Thursday, 9 February, 2012

Sick of stats on unemployment, the GDP or stock market? Then meet the alternative economic indicators. Some are sensible, some are zany, and some are even backed by real data. Other “indicators” are misleading, even downright dangerous.

Swimmer Diana Nyad failed to reach Florida, but ultra sports are soaring. Why would anybody bike 500 miles across the desert – or run 135? What are the rigors of training, the satisfaction of finishing, the dangers of competing? Could people be 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.