These are just some of the conclusions reached by student scientists from California and elsewhere in the "New Journal of Student Research Abstracts 2006," recently published by award-winning Cal State Northridge biology professor Steven B. Oppenheimer with the support of the university and Van Nuys Airport.

In its 11th year, the journal throws the spotlight on research by students in middle and high school and may provide a starting point for tomorrow's leading scientists.

"We hope that by giving these young people a chance to see the results of their scientific queries published, it helps them realize that science is not boring and turns them on to the possibility of choosing science as a career," said Oppenheimer, director of CSUN's Center for Cancer and Developmental Biology. "I say this repeatedly but it's true. The security, health and welfare of the United States depends our production of creative scientists.

"The journal stimulates youngsters early to continue in research science when they see their work publishes," he said. "The journal is also a great resource for students and teachers for ideas on possible research projects, information on science careers and how to set up science fairs. It also provides information on how to submit student research abstracts for publication in future editions."

Among the schools represented in the journal are Holmes International Middle School in Northridge, Gaspar de Portola and Gaspar de Portola Magnet middle schools in Tarzana, Park View School in Lancaster and Ernest Lawrence Middle School in Chatsworth.

Also represented in the book are Holy Martyrs and Ferrahian School in Encino, Milken Community High School of Stephen S. Wise Temple of Los Angeles, Clark Magnet High School of La Crescenta, Ramona Convent Secondary School of Alhambra, Taft High School of Woodland Hills, Valley Alternative High School of La Puente, Notre Dame High School of Sherman Oaks, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, Chaminade College Preparatory of West Hills, AGBU Demirdjian High School of Canoga Park, Robert Fulton College Preparatory School of Van Nuys, Cleveland High School of Reseda and Woodlawn High School of Baltimore, Maryland.

The young scientists sought answers for questions ranging from how ants react during an earthquake (they are very devoted to their homes, but are smart enough to know when it's time to leave them) to is there a difference in bone density of women in rural areas verses women in urban areas of India (women who live in rural areas have less incidence of osteoporosis and women in the age group of 40-54 years living in urban areas may have a higher incidence).

Oppenheimer pointed out that the abstracts in the journal demonstrate good science--including clear introductions describing hypotheses to be tested, the methods used to test the hypotheses, results and conclusion statements. Most importantly, the young scientists included sufficient numbers of appropriate control and experimental samples and repetition of experiments.

"By teaching them that good science can also be fun, we hope to instill an appreciation, if not a love or passion, for science," he said.

The journal represents a partnership between Van Nuys Airport and Cal State Northridge. It is a Library of Congress listed periodical and distributed worldwide. Supplies permitting, teachers, librarians, school district officials and others can request a complimentary copy by contacting Van Nuys Airport Public and Community Relations at (818) 909-3529.

California State University, Northridge has 33,000 full- and part-time students and offers 63 bachelor's and 48 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, CSUN is among the largest single-campus universities in the nation and the only four-year public university in the San Fernando Valley. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.