Shooting Air Rifles? Wear Hearing Protection
In their article published in the International Journal of Audiology, UNC faculty Deanna Meinke and Don Finan conclude that air rifle shooters, especially youth, should wear hearing protection when engaging in shooting activities.
The recommendation stems from their study that examined sound levels and risks associated with shooting 10 different air rifles — nine that use pellets and one, the classic Red Ryder, that uses BBs.
While Finan and Meinke’s team found that the air rifles didn’t exceed the 140 decibel-exposure limit for adults, eight of the rifles exceeded the 120-decibel-exposure limit for youth. The exposure limits are established by the World Health Organization.
Study Examines Marijuana Use Among College Students
A UNC study funded by the National Institutes of Health will examine how marijuana
use among college students relates
to their academic motivation and performance.
The three-year study will involve real-time assessments of 150 college students who use marijuana. UNC faculty researchers Kristina Phillips, Michael Phillips and Trent Lalonde seek to better understand factors related to heavy marijuana use, such as craving, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, and academic motivation, performance and persistence.
A unique feature of the study will involve data collection through text messaging. Students involved in the project will be asked to respond to questions via text message in real-time. Assessments will also include a follow-up review of participants’ academic records.
Students to Analyze Skeletal Remains from Ancient City in Italy
The National Science Foundation awarded a grant for a summer research experience for undergraduates who will gather data from more than 12,000 skeletons excavated from an ancient Sicilian city to learn more about the population’s health and lifestyle.
The grant-funded opportunity is part of the Bioarcheology of Mediterranean Colonies Project directed by UNC Anthropology Assistant Professor Britney Kyle.
Students selected from applicants throughout the United States will travel to Sicily in three cohort groups of eight each over the next three summers to conduct independent research projects. They’ll gather data from excavations — including those from mass graves associated with the Battle of Himera (480 B.C.) — in the ancient Greek colony. They’ll return to the United States and analyze DNA and isotopes in the lab to learn about the colonists’ health and lifestyle. Ultimately, they’ll publish their results and present at conferences throughout their yearlong commitment to the project.
