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Study looks at students' drinking misperceptions, behavior

A study at a medium-sized northeastern university found that social norms campaigns did not change students' behavior, but perceptions of friends' drinking had a significant impact on their own drinking behavior. Educational efforts should focus on teaching responsible drinking habits rather than relying solely on social norms.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Communication·DateJan 5, 2004

College drinking problems and research solutions

A new study reveals that college students contribute to an estimated 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries, and 70,000 cases of sexual assault each year. The study proposes several strategies to prevent high-risk drinking, including increasing campus awareness campaigns, improving alcohol-free events, and providing counseling services.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol·DateApr 9, 2002

Chapel Hill researcher receives national award

Chemist Slayton Evans Jr. of Chapel Hill has been honored by the American Chemical Society for opening new doors in science, especially chemistry, for minority high-school and college students. He was recognized for fostering programs and scholarships to encourage minority scholarship in his 25 years at the University of North Carolina.

Sexual fantasies increase pain tolerance

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that thinking of a favorite sexual fantasy can decrease pain perception. The study suggests that counterbalancing pain with a strong positive emotional response, such as those experienced during sexual fantasies, may be a simple and cost-free way to lessen pain in various situations.

Elite colleges transmit cultural advantages

Research by Dr. Daniel B. Lee finds that elite colleges transmit cultural advantages from one generation to the next, including social skills and valuable networks. These advantages can lead to increased chances of joining the highest social stratum after graduation.

Elementary Students Mapping Virginia Wildlife

Elementary students at Christiansburg Elementary School are participating in a wildlife mapping program, recording animal sightings and sending data to the state. The project uses GPS technology and bird specimens from Virginia Tech's Museum of Natural History to teach students about conservation and habitat patterns.

Students Teaching Computers Teaching Students . . .

Professor Brian P. Butz's innovative expert system gathers information about students' learning patterns and adjusts questions to focus on areas of difficulty, presenting material in the most effective way for each student. The system has the potential to significantly improve academic outcomes for introductory and remedial classes.

Eating Disorder Prevention Programs At Universities May Be Doing More Harm Than Good, Study Suggests

A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that a typical college eating disorder prevention program was ineffective in preventing disordered behavior, and may even have triggered it. The program, which aimed to address both primary and secondary prevention, failed to motivate high-risk students to seek help and may have o...