Janine Young from New Scientist says that rusting ships on the seabed will soon be gushing millions of tonnes of oil into the oceans, potentially making the Deepwater Horizon accident look small. Also research suggests that our internal monologues could have a significant influence on how we perceive the world and how we categorise and remember objects.
Janine Young from New Scientist reports on research into the grisly area of hangings that could play a significant role in court cases where prison officers are accused of negligence or foul play. The research is shedding light on what happens when someone hangs themselves and the time in which death can result. Plus research that shows there are other factors that play a role in how quickly Arctic ice is melting.
Janine Young from New Scientist reports that scientists may have found the answer to the world’s energy crisis – urine. Also A study by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey, has found phytoplankton – microscopic plants that turn the ocean a murky colour – encourage cyclones. Don’t forget to check out the competition: New scientist and MythBusters have teamed up to give one lucky person the chance to have their very own myth tested on series 8 of MythBusters, to be shown on Discovery Channel early 2011.
Janine Young reports on recent research that shows the size of the human brain isn’t all that special & the time honoured approaches to treat fevers could be misguided and potentially life-threatening. For more go to NewScientist.com
Janine Young reports that when used in conjunction with psychotherapy, MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, can help treat people suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. If this finding can be replicated it will be the first time that MDMA has been shown to offer therapeutic benefits. Also research conducted by Stefan Walker of James Cook University in Queensland, Australia has found population crashes in species of reef fish can be linked to an excess of males brought about by fishing. This finding suggests fishing quotas won’t solve the population problem on the reefs. For more head to NewScientist.com.
This week Janine Young looks at laughing. What makes us laugh and why is it so contagious? Do any other animals laugh quite like we do? Can you tell the difference between human laughter and synthesised laughter? Then we look at crying. If you’re the type of person who cries in sentimental movies, you can blame it on your serotonin levels. These stories are in the latest New Scientist magazine.
It’s no secret social networking tools like Facebook are transforming our lives and relationships, but who would have thought these tools are altering our influence over others, increasing chances of professional success and making us happier? Plus pharmaceutical companies are developing ways to authenticate the drugs inside the packaging, enabling counterfeit drugs to be identified. Janine Young reports every week from New Scientist magazine.
Seeing as YouTube has introduced a nifty (although very basic) video editor I thought I’d give it a spin and do a weekly “highlights” or selection of clips from the week’s features. Here is this week’s result.
Think your relationship is complicated? Reproduction in the animal kingdom is a convoluted affair with some very diverse practices! Janine Young from New Scientist reports on some recent research on animal reproduction and also explains why in the hour before dawn there is an ethereal glow in the night sky.
For meat lovers, expect to eat soggier pork chops and smellier steaks as global temperatures continue to rise. Also talk of icy stares and dirty minds might be closer to the mark than we thought, with research in the United States and United Kingdom finding that certain sensations, smells and concepts can influence the way we feel.
