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Depression Linked to Altered Activity of Circadian Rhythm Gene

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Depression appears to be associated with a molecular-level disturbance in the body’s 24-hour clock, new research suggests.

Scientists examined genes that regulate circadian rhythm in people with and without a history of depression. As a group, those with a history of depression had a higher level of activity of the so-called Clock gene, which has a role in regulating circadian rhythm, than did people with no mood disorders.

Higher expression levels of this gene suggest something is amiss in the body’s 24-hour biological and behavioral cycle, which could affect sleep patterns and other physiological functions governed by circadian rhythm. Sleep disturbance is a common symptom of depression. (more…)

Multiple Fathers Prevalent in Amazonian Cultures

Culture

MU researchers find that up to 70 percent of Amazonian cultures practiced multiple paternity

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In modern culture, it is not considered socially acceptable for married people to have extramarital sexual partners. However, in some Amazonian cultures, extramarital sexual affairs were common, and people believed that when a woman became pregnant, each of her sexual partners would be considered part-biological father. Now, a new University of Missouri study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has found that up to 70 percent of Amazonian cultures may have believed in the principle of multiple paternity. (more…)

comScore Veteran Amy Weinberger Appointed Vice President for Australia and New Zealand

Technology

*comScore Continues Emphasis on Expansion in Asia Pac*

Sydney, Australia, November 12, 2010 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced the appointment of Amy Weinberger as vice president for Australia and New Zealand. Ms. Weinberger brings nearly 12 years of digital research industry experience to her new role, including 8 years of experience with comScore in its San Francisco office where she was responsible for developing relationships and delivering value to some of the leading global technology brands. Ms. Weinberger will be responsible for new and existing business in Australia and New Zealand and will be based in Sydney. (more…)

Women Do Not Detect Internet Scams As Well as Men Do

Culture, Technology

Women are significantly more likely than men to fall for Internet scams, a new piece of research has claimed after conducting an online test.

In six out of seven tests, women were less likely to detect a scam than men, with females in the supposedly tech-savvy 25-34 age group especially easy to fool, according to Nominet-backed website, Knowthenet. (more…)

Usability Experts Discuss How to Make Life Easier for the Rest of Us

Technology

*Today, Microsoft sponsors an afternoon of workshops to mark World Usability Day, the annual event for usability professionals to raise awareness for their field and discuss research, best practices and products.*

REDMOND, Wash. – Nov. 11, 2010 – Making the world work better, helping people communicate better, enhancing communication between people and computers – these are all things that interest Steve Seow and other usability experts around the world.

As part of World Usability Day today, members of the Usability Professionals’ Association (UPA) worldwide will host events to discuss usability and to share research and best practices. (more…)

Researchers Find Cancer News May Contribute to Confusion About Cancer

Culture, Health, Media

New research from North Carolina State University shows that most online news stories about cancer contain language that likely contributes to public uncertainty about the disease – a significant finding, given that at least one-third of Americans seek health information online.

“Previous studies show that more than 100 million Americans seek health information online, and that their findings affect their health decisions,” says Dr. Kami Kosenko, an assistant professor of communication at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the study. “But, while people facing uncertainty about cancer issues are likely to seek out additional information, we’ve found that there are features of the information they’re seeking that may actually exacerbate the uncertainty.” (more…)

IBM Completes Acquisition of Netezza

Technology

ARMONK, N.Y. – 11 Nov 2010: IBM today announced the closing of its acquisition of Netezza Corporation. Netezza will expand IBM’s business analytics initiatives to help clients gain faster insights into their business information, with increased performance at a lower cost of ownership. IBM announced a definitive agreement to acquire Netezza on September 20, 2010. (more…)

‘Nightmare’ Economy Still a Source of Restless Nights, says Krugman

Economy

Paul Krugman. Image credit: Yale University

Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman had some generally dismal news for the near capacity audience that came to Sprague Hall on Tuesday for his Jackson Institute-sponsored town hall meeting.

The gathering, aimed at undergraduates, was held in conjunction with Krugman’s visit to Yale to receive the Henry E. Howland Memorial Prize, one of the highest honors that the University bestows.

Krugman was introduced by President Richard C. Levin; the two were briefly colleagues in Yale’s Department of Economics in the 1970s. He kicked off the Q&A with background on the current economic situation. (more…)