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Purdue University


Parents pass on religious beliefs more by word than by deed

A recent Purdue University study discovered that parents' influence on their children's religious beliefs is largely shaped by verbal communication rather than actual practice. The research found that students who had open discussions with their parents about religious beliefs were more likely to accurately perceive their parents' views.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateMar 19, 2000

Engineers eavesdrop on 'aeroacoustics' of human voice

Researchers at Purdue University are creating plastic and mathematical models to analyze the aerodynamic sound of human speech. They aim to predict the consequences of surgery on the throat and develop a method to better synthesize and characterize voices for robotics and voice-recognition purposes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 5, 2000

Virus study reveals how nature 'super-sizes' tiny structures

Researchers at Purdue University have solved the structures of two large icosahedral viruses, providing insights into their assembly and potential applications in antiviral agents. The viruses' shells are made up of large building blocks joined primarily in clusters of three, forming stable and highly symmetrical structures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 27, 2000

Study suggests tailoring ADHD treatment

A new study finds that carefully monitored medication treatment alone can be as effective as combination therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms. The research recommends a personalized approach, combining optimal medication doses with monthly office visits and teacher input to maximize treatment effectiveness.

Robots are evolving, population is booming worldwide

The robot population in North America has nearly doubled over the last decade, with robots becoming increasingly important in various applications. The latest edition of the Handbook of Industrial Robotics highlights the evolution of robots and their integration with humans in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

Study reveals family secret of how viruses enter cells

A research group from Purdue University analyzed the interaction between poliovirus and its receptor, finding that it uses a similar site to bind as human rhinoviruses. The study provides new insights into how viruses selectively attach to receptors and may suggest ways for developing drugs to prevent illnesses caused by viral pathogens.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2000

Vegans likely short on calcium, experts say

A study by Purdue University found that vegan diets lack sufficient calcium, even with dairy-free alternatives. Experts recommend drinking milk or adding fortified foods/supplements to meet the daily calcium requirement. Vegans may need to consume large amounts of calcium-rich vegetables like broccoli and kale to get enough.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 14, 1999

Research puts sting into drama of virus-cell fusion

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a protein segment crucial for the infection of cells by retroviruses and other viruses. By replacing just one amino acid in this region, they were able to eliminate fusion between the virus and its host cell. This discovery may lead to novel treatments to block the entry of these viruses.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 1, 1999

Computer matches CT scans to disease database

A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.

SourcePurdue University·JournalComputer Vision and Image Understanding·DateJun 14, 1999

Purdue Gives Farmers 20-20 Vision From 30,000 Feet

Purdue University's Agricultural Validation and Verification Site provides a nationwide source of image-decoding data for farmers to interpret satellite images. The site, launched by remote-sensing researcher Chris Johannsen, will help farmers identify nutrient deficiencies, pests, and other issues in real-time.

Porous Silicon Lights Way For New Analytical Devices

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that combines porous silicon with mass spectrometry to streamline biochemical analyses. The technique, called desorption ionization on silicon (DIOS), allows for the simultaneous testing of large numbers of compounds in a fraction of the time required by current methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 1999

Patients Better Than Doctors At Predicting Their Health

A Purdue University study found that patients' reports of their own health were more valid than doctors' predictions, especially for African-American patients. The discrepancy may be due to varying levels of information provided by patients, with doctors relying heavily on patient input to make informed decisions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 8, 1999

Simple Method Will Help Test Theories About Nanotubes

Researchers have created a technique to measure the electrical characteristics of individual carbon nanotubes, confirming their potential in making small circuits and computer chips. The new method enables scientists to conduct electricity without heating up, addressing a major obstacle in producing smaller electronic components.

Mother Tongue Has A Say In Specific Language Impairment

A cross-cultural study of over 200 children with specific language impairment found that their native language affects the number and types of problems they face. The study suggests that creative use errors and grammatical principles are key to understanding the disorder, which prevents millions of children from keeping up in the class...

Researchers Splice Severed Spinal Cords

Purdue researchers successfully restored electrical nerve impulses in severed spinal cords by applying a non-toxic polymer, PEG. The technique, called fusion technology, repairs damaged nerve cells and enables some impulses to reach the other end of the cord in up to 58% of cases.

Mouse Study Trumpets New Way To Preserve Species

Purdue University researchers have developed a new way to preserve species by transplanting ovarian tissue from one animal into another, enabling the production of viable eggs in a wide variety of female mammals. The breakthrough could boost breeding programs for endangered species and address fertility problems in humans.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnimal Reproduction Science·DateNov 4, 1998

IUPUI Researching Dangers Of Prenatal Alcohol Abuse

Research aims to identify damage to specific neurological circuits in the developing brain, potentially leading to clinical protocols for fetal alcohol effects treatment and rehabilitation. The study will evaluate long-lasting deficits in synaptic plasticity, or the ability of neurons to change their signaling processes over time.