UO E-clips, Jan. 27

Which came first, the belly or the stress? (National Post, Canada): Stress. How many images can a single word conjure? With an economy in the tank, jobs on the line and personal finances in peril, to say these are stressful times is an understatement. Yet, when it comes to your weight, we tend not to think of stress as a factor, unless it leads to obvious changes in behaviour, such as skipping meals because of a tight schedule or bingeing on a tub of ice cream after a bad day. … In December, 2008, however, a study from researchers (unnamed) at the University of Oregon did show a connection on the genetic level between cortisol levels and fat gain around the middle, but much more research is needed.

DesignIntelligence gives high rating to UO's architecture department (Daily Journal of Commerce): The journal, DesignIntelligence, has recognized the University of Oregon's department of architecture for its commitment to teaching sustainable design. The publication ranks the country's top architecture and design schools each year.

University financial aid counselor Paul Carlile passes away (Oregon Daily Emerald): As a financial aid counselor, Paul Carlile interacted with thousands of University students, working to ease their financial course through college and teach them to be money-savvy in the world after graduation. Carlile was repeatedly described by colleagues as an inspired, intelligent and dedicated man, and his death on Jan. 15 at the age of 39 came, University Technology Specialist David Peterson said, as a shock.