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Ohio State University


Some harmful effects of light at night can be reversed

A new study suggests that chronic exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depressive symptoms in rodents, which can be reversed by returning to a standard light-dark cycle. The study found that blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in depression, prevented the development of depressive-like symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2012

Statistical analysis projects future temperatures in North America

Researchers at Ohio State University have combined different climate models using spatial statistics to project future seasonal temperature changes in North America. The analysis estimates that average land temperatures will rise around 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2070, with regional temperature rises varying across seasons and regions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateMay 15, 2012

Internet use promotes democracy best in countries that are already partially free

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that internet use is most effective in promoting democracy in countries with partial freedoms. In these nations, increased internet penetration and online activity drive demand for democratic reforms. However, the internet has limited impact in highly authoritarian regimes, where ruler...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateApr 4, 2012

Most Americans save only about half of their inheritances, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University suggests that adults who receive an inheritance spend roughly half of what they receive, while the rest is lost or spent. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,500 participants, found that nearly one-third of all inheritors saw a decline or no change in their wealth after getting an inheritance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateMar 15, 2012

Winning makes people more aggressive toward the defeated

A recent study found that individuals who emerge victorious in competitive tasks tend to display more aggressive behavior towards their vanquished peers. Conversely, losers exhibited no significant increase in aggression against the winners. The research suggests that winning may trigger a surge in aggressive tendencies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 29, 2012