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Ohio State University


Household chemical use linked to child language delays

A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics found that young children from low-income homes whose mothers used toxic household chemicals frequently showed delays in language development and scored lower on cognitive tests. The researchers analyzed data from 190 families and found no link between neighborhood pollution, mold, or pestic...

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMar 4, 2020

For anxious spouses, a baby may be a rival

A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 3, 2020

Babies mimic songs, study finds

A study found that a 15-month-old boy attempted to sing along to 'Happy Birthday' after hearing it played on a toy. The research suggests that babies learn music patterns and rhythms through spontaneous imitation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Music Education·DateFeb 13, 2020

Ancient skulls tell new story about our first settlers

The analysis of four ancient skulls from Mexico suggests that early North Americans were more biologically diverse than previously believed, with affinities to various populations including Arctic, European, Asian, and Native American groups. This new finding challenges the previous narrative about the settlement of the Americas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2020

Current model for storing nuclear waste is incomplete

New research from Ohio State University reveals that high-level nuclear waste storage materials will degrade faster than expected due to their interaction. The study found severe localized corrosion of glass, ceramics, and stainless steel under certain conditions, posing significant challenges for the current storage model.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2020

Fossil is the oldest-known scorpion

Researchers have discovered a fossilized scorpion from the Silurian period, revealing its transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The ancient animal's internal organs show similarities to modern-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs, indicating it was pre-adapted for life on land.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2020

Finding a new way to fight late-stage sepsis

Scientists at Ohio State University have created a treatment for late-stage sepsis using nanotechnology to transform donated immune cells into a powerful antibacterial drug. The therapy demonstrated significant improvements in survival rates and bacteria clearance in mouse models of sepsis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 6, 2020

Seeing the new Star Wars? Be careful what you wish for

A new study found that people who went into the movie with low expectations actually had lower overall enjoyment, contrary to those who expected less but were pleasantly surprised. Researchers surveyed 441 participants before and after seeing The Last Jedi and found that negative bias can drag down even positive reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications·DateDec 26, 2019

A new gene therapy strategy, courtesy of Mother Nature

Scientists have developed a new gene-therapy technique using exosomes to communicate with other cells, which has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice with gliomas. The technology relies on patented technology that prompts human cells to produce nanocarriers containing a drug.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 16, 2019

The songwriter is creative -- the singer, not so much

Researchers found that country music songwriters employ two strategies to co-write songs with less talented but more famous artists: bespoke facilitation, where they take a backseat, and the manipulation dance, where they pre-write most of the song. This approach helps create good songs while avoiding alienating their partner.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology·DateDec 11, 2019

You create your own false information, study finds

A new study from Ohio State University found that people tend to misremember numerical statistics on controversial issues to align with their existing beliefs. When presented with accurate data, participants often flip or distort the numbers to match their preconceptions, even when they're correct.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateDec 9, 2019

How to fight illegal cocoa farms in Ivory Coast

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateNov 21, 2019

Design flaw could open Bluetooth devices to hacking

New research from Ohio State University finds a fundamental flaw in Bluetooth Low Energy devices' communication with mobile apps, leaving them vulnerable to fingerprinting attacks and unauthorized access. The study identified over 5,800 Bluetooth devices, with 94.6% of them able to be 'fingerprinted' and 7.4% vulnerable to hacking.

Vampire bats give a little help to their 'friends'

Researchers observed vampire bats developing strong social bonds during captivity that persisted in the wild, suggesting shared history plays a role in maintaining relationships. The study used pioneering technology to track bat interactions and found test bats had stronger bonds with each other than control bats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019