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Ohio State University


Determining who gets blamed when cars hit pedestrians

A new study found that urban environment, road types, and crosswalk access play a major role in determining who gets blamed for crashes. Pedestrians were more likely to be blamed on roads with high traffic speeds and few crosswalks, while drivers were more likely to be faulted in areas with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport and Land Use·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

After prison, perpetrators of genocide say they’ve changed

A new study reveals that former Rwandan genocide perpetrators who returned to their communities articulating a 'narrative of redemption,' saying they were good people despite past crimes. The researchers found that many received warm welcomes from families and/or their communities, leading to an identity shift and a sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

How ‘deaths of despair’ differ by race and ethnicity

White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Navigating the ‘big little leap’ to kindergarten

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that kindergarten transition difficulties can impact all children, not just those who are less prepared. Children who make a successful transition in the first few months of kindergarten score higher on tests of academic and social-behavioral skills at the end of the school year.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Stress, via inflammation, is linked to metabolic syndrome

A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

More siblings mean poorer mental health for teens

A study of 9,400 Chinese and 9,100 American eighth graders found that teens from larger families had poorer mental health. Closely spaced siblings were linked to the worst impacts on well-being. The 'resource dilution' explanation suggests that each child gets fewer parental resources as the family size increases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

How technology and economics can help save endangered species

Researchers at Ohio State University explore how technology and economics can be used to protect endangered species. By leveraging tools like camera traps and smartphone apps, scientists can monitor populations more efficiently. Additionally, economists can develop policies that protect species before they become threatened, reducing t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 2023

US adults eat a meal’s worth of calories of snacks in a day

A new study suggests that US adults consume almost a quarter of their daily calories in snacks, often more than they do at breakfast, yet these snacks offer little nutritional value. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 people and found that snacks accounted for between 19.5% to 22.4% of total energy intake.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

Tropical ice cores offer deeper insights into Earth’s temperature record

Scientists at Ohio State University discovered that tropical ice cores can provide accurate measurements of surface global mean temperature. The study found that the temperature in the middle and upper troposphere cooled by 7.35 degrees Celsius during the Earth's glacial period, shedding light on new theories about climate dynamics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Slash-and-burn agriculture can increase forest biodiversity

A study in Belize found that Indigenous farmers' slash-and-burn techniques increased forest plant diversity when used in intermediate-sized farm patches. This contradicts the standard view of slash-and-burn as a cause of deforestation, and highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2023

How teachers would handle student violence against educators

A nationwide study of teachers found that prevention policies, such as counseling and improving school climate, were rated as the most effective strategies for dealing with student violence. Exclusionary discipline practices, on the other hand, were linked to a higher likelihood of reports of violence against teachers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSchool Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Revealing structural secrets of a key cancer protein

Scientists have discovered two 'switch' regions in the structure of the K-Ras protein that are affected by dangerous mutations. These regions, located near a protein loop, can amplify cell division and lead to cancer. Researchers say their findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of these mutations and potential drug targets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 18, 2023

Genomic analysis in snakes shows link between neutral, functional genetic diversity

Researchers found that neutral genetic diversity correlates with functional genetic diversity in Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, suggesting a more efficient approach for species conservation. This discovery has implications for endangered species conservation, as it may not be necessary to sequence entire genomes for all cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

Physicists demonstrate powerful physics phenomenon

Researchers at Ohio State University have detected a previously unknown physics phenomenon, the orbital Hall effect, which could revolutionize data storage in future computer devices. The study's findings suggest that utilizing orbital currents instead of spin currents could lead to lower energy consumption and higher speeds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2023

How to protect self-esteem when a career goal dies

A new study found that people who viewed career goal failures as a steppingstone to new opportunities never lost self-esteem, while those who thought their failures left them worse off showed a drop-off in self-esteem. The study suggests that people should approach failure in a way that can help them learn and grow.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Adult Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Trivalent vaccine candidate fights measles, mumps, SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Saturated fat may interfere with creating memories in aged brain

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that saturated fats can interfere with the creation of new memories in aged brains. However, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may help protect brain cells from fat-related inflammation. The study used cell cultures and brain tissue from aging mice to explore the effects of...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds

A new study reveals that magma oceans on rocky exoplanets can affect their size, evolutionary path, and mantle structure. The research found that these ocean's compressible nature can make lava-rich planets denser than solid planets of similar size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Political independents are more negative than partisans

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that independents are more likely to frame their position in terms of opposition to one party or candidate, rather than support for the other. This negativity extends beyond politics to non-political preferences as well.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Yogurt may be the next go-to garlic breath remedy

A new study found that whole milk plain yogurt prevented almost all of the volatile compounds responsible for garlic's pungent scent. The researchers suggest high-protein foods may one day be formulated specifically to fight garlic breath. Yogurt's proteins were effective at trapping garlic odors, making it a potential solution.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

What to expect when you adopt a shelter pet

A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2023

AI can help write a message to a friend – but don’t do it

A study found that people perceive AI-assisted messages as less effortful and more improper than manually written messages. As a result, participants expressed lower satisfaction with their relationship and increased uncertainty about the friendship. Additionally, receiving an AI-aided response also led to negative perceptions of Taylo...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023