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HEADLINERS

THINK ENGLISH

Joseph Dien, assistant professor of cognitive psychology, was quoted in a recent Associated Press article about the language in which people think. A recent study showed experts can gauge a person's native language and proficiency in other languages by analyzing brain activity while a person reads. The study participants were fluent in Italian and English. "The research suggests the differences between the two languages are at a very fundamental level," said Dien, who was involved in the study.

THE BURDEN OF AGING

A recent Longview, Wash. Daily News article about legislation concerning the federal government's consideration of legislation dealing with the financial trouble of nursing homes cited Stephen Ware, professor of law. A bill under consideration would make voluntary binding arbitration agreements between patients' families and care facilities unenforceable. "In written testimony last week to a Senate committee looking into the use of binding arbitration, Ware said that lower legal expenses can serve to increase access to justice, particularly in small cases where it can be difficult to hire an attorney," the article states.

SACRED VARIETY

Timothy Miller, professor of religious studies, was quoted in a recent Kansas City Star article about a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life report that shows religion in the United States is more variegated than many think. The study showed religion is a personal matter and many people have beliefs contrary to the teachings of their faith. "Thus it should not be too surprising that a majority of evangelicals think that other paths than their own are valid," Miller said. "Earlier surveys have shown that large numbers of conventionally religious Americans believe in things like astrology and reincarnation, contrary to the official teachings of their churches."

NOTABLE ALUMS:

Two fine arts alumnae are completing leadership positions with national associations. Martha Randall, who earned a bachelor's and master's in music from KU, is president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and Lynn Brinckmeyer, who earned a doctorate in music education from KU, is president of the National Association for Music Education.