‘Rubber People’: The Americas’ First Civilization
Considering Dr. Richard A. “Dick” Diehl was born in Bethlehem, perhaps it’s no wonder much of his life’s work has focused on the birth of an ancient civilization.
Discovery
Mixed Signals Coming From the Housing Sector, According to UA’s Real Estate Center
The sale of existing homes in Alabama remained steady in August with 5,641 units sold, compared with 5,664 units in July, according to the Real Estate Research and Education Center at The University of Alabama.
UA McNair Program to Hold Research Conference Oct. 13
The University of Alabama McNair Scholars Program will hold its sixth annual research conference Thursday, Oct 13, at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Heritage Room.
UA Sponsors Facilitator Training for Nurturing Parenting Program Oct. 5-6
Dr. Stephen Bavolek, noted investigator of abusive and neglectful parenting and principal author of the Nurturing Parenting Program, will conduct a training workshop on his program Oct. 5-6 at the Child Development Research Center on The University of Alabama campus.
UA Engineering Key in Multi-Institute Exploratory Research Project Investigating Hurricane Katrina Damage
Tragically, Hurricane Katrina caused loss of life and widespread damage in several states. Engineers throughout the country are beginning to analyze building structures and codes in order to design safer and stronger buildings for the future.
Alabama Home Sales Decline Slightly in July; Still Near Record Levels, According to UA Real Estate Center
The sale of existing single-family homes fell 4.08 percent in July to 5,664 units, down from 5,905 units in June, the highest sales pace ever recorded in Alabama, according to the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center at The University of Alabama.
Building a Better Plastic
An effort led by a University of Alabama chemist has demonstrated a new way to dissolve and use cellulose – found in the cell walls of trees and other plants – in producing environmentally friendly materials that UA researchers say have potential for the automotive, packaging and textile industries.
UA Psychologists Begin $2.7 Million Sleep Research Project
Counting sheep as a way to doze off may be a cliché, but statistics show that millions of Americans suffer from insomnia and struggle to get a good night’s sleep.
Aiming High… and Deep
A University of Alabama engineering professor and his student team are researching ways to improve projectiles’ ability to penetrate sand, soil and other targets in an effort to assist American troops.
Rising Home Prices Drop Affordability in Second Quarter of 2005, According to UA’s Real Estate Research and Education Center
The Alabama Housing Affordability Index for the second quarter was 165.7, down 7.7 percentage points from the first quarter of the year when the HAI was 179.5. The sharp rise in home prices over the last few years coupled with a slight increase in interest rates during the second quarter is predictably having a depressing effect on housing affordability in the state. The statewide average selling price increased by a whopping 8.0 percent from the first quarter to $130,030. The average effective mortgage interest rate increased three basis points to 5.82 percent in the second quarter, according to the Federal Housing Finance Board.