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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 22


Page 22 of 108

Inequality rules today's public schools

Researchers at the University of Washington found that existing school systems perpetuate inequality through hidden special treatment and segregation. The study suggests expanding overcrowded schools could alleviate abuses, contradicting warnings about school choice programs increasing racial segregation and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateOct 22, 2003

Shape of beverage glass influences how much people pour and drink

A study by Brian Wansink found that the shape of a beverage glass can alter how much people pour and drink, with taller glasses leading to overconsumption. In three experiments involving teenagers, adults, and bartenders, Wansink discovered that participants consistently underestimated the volume of liquids in shorter, wider glasses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 22, 2003

Are walruses right-handed?

Researchers observed walruses using four different foraging techniques: beating their right flipper, left flipper, water-jet from their mouth, and rooting through sediment with their muzzle. They found that 66% of the time they used their right flipper, and this preference was consistent in skeletons analyzed.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateOct 22, 2003

Common drug, given promptly, reduces incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, small study finds

A new study suggests that propranolol can reduce the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma victims if administered promptly. The medication, commonly used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure, was found to decrease PTSD symptoms by half compared to those who did not receive it.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2003

Doped liquid crystals allow real time holography

Researchers have developed doped liquid crystals that allow for real-time holography with significantly improved optical properties. These materials can be used in various applications, including focusing optical telescopes and creating real-time holographic movies, due to their high sensitivity to light.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 21, 2003

Arsenic remedy for arsenic poisoning?

Researchers at University of Kalyani discovered that homeopathic remedy Arsenicum Album can reduce liver damage in mice with arsenic poisoning. The treatment showed positive effects in both low and high doses, suggesting its potential to address the global health issue of arsenic contamination.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateOct 21, 2003

Fighting the side effects of radiation

Brain cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy are at risk of life-threatening infections due to suppressed immune systems. Researchers found that monitoring immune cell counts and administering prophylactic antibiotics can prevent these side effects, with no patient developing pneumonia or other serious infections in the study.