In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences extending beyond politics.

A course, titled The Biology of Hope and Belief at Ohio State University, examines the often contentious debate between science and faith. It seeks to address these complexities, providing a platform for students to explore the relationship between scientific understanding and personal belief systems.

Megan Meuti, associate professor of entomology at Ohio State University, said a key objective is to foster an understanding of what science can explain and what it cannot.

"There is a strong biological basis to hope and belief," Meuti asserted. "All faith perspectives and no faith perspectives are welcomed and valued in the class. But what they walk away from believing at the end of the semester is between them and their God, if they recognize one."

Meuti pointed out the approach may be especially important in a state where beliefs about science often clash with traditional views. She added the course encourages respectful dialogue and critical thinking, both of which are vital in navigating complex topics.

Part of the course features the Socratic teaching interview, where students engage others in discussions about evolution and related topics. Meuti noted the assignment promotes not only an understanding of scientific concepts, but also effective communication skills to help students navigate different perspectives.

"Many students have shared that was the starting point for a two- to three-hour conversation with the person that they were talking to," Meuti recounted.

The course curriculum, originally developed by Susan Fisher, was designed to address the concerns of students who may reject scientific concepts like evolution due to their religious backgrounds. Meuti stressed as they progress through the course, students develop critical skills for both their academic and personal lives.

A new State of the Commonwealth report by Old Dominion University finds Virginia had a strong year in 2024. But researchers say challenges remain.

The report finds housing will be a major issue in the state, as local governments work to address housing shortages and zoning laws.

Virginia had its fourth straight year of economic growth in 2024, ranking as the number one state to do business.

Bob McNab, professor of economics at Old Dominion University, said the overall outlook for Virginia in 2025 is positive. But he said a number of factors may impact that forecast.

"We saw inflation decelerate, real wages - that's wages after inflation - rise, jobs continue to increase," said McNab. "As Virginia enters 2025, it is in a good position to continue growth."

McNab did warn that international trade, immigration, and the status of the federal workforce could impact Virginia's economy.

Despite data that points to a strong economy, consumers aren't quick to agree.

The report finds consumers still feel less optimistic about the state of the economy than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Higher prices on goods and services because of inflation have driven that sentiment. McNab said people interact with prices daily - and their paycheck may be once or twice a month.

That, he said, leads to the data not coinciding with consumer feelings on the economy.

"And since 2019, real hourly earnings have increased after accounting for inflation," said McNab. "People's wages have outgained inflation. But they don't feel like that has occurred because they see prices much more frequently."

The report also finds Virginia's unemployment rate is nearing record lows.




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As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could learn a lot by rolling the dice.

James Fielder, instructor and researcher of ludology (the study of games and gameplay) at Colorado State University, calls the game a master class in political strategy, covering everything from diplomacy to alliance forming to conflict resolution.

Fielder said players have to work together to achieve a goal. If you're at odds with each other, you don't achieve anything.

"The lesson is that we're learning to negotiate in order to overcome a challenge," Fielder explained. "That lesson sticks. You come out of the table, 'Oh, I learned how to negotiate with other people, and we overcame a challenge.' It worked."

A former Air Force lieutenant colonel, Fielder has more than two decades of experience designing war games and training exercises. He stressed role-playing is not just child's play. He compared the games to a ritual performance. When players are inside a game space -- which could be a football field, a card table, or a war room -- everything inside the game is very real, including wins, losses and lessons learned about the use of power.

Fielder added when a Dungeon Master reveals an unintended consequence of the players' decisions -- for example, the massacre of an entire town -- they frequently look at each other like, "What did we just do?"

"You will also find players who will play evil characters, who carry out atrocities in the game," Fielder observed. "But then when they come out, they don't feel good about themselves. They feel unclean, like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe I just did that.' And so, yes, that sends a very powerful message."

Fielder said even in today's modern age, games can be similar to an animist rite of passage, where participants believe a spiritual leader wearing an animal's skin is an actual god or animal.

"If you're wearing a suit to go to work, you're wearing the 'skin' of a businessperson," Fielder pointed out. "I was in the military for 25 years putting on the uniform, and wearing the 'skin' of a sergeant or a lieutenant colonel."

This story is based on original reporting by Stacy Nick for Colorado State University.

Ohio is leading the way in new research that may help those affected by lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes painful swelling due to buildup of fluid in the lymphatic system, which is part of a person's immune system. For many patients, this condition can develop following cancer treatment.

Teresa Lau, a breast cancer survivor and lymphedema patient at The Ohio State University James Cancer Center, described how new monitoring technology has provided her peace of mind.

"This is great for somebody who lives an hour away from OSU," she said. "It lets you know if, like, my arms swell up and so, what can I do? What are the next steps?"

The study Teresa referred to, called Project Limb Rescue, uses wearable technology to monitor lymphedema in real time. Ohioans with this condition can participate by visiting OSU for a brief session where they wear sensors that measure fluid buildup. The program aims to help patients detect swelling sooner, potentially reducing complications.

Lymphedema affects about four in 10 breast cancer survivors.

Study coordinator Lynne Brophy, a breast oncology clinical nurse specialist at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted the benefits of the program for patients across Ohio.

"Our research study is to help people developing lymphedema detect it at home," she said. "It means they're saving money by not having as many physician visits."

Brophy added that research leads to new discoveries and encourages people to join the trial.

"I hope people will be open to participating and helping either themselves, perhaps, or their neighbor," she said.

OSU researchers are recruiting participants between ages 18 and 90 who have undergone lymph node removal surgery.