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Glass research earns Lehigh a coveted NSF award

The Lehigh International Materials Institute (IMI) will receive $3.25 million to develop new glass functionalities and foster global collaboration. The grant aims to revitalize the worldwide glass research community and educate a new generation of experts, addressing concerns about the US losing its lead in the field.

MayoClinic.com receives top honors

MayoClinic.com empowers people to manage their health with useful and up-to-date information and tools from a team of over 2,000 physicians and scientists. The site is owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and serves as a dependable source of health information.

Web searchers don't tune in with radio buttons

A study analyzing 3 million records from Alta Vista in 2002 found that consumers who used the interface had fewer queries per session and used fewer terms per query. The researchers suggest that radio buttons can help with information overload, but widespread adoption is hindered by technical issues and lack of individual site use.

Survey shows engineers held in high esteem

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that Americans hold engineers in high regard, with 77% of respondents believing they contribute to strong economic growth and national security. The survey also revealed that engineers are widely respected for their ability to make a positive contribution to society.

Online support for people with depression

A cross-sectional survey of over 2000 users of Internet depression communities found that major depression was most common in the UK and Sweden, with significant numbers not receiving treatment. The study also showed that online communities can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to seeking professional help.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2003

Teens struggle to find accurate, useful health information online

A study found that teenagers face challenges in accessing relevant health information online, with common barriers including poorly designed websites, lack of targeted content, and ineffective search strategies. To improve access, researchers suggest teaching better search skills and designing websites more tailored to users' needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 17, 2003

Drugs in the news

A study by Alan Cassels and colleagues analyzed newspaper coverage of 5 different prescription drugs in 24 Canadian newspapers. The findings showed that a majority of articles failed to mention potential side effects or harms, while only a small minority provided quantitative information on benefits and harms.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 28, 2003

Internet rising as preferred traffic info source

A Penn State study found that younger generations rely on the internet for travel information, while older populations turn to radio and TV. Internet awareness is increasing, leading to a substitution effect where TV users shift to using the internet and radio, and telephone use also increases.