1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gatorloop engineers advance in SpaceX competition

By Kristen Solorzano | Feb. 1, 2016

About 20 UF students are finalists in a SpaceX competition.

Alejandro Tosti putts during the 2015 SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 14.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men’s golf makes statement in opening rounds

By Ray Boone | Feb. 1, 2016

The No. 12 Florida Gators men’s golf team opened up spring play with a bang on Monday at the Sea Best Invitational due to the spectacular play of the team’s underclassmen.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Get a cavity filled by a dental student: UF dental students are providing dental exams

By Chelsea Hansen | Feb. 1, 2016

Dental students started doing screenings at UF’s College of Dentistry in December and will continue through March. The screenings seek to find students with certain requirements, who will in turn receive a free exam.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF offers new research class next Spring

By Catalina Ruiz | Feb. 1, 2016

Starting in Spring 2017, undergraduate UF students will have the option to enroll in a 1000-level research entomology class.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UPD collects phones, batteries to help domestic violence victims

By Madison Behm | Feb. 1, 2016

UF’s University Police is collecting phones to help end domestic violence.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Black Student Union will celebrate Black History Month with music, dialogue

By Janiece Sebris | Feb. 1, 2016

The UF Black Student Union began its celebration of Black History Month with opening ceremonies Sunday.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Column: Facebook leads the way in gun reform

Feb. 1, 2016

Disciples of the Second Amendment have been snubbed. The world’s largest social network took defining steps in the arduous effort for reasonable gun control Saturday. Facebook announced it would be banning users from coordinating private, person-to-person sales of guns on its website as well as through Instagram, though licensed gun dealers and gun clubs will not be affected by the company’s action. (Phew! Thank you, Jesus.)

OPINION | COLUMNS

Column: Why do we care about current events?

Feb. 1, 2016

This past weekend I found myself in an all-too-familiar situation involving a labored conversation, the hole I talked myself into and an unsuccessful attempt to escape. I was partially to blame for this predicament, as I had broken one of the unspoken cardinal rules of social gatherings: Don’t discuss politics with someone you just met.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Editorial: Gene editing makes us uneasy

Feb. 1, 2016

In “Jurassic Park,” Jeff Goldblum — that most semitic of stallions — plays Dr. Ian Malcolm, a charismatic yet somewhat grating mathematician. Brought to the titular park to assess any possible dangers or shortcomings, he eventually gets into an intense argument with John Hammond, the park’s creator, over the ethical and economic concerns behind resurrecting murderous, ancient creatures and parading them around in the name of capitalism and entertainment. After Hammond defends his work for representing a profound achievement in scientific progress, Malcolm offers the following iconic rejoinder: “Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

OPINION | COLUMNS

Column: The future of 'The Daily Show' is strong

Feb. 1, 2016

I tend to focus my column on serious political and social issues, but for the sake of incorporating some occasional variety, I’d like to commit this week’s piece to a more lighthearted topic very dear to my heart: “The Daily Show.”

NEWS | CAMPUS

Research Roundup: Flooding, labels and dopamine

Feb. 1, 2016

Research shows shallow flooding helps control pests

NEWS

Authorities release update on Millhopper skeleton

By Martin Vassolo | Feb. 1, 2016

A skeleton discovered near Millhopper Road a week ago likely belonged to a white, middle-aged male who died between six and 24 months ago, officials said.

UF lines up for the National Anthem on the third base line prior to Florida's 14-3 win over South Carolina on April 11, 2015, at McKethan Stadium.

NEWS | CAMPUS

With No. 1 ranking, Gators baseball embracing high expectations

By Patrick Pinak | Jan. 31, 2016

Ryan Larson doesn’t shy away from the polls.

UF guard Simone Westbrook attempts a layup during Florida's 85-79 win over Kentucky on Jan. 31, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida women's basketball defeats No. 12 Kentucky

By Ethan Bauer | Jan. 31, 2016

After the Florida women’s basketball game ended on Sunday afternoon, UF guard Simone Westbrook stood at center court awaiting her interview with SEC Network.

Bridget Sloan performs on the balance beam during Florida’s win against Alabama on Jan. 29, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF gymnastics team’s perfect 10s a product of relaxed attitude

By Alejandro López | Jan. 31, 2016

Practice makes perfect.

Chris Chiozza signals a play as he drives down the court during Florida’s win over West Virginia on Jan. 30, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF helps NCAA Tourney resume with win over West Virginia

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 31, 2016

As February approaches, men’s basketball teams around the country are looking for big wins to give them an edge when March rolls around. Resumes are being examined for a possible tournament berth.