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Ohio State University


Astronomers identify real-life Tatooine using new method

Scientists have successfully identified a real-life Tatooine, the gas giant planet Kepler-16b, orbiting two stars using a new ground-based telescope technique called radial velocity method. This discovery opens the door for applying this method to find other systems with planets that could be habitable.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

The perilous migratory journey of the eastern whip-poor-will

Researchers found that eastern whip-poor-wills from the Midwest breed in a small area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and east Texas before migrating to Mexico and Central America. The birds' synchronized trip south poses a danger to their population, which has declined by nearly 70% due to habitat loss and urban bird collisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Scientists test promising biosensor aimed for use in brain

Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

People are fast and accurate when making high-value decisions

A new study reveals that people are more accurate and faster when making high-value decisions than previously thought. Researchers found that participants could distinguish between high-value items quickly and accurately, even with the added complexity of knowing what type of decision they were about to make.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

How to ruin the taste of a cookie with just 2 words

A recent study from Ohio State University found that labeling identical products as 'new and improved' resulted in higher overall liking ratings compared to those labeled as 'consumer complaint.' The researchers suggest that this negative bias has a bigger impact on consumer perception than positive labels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 26, 2022

Students with attention problems more likely to cheat

A new study shows that students with attention problems are more likely to cheat, as inattention can lead to hyperactivity, creating a perfect setup for cheating. The study suggests that many students with attention issues don't receive the help they need, leading them to resort to cheating.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology in the Schools·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2022

Resolving the black hole ‘fuzzball or wormhole’ debate

A new study by Ohio State University researchers has confirmed that black holes are indeed giant fuzzballs, a concept first proposed in 2004. The study proved theorems showing that the fuzzball theory remains the most likely solution to Hawking's paradox, which had long plagued the string theory community. In contrast, the wormhole par...

SourceOhio State University·JournalTURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSICS·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2022

Women who love sports don’t necessarily attend more games

A new national survey of over 2,800 women found that most American women are 'moderate' sports fans, watching or following one or more sports over the past year. Women attended about three sporting events over the previous year, with a modest link between fan identification and consumption.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·TypeSurvey·DateJan 3, 2022

High-resolution lab experiments show how cells ‘eat’

A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 30, 2021

School uniforms don’t improve child behavior, study finds

A new national study found that school uniforms have no effect on young students' behavior or attendance. However, students who attended schools with uniform requirements reported lower levels of 'school belonging'. The study's findings suggest that fashion and self-expression may play a role in students' sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body

Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2021

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

How daily stress during COVID-19 affected parents’ discipline

A study of 323 parents found that daily stress levels, especially in the afternoon and evening, led to increased use of corporal punishment and psychological aggression. The researchers suggest that parents' stress levels in the moment may play a greater role in their discipline practices than overall stress levels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Giving ugly food a chance

Researchers found that consumers are willing to pay a small discount for imperfect carrots, maxing out at 40% of misshapen carrots. Marketing messages promoting the nutritional quality and societal benefits of ugly produce were more effective in convincing consumers to buy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateDec 2, 2021

Giving shoppers a nudge to forgo plastic bags

A new study by Ohio State University found that a token donation program reduced plastic bag use by about 30% at two convenience stores on a college campus. The program, which offered customers a 5-cent token in exchange for declining a disposable bag, was effective in nudgeing shoppers away from single-use plastics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalLand Economics·DateNov 29, 2021

Giving social support to others may boost your health

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that giving social support to others is essential for boosting one's health. The research found that people who were available to provide social support experienced lower inflammation levels, whereas those who only received support did not show the same benefits.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Research finds people prefer to criticize the billionaires' club than a single billionaire. When portrayed individually, billionaires are viewed as more deserving of their wealth due to talent and hard work. In contrast, when shown as part of a group, people perceive greater unfairness and advocate for policies like inheritance taxes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

How highly processed foods harm memory in the aging brain

A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateOct 14, 2021

Worsening depression cuts survival in lung cancer patients

A new study has found that worsening depression after diagnosis significantly reduces the survival of lung cancer patients. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was found to be a key factor in understanding how depression relates to premature death. Patients with worsening depression had shorter lifespans, even when receiving advanced...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

Naloxone access doesn’t make heroin seem less risky

A new study suggests that increased access to naloxone has not changed people's perception of the risks associated with heroin use. Researchers found that individuals who used heroin and those living in areas with easy or restricted access to naloxone both perceived heroin as a high-risk substance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Study examines what makes adult children cut ties with parents

A study of over 1,000 mothers estranged from their adult children found that nearly 80% believed an ex-husband or child's mental health issues were responsible for the estrangement. The results highlight a disconnect between mothers' and children's reasons for the rift, suggesting a need to consider differing perspectives when trying t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCouple and Family Psychology Research and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Threatened rattlesnakes’ inbreeding makes species more resistant to bad mutations

Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

When to break from the herd to make a better decision

Researchers found that people are twice as likely to break from the group and make a different choice when they see others hesitating. This hesitation can reveal conflicting information within the group, leading to better outcomes. The study's findings have implications for various situations with herd behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalManagement Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021