A University of Delaware researcher reports that toddlers learn new words based on shapes, not functions, a phenomenon known as the 'shape-bias'. Adults, however, rely on both shape and functional properties when naming objects.
Young people who started drinking before age 15 were four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who began at age 21. The risk of alcohol abuse was also significantly higher among early drinkers.
Geochemists found high-pressure fluids from the Earth's mantle weaken the San Andreas Fault by acting as a lubricant, contradicting previous models. The discovery raises questions about the structure of the fault and potential regional decollements that extend far beyond the Sierra Nevada.
Researchers found that rats receiving ginkgo biloba extract learned quicker and made fewer errors in learning tasks, with an average lifespan of five months longer than control animals. The study suggests that the extract may have a positive effect on longevity beyond its purported benefits on brain function.
Research found an association between genetic variations in the serotonin-2A receptor and response to clozapine, a drug targeting serotonin receptors. Further studies support this hypothesis, suggesting that serotonin receptors play a key role in the therapeutic action of antipsychotic drugs.
A study by Dr. Yannis Bakos finds that electronic marketplaces will favor buyers over sellers in the long run, reducing prices and increasing competition. However, sellers can counter this threat by focusing on product features rather than prices and differentiating their products.
A Johns Hopkins Bayview researcher's double-blind study found that potato chips made with olestra don't cause more digestive problems than regular-fat chips. The study of over 1,100 participants suggests that digestive symptoms are common in the general population and that fat substitutes may be a valuable tool for weight management.
Duke University researchers discovered an enzyme that copies DNA in living cells can also function in crystal form, revealing details of its intricate machinery. The study sheds light on the enzyme's ability to incorporate only correct nucleotide pieces into DNA, a critical process for life.
Researchers identify eight physical indicators of stress, including blood pressure and cortisol levels, that can predict deadly consequences. Exercise is shown to be an effective antidote to break the cycle of chronic stress and its associated health problems.
A five-year study led by National Jewish researcher Mary Klinnert will assess the value of regular home visits by nurses to homes of low-income children at high risk of asthma. The study aims to determine if intensive nurse home visits can reduce asthma prevalence or symptoms among these children.