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?

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.

Injecting a protein in the brain stifles the drive to drink among lab rats; one dose lasts three hours or more. Does GDNF offer a new angle on alcoholism?

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!

The Why Files looks at kinesiology, sports medicine, psychology and some ancient Olympic history, brought to life.

Armstrong wins historic 7th Tour de France. How do endurance athletes prepare for Tour de France? Marathon? Ironman?