PARENTAL DIVORCE HAS MINIMAL AFFECT ON CHILDREN'S TRUST
Children who experience their parents’ divorce or family instability are not automatically less trusting in their adult relationships than their peers from intact families, according to a study by Penn State researchers. Valarie King, assistant professor of sociology, demography and human development, and Alan Booth, professor of sociology and human development, say that as long as children of divorce have close relations with their parents -- despite divorce -- they probably won't grow up with a built-in resistance to intimacy, distrusting parents, girl- or boyfriends, spouses, friends and various associates. On the other hand, children who have a poor relationship with their parents are less trusting of others. For a longer version of this story, by Paul Blaum, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2000/divorcetrust.html
RESEARCHER CALLS FOR ENERGY DENSITY ON FOOD LABELS
Energy density -— the number of calories per ounce -— should be listed on packaged food Nutrition Facts labels, says Barbara Rolls, who holds Penn State’s Guthrie Chair of Nutrition in the College of Health and Human Development. Rolls says when you make even small changes in the energy density of a food, by adding vegetables or fruit or by reducing fat content, it can have a big effect on intake. Rolls is co-author of the new best-selling weight management book, "Volumetrics: Feel Full on Fewer Calories." According to her research, people can enjoy their favorite foods, feel full after meals and still lose weight by selecting low-energy density foods that have fewer calories per ounce. Putting energy density on the nutrition facts labels would make it easier for consumers to compare, and select foods that reduce calorie intake but still provide satisfaction. For the full story, by Barbara Hale, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2000/energydensity.html.
PENN STATE ERIE ESTABLISHES CENTER FOR METALS
Penn State Erie recently announced the establishment of the Center for Advanced Metals Processing. It will join the college’s 12 other applied research centers. L. Ken Saunders, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has led the center’s development and will serve as its director. The center will initially support the metal-cutting industries and has the potential to support the forging, foundry and powdered metals industries as well. It will be supported through company memberships, contract research, and federal and state funding. For more on Penn State Erie, go to http://www.pserie.psu.edu/