Researchers studied crayfish brain function, discovering integration of sensory inputs from antennae, legs, and antennules for environmental awareness and hunting success. Crayfish use distinct senses to detect food, predators, and mates in their aquatic environment.
A new review in Science discusses the convergence of evolutionary, neurological, and social-psychological insights on morality's origins. Haidt identifies three key principles: intuitive primacy, moral thinking for social doing, and morality binds and builds.
A study by University of Virginia researchers found that mice lacking the Nocturnin gene were resistant to weight gain on a high-fat diet and had normal liver fat levels. This discovery may lead to new treatments for inhibiting obesity and its effects on health.
A study by the University of Virginia found that only a small percentage of elementary school classrooms provide high-quality instruction, leading to mediocre student outcomes. High-quality teaching involves active learning environments, teacher-student interaction, and emotional support, but is often lacking in US schools.
A University of Virginia study suggests that older adults are more likely to commit suggestibility errors, where they believe an event occurred when it was suggested, and have high confidence in their recollections even if wrong. This has significant implications for the reliability of older persons' eyewitness testimonies in courtrooms.
Researchers found that Enceladus's geysers spray ice particles, creating reflective surfaces on other Saturn moons and altering their appearance. The study suggests that Enceladus's geological activity supports the possibility of liquid water beneath its surface.
Researchers found a toxic link between beta-amyloid and tau that causes nerve cell death in Alzheimer's disease. The connection occurs before the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and affects cells containing tau, which account for just 10% of brain cells.
A study by Dr. James A. Coan found that women in high-quality marriages experience reduced brain activity when holding their husband's hand during a threatening situation. This effect is not seen in lower quality marriages, highlighting the health-enhancing properties of close social relationships.
A study by University of Virginia professor Angeline Lillard found that Montessori students excel in reading, math, executive function, and social skills. They showed greater creativity, emotional positivity, and community involvement compared to traditional school peers.
A new hypothesis inverts the prevailing view that atmospheric carbon dioxide drives ice sheets. Instead, ice sheets are found to control CO2 levels and drive feedbacks that amplify ice growth and melting at specific cycles.
A recent Virginia study suggests that US schools should prioritize an early emphasis on science to boost the number of future scientific leaders. The research found that students who expected to pursue science careers were more likely to earn degrees in life sciences or physical sciences and engineering.
Researchers found that only half of the increase in strong hurricanes over the past 25 years can be attributed to rising water temperatures, suggesting other factors are at play. A temperature threshold must be crossed before a weak tropical cyclone can become a monster hurricane.
A recent study by University of Virginia researcher Timothy Konold found that parents are better indicators of emotional behaviors in children, such as anxiety and sadness. In contrast, teachers are more accurate in assessing aggressive or delinquent behaviors, which may be influenced by parental behavior.
A study by Wilcox and Nock found that women's marital happiness is linked to their husbands' emotional engagement, with most caring couples earning an unequal division of income. The research also highlights the importance of commitment, fairness, and quality time in married relationships.
Researchers have developed a hand-held device that enables people with disabilities, including autism and Down's syndrome, to communicate using barcodes. The B.A. Bar has been shown to be more effective than simple pictures in helping users learn to speak and become more independent.
A new study by University of Virginia psychologists has found a significant correlation between the perceived size of a softball and the batting average of its players. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that when players are hitting well, they perceive the ball as larger, while poor performers see it as smaller.
Increasing summer temperatures in northern Alaska are lengthening the snow-free season, allowing shrubs and trees to migrate northward. The region's vegetation change is accelerating global warming by absorbing solar radiation, leading to a positive feedback loop.
A new laser technique called Scanning Lidar Imager of Canopies by Echo Recovery (SLICER) can rapidly assess forest canopy shapes, allowing for accurate predictions of carbon storage and tree characteristics. This technology has the potential to improve our understanding of forest management and global climate change.