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PROGRESS ON ENRON LAWSUIT

The University of California, lead plaintiff for investors in the Enron securities litigation, has asked the court to approve a settlement with some of Enron’s former directors. Negotiated over the last three months, the complex settlement would give the investor class $168 million, consisting of $155 million in insurance proceeds and more than $13 million in personal contributions of insider trading proceeds by the directors. The settlement resolves litigation against some Enron directors, but not those who face liability under the fraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1934. There is no settlement with defendants Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, Andrew Fastow, Richard Causey or Rick Buy. The agreement marks the fourth settlement in the case; nearly $500 million has been recovered so far for the class. For more details, go to www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/enron.

NEW USE FOR SALIVA

Your saliva may one day be used to detect cancer. In a study using the RNA in saliva, Jonsson Cancer Center researchers were able to differentiate head and neck cancer patients from a group of healthy subjects based on biomarkers found in their spittle. The results could lead to new diagnostic and early detection tools. The study used four RNA biomarkers to detect the presence of head and neck cancer with 91% sensitivity and accuracy, said David Wong, associate dean for research in the School of Dentistry, professor and chair of the Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, director of the Dental Research Institute and Jonsson Cancer Center researcher. The emergence of nanotechnology, which allows scientists to manipulate materials on an atomic or molecular scale, helped researchers uncover the components of saliva, Wong said.

BE IN THE KNOW

Staff Assembly is hosting a Town Hall meeting open to all with Chancellor Albert Carnesale Jan. 27 in the Ackerman Union Second Floor Lounge. The chancellor will be discussing topics of interest to the campus from noon to 1 p.m. Those planning to attend have already submitted questions in advance. But if time permits, additional questions will be taken from the audience. See //uclasa.chr.ucla.edu.

FRAT HOUSE SUSTAINS DAMAGE

A towering eucalyptus tree crashed down on the roof of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house at 611 Gayley on Jan. 9. The storm related mishap forced the evacuation of 40 people living there. The house will remain red tagged until Los Angeles County building inspectors can determine whether the building is safe to occupy. Local firefighters helped students retrieve their books and clothing, said Scott Carter, campus Greek adviser. Students have found temporary lodging with other members living off campus and with alumni.