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Science News for September 26, 2000


Left-handedness is not necessarily the kiss of death

A study of 1,277 elderly people found no correlation between left-handedness and mortality rate. Instead, factors such as pressure to switch hands, gender differences, and adaptation to a right-hand world influenced the prevalence of left-handedness among older adults.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Neuropsychology·DateSep 26, 2000

Origin of salts in the 'Dry Valleys' of Antarctica provide clues to atmospheric deposition on Mars

Researchers at UCSD discovered an oxygen-isotope anomaly in soils that suggests atmospheric deposition of sulfates from sulfur-emitting marine algae is a significant contributor to the region's high salt concentrations. The study provides concrete evidence for biological activity as the primary source of salt in the Dry Valleys.

Graduate School of Public Health at University of Pittsburgh receives $1.6 million grant to train public health workers

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health will operate a Central Appalachian Public Health Training Center, providing on-site and distance-based training programs for underserved areas. The goal is to assure high-quality performance of public health agencies by upgrading the skills of existing workforce members.