UO E-clips, Nov. 13

Searchers scale back, but still seek hiker (Register-Guard): After eight days of combing the dense forests near Cougar Lake, Lane County sheriff’s search and rescue officials called off the active search Monday for Daming Xu, who disappeared Nov. 4 after failing to return home to Eugene from a solo day hike. Crews were planning to search until dark on Monday, but were forced off Olallie Mountain -- where Xu was last seen -- ahead of expected 65 mph winds. After consulting with medical experts and Xu’s family, officials have now categorized the search as “passive,” sheriff’s Sgt. Clint Riley said.

UO Index of Economic Indicators drops (Statesman Journal): The University of Oregon Index of Economic Indicators dropped a half-point in September and now is at its lowest point in nearly two years. Five of the eight economic elements used to create the index declined in the month: unemployment claims, payrolls, weight-mile taxes, residential building permits and the interest-rate spread. Two indicators improved: help-wanted advertising and new orders for manufactured goods. One was flat: national consumer confidence. Although the index remains positive for economic growth, it does forecast a considerable slowing during the next six months.

Mapping the senses (Daily Emerald): Although maps help people get around, those who are blind or visually impaired have been left out of the mix. University researchers are trying to change that. They are creating maps for blind people, and the maps are designed to be read by fingertips. The maps feature raised symbols so blind people can feel their way around the map. Researchers include geography assistant professor Amy Lobben, computer and information sciences professor Stephen Fickas and graduate students Megan Lawrence and Xiangkui Yao. They hope those who are blind will be able to get around better with the maps. "There's a lot of focus on accessibility in urban areas, but most of that focus is on the built environment - making sure there are wheelchair ramps and Braille labels," Lobben said. "That's great, assuming that someone can even get somewhere."

Zeroing in on RNA-binding in myotonic dystrophy (Science Daily): University of Oregon researchers have shed new light on the function of an RNA-regulating protein known as muscleblind, which when it misbehaves and binds to rogue RNA can lead to disease affecting roughly one in 8,000 people. The study, which used a combination of biochemical, biophysical and cell culture studies, was placed online ahead of regular publication in the December issue of the journal RNA. When the findings were initially presented in September at the annual meeting of the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation in Italy, the work garnered a $1,000 cash prize for outstanding research for lead author Bryan Warf, a UO doctoral student.