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Rats exposed to cell phone microwaves suffer long-term memory loss, according to new study by University of Washington researcher

A new study by University of Washington researcher Henry Lai has found that exposure to cell phone microwaves may affect long-term memory in rats. The rats were trained to navigate a pool and recall the location of a submerged platform, with those exposed to microwaves showing impaired spatial reference mapping and learning strategies.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBioelectromagnetics·DateNov 29, 1999

First three minutes of discussion about on-going area of marital conflict are predictive of divorce among newlywed couples

Researchers at University of Washington found that couples who later divorced displayed significantly more negative emotions and words in their initial discussions compared to those who stayed married. The study suggests that learning how to soften one's approach and improve emotional connectedness can help prevent divorce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFamily Process·DateSep 27, 1999

Male courtship pheromone identified

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a male pheromone that calms female salamanders during courtship, making them more receptive to mating. The study highlights the complex role of pheromones in animal behavior and suggests potential applications in human reproduction.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateSep 16, 1999

Scientists create smart mouse

Researchers at Princeton University genetically modified mice to have improved learning and memory by adding a single gene, NR2B. The results show that the brain uses a common biochemical mechanism for forming associations, and this finding could lead to human gene therapy for dementia.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 1999

Children's inability to automatically retrieve building blocks of language, math leads to learning disabilities in reading, writing, arithmetic

A new study by University of Washington researchers found that children with learning disabilities have difficulty retrieving basic information, leading to impaired ability in reading, writing, and math. The study suggests that specialized interventions may be required to help children overcome these different kinds of disabilities.

Scientists can now see sense of smell

Neurobiologists at Duke University Medical Center have captured the first detailed images of the living brain in action, revealing how it recognizes specific odor molecules. The imaging technique can provide new insights into the machinery of learning and help decipher the brain's internal 'language' of smell.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 22, 1999

Depression may shrink key brain structure

Researchers found that women with a history of depression had smaller hippocampal volumes than those who never had been depressed. This is significant because the hippocampus plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Treatment not only prevents suffering but may also limit long-term damage to the brain.

Husband's Willingness To Be Influenced By Wife, Share Power Are Key Predictors Of Newlywed Happiness, Stability, UW Study Shows

A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and the Family found that husbands' acceptance of influence from their wives and sharing power are crucial for successful marriages. The research, conducted over six years, showed that active listening techniques do not predict marital success and may even hinder conflict resolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 20, 1998

Teaching Science Through Science Fiction

The use of science fiction films in teaching science courses at the college and precollege levels significantly enhances students' understanding of scientific principles. Film segments from four science fiction or television series will be screened and discussed to illustrate or violate scientific principles, debunking pseudo-science.

In Spite Of Computers, Handwriting Instruction Is Important Because Of Carry-Over To Composition

A study by University of Washington professors Virginia Berninger and Robert Abbott found that handwriting instruction, combined with composition practice, significantly improved writing accuracy and quality in first-graders. The research also showed a direct carry-over from handwriting to compositional skills throughout the elementary...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJan 29, 1998

Block That (Pavlovian) Kick

Researchers at USC identified signals in the cerebellum and inferior olive that cause blocking, a phenomenon where animals fail to associate new stimuli with learned responses. Blocking prevents distraction from redundant or erroneous signals, ensuring efficient learning.

Neuroscience Teaching Will Use Multi-Media

Williams College professors Zimmerberg and Wisniewski create interactive multi-media resources to support introductory neuroscience courses, including videos and CD-ROMs for laboratory simulations. The project aims to make materials available globally for various educational levels and settings.