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Science News for July 20, 2001


Fatal attraction: Satellites to determine sea lions deaths

Researchers are using $1.7 million in grants to implant radio transmitters on sea lions to determine the causes of their rapid decline, with data stored on a satellite that can be retrieved after the animal has died. The project aims to find out why Steller sea Lions are dying at a rate of 75% in some areas.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 20, 2001

Tiny crystals predict a huge volcano in western U.S.

Scientists from University of Wisconsin-Madison propose new model for origin of volcanism in young calderas, suggesting high probability of future catastrophic eruption. Tiny crystals of zircon and quartz harbor geochemical clues to past and future volcanic eruptions, including massive explosions that could disrupt global climate.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 20, 2001

Counseling helps war refugee mothers, their children cope

A five-month study found that psychosocial counseling for war refugee mothers improved their mental health and reduced trauma symptoms. The children of these mothers also experienced significant weight gain, averaging 4.4 pounds more than the control group.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2001

CWRU receives two Ohio Eminent Scholars

Case Western Reserve University has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Ohio Eminent Scholars Program to support high-energy density fuel cell research. The university will also establish the Case Institute for Fuel Cells, where the appointed professor will lead technology development and education.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJul 20, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Plants vs. disease: 'Trench warfare at the molecular level'

Researchers have learned that Pseudomonas syringae attacks healthy tomato plants by attaching itself to the plant cell, inserting a microscopic tube and sending a pathogenic protein into the cell. The plant cell detects alien proteins and mounts a defense using a molecular surveillance system.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 20, 2001

Poor reading skills have both physical, environmental causes

Research suggests that brain asymmetry, a physical factor, can hinder language development, with children from low-income families showing weaker language mastery. Environmental factors, such as less parental involvement in homework, also play a significant role in reading skills.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2001

Teachers influence students' formation of prejudiced beliefs

A study found that teachers who used color-coded labels to organize students were more likely to create stereotypes among students. However, when teachers ignored these labels, children developed fewer intergroup biases, suggesting that social environment plays a crucial role in shaping prejudice.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2001
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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