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Ohio State University


What finding out a child's sex before birth says about a mother

Expectant mothers who opt-out of prenatal gender reveal tests tend to have a more relaxed approach to parenting and are less likely to conform to traditional gender stereotypes. They often score high on personality traits like openness to experience, which suggests they prefer a more natural and spontaneous approach to pregnancy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 2, 2014

Partisan media driving a wedge between citizens, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University found that viewing partisan news from both conservative and liberal viewpoints does not increase acceptance of citizens on the other side of the political fence. Instead, it amplifies polarization, making people more critical of opposing views and less accepting of those who hold them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateMay 8, 2014

Caring for horses eases symptoms of dementia

People with Alzheimer's experience a clear improvement in dementia-related behavior after visiting horses under supervision, with reduced fidgeting and resistance to care. The therapy boosts physical activity and lifts their mood, providing a unique way to ease symptoms without drugs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnthrozoös·DateMay 5, 2014

Lashing out at your spouse? Check your blood sugar

A new study found that lower levels of blood glucose in married individuals predict increased anger and aggression towards their spouse. Participants who had lower evening blood glucose levels were willing to deliver louder and longer noise blasts at their spouse, even after controlling for relationship satisfaction.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

Computer maps 21 distinct emotional expressions -- even 'happily disgusted'

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a computational model that maps 21 distinct emotional expressions, including compound emotions like 'happily surprised' or 'sadly angry'. This breakthrough enables precise tracking of emotion in the brain and has potential applications in treating disorders such as PTSD or autism.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

Could diamonds be a computer's best friend?

Researchers at Ohio State University demonstrated that diamond wires can transmit spin, a magnetic effect that could revolutionize computing. The discovery challenges conventional methods of measuring spin dynamics and has the potential to make computers faster and more powerful.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2014

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players

A new study suggests that playing as a black character in violent video games can lead to stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons. White players who played as black avatars showed more aggressive behavior against partners, with 115% more hot sauce forced on them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 21, 2014

Household wealth still down 14 percent since recession

A recent study by Ohio State University economists found that household wealth in the US has not recovered from the recession, with middle-aged people taking the biggest hit. The study contradicts the Federal Reserve's optimistic report from last summer, which suggested that net worth had recovered since the recession.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics Letters·DateFeb 27, 2014

East Antarctica is sliding sideways

Researchers have recorded GPS measurements showing West Antarctic bedrock being pushed sideways by East Antarctica's harder mantle. The movement is significant for understanding current and future ice loss on the continent. The discovery highlights extreme differences in mantle properties between East and West Antarctica.

Study reveals potential breakthrough in hearing technology

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a potential breakthrough in solving the 'cocktail party problem' by using neural networks to filter out background noise. The technology improves comprehension for the hearing-impaired, with scores increasing from 10% to 90%, and is being commercialized for license.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateNov 18, 2013

Household chaos may be hazardous to a child's health

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that households with crowding, noise, and lack of routine are associated with poorer health outcomes in preschoolers. The study suggests that chaos in the home environment can lead to stress, which in turn can increase exposure to toxins and germs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 9, 2013