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Superiorland Yesterdays

EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

30 years ago

MARQUETTE–A rare disease whose victims die in early childhood is being put under the microscope by a Northern Michigan University student who hopes to find one more piece to the molecular puzzle of its cause. Susan L. Dagenais of Escanaba, a graduate student and assistant in the biology department, is researching the molecular basis of the human disorder called Menkes’ Kinky Hair Syndrome. “The disease is primarily a copper deficiency in the liver and brain caused by an inability of the intestines to absorb the mineral. It’s fatal to all males by the time they’re 3 years old,” Dagenais said. “One of the signs of the disease is a kinky, steel-grey hair. It’s carried by the female, but for some reason isn’t fatal to her.” The disease affects about one in every 35,000 males. Her research, funded by an NMU Spooner Research Grant, is focusing on whether the protein molecule membrane in the liver and kidneys differs in normal and affected mice. Dagenais hopes to complete her research by next May, but says it may require additional work. She became interested in the research through her NMU advisers, biology professor Frank Verley and chemistry professor Tom Griffith. Dagenais obtained a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with high honors in 1987. She’s now studying here for her master’s.

60 years ago

ISHPEMING — Officials and directors of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron company, together with principal men in their northern departments, are planning to give a dinner in honor of the president, William G. Mather, in Ishpeming Sept. 24. The occasion is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mr. Mather’s business association with the Cleveland-Iron Mining company. The dinner will be served at the Ishpeming Gold Club and it is expected that about 50 men who have long been associated with Mr. Mather will attend.

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