News, information and research from Boston University
August 4, 2009 at 10:42 am
Deep in the healthcare-reform debate is a discussion of how Congress could lower drug prices for seniors enrolled in Medicare “Part D.” School of Law Professor Kevin Outterson, an authority on pharmaceutical law, has some provocative ideas. In a paper published in Health Affairs, Outterson details an approach to reducing drug prices for seniors by providing medications to low-income elderly through Medicaid rather than Medicare.
Contact Kevin Outterson, 617-353-3103, mko@bu.edu
August 4, 2009 at 10:34 am
Nutrition professor Joan Salge Blake suggests that sweet treats can be both healthy and satisfying. In a recent interview with WebMD, Salge Blake said that "Fruit is naturally sweet, abundant this time of year, super nutritious, and everyone loves it."
Salge Blake's Sweet Treat Tip of the Day:
"Take a carton of Yoplait Whips and put it in the freezer. Presto: Frozen yogurt that is fabulous and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. You'll never eat ice cream again!"
August 3, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Without admitting guilt, Bank of American paid a $33 million fine after the SEC sued it for lying to investors about the payment of $5.8 billion in bonuses to Merrill Lynch employees after BofA bought Merrill. School of Law Professor Cornelius Hurley, director of the Morin Center for Banking and Financial law, says it's an odd deal.
"In light of the Treasury's significant ownership position in Bank of America, the SEC's fine has the appearance of the government punishing itself. In terms of the amount of the fine, in the context of the magnitude of the Merrill deal, the penalty seems like a parking ticket."
Contact Cornelius Hurley, 617-353-5427, ckhurley@bu.edu
August 3, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Citing a growing overlap of the two companies businesses, Google CEO Eric Schmidt has resigned from the Apple board of directors. School of Management Professor N. Venkat Venkatraman, chair of the Information Systems Department, says the move reflects likely future competition.
"It's about the potential overlap in the future as Apple develops its business models around the rumored netwbook entry and creating e-books to compete not only against Amazon but also Google."
Contact N. Venkat Venkatraman, 617-353-7117, venkat@bu.edu
July 31, 2009 at 2:51 pm
The so-called "Cash for Clunkers" program, aimed at stimulating the auto industry by offering consumers rebates for turning in old cars for more fuel-efficient models, went through its $1 billion in a week. The House then voted to add $2 billion more to keep the program going. School of Management Professor Shuba Srinivasan, who has researched strategic marketing programs in the auto industry, says it's smart to keep the popular program going -- at least for a while.
"Clearly, this program has generated considerable store traffic in automobile dealerships, a renewed interest in automobile buying, and potentially increased employment in the short run."
Contact Shuba Srinivasan, 617-353-5978, ssrini@bu.edu
July 31, 2009 at 11:34 am
Federal regulators reportedly have ratcheted up significantly the number of "memorandums of understanding" probation notices sent to troubled banks this year. The notices can force banks to shore up capital reserves or change management. School of Law Professor Cornelius Hurley, a former counsel to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and now director of the Morin Center for Banking and Financial Law, says the moves underscore the need for regulatory reform.
"One does not get the sense that federal enforcement policy among the Fed, OCC, OTS, and the FDIC is coordinated in any way, as it would be if Obama's original idea of a consolidated prudential regulator were implemented."
Contact Cornelius Hurley, 617-353-5427, ckhurley@bu.edu
July 30, 2009 at 11:45 am
A federal judge says the U.S. and the Swiss bank UBS has until Friday to settle a lawsuit over the IRS demands for the names of 52,000 of the bank's American clients suspected of evading taxes. Professor Daniel Berman, a former deputy international tax counsel to the Treasury Department and international tax-law authority who directs the School of Law's Graduate Tax Program, can discuss the complicated case.
Contact Daniel Berman, 617-353-3105, bermand@bu.edu
July 30, 2009 at 10:49 am
"A new research study, hot-off-the presses, has shown that conventionally grown produce is as nutritious as organic fruits and veggies. This is good news as a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, no matter how they are grown, is your best defense in fighting heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, and diabetes....all major killers of Americans. With food prices expected to rise another 3 to 4% in 2009, Americans should fill their grocery carts with plenty of fruits and veggies and let and tasteprice be the driving force. Here are some tips:
July 29, 2009 at 3:48 pm
As the Senate moves closer to a healthcare reform compromise that could draw bipartisan support, Democratic House leaders have reached a deal with their fiscal conservative "Blue Dog" members. School of Management Professor Stephen Davidson, author of "In Urgent Need of Reform: Saving the U.S. Healthcare System," says too many compromises could threaten real reform.
"The real question is not whether Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats can vote for a bill with these provisions, but what would such a bill accomplish?"
Contact Stephen Davidson , 617-353-7422, sdavidso@bu.edu
July 29, 2009 at 9:31 am
In a big deal for the Internet search world, Microsoft and Yahoo have entered a partnership to take on Google. Microsoft's new Bing search engine will power Yahoo's search, and Yahoo will be the global sales force for both companies' search advertisers. School of Management Professor N. Venkat Venkatraman says it's a good deal for Microsoft and Yahoo, and possibly for advertisers.
"I am not so sure of the claim about a 'new era of innovation' that the two CEOs claim, but we will have to wait and watch."
Contact N. Venkat Venkatraman, 617-353-7117, venkat@bu.edu
