastating fungus known as White-Nose Syndrome, has led to a congressional inquiry. On June 4 biology professor and bat expert Thomas Kunz will testify and call for a national comprehensive research program to identify the cause of this disease. Contact Thomas Kunz, 617-353-2474, kunz@bu.edu
