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Science News for January 5, 2005


Exploring the brain's internal stopwatch

By studying how monkeys track a visual target, researchers have gained new insights into the brain's strategies for measuring time. The findings indicate that the brain measures time by assessing the duration of a process and computing the distance an object has moved.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 5, 2005

Consumers to benefit from organic potato breakthrough

A new study from Newcastle University has led to the introduction of ten organic potato varieties, suitable for various national palates and cuisine, across Europe. The Blight-MOP project has successfully developed 'designer composts' to increase yields by up to 40% while introducing blight-resistant potatoes on supermarket shelves.

AGU Journal highlights - 5 January 2005

Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding Earth systems using highly detailed GPS observations. A new technique has improved the accuracy of GPS data by correcting for a time lag built into current satellite systems, allowing for more accurate measurement of dynamic ground motion. Additionally, studies have reveal...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2005

Scents and emotions linked by learning, Brown study shows

A study by Rachel Herz at Brown University found that responses to new odors depend on emotions experienced while the odor was present. Participants who played a game and watched a film clip rated the new scent as enjoyable and familiar, whereas those who played a frustrating game rated it as unpleasant.

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative Psychology·DateJan 5, 2005

Scientists observe largest explosion in space

Researchers observe enormous cavities surrounding a supermassive black hole, preventing gas from cooling and forming new stars. The discovery sheds light on the universe's structure and supports recent theories about black holes' role in shaping galaxy evolution.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2005

Injury toll in US homes tops 12 million yearly: UNC, other experts call for action

A recent study reveals that US homes suffer from over 12 million nonfatal unintentional injuries annually, with falls, poisoning, and burn injuries being the leading causes of such incidents. The research emphasizes the critical need for action to reduce injury risks within the home, particularly among vulnerable age groups.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 5, 2005

Faces must be seen to be recognized

Researchers found that recognizing faces requires visual perception, while lower-level aspects like orientation can be processed without awareness. The study used binocular rivalry experiments and inattentional blindness to demonstrate the importance of visual processing in face recognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 5, 2005