University researchers have found that obesity can inhibit the body’s ability to develop immunity against influenza viruses.

The study’s results, which were printed in the Monday issue of The Journal of Immunology, showed that obesity can detract from the body’s ability to “remember” how it did away with prior episodes with the illness.

An otherwise bleak room in the Student Union was brought to life Monday night.

With the bright attire and lively music of Native American culture, students from the Carolina Indian Circle gathered to present and learn about tribal garb and traditions.

The meaning of love isn’t an easy topic to understand.

But professor Susan Wolf gave it a shot Monday night in the first of three lectures on the definition and value of love.

“If you love someone, you have a stake in the world,” she said.

Weight and risk for diabetes decreased for participants in communities where fast food prices increased, a UNC study shows.

The study also showed the reverse: When fast food prices went down, consumption, weight and diabetes risk increased.

Hoping to improve turnout to both events, student organizers are holding this year’s SpringFest on the same day as the Blue and White football game.

But attendance might still be hurt by the fact that the event will not be centered on a major musical guest.

It’s because of the way she lived and the way she was killed that Eve Carson’s name is accompanied by a gut reaction.

But in a couple of years, all the students who can remember the former student body president’s voice, presence and friendship on campus will have graduated.

Correction (March 14 11:23 p.m.): Due to a reporting error this story incorrectly states sophomore Laurel Ashton's class. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.

Student protesters broke the silence and broke the rules in Polk Place on Thursday afternoon, decrying administrative decisions that have led to budget cuts and tuition hikes.

The following dining locations will be open for limited hours during spring break.

-Top of Lenoir: open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today; closed Saturday to March 13; open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 14

-Alpine Bagel Cafe: open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; closed Saturday and Sunday; open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to March 12; closed March 13 and 14

The UNC chapter of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program inducted its first scholars at the Stone Center on Thursday evening.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is intended to provide assistance to students from underrepresented backgrounds, low-income families and to first-generation college students, said Joseph Green, director of Upward Bound, who brought the nationwide program to UNC.

Before a backdrop of signs that read, “Coal mining threatens over 240 species” and “1.4 million acres of land impacted,” the members of Sierra Club’s Coal-Free UNC campaign used a paper mache model of a mountain Wednesday to protest UNC’s alleged link to mountaintop removal.

The Carolina Union Activities Board will be accepting applications for positions on the 2010-11 school year until 5 p.m. March 24.

All applicants, whether undergraduate, graduate or professional students, must be enrolled in the 2010-11 school year to apply.

The board is looking for people interesting in planning, designing, promoting and organizing events.

As the sun set on Rams Head Plaza on Wednesday, students wandering into its recreation center were met on the other side of the gym’s glass doors by the sights and sounds of March madness.

The squeaks of shoes, the shouts of men and the rhythmic thuds of the basketballs echoed against every corner of the gym’s beige brick walls.

If a new bill passes Student Congress, students might have witnessed in February the last student body president runoff in UNC history.

Members of the rules and judiciary committee are tweaking legislation that could change the way students elect the person who serves as their representative to the administration and the voice of the student body.

One year ago, Jason Cummings found no need to stand outside the Dean Dome to scalp basketball tickets.

“Last year, I’d sell them all in advance,” said the 38-year-old Chapel Hill resident.

But with the team near a .500 record, Cummings has been forced to show up because fans believe the Tar Heels aren’t.