An American ninja

Michigan State University junior Colin Bell won G4’s American Ninja Challenge, allowing him the opportunity to compete in Ninja Warrior in Tokyo.

G4 is a popular TV channel in Japan and has begun airing in the U.S.

Bell decided to sign up for the contest when he saw an ad on TV. He spent two weeks in Japan and competed in the extreme obstacle course.

Green tops increase

in popularity

A Michigan State University researcher has said the green rooftop trend is becoming more popular, according to an MSU press release.

“The area covered by green roofs increased 80 percent between 2005 and 2006 in the United States.” said Brad Rowe, horticulture professor and chairperson of the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Research Committee.

A study published in the November edition of Bioscience featured a look at some of the ecosystem services green roofs provide.

Green roofs are made of living plants and the materials necessary for growth. A green roof is significantly heavier and more costly than a traditional rooftop.

A section of the roof on Rowe’s campus office building is green and is estimated to decrease cooling costs by 50 percent.

Granholm welcomes life science facility

Gov. Jennifer Granholm celebrated the completion of a new site for life science startup Kalexsyn at the Business Technology and Research Park at Western Michigan University with local economic development leaders on Nov. 16.

Kalexsyn is a life science business that works with biotech clients to make discoveries in the medical chemistry field. Previously, the company had been using laboratory space in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center.

The 20,000 square-foot building includes laboratories and technology systems designed to meet the company’s needs.

Kalexsyn was started in 2003, following a decision by Pfizer to move some of its research operations out of Kalamazoo.

Compiled by Staff Reporter Beth Kieda.

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