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Ohio State University


Driving simulations that look more life-like

A new method for generating realistic images in driving simulations uses machine learning to improve visual fidelity. This enables better testing of driverless cars and study of driver distraction, ultimately enhancing safety and interaction between humans and AI on the road.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

30-million-year-old amphibious beaver fossil is oldest ever found

Researchers have found a 30-million-year-old beaver fossil that challenges previous theories on the evolution of semi-aquatic beavers in North America. The discovery, published in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that these animals may have evolved to swim earlier than previously thought and were likely adapted for aquatic life.

SourceOhio State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

Psychiatrists disagree with US policy on psychoactive drugs

A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2022

Misophonia is more than just hating the sound of chewing

Research identified distinct brain connections in individuals with misophonia, revealing that it may not be solely linked to oral sensory processing. The study found stronger connections between regions associated with finger movement and sensation, as well as the insula area linked to strong emotions like disgust.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

An easier and safer way to synthesize medicines

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to synthesize medicines using carbenes, reducing the need for explosive intermediates. This breakthrough could enable faster production of cyclopropanes, a key ingredient in COVID-19 treatments and other medications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Green tea extract promotes gut health, lowers blood sugar

A new study found that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can lower blood sugar levels, improve gut health, and decrease inflammation in healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome. Researchers observed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and decreased gut permeability.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 26, 2022

Google/Apple’s contact-tracing apps susceptible to digital attacks

Researchers found a flaw in Google/Apple's exposure notification framework that can be exploited for replay attacks, potentially causing false positive notifications and disrupting trust in the system. A patch, called GAEN+, has been developed to address this issue using coarse location data from Wi-Fi access points and cell phone towers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

Chemists create artificial protein that peers into Earth’s chemical past

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an artificial protein that could provide new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. The protein, inspired by a key enzyme in energy production, has been shown to build molecules one step at a time, shedding light on how organic chemistry matured on the planet.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

When disaster strikes, these Americans may not be ready

A new national study found that households led by women, those with children under age 18, renters, low-income individuals, and minority groups are less likely to be minimally prepared for disasters. The researchers recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with disaster preparedness resources.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

The 4 bases of anti-science beliefs – and what to do about them

Researchers identify four bases of anti-science beliefs: distrust in scientific sources, group identity, conflicting messages, and cognitive style. Politicization and social media amplify these factors, making it harder for people to accept scientific evidence. Strategies like acknowledging valid concerns and finding common ground can ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 11, 2022

More dogs in the neighborhood often means less crime

A study by Ohio State University found that neighborhoods with high levels of trust and more dogs had lower rates of homicide, robbery, and aggravated assaults compared to areas with fewer dogs. The presence of dog walkers serves as a form of neighborhood surveillance, discouraging crime and deterring potential threats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Forces·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

Women achieving childbearing desires drives contraception use

A new study found that 85-90% of the increase in contraception use is due to meeting demand for reproductive control, not avoiding pregnancy. Women are successfully carrying out their preferences and achieving what they want, refuting the idea that decreased desire for children is driving the rise in contraception use.

SourceOhio State University·JournalStudies in Family Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2022

Women in science receive less credit for their contributions

A study using administrative data from universities found that women are 13% less likely to be named as authors in scientific articles compared to men, and 59% less likely to receive patent credits for their work. Women also reported being excluded from authorship more often than men and facing biases and discrimination.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2022

Science coverage of climate change can change minds – briefly

A new study suggests that science reporting on climate change can lead to more accurate beliefs and support government action, but these effects are short-lived. Researchers found that factually accurate science reporting changed people's factual understanding and moved their political preferences towards supporting climate action.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Math model predicts efficacy of drug treatments for heart attacks

Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022

Good news on blocking a virus considered a global threat

Researchers developed an antibody cocktail effective against a Hendra virus variant, neutralizing its ability to mutate and evade recognition. The combination of four antibodies leaves the virus with minimal ability to further evolve, providing significant protection against this global biosecurity threat.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022

Brain scans remarkably good at predicting political ideology

A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that brain scans can accurately predict a person's political ideology, regardless of whether they are performing tasks or simply thinking. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze the brain activity of 174 healthy adu...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

Diet plays key role in ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which analyzed data from 134 kids with ADHD symptoms, found that those who consumed more fruits and veggies showed less severe symptoms of inattention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022