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Practice doesn't make perfect, but it comes fairly close

A new article by Dr. Robert A. Baron and Rebecca A. Henry demonstrates that sustained intense practice can improve cognitive thinking levels and lead to true excellence. Entrepreneurs can acquire capacities that aid in starting or running a venture through principles like preparation, repetition, and self-reflection.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·DateMar 29, 2010

Happiness is ... looking forward to your vacation

A new study by Jeroen Nawijn found that vacationers are happier before and during their trip, but not after. The study of 1,530 Dutch adults suggests that the effect of a vacation on happiness is short-lived and can be negated by returning to daily routines.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateFeb 18, 2010

Money won't buy happiness

Researchers found that poverty alone does not define an individual's overall well-being and that many qualities and attributes need to be considered when designing social programs. Only 24% of people classified as 'poor' reported low life satisfaction, while 18% of those not considered 'poor' also experienced low life satisfaction.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateSep 7, 2009

Use of a restraining device in the subacute phase after a stroke no better than rehabilitation alone

A pilot study published in Physical Therapy found that restraining patients' unaffected upper limbs during the subacute phase after a stroke did not improve motor impairment and capacity compared to standard rehabilitation. Researchers applied constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with a restraining device, but the results were no...

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateAug 3, 2009

Underwater stock options drive top executives turnover

A study published in Personnel Psychology reveals that executives' underwater stock option portfolios are more likely to lead to voluntary turnover. Increasing the value of these portfolios can reduce the odds of turnover by substantially, suggesting that firms may need to consider alternative retention strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateNov 20, 2008

'Directed thinking' increases time spent exercising

A study published in the Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research found that directed thinking increased exercise performance and fitness among sedentary college students. Researchers asked participants to think about actions they could take to improve their cardiovascular fitness, leading to a significant increase in exercise time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Biobehavioral Research·DateJun 24, 2008

Nanotubes go with the flow

A team of researchers from Seoul National University has developed a novel approach for aligning carbon nanotubes in microscale devices. The technique utilizes the flow of a nanotube-containing solution through nanochannels, relying on capillary force to order the nanotubes within the channels.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateJan 23, 2008

Obesity genetics

Researchers found two genetic SNPs influencing metabolic efficiency in Pima individuals, which helped them survive the Sonora desert's harsh environment. These findings suggest that similar SNPs may contribute to obesity globally.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications·DateOct 16, 2007

More women authors and collaboration now the norm for communication faculty, MU study finds

A study by University of Missouri-Columbia researchers reveals a shift in the communication discipline towards more women authors and collaborative research. The study found that articles by female authors outnumbered those by men around 2000 and that single-authored articles have decreased significantly since the 1960s.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalReview of Communication·DateJul 10, 2007

Lead with a poisonous electron shield

French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.

SourceWiley·DateJan 16, 2007

Increasing consumer preferences by manipulating memory

Researchers found that solving an anagram before seeing a brand increases preference for that brand over competitors, possibly due to fluency associated with solved anagrams. The study's findings have implications for marketing strategies and could be used to influence consumer behavior.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJun 29, 2006

One drink can make you blind drunk

A study found that even a mild dose of alcohol can significantly impair attention and increase the likelihood of missing unexpected visual stimuli. The researchers' findings have serious implications for drivers, as they may not be able to process multiple sources of information simultaneously.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJun 29, 2006

Americans love competition, but is it pushing our scientists too far?

A study by University of Michigan researcher Raymond De Vries found that everyday problems in scientific research are most common, including struggles with data interpretation and adherence to scientific rules. The study also found that unbridled competition and organizational injustices contribute to scientific misconduct.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics·DateApr 6, 2006

Could this be the end for injections?

Scientists create microscision technique that uses gas to bombard skin with tiny crystals, creating invisible conduits for drug delivery. The new method is shown to be effective in administering local anaesthesia without causing pain, making it a promising alternative to traditional needles.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 18, 2004