May 11, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, May 14 through May 21, 1999. Stories are changed at noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All feeds include one wraparound report of approximately 1:00 and at least one other actuality plus background material. If you have questions, want additional information, or need a re-feed of a missed story, call Amy Murray at 614-292-8385.

Friday 5/14-Monday 5/17 - As post-communist societies convert to democratic nations, a new study suggests it may be difficult to teach teenagers there to develop strong support from democratic principles. Ohio State University Political Science Professor Goldie Shabad found that Polish students who took a new type of civics education class were less likely to take extreme positions against democracy and the concept of a free market. But they were also less likely to show a strong commitment to democratic or market values. Shabad says the many conflicts inherent in a democratic society may make it easy for students to see shortcomings in the system.

Monday 5/17-Wednesday 5/19 - A new study has found that mild psychological stress can temporarily increase blood levels of a chemical associated with the development of heart disease. Ohio State University Psychology Professor Catherine Stoney has found that brief periods of stress increased blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Researchers already know that an even moderately elevated level of homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease in men and women. Stoney’s study is the first to show that behavioral factors may influence homocysteine levels.

Wednesday 5/19-Friday 5/21 - Urban residents who move from a central city to the suburbs are different in several ways from those who choose to move within the city limits. A new study by Ohio State University Geography Professor Pat Pellegrini shows that people who moved to the suburbs were more likely to be concerned about school related issues like safety and academic programs. He says people who moved to a new home in the city were more concerned about the cost of a new home, staying near family and friends and with neighborhood racial diversity.

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