MSU Research roundup-Bridges and dams-Tech ed expands-Lowering obesity- Sonic toothbrushing-

By the MSU Research Office

Bridges and dams

Bridges and dams are a good way to show children how math and science relate to the real world, say Susan Gallagher and Anders Larsson of MSU. Since children are already familiar with bridges and dams, MSU wants to use those structures to excite youngsters about engineering. Gallagher and Larsson received a grant so female civil engineering students could organize two-hour workshops for second and third grades and girls’ clubs. Participants do a variety of activities related to bridge and dam design. While learning about engineering, they notice how under-represented groups can succeed in the field. For more information, contact Gallagher at (406) 994-6559 or [email protected]. Gallagher is with the Western Transportation Institute. Larsson is in civil engineering.

Tech ed expands

Many people have an outdated or limited view of technology education, says MSU student Mark Rocque. Some people think it’s all about computers. Others think it’s still about 40 kids making 40 cutting boards. Tech ed today might involve carpentry skills, but instructors may teach manufacturing, mass production and marketing along with that. As part of his research through the Undergraduate Scholars Program, Rocque has learned about sixth graders making a full-size moon rover in their tech ed class. He found other sixth graders producing regular news broadcasts. Rocque recently sent out a web-based survey to see how Montana schools are doing at implementing new state guidelines for technology education.

Lowering obesity

Obesity has reached record levels in the United States, prompting a number of responses including a lawsuit against a well-known fast-food chain. (The suit was recently dismissed.) On a more practical level, what should be done about the rising tide of overweight people? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding several pilot intervention programs for children, including one in Montana. MSU researchers Dan Heil, Christina Campbell and Mary Miles are helping. The program will target three communities in Montana — Missoula, the Crow Indian Reservation and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Heil said the MSU researchers are mainly involved in evaluating how well specific interventions, such as school-based nutrition and exercise programs, may work.

Sonic toothbrushing

Users of the Sonicare toothbrush might be interested in knowing that research done at the MSU Center for Biofilm Engineering stands behind industry claims of a superior toothbrush. Specifically, biofilm scientists developed a lab model for assessing how well powered toothbrushing removes plaque. Dental plaque is a biofilm or a sticky cluster of bacteria that grow on surfaces. Joel Berg, vice president of clinical affairs at Philips Oral Healthcare, the maker of the Sonicare toothbrush, was on campus earlier this month to talk about the research. Philips is one of more than 24 companies that work with the MSU center on biofilm problems. Others include Dow Chemical Co. and five companies in Montana.

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