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Ohio State University


MS research: Myelin influences how brain cells send signals

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a cell-culture system that mimics the coating of nerve cells with protective myelin, opening up new possibilities for studying multiple sclerosis. The study found that myelin regulates key protein placement and activity in sending electrical signals along hippocampal axons.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 21, 2011

Study: Preventive use of one form of natural vitamin E may reduce stroke damage

A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Smartphone app helps you find friends in a crowd

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a smartphone app called eShadow that uses nearby wireless networks to alert users of a friend's presence. The software enables meaningful face-to-face conversations and builds bridges between strangers who share similar interests, providing a complement to online social networks.

A new way to make lighter, stronger steel -- in a flash

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new way to make steel 7 percent stronger than any steel on record using a heat-treatment called flash processing. The unique microstructure formed by the process boosts ductility, making it a potential impact-absorber for automotive applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMaterials Science and Technology·DateJun 9, 2011

2 Greenland glaciers lose enough ice to fill Lake Erie

Two of Greenland's largest glaciers have lost sufficient ice to equal 300 gigatons in the last decade, equivalent to seven years of normal snow accumulation. Meanwhile, Helheim glacier gained a small amount of mass over the same period, providing a high-definition picture of climate-caused changes on the island.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 24, 2011

What's in a simple line drawing? Quite a lot, our brains say

A new study using brain scans reveals that simple line drawings can activate similar patterns of brain activity as color photographs when viewing natural scenes. This suggests that the brain uses abstract representations to categorize scenes and doesn't need features like texture and color to tell a beach from a street scene.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2011

Patterns of ancient croplands give insight into early Hawaiian society, research shows

Researchers have uncovered patterns of ancient croplands in Hawaii, providing clues to individual household farming decisions. The findings suggest that these decisions were later adopted by the ruling class, leading to a more complex agricultural system. This study offers insights into the structure of Hawaiian society during this tim...

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2011

No smoking policies may present challenges to treatment centers

Researchers found that implementing a tobacco-free policy at an Ohio women's substance abuse treatment center led to a 28 percentage point decrease in program completion rates. The study suggests that smoking bans may pose challenges for treatment centers, but they are not a reason to abandon tobacco-free policies entirely.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions·DateMay 5, 2011

Television 'breakups' cause some viewers distress

A study found that TV viewers who relied on television for companionship felt the most distressed when their favorite shows temporarily went off the air during the 2007-08 writers' strike. The study also showed that women were more likely to cope with this distress by engaging in social activities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateApr 18, 2011