The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page J1

INSIDE LIVING Scent of a teenager It's all about attracting girls as boys go bonkers over body spray. J4 Y-PRESS: The lure of Japan. J5 SECTION THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2006 INDYSTAR.COMLIVING Celebratin 'Super' class dissects sci-fi survival By Roy Rivenburg Los Angeles Times IRVINE, Calif. Could an overdose of gamma rays really transform someone into the Incredible Hulk? Was Superman defying Einstein's theory of relativity when he flew faster than the speed of light? While other science classes at the University of California, Irvine, dissect sharks or explore plasma physics, Michael Den-nin's seminar analyzes comic book superpowers. In recent weeks, students in his "Science of Superheroes" course have investigated Batman's utility belt, pondered gravity on the planet Krypton and designed their own superpower concepts.

The 10-week class is part of a UC program to expose freshmen to unfamiliar topics and majors. Dennin debuted the course in January as an expanded version of a physics-of-Superman lecture he had given to several campus groups. After one talk, somebody slipped him a copy of Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg's paperback, "The Science of Superheroes." It became the textbook for the class. In lessons that cover Aqua-man to X-Men, Dennin's 14 students learned to distinguish science fiction from science fact. Science fantasy: Gamma rays turned 98-pound weakling Bruce Banner into a raging green giant called the Incredible Hulk.

Science reality: Intense gamma radiation would have killed Banner, although Hulkification could be achieved with anabolic steroids and jellyfish DNA. Students also considered the feasibility of Superman and the Flash traveling faster than the speed of light. Most scientists say such a feat would violate the laws of physics. Others theorize that traveling faster than light could reverse time. Another lesson examined the gadgets on Bruce Wayne's bat belt, such as a miniature telephone and torch and knockout gas capsules.

Many of the devices that seemed farfetched when Batman was created decades ago are now available. Students also scrutinized Superman's home planet, Krypton. According to comic book lore, gravity on Krypton was so much stronger than Earth's that Clark Kent had superhuman strength here much like humans who seem stronger on the moon. In real life, gravity that strong would prevent a rocket flight. Dennin, 39, a UCI physics professor, said the goal of the seminar is to use pop culture as a hook to introduce such con CHARLIE NYE The Star FAVORITE COLOR: Cindi Hart, 43, sports a pink boa showing support for curing breast cancer, which she defied to compete in and coach two sports.

By Barb Berggoetz barb.berggoetz(3indystar.com Three women share stories about beating breast cancer as the annual Race for the Cure approaches indi Hart refused to stop competing as a speed skater and cyclist, despite a double mastectomy and several months of chemotherapy. CINDI HART'S STORY Hart, 43, who will be walking in her second race, felt two lumps in one breast in April 2004. That May, she was diagnosed. "I was in shock and denial. I just walked around like a zombie for a couple of days." Hart has no risk factors, eats a low-fat diet, doesn't drink caffeine and is a nationally ranked cyclist and speed skater at the masters level.

In a few days, reality hit. "I went on a bike ride," she recalled. "I just cried and screamed. I thought the faster I went, the harder it would be for the cancer to catch me. After the tears dried up and I had no energy left, I accepted it." First came intravenous chemotherapy.

Soon all her hair and her fingernails were gone. Then, she chose a double, rather than single, mastectomy as a preventive measure. More than a year ago, she had reconstructive surgery; she continues taking oral chemo. Hart, an Indianapolis nurse who works as a clinical informatics specialist at Regenstrief Institute, credits her mother, husband Ken and 11-year-old daughter with seeing her through it all. But it was her athletic drive that kept her motivated.

She continued to compete and to volunteer as head coach for IndySpeed Sports Club, a group for recreational and competitive speed skaters and cyclists. Eigh- See Survival, Page J8 Denise Trimble legally blind in one eye and a survivor of domestic abuse and breast and cervical cancer considers these challenges life lessons, not hindrances. Janet Driskell was most concerned that her breast cancer would worry her three grown children, who already had been through her and her husband's open heart surgeries. Three women with three stories of strength and determination not to let breast cancer get in the way of living full lives. Hart and Driskell will be among more than 2,000 breast cancer survivors in the 2006 Komen Race for the Cure on April 22 in Indianapolis.

Trimble will volunteer that day to help make sure that the event expected to draw more than 40,000 walkers and runners runs smoothly. The race is one of the top 10 largest among 115 races internationally. "It's really a celebration for all the survivors, and a huge awareness event for breast cancer," said Jane Callahan, local race chairman. "It's our largest fundraiser." The Indianapolis affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation wants to raise $2 million, up from $1.6 million last year, from race fees and donations.

cepts as black holes, cloning, life on other planets, quantum mechanics and Newtonian physics. SUPPORTIVE: Cindi Hart credits husband Ken and other relatives for helping her survive cancer. LEAPIN' LIPIZZANERS WHERE THE BOYS ARE JUST looking men playing the game, especially if they're Yankees. More than half (51 percent) of the women polled said the Bronx Bombers were the bomb of baseball. Females can check out what the Indy area offers at 7 p.m.

Friday when the Indian Ah, the ol' ballpark. The crack of the bat. The smell of hot dogs. The taste of your favorite beverage. And, according to a recent survey of single women, a great place to meet men.

Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) of single women surveyed by the During the World Famous Li-pizzaner Stallions show at Conseco Fieldhouse, the spectacular white horses will perform a segment called "Airs Above the Ground," which are leaps and maneuvers once used by riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield some 400 years ago. Info: 2 and ARBOR DAY DEAL Ten shade trees will be given to each person who joins the National Arbor Day Foundation during April as part of the nonprofit foundation's Trees for America campaign. Indiana's Arbor Day is celebrated April 28. To join, send $10 to Ten Free Shade Trees, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Nebraska City, NE 68410 by April 30 or go online to www.arborday.org. MINUTE apolis Indians have their home opener at Victory Field.

Info: www.indy indians.com. Zach Dunkin dating service, It's Just Lunch, said a baseball game is a good place to meet men. It's also a great place to SEE good- 6 p.m., 125 S. Pennsylvania seniors and children 12 and younger (317) 239-5151. Percent of 1,500 women surveyed who said a proposal given on bended knee was essential.

Another 44 percent said it was preferable. The Knot (theknot.com) ASST. MANAGING EDITORFEATURES: Jacqueline Thomas FEATURES PHONE: 317.444.6267.