…it’s better to go running with rats? But new research with rats suggests that running solo might not offer the perceived benefits and, in fact, may actually be bad for runners when combined with social isolation. The scientists behind the study report that mice forced to live and run by themselves have less brain cell […]
Weep and recall
Apparently, those who try to rein in their emotions at critical moments may fare poorly when it comes time to remember what it was they were trying to avoid bein’ all emotional about. James Gross at Stanford University in California and Jane Richards at the University of Texas at Austin showed 57 volunteers a disturbing […]
Posted by Ben on February 20, 2006
https://www.swordbilled.com/weep-and-recall/
Sleep, info regarding
Provided by nature.com, scientific articles and such, with titles like “Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep” and “What are the memory sources of dreaming?”
Posted by Ben on January 13, 2006
https://www.swordbilled.com/sleep-info-regarding/
Lies, all lies!
No, really! A recent study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry,found that pathological liars have signifiicant, actual differences in their brains (compared to normal, non-lyin’ folks); namely, the pathological liars had “increased prefrontal white matter volumes and reduced grey/white ratios compared with normal controls”. My background is weak enough that I don’t quite have […]
Posted by Ben on January 8, 2006
https://www.swordbilled.com/lies-all-lies-2/
Mad Cow Origins, Part 46
So here’s another thought on the origins of the whole mad cow thing: BSE may have started in cattle because they ate imported animal feed that included infected human remains from Hindu funeral ceremonies in India, a controversial new theory on the origin of the disease suggested last night. Obviously there’s lots of controversy regarding […]
Posted by Ben on January 8, 2006
https://www.swordbilled.com/mad-cow-origins-part-46/
Singing Insects of North America
Identify them all! Will you find a more comprehensive resource to the aforementioned singing insects of North America? Probably not. Take a look, convince yourself.
Posted by Ben on November 18, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/singing-insects-of-north-america/
Echinacea shot down
Now there’s yet another study to add to the growing scientific dissatisfaction with echinacea and its alleged cold-fighting properties. The sad thing is that, probably, no amount of scientific proof is going to dethrone echinacea in the minds of the millions who’ve already convinced themselves it does work. (Of course, there’s always the chance that […]
Posted by Ben on November 3, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/echinacea-shot-down/
Complexity and Hurricanes (and other non-real, basically hypothetical what-ifs)
Without the lubricating effect of water droplets thrown up by waves, hurricanes would have trouble building up winds of more than 25 mph. Another fun “fact”: without turbulence, the Mississippi River would be flowing at supersonic speed at its mouth. (via EurekAlert: “Ocean spray lubricates hurricane winds.” [July 25, 2005])
Posted by Ben on September 16, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/complexity-and-hurricanes-and-other-non-real-basically-hypothetical-what-ifs/
Irony?
New scientific study says, most scientific studies are flawed. The study doesn’t prove or disprove any particular studies, but instead looks at all the obstacles facing most studies (small sample size, small effect, etc.). Still, it’s hard to read about it with a straight face. (NewScientist: “Most scientific papers are probably wrong,” by Kurt Kleiner […]
Posted by Ben on August 30, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/irony/
A fast & furious rundown
Charisma Explained. No, really. A British study lays bare the components of charisma. The BBC News Magazine article gives a few pointers (open body posture, let people know they matter, develop a genuine smile, be forceful and articulate, &c.). (BBC News Magazine) And lack thereof. Another study shows that people are more likely to make […]
Posted by Ben on August 22, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/a-fast-furious-rundown/