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Science News for May 3, 2006


PMS – a fact of life or all in the mind?

A study by Professor Ussher reveals that societal expectations of femininity and the 'monstrous feminine' can lead to self-policing practices, causing distress in premenstrual phase. Women in lesbian relationships reported less distress, suggesting a need for women-centred psychological interventions.

Mutant mice show key autism traits

Researchers found that mutant mice displayed major abnormalities in social interactions, including reduced interest in new mice and impaired nest-forming behavior. The mice also showed hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, seizures, and decreased learning, all characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2006

The brain's motivation station

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study how brain regions involved in reward processing interact with memory. They found that cues to high-reward scenes activated both the mesolimbic region and the hippocampus, leading to better memory performance for high-value scenes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2006

The secret lives of sea slugs

Biologists observed sea slug navigation, feeding, mating, and egg-laying behavior, shedding light on its complex nervous system. The study confirms that many wild behaviors are similar to laboratory observations, providing new insights into sensory systems and neural controls.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateMay 3, 2006