Saturday, 25 May, 2013

Sick of stats on GDP or stocks? Some of the alternative economic indicators are sensible, some are zany, and some are misleading, even dangerous.

Ultra sports are exploding! Why would anybody bike 508 miles across the desert – or run 135? What are the rigors of training, the satisfaction of finishing, the dangers of competing? Are we the ultimate endurance animals?

Mother is your first — and most important — relationship. What does science tell us about the effects of mothering? What happens when groups of monkeys are raised without a mother? How does a “fragile family” affect young people? What are “social risk factors,” and why should we care about them?

The long rise may be inflated by redefinition of autism, social acceptance of the disabled and desire for services. If this is a real epidemic, it’s even more critical to find the cause.

Golfer-doctor finds that treating apnea cuts golf scores; sees new motivator for wearing nighttime masks.

As the day wears on, both sleep pressure and the brain’s alerting signal rise, until sleep pressure triumphs. [Nod]. New brain study explains why night owls don’t get as sleepy during the day.

Too good to be true: Could a 15-minute essay on your personal values improve school performance among minority students? A new study says yes.

Think all socks are created equal? Think about socks at all? A few scientists that think with their feet say choosing the right pair of socks is a major feat. Indeed!

It’s not just football. Hockey and biking are dangerous sports too. What are the real dangers of our athletic obsessions? What is the link between concussion and depression later in life?

New evidence shows that big is better, where baby’s brains are concerned.

Doping clouds cycling and other sports. What drugs are in use? How do athletes avoid detection? What is the real harm of steroids?

Why do students kill?

Scientists reveal their most guarded secrets. Eat less. Live longer. Eat less and live healthier. Starve tumors and keep those free radicals in line.