The DNA of babies conceived through IVF differs from that of other children, putting them at greater risk of diseases such as diabetes and obesity later in life, according to new research from Temple University. “These epigenetic differences have the potential to affect embryonic development and fetal growth, as well as influencing long-term patterns of gene expression associated with increased risk of many human diseases,” said Carmen Sapienza, a Temple geneticist, who jointly led the research.

January 9, 2010 | Philadelphia Inquirer

In an opinion piece, Inquirer columnist Karen Heller writes that even with the best of intentions governing conduct in higher education “infantilizes students on the cusp of adulthood.” She quotes Temple constitutional law professor David Kairys: "College is the first opportunity for most students to be responsible for what they do 24/7. They're going to make mistakes like we all do," Kairys told Heller. "We are in this period where we should be aware and worried that more kinds of government and institutions are compelling conformity that is being thrust on us," he said.

January 8, 2010 | Philadelphia Inquirer

Calling witness intimidation "a gigantic problem" in Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter said that he would support legislation to make it a federal crime when threats are made in cases prosecuted in local court. Specter, a Pennsylvania Democrat who is up for reelection this year, called the hearing in response to a series of stories in The Inquirer that highlighted problems in the city's troubled courts. John Goldkamp, a criminologist and professor at Temple University, said the issues highlighted by The Inquirer were "symptoms of dysfunction."