Zen meditation has many health benefits, including a reduced sensitivity to pain. According to new research from the Université de Montréal, meditators do feel pain but they simply don’t dwell on it as much. These findings, published in the month’s issue of Pain, may have implications for chronic pain sufferers, such as those with arthritis, back pain or cancer. (more…)
Yale University researchers have found that a single molecule not only connects brain cells but also changes how we learn. The findings, reported in the December 9 issue of the journal Neuron, may help researchers discover ways to improve memory and could lead to new therapies to correct neurological disorders. (more…)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A spoonful of sugar may be enough to cool a hot temper, at least for a short time, according to new research.
A study found that people who drank a glass of lemonade sweetened with sugar acted less aggressively toward a stranger a few minutes later than did people who consumed lemonade with a sugar substitute.
Researchers believe it all has to do with the glucose, a simple sugar found in the bloodstream that provides energy for the brain. (more…)
Elena Litchman, associate professor of ecology, who works at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station. Image credit: Michigan State University
EAST LANSING, Mich. — While Asian carp, gypsy moths and zebra mussels hog invasive-species headlines, many invisible invaders are altering ecosystems and flourishing outside of the limelight.
A study by Elena Litchman, Michigan State University associate professor of ecology, sheds light on why invasive microbial invaders shouldn’t be overlooked or underestimated.
“Invasive microbes have many of the same traits as their larger, ‘macro’ counterparts and have the potential to significantly impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,” said Litchman, whose research appears in the December issue of Ecology Letters. “Global change can exacerbate microbial invasions, so they will likely increase in the future.” (more…)
*Amazon Customers Now Have Until December 17 for Free Shipping on Millions of Items*
SEATTLE, Dec 10, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amazon.com, Inc. today announced it has extended the ordering deadline for 
free shipping with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. Customers can place orders now through Dec. 17 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24, using FREE Super Saver Shipping*, available on millions of items across Electronics, Toys, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Apparel, Home and other stores at Amazon.
Amazon Prime** members can place orders up until 7 p.m. PST on Dec. 22 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24 using FREE Two-Day Shipping (cut-off time varies by item). (more…)
*Related event Jan. 29 features filmmaker Jonathan Demme, journalists, scholars*
Showcasing a selection of works collected by the Fowler Museum at UCLA over the past five decades, “Fowler in Focus: Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti” juxtaposes pieces produced for the international art market with those used in Port-au-Prince Vodou temples and nationwide seasonal festivities.
The pieces illustrate how crucial aspects of the Haitian experience — including significant dates and galvanizing events — are made tangible through artistic and ritual practice. (more…)
Amundsen Sea Polynya International Research Expedition (ASPIRE) Combines Research and Education
In a unique and complex example of “science diplomacy,” teams of U.S. and Swedish scientists are sailing this month aboard two research vessels to study the ecology of the Amundsen Sea, one of the least-explored and most productive bodies in Antarctic waters, and to gauge the potential effects of a changing climate on the Southern Ocean. (more…)
comScore Offers Complimentary Webinar: State of the Internet Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia, December 9, 2010 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released results from its 
latest study on Internet usage in Colombia. The report found that Colombia is the fastest-growing Internet market in Latin America, growing 31 percent in the past year to reach 11.8 million unique visitors in September 2010. comScore will present the complete results of the study during a live, complimentary webinar: The State of the Internet Colombia, on Thursday, December 16. (more…)
